19 Best Things to Do in Broken Bow for Families

We’ve lived in Oklahoma for over a decade now, and as a family of six, we’ve made it a point to explore as much of our home state as possible.

And one of our favorite discoveries? Broken Bow. It’s easily one of the most popular family getaways in Oklahoma.

The first time we went, our kids kept asking, “Are you sure we’re still in Oklahoma?”

The pine trees, mountain views, and beautiful lake almost make it feel like you’ve escaped to another state altogether.

What makes Broken Bow so fun is the mix of experiences.

You can go totally off-the-grid with outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, or kayaking. Or you can explore the family-friendly activities like mini golf, go-karts, and cute little ice cream shops.

It even gave me a little Branson, Missouri vibe with that combo of nature and kid-friendly activities.

In this post I’ll share all the fun things to do in Broken Bow, tips you’ll want to know before you go, and why it’s become such a go-to spot for families.

1. Go on a Kayak Float Trip

One of our favorite things we did in Broken Bow was a kayak float trip with Beaver’s Bend River Floats. It’s super easy—they don’t take reservations, you just show up, pay, and hop on their bus to the drop-in spot.

From there, you float your way back down the river to the parking area. They offer single and double kayaks, plus three-person canoes.

We used 3 double kayaks for our family of 6, so an adult or older kid could be paired up with a younger child.

The whole float took us about an hour, and we all loved floating down this beautiful stretch of the river.

Beaver’s Bend River Floats is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

👉 Don’t forget to to pack your float trip must-haves—like a waterproof phone case!

2. Hike the Friends Trail Loop

We love to hike with our kids wherever we go, and hiking in Broken Bow did not disappoint.

We chose to hike the Friends Trail Loop since it’s the most popular hike in Broken Bow, and we would definitely recommend it.

The trail is about 1.5 miles long and while the trail path isn’t always clear, it’s marked with blue hiking markers on the trees to guide you along.

The first part of the hike winds through a shaded wooded area, but the real payoff comes when you reach the waterfalls.

From there, the trail follows along the edge of the water for quite a while, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Our kids loved being able to walk right beside the rushing water—it kept them engaged the whole way.

If you’re looking to add another hike to your itinerary, Cedar Bluff is another popular option.

👉 Just a heads up: the parking area at the trailhead requires a permit. There’s a QR code posted to pay online, but cell service is almost non-existent in that part of the park. We didn’t realize this ahead of time and ended up backtracking to the Beaver’s Bend State Park Visitor Center to pay. Learn from our mistake and grab your pass before you go!

3. Rent a Boat on Broken Bow Lake

Spending a few hours out on Broken Bow Lake was one of the highlights of our trip! And it’s on one of the main reasons why summer is one of the best times to visit Broken Bow.

We rented a boat for four hours and had the best time—our kids tubed, we ate lunch on the boat (our trusty snackle box came along, of course), and even did a little fishing.

We chose to rent in the morning, which I definitely recommend, since the lake was calmer and less busy.

We rented through Hochatown Hills and Thrills and had a good experience. Beaver’s Bend Marina is probably the most popular option, but keep in mind it’s also the most expensive.

4. Visit the Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo

If you’ve got animal-loving kids like we do, the Hochatown Petting Zoo is a must. This isn’t your typical petting zoo—you’ll find animals like deer, kangaroos, a camel, and even snakes!

Our kids were in absolute heaven getting to interact with so many different creatures, and it was such a unique experience for them.

The zoo is actually an animal sanctuary, and many of these animals have been rescued or surrendered by owners who couldn’t care for them.

The only drawback we noticed was that some of the indoor areas were on the dirtier (and smellier) side, but overall, our kids loved every minute of it and it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in Broken Bow.

Want to see it all on video? Check out our video of the best things to do in Broken Bow below! 👇

5. Stop by the Nature Center

The Beaver’s Bend Nature Center may be small, but it’s definitely worth a stop with kids.

Inside, you’ll find a few live animals to check out, plus plenty of arts and crafts. The kind staff members even sent us home with a wildlife scavenger hunt and a nature craft bag—perfect for giving them something to do in the car later.

You won’t need more than 30 minutes at this stop, but it seems to always be a kid-favorite.

6. Mine for Gemstones at Beaver’s Bend Mining Company

The Beaver’s Bend Mining Company feels pretty touristy, but our kids really enjoyed it.

You can “mine” for real arrowheads, gemstones, or fossils, and they loved sifting through the dirt and discovering their treasures.

If you have multiple kids like us, you can choose to purchase one large bag of dirt to mine, instead of several individual bags.

7. Play a Round of Mini Golf

Broken Bow has a couple of fun mini-golf options for families. At the Beaver’s Bend Mining Company, there’s a pirate-themed course that’s especially cute for younger kids, though you should know the first nine holes are pretty small.

If you want something a little less “kiddy,” check out Chili Dippers Golf Club, which is right next to the Hochatown Maze and boasts a “luxury” mini-golf experience.

Both courses are a good way to spend an hour or so and are conveniently located along the main strip in Hochatown.

8. Relax in a Luxury Cabin

Broken Bow is known for its luxury vacation rentals, which are nestled in among the trees. The secluded feel makes these cabins the perfect spot to slow down and truly relax.

