21 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Oklahoma City {From a Local!}
I’ve lived in the OKC area for over 10 years, and it has been so fun to watch this city truly come into its own. I’ve never been more proud to be an Okie!
What (admittedly) used to be a quieter stop on the map has transformed into a vibrant, family-friendly destination packed with world-class museums, hands-on attractions, delicious food, and must-see spots that make exploring with kids feel easy.
As a mom of four, I’m always on the lookout for activities that work for multiple ages, don’t require complicated planning, and are actually worth visiting.
And OKC delivers every time.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or you’re local and looking for new favorites, this list of family-approved things to do in Oklahoma City will help you make the most of your time in the city we’ve come to love.
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1. Scissortail Park
Scissortail Park is always at the top of my list when sharing my must-visit spots in OKC!
This beautiful green space has everything families love: imaginative play structures, a splash pad for hot summer days, peaceful gardens, wide-open spaces to play catch, and even a lake where you can rent pedal boats.
Pack a blanket, grab snacks (or treats from a nearby café), and enjoy a picnic with some of the best downtown skyline views in the city.
And if you’re visiting on a weekend, you might just catch a farmers market, live concert, outdoor movie night, or seasonal celebration. Check out the calendar for an updated list of events.
Our kids love visiting Scissortail Park, and my husband and I even stop by on the occasional date night for a nice stroll.
2. First Americans Museum
Hours: 10–5 Mon, Wed–Fri | 11–5 Sat–Sun | Closed Tuesdays
Cost: Adults $10 | Kids 2–13 $10 | Ages 0–2 Free
This gorgeous museum honors the history and living traditions of 39 First American Nations. Inside, you’ll find art, artifacts, and hands-on exhibits that bring stories and culture to life in a way that’s meaningful for all ages.
My kids and I visited this summer, and I was blown away by how engaged they were at every exhibit. They were asking questions, interacting, and truly soaking it in. It’s the perfect way to blend learning with a memorable family outing.
If you have time, grab lunch at Thirty Nine Restaurant, where the menu highlights First American ingredients and flavors.
3. Science Museum
Hours: 9-5 Mon–Fri | 11–5 Sat | 11-6 Sun
Cost: Adults $22.95 | Kids 2–13 $17.95 | Ages 0–2 Free
Since we travel often, we have been to science museums around the country and the Science Museum of Oklahoma is still one of our favorites!
You could easily spend half a day here exploring hands-on exhibits, catching a Science Live show, riding Segways, and letting the kids burn off energy in the indoor play space.
The new Planetarium is top-notch. Here you can watch an immersive production about space that is really fascinating. It’s a popular exhibit, so you’ll want to get there 15-20 minutes before the show starts if you want a seat.
There’s also a small cafe where you can grab lunch if you’d like, which is perfect if you want extra time to explore.
4. Wheeler Park
Wheeler Park is truly one of my favorite spots in all of Oklahoma City.
The highlight, of course, is the historic Wheeler Ferris Wheel, which originally sat on the Santa Monica Pier in California before being restored and brought to OKC. How fun is that?
If you can swing it, I would definitely recommend visiting around sunset. The downtown skyline views from the top as the sun goes down are absolutely worth the ride.
On the ground, you’ll find hammocks perfect for lounging, a wide green space where the kids can run, cartwheel, or play catch, and plenty of picnic tables if you want to make it a family night out.
Once you’ve soaked up the views, hop over into the Wheeler District for more fun. Kids can scooter or wander through the walkable neighborhood while you grab tacos from Taco Nation (a must).
5. OKC Thunder Game
As die-hard fans, I couldn’t write an OKC travel guide without including a night at an Oklahoma City Thunder game!
If you follow the NBA, you know the Thunder are the reigning champs, and it’s been amazing to see how this young, talented team has brought our city together.
The arena — affectionately dubbed “Loud City” — lives up to its name. Packed crowds and electric energy from start to finish make the atmosphere unbeatable.
For families, the experience is even more fun. As you walk through the concourse, you might find kid-friendly activities: examples of the players’ (huge) shoes, sign-making stations, free face-painting, and more.
