From art to alpacas, 13 free family-friendly things to do for spring break in the OKC area

Spring break has sprung in the Sooner State, but for many Oklahomans, traveling may not be part of the plans.

Fortunately, families opting for a Sooner State staycation can find plenty of events, attractions and festivals to keep them entertained — and if at least some of those activities are free, then that's all the better for the budget.

Here are some free, family-friendly things to do and see in central Oklahoma during spring break 2025:

Oklahoma State Capitol Art Collection, OKC

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.

Where: State Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City.

Information: https://www.arts.ok.gov/art_at_the_capitol/Capitol_Collection.php.

The state Capitol is not only the seat of Oklahoma's government but also the largest public art museum in the Sooner State — and admission is free. From large-scale, nearly century-old oil paintings to about 20 new pieces commissioned by the Oklahoma Arts Council as part of the historic building's recent restoration project, the Oklahoma State Capitol Art Collection includes hundreds of sculptures, murals and paintings permanently exhibited across the grounds, hallways and rotunda, plus dozens more artworks featured in multiple rotating galleries.

Art lovers can take self-guided tours of the art on display in public areas, or walk-up tours are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays with no reservations required. Scheduled tours are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. For more information, go to arts.ok.gov/tours.

'Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Honor Song'

When: Through summer/fall.

Where: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11.

Information:https://oklahomacontemporary.org/exhibitions.

Admission is always free to the Automobile Alley landmark, where more than 100 works by OKC-based Cheyenne and Arapaho artist Edgar Heap of Birds are on view. The first major retrospective for the acclaimed Kansas-born artist and educator spans more than four decades and includes abstract paintings, prints, drawings, glassworks, sculptures and outdoor installations.

A wide array of his works are on view through Aug. 4 in Oklahoma Contemporary's second-floor Eleanor Kirkpatrick Main Gallery, while even more artworks, along with archival materials, are on display through Oct. 20 in the third-floor Mary LeFlore Clements Oklahoma Gallery. Plus, a new outdoor installation is due to be unveiled April 24 in Campbell Art Park, adjacent to the arts center.

Edmond History Museum

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Where: 431 S Boulevard, Edmond.

Information: https://www.edmondhistory.org.

Admission is always free to the museum, which is housed in the former armory of the 179th Infantry, 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard, and features rotating exhibits about the people and places of Edmond. For an additional cost, the museum also offers numerous special events and day camps, including programs during spring break.

National Alpaca Show, Chickasha

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14-15 and 8 a.m. to noon March 16.

Where: Grady County Fairgrounds, 500 E Choctaw Ave, Chickasha.

Information: http://www.alpacanationals.com.

Hundreds of alpaca enthusiasts and fiber artists from across the country and internationally are expected to attend the Mazuri Alpaca Owners Association Inc.'s annual show. The event is taking place in Oklahoma for the first time, with free admission, show-ring competitions for Suri and Huacaya alpacas, vendors and farm displays, an Alpaca Selfie Booth and Saturday's Alpaca Costume Contest.

Downtown OKC Library's Fairytale STEAM Break

When: March 15-22.

Where: 300 Park Ave., downtown OKC.

Information:https://www.metrolibrary.org/springbreak.

All the Metropolitan Library System's locations have a robust schedule of free spring break activities planned, with the Downtown Library's lineup of festivities including King Candy's STEAM Confectionary, Thumbelina's Garden Workshop and a Fairy Tinker Lab.

Stockyards City St. Patrick's Day Parade, OKC

When: 10 a.m. March 15.

Where: Stockyards City, around 2401 Exchange Ave., Oklahoma City.

Information: https://www.stockyardscity.org.

Oklahoma's Irish heritage and Western culture intersect at the free, family-friendly event, led by the Slash-O-Ranch Longhorns. The parade will feature St. Patrick, marching bands, bagpipes, Irish dancers, equestrian entries and more. This year's grand marshal is Elliot Nelson, CEO of the Tulsa-based restaurant and hospitality company McNellie's Group.

Heard on Hurd, Edmond

When: 6 to 10 p.m. March 15.

Where: Broadway and Hurd Street, downtown Edmond.

Information: https://www.facebook.com/heardonhurd.

Citizens Bank of Edmond’s free monthly seasonal street festival is coming back for its 12th season. More than 70 food trucks, retail pop-up shops and nonprofit organizations will line the streets of Edmond during the family-friendly event, offered on the third Saturday of the month March-October.

The March musical lineup will include Max Sise at 6 p.m., Casii Stephan at 7:20 p.m. and Maylee Thomas Band at 8:40 p.m.

ShamROCK the Gardens, OKC

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17.

Where: Devon Lawn and Bandshell at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno, downtown OKC.

Information:https://myriadgardens.org/events/sham-rock-the-gardens.

With the Myriad Gardens lake dyed green in festive and eco-friendly fashion, the free celebration will feature food, drink and merchandise from local vendors and showcases for some of the state's best Irish performers, including Oklahoma Scottish Pipe and Drums, Ravens Three, Flowers of Edinburgh and McTeggart Irish Dancers of Oklahoma. Face painters and crafts will be offered for youngsters, and Moe's Carousel will reopen for spring over the weekend.

Northwest Library's Spring Break Build-a-Thon, OKC

When: March 18-22.

Where: 5600 NW 122, OKC.

Information: https://www.metrolibrary.org/springbreak.

Children ages 5 to 12 can design dream homes, build bridges and more at Northwest Library's spring event.

Three Sisters Celebration, Sulphur

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 18-22.

Where: Chickasaw Cultural Center, 867 Cooper Memorial Dr., Sulphur.

Information:https://www.chickasawculturalcenter.com/experience/2025/events/three-sisters-celebration.

The free festival celebrates the changing of the seasons and planting of essential crops like corn, beans and squash. Weather permitting, outdoor activities include cultural demonstrations, traditional games, storytelling and more, with stomp dance demonstrations daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Other planned events include live artist experiences, family-friendly movies in the Anoli' Theater and daily specials in the Aaimpa' Café, which will showcase traditional food ingredients.

Spring Thing, OKC

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 19-21.

Where: Gaylord-Pickens Museum, 1400 Classen Dr., OKC.

Information: https://www.oklahomahof.com.

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame's annual free spring break festivities include free admission to the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, plus free art projects, games, story times, flower-potting activities and opportunities to learn about inspirational Oklahoma Hall of Famers.

Touch-A-Truck, Bethany

When: 9 a.m. to noon March 21.

Where: Outside Bethany Library, 6700 NW 35, Bethany.

Information:https://www.metrolibrary.org/event/touch-truck-464938.

Children of all ages can check out life-size vehicles and interact with police officers, firefighters, construction workers and more at this hands-on family-friendly event, which also will include face painting, take-home crafts and food trucks.

A quiet hour from 9 to 10 a.m. will accommodate those sensitive to loud noises; during this time, no horns or loud music will be allowed.

Move Your ScissorTAIL Block Party, OKC

When: 9 a.m. to noon March 22.

Where: Sports Pavilion & Sports Courts, Lower Park, Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7, downtown OKC.

Information: https://www.scissortailpark.org/events/move-your-scissortail-block-party-2.

The free event includes yoga, Zumba, pickleball, pilates and HIIT classes on the hour, sporting and wellness vendors, a DJ and food trucks.