Frontier of the Future: 15 Best Things to Do in Oklahoma City

The Orr Family Farm was intended to be much more than a family-friendly attraction from the outset. Dr. Glenn Orr and his wife Shari, together with their children and families, had a goal when they launched the Farm in 2004. They intended to establish a venue where families could come to not only get an instructive glimpse of the past and enjoy simple, pleasant activities but also make memories that would last a lifetime.

A local arts organization that creates immersive temporary installations with avant-garde themes. Awaken your senses with artist-created coloring sheets and activities. Factory Obscura is a collaborative organization located in Oklahoma City that creates immersive experiences that inspire awe, foster community, and improve the world. A 6,000-square-foot hand-crafted, immersive art experience awaits you.

Scissortail Park showcases Oklahoma’s natural beauty in a safe, friendly, and fun setting that promotes community gathering, stewardship, culture, and education for neighbors, tourists, and future generations. A vibrant environment with gardens, a lake, and a playground, as well as a farmers’ market and concerts. Scissortail Park is a 70-acre urban park that extends south of I-40 from the heart of downtown OKC. This park is open to the public.

Whitewater rafting, zip-lining, adventure, and much more! Visit the Oklahoma River. In the heart of Oklahoma City, go whitewater rafting. Fly 700 feet across the Oklahoma River – and back! Climb this 80-foot structure with six degrees of difficulty. Riversport OKC Adventure Parks provide thrilling outdoor activities for the entire family.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center is a cutting-edge institution that houses exhibits and artifacts that teach visitors about Native American culture and history. This magnificent 184-acre site is one of the largest tribal centers in the world. Learn about centuries of Chickasaw culture via language, exhibitions, and demonstrations. There are gardens and a traditional village. It is open five days a week. It is open and welcoming to anyone. View art galleries, exhibitions, and other attractions.

Paycom Center is a sports arena in Oklahoma City. It debuted in 2002 and has been the home of the National Basketball Association’s Oklahoma City Thunder since 2008. The Oklahoma City Thunder provides first-rate in-arena entertainment suitable for families, groups, basketball fanatics, and you!

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is a 17-acre urban park with many floors of densely ornamental gardens surrounding a submerged lake. The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, a 224-foot (68-meter) live plant museum, is its main attraction. Towering palm trees, tropical flowers, waterfalls, and exotic animals can be seen at the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory.

The outdoor grounds of the Myriad Botanical Gardens are free, making it a wonderful spot to visit with your family. For more information, go to www.oklahomabotanicalgardens.com

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is America’s finest Western history, art, and culture museum. While supporting exciting educational activities, the Museum gathers, protects, and exhibits a worldwide recognized collection of Western art and artifacts. You will find the best collection of American rodeo photographs, barbed wire, saddler, and vintage rodeo trophies at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Adults pay $12.50, students with valid ID pay $9.75, children ages 6 to 12 pay $5.75, and children under the age of 5 are admitted for free. Visit www.nationalcowboymuseum.org to learn more about the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

The Oklahoma National Memorial houses the Field of Empty Chairs, East Gate of Time, Reflecting Pool, and The Survival Tree, which serve as memorials to victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995.

The Museum charges $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (62 and above), $13 for military (with ID), and $12 for students aged 6 to 17. Children under the age of 5 are admitted free of charge. To discover more about the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, go to www.memorialmuseum.com

The Science Museum Oklahoma has over 390,000 square feet of participatory science, art, and history for tourists to explore. This attraction is great for both kids and adults, and it provides a fantastic opportunity to learn and explore science. CurioCity is a lively 20,000-square-foot city that introduces children to science through a variety of interactive activities such as navigating obstacles, storytelling, playing instruments, and tightrope balancing. You may also spend the day at Science Museum Oklahoma’s Kirkpatrick Planetarium, where you can learn about the cosmos and find answers to topics like how stars form.

Adults aged 13 to 64 pay $18.95, seniors 65 and older $14.95, and children aged 3 to 12 pay $14.95 for a single day admission. Under the age of 3, there is no charge. Visit www.sciencemuseumok.org for more information on the Science Museum Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is Oklahoma’s largest and most popular cultural destination, with over 1900 animal species. Great EscApe, Cat Forest/Lion Outlook, and Oklahoma Trails are just a few of the world-class habitats available. The delightful animals of the Asian continent can be found at Sanctuary Asia. The Oklahoma City Zoo also has walking trails, shows, and activities such as train tours, which you may enjoy with your family. It offers the opportunity to meet new people while having a great time.

The general entrance fee to the Zoo is $12 for adults aged 12 to 64, $9 for children aged 3 to 11, and $6 for seniors aged 65 and older. It is free for children under the age of 2. To know more about the animals and guest services, go to www.okczoo.com

The historically-themed guided tours offered by Bricktown Water Taxi are a fun way to see the heart of downtown Oklahoma City’s Bricktown community in an enjoyable and relaxing way. Private charters and dinner cruises are also provided, and the water taxi is wheelchair accessible and convenient for tourists of all ages.

The Water Taxi ticket is $12 for regular admission, $9.00 for children (6-12 years old), $4.00 for children (under the age of 5), and $10.00 for seniors aged 65+, active-duty military (ID required), and people with disabilities. Visit www.bricktownwatertaxi.com for more information on how to plan a schedule and purchase tickets.

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This is Oklahoma’s only amusement park, and it is a terrific spot for the whole family to enjoy a good time. Over 40 acres of roller coasters, exciting games, and entertainment await tourists of all ages at this western-themed amusement park. The Silver Bullet and Diamond Back roller coasters will entice you to test gravity’s limits, while family-friendly rides, water rides, and music and live shows inspired by the Wild West are fantastic attractions for those who prefer to stay closer to the ground.

On a hot day, cool off at Wild West Water Works, the nearby water park that is included in admission. The admission fee for attractions and museums varies, and prices are subject to change; adult admission is $39.99, children’s admission is $29.99 (but free for children under the age of 2), and senior admission is $29.99. Visit www.sixflags.com/frontiercity to learn more about the amazing fun activities taking place at Frontier City Park this season.

Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City is the perfect place to cool off during the summertime. There are 25 acres of cold pools and super-soaking slides for everyone in the family to enjoy. Bermuda Triangle, Blackbeard’s Revenge, and Mega Wedgie are some of the thrilling rides.

One-day tickets cost $25 to $65 and you can discover more about Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City by visiting www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborokc

The Civic Center Music Hall is Oklahoma City’s most popular performing arts venue, showcasing everything from Broadway to ballet. There is also live music and comedy, making it a great place to spend time with the family. With wheelchair-accessible facilities, the hall can also host private events ranging from weddings to corporate events.

Additionally, the theater organizes various acts throughout the year, so you may check www.okcciviccenter.com  to see what events are scheduled and purchase tickets.

Lake Hefner’s gentle waters make it ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding. Although you cannot swim in the lake because it is a local water source, you are able to fish. The entire surrounding area, which has about 10 miles of paved trails, is a popular running, walking, and cycling area. You can also dine in style at Red Rock Canyon Grill, which is located in East Wharf, off Lake Hefner Parkway, with a view of the sunset from the city’s only lighthouse.

The picnic spots and playgrounds are free, however fishing from the shore requires a city fishing permit. You can learn more about the city’s fishing permit by visiting www.okc.gov/fishing