Whether you’re a sports fan or simply looking for an evening activity, attending a Thunder game is always a good choice. It’s a great way to get a feel for the city’s spirit firsthand.
6. Myriad Gardens + Crystal Bridge
Right in the heart of downtown OKC, the Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of those spots that’s perfect for families who want a mix of nature, play, and city views. Take a picnic or simply stroll around the beautiful gardens.
If you’re visiting with younger kids, head straight for the Children’s Garden. The play structures are wildly creative and unlike your standard playground setup. There are imaginative climbing areas, musical play spots, and more.
During warmer months, the splash pad is a total hit and an easy way for kids to cool off.
But my favorite part? The newly renovated Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. It reopened just a couple of years ago, and I’ve never seen anything like it.
You’ll be surrounded by tropical plants, waterfalls, and sunlight pouring through the glass…it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
And bonus: Scissortail Park is directly across the street, making it super easy to pair both in one visit without ever moving the car.
You’ll find metered parking spots lining the surrounding streets, and since everything is walkable, you can just grab a spot and go.
7. Bricktown
Bricktown is one of OKC’s most popular entertainment districts making it a must-visit.
There are paid parking lots throughout the area, and once you park everything is walkable.
You’ll find delicious restaurants, fun shops, a movie theater, and Brickopolis, where kids (and parents!) can play arcade games, do a little gem mining, and conquer mini-golf.
The mini-golf course is our family’s personal favorite.
And while you’re there, don’t miss the Bricktown Canal boat ride. The guides are always funny and share lots of local stories, plus you’ll get to see the whole district from a different perspective as you cruise along the water.
You could spend an afternoon or an entire day at Bricktown, depending on how much fun you want to pack in, and it’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to see what OKC is all about.
8. OKC Dodgers Game
Also located in Bricktown is the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, home to the minor league baseball team the OKC Dodgers.
While there are great seats close to the field, if your kids like to run around, the outfield lawn tickets are a great option. There’s even a small playground just off the outfield.
Tickets are affordable, plus they often offer special incentives such as fireworks, free hats, or opportunities for kids to run the bases after the game.
Our kids love eating ballpark hot dogs and trying to catch home run balls.
9. Okana
This is one spot we haven’t tried yet, but it’s on our upcoming list of things to do in OKC!
Okana is an indoor and outdoor waterpark resort that gets rave reviews. I have several friends who have visited and they all had an incredible time!
You can purchase day passes (which sell out fast), or stay the night in one of their beautiful suites. They even have suites that sleep up to 8, which is a great option for larger families.
10. Joyrails
Joyrails is a new addition to Oklahoma City, where you are able to hop on a 4-person railcar and pedal your way down real railroad tracks!
It’s great for all ages, and you can even purchase the upgrade to e-assist, where pedaling is not required.
Joyrails sponsored our family for this activity, and we loved our experience. The ride takes about one hour, and it even ends in a spot where your kids can climb on real trains.
11. Guided Streetcar Tour
While I haven’t personally taken this tour yet, it’s one of the highest-rated tours in all of Oklahoma City, and the one I’d choose if I were visiting for the first time.
This 3-hour guided experience is a mix of walking and riding the OKC Streetcar, taking you through downtown, Bricktown, and even the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
It’s a fun, low-stress way to get oriented to the city while learning tons of local history and stories you’d probably miss on your own.
You’ll also get a mid-tour break for coffee and ice cream, which makes it a no-brainer. 😉
If you want an educational, easy-paced way to see the city (that’s all planned for you!), this is a great pick.
➡️ Book the Highly-Rated Guided Streetcar Tour Here! ⬅️
12. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a classic OKC spot. Our kids have gone here on school field trips, and it’s become one of our family’s favorites too.
The museum is incredibly well done, including art, history, and interactive exhibits that make learning about the American West genuinely engaging for all ages.
Inside, you’ll find everything from cowboy artifacts and Native art to recreated scenes that help kids visualize what life was like in the Old West.
And don’t miss the outdoor area, where kids can explore fun, western-themed play spaces that feel like a mini frontier town.
