8 Weekend Trips from Oklahoma City Your Family Will Love

As Oklahoma natives who love traveling with our four kids, we’re always on the hunt for the best weekend trips from Oklahoma City. Today, we’re sharing our favorite finds for a family getaway that are both fun and close to home! 

Whether you’re dreaming of lakeside adventures, big city attractions or scenic hikes, we’ve got your back. Read on to discover the eight most memorable weekend getaways from OKC that we know your family will love.

Tulsa

Driving distance from OKC: 1.5 hours

Perfect for families who love: Parks, animals, barbecue

Just northeast of Oklahoma City, you’ll find the second-largest city in Oklahoma. Tulsa offers city attractions, beautiful parks and some of the most delicious restaurants in the state.

No trip to Tulsa is complete without visiting the Gathering Place, one of the top-rated public parks in the country. The Gathering Place is full of unique play structures, hands-on activities and even seasonal paddle boats. Our kids love the zip line and huge slides. The grounds are beautiful and you could easily stay all day.

Next, make this an educational vacation by heading to the Philbrook Museum of Art. This first-class collection of art is housed in a stunning historic estate that is a piece of art itself. The outdoor gardens can’t be missed and your kids will love the children’s area where they can create their own piece of artwork.

Our very favorite piece in the Philbrook is the Egyptian mummy case from 300 BC. It is truly awe-inspiring. 

The Oklahoma Aquarium is an animal lover’s dream. Pet starfish, feed stingrays and walk through a clear dome surrounded by sharks. There’s even an outdoor playground available for kids.

Your Tulsa getaway will leave you feeling inspired and refreshed!

Dallas

Driving distance from OKC: 3 hours

Perfect for families who love: Big cities, museums, delicious food

If you’re seeking big-city excitement, Dallas, Texas is the perfect weekend trip from OKC for you!

Start at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, where kids can dig for dino bones and explore hands-on exhibits. Then, get your animal fix at either the Dallas World Aquarium or Dallas Zoo– both with so many unique animal exhibits and experiences.

Don’t miss a stop at Klyde Warren Park, where you can picnic, play, and even catch a food truck lunch. For some downtime, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is perfect for a family stroll, especially if you time it with one of their seasonal festivals.

When it’s time to grab a bite, Deep Ellum has family-friendly spots where you can enjoy some great eats and maybe even catch a street performer or two.

Another must-visit is the Dallas Farmers Market. It’s more than just fresh produce–you’ll find an array of foods, artisan goods and even cooking classes. Soak up all the local flavor in this lively (and yummy) spot.

Carlton Landing

Driving distance from OKC: 2 hours

Perfect for families who love: Lake life, nature, a slow pace

Gear up for a getaway unlike anywhere else in Oklahoma! Just 2 hours east of Oklahoma City lies Carlton Landing, a luxury lakeside town modeled after the architectural design and community living of destinations such as 30a in Florida.

Our family has now visited CL four times and we are already itching to go back.

A Carlton Landing getaway is truly one of relaxation. Spend your day lounging by the pool, kayaking around the cove, and strolling through the community garden.

Don’t forget to visit the Overlook for the best views of Lake Eufaula!

Leave the cooking to the pros and visit the delicious restaurants in town including Mama Tig’s Pizza and The Meeting House.

For more details to help plan your getaway, check out our complete guide to Carlton Landing.

Broken Bow

Driving distance from OKC: 3.5 hours

Perfect for families who love: Nature, fishing, lake life

Nature lovers, listen up! You don’t want to miss this getaway destination.

Tucked away in the southeastern part of the state, Broken Bow offers charming cabins surrounded by tall pines. Enjoy the thrill of a kayaking or jet ski adventure on Broken Bow Lake, or cozy up at your cabin while roasting marshmallows by the fire.

Beavers Bend State Park is a must-visit, with miles of gorgeous hiking trails that even little legs can manage.

If your crew is into fishing, the trout streams are just waiting for you to cast a line. There are also plenty of beautiful places for a family picnic.

Make sure to head over to Hochatown for some local eats and shopping. In addition, the Hochatown Petting Zoo is always a favorite for animal-loving kids.

Tahlequah

Driving distance from OKC: 2.5 hours

Perfect for families who love: Float trips, cabins, fishing

Kick your Tahlequah, Oklahoma getaway off with a float trip down the Illinois River! 

Reserve kayaks, tubes or rafts at one of the many highly-rated local outfitters such as Riverbend Floats or Illinois River Outfitters. Then, spend the day soaking up the rays and floating down the water like you’re in a giant lazy river.

It’s the perfect way to make family memories! Your kids will love floating, splashing, skipping rocks and enjoying a picnic on the shore.

If you enjoy fishing, don’t miss casting a reel for some striper, bass, catfish and trout.

Following your time on the lake, explore downtown Tahlequah with its cute local shops and historic Cherokee heritage sites.

For more details, check out our guide to Tahlequah, OK float trips.

Kansas City

Driving distance from OKC: 4 hours, 45 minutes

Perfect for families who love: Sports, shopping and museums

We used to live in the Kansas City metro and still return often to enjoy this vibrant area.

If your family is anything like ours, you’ll love catching a game–whether its watching the Royals hit home runs or cheering on the Chiefs (defending Superbowl champs!). You’re sure to have a unique game experience in Kansas City.

But KC isn’t just about sports; its a playground for curious minds too. You could spend an entire day exploring Science City in Union Station, the National World War 1 Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

When you’re ready for a little retail therapy, head over to the Country Club Plaza and enjoy the beautiful architecture, delicious restaurants and upscale shopping.

For more getaway ideas, check out our list of the best getaways in Kansas.

Bentonville

Driving distance from OKC: 3.5 hours

Perfect for families who love: hiking, biking, beautiful parks

For your weekend getaway from OKC, Bentonville, Arkansas is the perfect blend of nature, art and small-town charm.

Kick off you trip with a hike through the lush trails of the Ozarks. You’ve got to check out the trails at Slaughter Pen or Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. Both of these hiking trails are easy-medium with plenty of spots for your kids to explore.

Both of these trails also offer prime opportunities for mountain biking, which Bentonville is known for. 

After all the outdoor fun, head over to Crystal Bridges Museum of America Art. The classic and contemporary art inside is impressive, however my personal favorite part of this museum is the outdoor sculpture trail, which is especially beautiful around sunset.

I also recommend taking some time to unwind at one of Bentonville’s family-friendly parks such as Bentonville City Square or Orchards Park.

Your nature-loving side will definitely be fulfilled after a trip to beautiful Bentonville!

Branson

Driving distance from OKC: 4.5 hours

Perfect for families who love: Amusement parks, family-friendly attractions and shows

For a kid-friendly getaway that is thick with nostalgia, Branson, Missouri can’t be beat! I grew up going every year with my family and now enjoy taking my own kids for a fun weekend trip.

Our favorite Branson attraction has to be Silver Dollar City, an 1880’s themed amusement park with first-class rides, delicious food and live music.

Take advantage of the beauty of the Ozarks by renting a boat or jet ski at one of the many marinas or taking a hike at Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area.

Of course, you can’t leave without checking out one of Branson’s live shows. Some of the most-loved shows include Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, theater performances at the Sight and Sound Theater and SIX, a contemporary a cappella group.

Your Weekend Getaway

So, there you have it–eight incredible weekend trips from Oklahoma City that we know your family will love! Whether you’re craving the thrill of new adventures, the calm of nature’s beauty or a little bit of everything in between, these destinations offer something for everyone.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to go far from OKC to create sweet moments that lead to lasting connection with your family. 

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