Things to Do in Oklahoma City in April

April Weather in Oklahoma City

25°C (77°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather with 25°C (77°F) highs - ideal for outdoor activities without summer's brutal heat
Tornado season creates spectacular (safe) storm watching opportunities at the National Weather Center with world-class meteorologists
Wildflower blooms peak in late April across Oklahoma's prairies, creating stunning photography backdrops just 30 minutes from downtown
Festival season kicks off with outdoor events taking advantage of the mild weather before summer heat arrives

Considerations

Severe weather potential means outdoor plans may need indoor backups - storms can develop rapidly in afternoon hours
Pollen counts peak in mid-April, affecting those with allergies particularly from oak and juniper trees
Weather can swing 15°C (27°F) in a single day - morning might be 8°C (46°F) while afternoon hits 23°C (73°F)

Best Activities in April

National Weather Center Storm Education Tours

April is peak severe weather season, making this the most exciting time to visit the world's premier weather research facility. The Storm Prediction Center operates here, and April tours often coincide with real weather events. Interactive displays explain tornado formation while you're experiencing the actual conditions that create them.

Booking Tip: Tours require advance reservations and valid ID. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as April slots fill quickly during storm season. Free admission but limited to 15 people per tour. Check current availability in the booking section below.

Scissortail Park and Myriad Gardens Spring Walking

April's mild 25°C (77°F) temperatures make this the perfect month for exploring OKC's urban green spaces. The Crystal Bridge Conservatory provides shelter during April's brief afternoon storms, while outdoor gardens showcase spring blooms. Morning walks avoid both crowds and afternoon weather buildup.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided botanical tours run weekends in April. The conservatory charges $12 adults, $8 children. Best visited 9am-2pm before afternoon storms typically develop.

Oklahoma City National Memorial Tours

April's comfortable weather makes outdoor memorial exploration ideal, plus April 19th marks the anniversary of the bombing, creating a particularly meaningful visit. The museum offers special programs throughout April. Cool mornings and mild afternoons allow for reflective outdoor time at the memorial grounds.

Booking Tip: Museum admission $15 adults. April 19th anniversary events require separate tickets booked months ahead. Regular visits need no advance booking but arrive early during anniversary week. See current memorial tour options below.

Bricktown Entertainment District Exploration

April evenings hover around 18°C (64°F) - perfect for canal walks and outdoor dining. Baseball season starts with Oklahoma City Dodgers games, and outdoor patios reopen after winter closures. The canal boat tours resume full schedules in April's pleasant weather.

Booking Tip: Canal boat tours $8.50 adults, operate weather permitting. Baseball tickets $8-35 depending on seating. Make dinner reservations for weekend evenings as outdoor seating fills quickly in good weather. Book through operators listed in the section below.

Stockyards City Western Heritage Experience

April cattle auctions are most active after winter, and the mild weather makes exploring the authentic working stockyards comfortable. Monday and Tuesday auctions show real cattle trading in action. Western wear shopping and steakhouse dining complete the authentic Oklahoma experience.

Booking Tip: Auction viewing is free but arrives by 8am on Mondays/Tuesdays. Western stores open 9am-6pm. Allow 3-4 hours for full experience including lunch at historic stockyards restaurants. No advance booking needed except for large groups.

Prairie Wildflower Photography Excursions

Late April brings peak wildflower blooms to Oklahoma's tallgrass prairie, just 45 minutes from downtown. Indian blanket, paintbrush, and bluebonnets create spectacular fields. Cool mornings provide best lighting and comfortable hiking conditions before afternoon heat and potential storms.

Booking Tip: State parks charge $5-10 parking fees. Best wildflower spots include Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and Wichita Mountains (90 minutes drive). Guided photography tours typically $75-125 per person. Early morning departures recommended - check current tour availability below.

April Events & Festivals

Late April

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Weekend

One of the most meaningful marathons in America, commemorating the 1995 bombing victims. The race route passes major city landmarks and draws 25,000+ participants. Even non-runners enjoy the festival atmosphere and memorial ceremonies throughout the weekend.

Late April

Festival of the Arts

Oklahoma's premier arts festival transforms downtown into an outdoor gallery with 144 artist booths. Local restaurants create special festival menus, and multiple performance stages feature regional musicians. April's mild weather makes this outdoor event particularly enjoyable.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 10°C (50°F) but afternoons reach 25°C (77°F), requiring 15°C (27°F) temperature range flexibility

Light rain jacket or umbrella - April storms are brief but intense, producing heavy downpours for 20-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - spring rain makes outdoor surfaces slippery, especially around memorial areas

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 7 and Oklahoma's open skies provide little natural shade

Allergy medication if sensitive - oak and juniper pollen peaks in mid-April creating high pollen counts

Portable phone charger - severe weather alerts drain batteries faster and you'll want weather radar access

Light sweater for evening - temperatures drop quickly after sunset, especially after storm systems pass through

Camera with weather protection - April offers dramatic sky photography but equipment needs rain protection

Cash for parking - many downtown attractions charge $5-10 for parking and not all accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Download a weather radar app - Oklahoma storms develop rapidly and locals check radar constantly during April afternoons

Visit the 99s Museum of Women Pilots - most tourists miss this unique aviation museum despite Oklahoma City being a major aviation hub

Eat at local steakhouses on weeknight evenings - weekends get crowded with locals celebrating the nice weather after winter

The Paseo Arts District has First Friday art walks year-round, but April's weather makes the outdoor strolling particularly pleasant

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather - April mornings can be surprisingly cool at 10°C (50°F) even when afternoons hit 25°C (77°F)

Planning all outdoor activities in afternoon - severe weather typically develops 2pm-6pm, morning activities are safer bets

Underestimating driving distances to prairie attractions - wildflower viewing requires 45-90 minute drives from downtown hotels