13 Things to Do in Carlton Landing Your Family Will Love

Get ready to discover one of my all-time favorite Oklahoma getaways–Carlton Landing! This charming lakeside destination has become a beloved escape for our family, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and fun for all ages.

After several visits to this hidden gem, I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Carlton Landing, Oklahoma that the whole family will love. Let’s start planning your next unforgettable lake getaway!

*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. All opinions remain my own. 

Things to Do in Carlton Landing

1. Rent Kayaks and Paddle Boards

Let’s start off with one of our favorite things to do in Carlton Landing–renting kayaks and paddle boards! Our family loves spending time on the water, and renting from Lake Days makes it so simple and convenient.

Rentals are available by the hour, giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your day. One of the best times is just before sunset, when the water is calm and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. It’s the perfect way to soak in the beauty of the lake while adventuring together.

2. Relax at the Pool or Hot Tub

Swimming at the pool is always a highlight of our trips to Carlton Landing, and with two pools to choose from, there’s no shortage of fun. Our kids could easily spend the entire day splashing, playing, and soaking up the sun. (As long as we’ve packed the snacks, of course!)

The Boulevard Pool, located on the east side just north of The Meeting House, is perfect for a family hangout with its grills, picnic tables, and convenient restrooms.

On the west side, you’ll find the Tower Court Pool, just down the road from The Overlook, offering another fantastic spot to cool off.

Both pools also feature hot tubs, the perfect place to relax after a day of adventure. 

3. Explore the Community Garden

Don’t miss out on exploring the cute community garden! This charming spot is a favorite of our family, especially because of the adorable chicken coop with friendly chickens that our kids love visiting.

Beyond the coop, you can wander through the beautiful garden beds, admiring the vibrant flowers and the fruits and vegetables grown here.

4. Play Pingpong or Bocce Ball

Located throughout town are fun outdoor games such as ping pong, bocce ball, and more, adding a playful touch to your strolls around town. These games are always a hit and we love pausing for a quick match whenever we come across one.

5. Have Dinner at Mama Tigs

No trip to Carlton Landing is complete without a stop at Mama Tig’s, a local staple known for its delicious pizza and laid-back atmosphere.

Trust me–their pizzas are delicious and we love grabbing a slice (or two or three) after a fun day at the lake. They also serve tasty ice cream, perfect for a sweet treat for finish off your meal.

Keep in mind, Mama Tig’s is a popular spot, so it’s a good idea to order your pizza earlier in the day to avoid long waits.

If you’re in the mood for a cozy night in, you can easily take your pizza to go and enjoy a fun family movie night back at your rental.

6. Play at the Inflatable Aqua Park

The inflatable aqua park is one of Carlton Landing’s newer additions, and it’s a blast for anyone who loves a little adventure! This floating obstacle course is a hit with kids and adults alike. Kids must be at least 10 years old to play on their own, but ages 5-9 can join in with an adult.

Be sure to reserve your spot in advance on the Lake Days website to secure your time.

7. Explore the Parks

Exploring the parks is one of our favorite ways to start the day. The town is sprinkled with several small, sweet parks, each a little different than the last.

We love spending our morning strolling through town (our kids on their scooters), coffee in hand, and stopping at different parks for the kids to enjoy. It’s a peaceful and fun way to soak in the community’s charm while the kids burn off some energy!

8. Play at the Beach

A visit to Swim Beach in Carlton Landing should definitely be on your itinerary. You can wade and swim in the calm waters or relax on the sandy shore while the kids play.

If your little ones love building sandcastles or digging, don’t forget to bring along some sand toys for extra fun. Since there’s no natural shade at Swim Beach, be sure to pack an umbrella and apply plenty of sunscreen.

9. Rent a Boat

While Carlton Landing doesn’t have its own boat rentals, enjoying a day on the lake is still a great option. Nine Marina offers boat rentals and will deliver a boat directly to Carlton Landing for a convenience fee of $50. You can even rent a tube for added excitement.

Whether you’re cruising the lake, fishing, zipping around on a tube, or relaxing with a delicious lunch on the boat, this option makes it simple to create unforgettable memories with your family without the hassle of towing your own boat or renting from a neighboring town.

10. Gather at the Meeting House

Spending time at The Meeting House is one of our favorite things to do in Carlton Landing. They offer a small but delicious menu of sandwiches, burgers and more. (Their smash burger is my favorite–a must-try!)

On some evenings, you can find live music, creating a fun atmosphere for the whole family. One of our favorite memories was sipping milkshakes as the sun went down, watching our kids dance along to the music under the string lights.

It’s also the spot to go if you want to grab some Carlton Landing gear as a souvenir.

11. Cozy up in Your Vacation Rental

One of the best parts of visiting Carlton Landing is unwinding in your vacation rental. The homes here aren’t just places to stay–they’re part of the experience. With beautiful architecture and stunning interior design, they’re the perfect place to relax and spend quality time with loved ones.

You can play games, read books, bake cookies, or even have a family movie night, all while enjoying the cozy charm of your surroundings.

On our most recent trip, we stayed at Redbud Refuge, and it was the perfect fit for our family of six. These thoughtfully designed rentals make staying in just as memorable as heading out, perfect for a mix of relaxation and adventure.

➡️ Book Your Carlton Landing Vacation Rental! ⬅️

12. Visit The Overlook

As you drive into Carlton Landing, one of the first places you’ll notice is The Overlook, a charming spot that’s perfect for relaxing and taking in the beauty of the area. With its signature white rocking chairs, it’s a great spot to enjoy the view, especially at sunset.

It’s also an iconic location for snapping a family photo to remember your trip.

13. Check the Calendar for Special Events

Be sure to check the Carlton Landing calendar for special events during your visit! On holidays and summer weekends, the town often hosts fun activities like live music, movie nights, fireworks, and more.

⬇️ Check out our video to see all Carlton Landing has to offer! ⬇️

Things to Know Before Visiting

• Plan ahead for seasonal availability: Carlton Landing is a highly seasonal destination, some some activities and restaurants may only operate during certain times of the year or on specific days of the week. Be sure to check availability before finalizing your trip.
• Bring groceries or plan to dine out: Since there’s no grocery store in town, you’ll want to come prepared with your own groceries or plan to enjoy meals at The Meeting House or Mama Tig’s.
• Save by visiting on weekdays: For a more budget-friendly getaway, consider booking your trip during the weekdays. Rental rates are often significantly lower, with weekend prices sometimes nearly doubling.

Now that you know all the best things to do, you’re ready to plan the perfect Carlton Landing escape! This charming Oklahoma getaway holds a special place in our hearts with its relaxed vibe, welcoming community, and stunning scenery. We hope it becomes just as memorable for your family as it has been for ours!

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