13. Riversport OKC
This has to be one of the most fun things to do in Oklahoma City and is one of those attractions that makes this one of the best getaways in Oklahoma!
Located in the Boathouse District, Riversport OKC offers an incredible lineup of water adventures you wouldn’t expect to find this close to downtown. We’re talking white water rafting, paddleboarding, surfing, tubing, kayaking, and more.
If heights are your thing (or you’re feeling brave), check out Sky Trail, an enormous ropes course that definitely isn’t for the faint of heart.
This feels like the kind of attraction you’d find in a much larger city, which is part of what makes Riversport so special.
They offer day passes that give you access to multiple activities, making it easy to spend the whole day here bouncing from one adventure to the next.
Note: Riversport OKC is closed during the winter, so plan your trip during warmer months to enjoy all the outdoor fun.
14. OKC Zoo
The Oklahoma City Zoo is definitely the best zoo in all of Oklahoma.
It’s pretty large, so plan to spend at least 2 hours exploring. Our kids love the elephants, giraffes, and gorilla exhibits.
In the summer, kids can take advantage of the small splash pad and play stream near the petting zoo, which is an especially fun attraction for toddlers and younger children.
Plus, don’t miss the veterinary hospital, which has glass windows that allow you to watch the veterinarians work on animals. You might even catch a live surgery! Last time we went, we watched as they cleaned the teeth of a gorilla. It’s just fascinating!
15. Lake Hefner
Lake Hefner is one of the prettiest spots in OKC, thanks in part to its charming lighthouse (the perfect photo op!) and the peaceful views that feel like a little escape right inside the city.
There’s a 10-mile paved trail that loops around the lake, and our kids absolutely love bringing their scooters to zip along the path. It’s perfect for walking, biking, scootering, or just getting some fresh air as a family.
In addition, it’s a great spot to go paddleboarding, kayaking or fishing!
The area also has several great restaurants, and I highly recommend checking out Hefner Grill. You can eat with full views of the water, which is especially beautiful at sunset. You may even see sailboats floating by on breezy evenings!
16. Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
Hours: Museum open 9:00–5:00 Mon–Sat | 12:00–5:00 Sun (Outdoor Memorial is open 24/7)
Cost: Adults ~$18 | Seniors/Military ~$16 | Students (6–17) ~$15 | Children 5 & under free
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a powerful and moving place that honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all those forever changed by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
It’s actually one of the six national park sites in the state.
The outdoor memorial, with its Field of Empty Chairs and reflecting pool, is open around the clock and is especially beautiful after dark when the lighting creates a quiet, reflective atmosphere.
Inside, the adjoining Museum offers a deeply educational experience filled with artifacts, interactive exhibits, and stories that help visitors of all ages understand the impact of that day and the resilience of this community.
17. Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Hours: Wed 10–5 | Thu 10–8 | Fri–Sat 10–5 | Sun 12–5 (Closed Mon–Tue)
Cost: Adults ~$19.95 | Seniors ~$17.95 | College Students ~$17.95 | Active-Duty & Retired Military ~$12.95 | Children 17 & under free
Free Admission: Second Sunday of every month
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is a must-visit for families filled with art lovers.
One of the highlights that always keeps our kids’ attention more than in some other art museums is the stunning Dale Chihuly glass collection, which is one of the largest collections of his work in the world.
The museum’s galleries are thoughtfully curated, and there’s often something new and exciting on display. Best of all, if you’re planning your trip around the second Sunday of the month, general admission is free!
18. Find Murals
OKC has an amazing mural scene, and hunting for street art is one of the easiest (and most fun) free things to do as a family.
You’ll find colorful murals scattered all over the city—especially around the Plaza District, Bricktown, Automobile Alley, and the Paseo.
Our kids love spotting new ones, and it makes for great photo ops if you want a few fun family travel pictures. It’s an easy, low-pressure activity you can pair with lunch or an afternoon walk.
19. Explore the Plaza District
The Plaza District is one of my favorite neighborhoods in OKC. It’s walkable, colorful, and full of creative energy.
You’ll find great local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and plenty of murals tucked along the streets and alleyways.