We enjoyed playing board games, cooking some simple meals, and watching baseball games together.

The cabin we rented also included a hot tub, cozy fire pit, and horse shoes, which our kids loved.

👉 Fun side note: Did you see Ryan Trahan’s YouTube series where he traveled around all 50 states searching for the coolest Airbnb in America? His #1 pick of the series was Treetopia, which is located in Broken Bow!

➡️ Check Out the 5-⭐️ Vacation Rental we Loved! ⬅️

9. Go Fishing

If your family loves to fish, you’re in for a treat. In this area, you can fish for a variety of fish like bass, trout, catfish, and crappie.

You’ll need an Oklahoma fishing license before you go, but once you’ve got that covered, you can fish right off a boat, or just pull off at one of the many access points around Beavers Bend State Park and set up along the shore.

We did both, and enjoyed the scenery just as much as the fishing.

10. Ride the Beaver’s Bend Depot Train

The Beaver’s Bend Depot is home to a little train ride that’s popular with families year after year.

We actually planned to ride it ourselves, but since we visited over Labor Day weekend, the line was so long (and not moving!) that we decided to skip it and head to our next activity instead.

From what I’ve read, the ride lasts about 15 minutes, and you often spot deer and other wildlife along the way. If you go on a less-crowded day, it could be a really fun activity with kids.

11. Go on a Horse Trail Ride

At the same spot as the train depot, you’ll also find horseback trail rides. These get really good reviews, and they leave every hour on the hour.

Kids ages 4 and under can even ride with an adult, which makes it doable for families with younger children. If your kids are animal lovers, this could be a highlight of your trip.

12. Do a Little Shopping in Hochatown

Hochatown has no shortage of cute little shops spread out along the main strip. You’ll find everything from quirky souvenirs and t-shirts to handmade gifts, toys and clothing.

We enjoyed just wandering into different shops—our kids always seem to find something (usually a new stuffed animal) they “need” to bring home. 😉

13. Grab a Bite at Local Restaurants

After a full day of activities, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the local restaurants.

Our top recommendation? Grateful Head Pizza.

It’s basically a Hochatown staple. On busy weekends you’ll want to get there early (or order ahead) because it fills up fast.

Out of the pizzas we tried, the Cosmic Charlie was definitely our favorite—so good!

Note: I always recommend reading reviews before choosing a restaurant. You’ll often find that certain restaurants have super long wait times or a loud atmosphere, and you can avoid a poor experience by reading reviews from previous customers.

14. Go Ziplining with Rugaru Adventures

If you love adventure like we do, head to Rugaru Adventures for their highly-rated zipline tour.

It’s about a two-hour experience that takes you zipping through the forest with beautiful views all around.

The cost is around $85 per person, and reservations are definitely recommended during the busy season since spots fill up quickly.

15. Spend the Afternoon at Swim Beach

If you’re looking for a place to cool off, Swim Beach is a fun spot to hang out for a few hours.

There are picnic tables, pavilions, and space to set up lawn chairs for a relaxed afternoon.

It’s located right across from the kayak rentals, which makes it super convenient if you want to combine the two activities in one day.

Just know that it can get busy, especially on weekends, so plan to go early if you want a good spot.

16. Rent Paddle Boats

Paddle boats are another fun way to get out on the water, and there are a few places around town where you can rent them.

The most popular option is Beaver’s Bend Paddle Boats, which gets great reviews and is conveniently located right across from Swim Beach.

They’re open daily during the summer, and on weekends only during the spring and fall, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

17. Race Go-Karts

If your kids love a little friendly competition, head to Bigfoot Speedway, the most popular go-kart track in the area.

There’s a place to sit and watch if you don’t want to ride, as well as a little candy shop inside.

18. Go Bowling

For a rainy day (or if you just need some air conditioning), Gutter Chaos is a great option.

It’s more than just a bowling alley—you’ll also find an arcade, pool tables, and even a shaded outdoor seating area where you can grab a bite to eat.

There are only about 5-6 lanes, so call ahead if you want to check availability.

19. Try the Maze of Hochatown

The Maze of Hochatown is a unique attraction that visitors love. It’s a giant wooden maze including stairways and towers where you can race each other to see who makes it out first.

It’s located right next to Chili Dippers Golf Club, so it pairs perfectly with a round of mini-golf if you’re looking to fill an afternoon with fun activities in one spot.

Tips for Visiting Broken Bow

Before you go, here are a few things to know that will make your trip smoother:

• Download offline maps. You likely won’t have cell service around Beavers Bend State Park, so having maps downloaded ahead of time is a lifesaver.
• Buy your parking pass early. Stop at the Beaver’s Bend State Park Visitor’s Center at the beginning of your trip to grab your pass and avoid backtracking later.
• Expect crowds during busy times. Summer and holiday weekends can get very crowded. Make reservations for restaurants and activities when possible, and plan for traffic along the main Hochatown strip.
• Bring groceries with you. The main grocery store in town is convenient, but pricey—we paid $12 for a gallon of ice cream! 🤪 Stock up before you arrive to save money.

Broken Bow really is such a beautiful part of Oklahoma (and the perfect trip from OKC!). The Hochatown area does lean on the touristy side, but that also means there are tons of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.

My absolute favorite parts were hiking and kayaking through the beautiful scenery.