It’s a great spot for grabbing ice cream, letting kids wander a bit, and soaking up a more artsy side of the city. There’s always something happening here, whether it’s live music, pop-up markets, or local events.
20. Explore the Paseo Arts District
Just a few minutes away is the Paseo Arts District, another one of my absolute favorites. The whole neighborhood has a quirky, artistic vibe with its pastel Spanish Revival buildings, galleries, and small shops.
It’s a fun place to stroll, people-watch, and check out local art. The Paseo is also full of great restaurants, and it feels a little quieter than the Plaza—I would say even a bit more family-friendly.
21. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday | 1–5 p.m. Sunday (Closed Mondays)
Cost: Adults $12 | Seniors (65+) $10 | Children 4–17 $7 | Children 3 & under free
If you have any dinosaur-loving kids (or adults!) in your crew, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History will be a huge hit.
This museum is full of incredible exhibits, but the massive dinosaur skeletons are the real showstoppers. They wow me every single time we visit.
You’ll also find hands-on areas, Oklahoma history exhibits, and lots of opportunities for kids to explore and learn.
If your family loves this kind of museum, another similar option nearby is the Museum of Osteology, which focuses on skeletons from all kinds of animals and is surprisingly fascinating for all ages.
My Favorite Restaurants
The Oklahoma City food scene is surprisingly delightful. The number of incredible local restaurants here always surprises visitors and I’m constantly on the lookout for the next best eatery.
After eating my way around Oklahoma City for over 10 years, here are my favorites:
Breakfast
- Harvey Bakery: The interior is a vibe and the food is just as good.
- Cafe Kacao: Guatemalan-inspired brunch offerings that are mouthwateringly delicious.
- Kitchen 324: A light, airy restaurant with 1-inch thick pancakes.
Lunch
- Tucker’s Onion Burgers: This burger joint has been featured on the Food Network.
- Tamashii Ramen: My favorites are the curry ramen and garlic fried rice!
- Taco Nation: The best taco spot in the city.
Dinner
- Hall’s Pizza: Make a reservation for rooftop dining!
- Frida Southwest: My favorite upscale dining spot for a special night out.
- Ma Der Lao: This Lao kitchen has earned several top awards. It’s a very unique dining experience!
The Best Places to Stay
- Vacation Rentals: As a family of 6, we tend to stick with vacation rentals for our travels. You can find the best vacation rentals in OKC here.
- Omni Hotel: I stayed here with a couple friends and it’s just gorgeous. Right in the heart of downtown with a spa and rooftop pool.
- Wyndham Grand: A budget-friendly option with an indoor pool.
How to Get Around
While parts of Oklahoma City are walkable, I would recommend driving or renting a car for an easy way to get around the city.
If you want a fun way to get around downtown, there are bike rentals available that provide a unique way to see the city, however I would still plan to use a car to go to and from destinations across the city.
Planning Your OKC Getaway
OKC may not always be the first place people think of when planning a family trip, but it really is a great family-friendly destination.
As a local, I’ve lost count of how many times friends visit from other parts of the country and are shocked by how many fun and unique things there are to do in Oklahoma City.
While you can see a good amount of the city on a day trip, I would say the sweet spot is exploring for three days. You could even extend your trip by adding on one of the many incredible road trips from Oklahoma City.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for something new to do close to home, I hope this guide helps you discover a few new favorites of your own.
More Oklahoma Travel Resources:
- 8 Unforgettable Weekend Getaways in Oklahoma
- Escape to Carlton Landing: Your New Favorite Oklahoma Getaway
- 21 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Oklahoma City
- The Ultimate Guide to Toddler Activities in OKC
- 12 Things to Do in Tulsa: Revealing Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
- 8 Weekend Trips from Oklahoma City Your Family Will Love
- The Ultimate Guide to Float Trips in Tahlequah, OK
- Best Time to Visit Broken Bow, OK: Our Family’s Favorite Season
- 13 Things to Do in Carlton Landing Your Family Will Love
- The Ultimate Guide to the Sapulpa Christmas Chute
- 19 Best Things to Do in Broken Bow for Families
- Friends Trail Loop: The Best Hike in Broken Bow
