Oklahoma’s namesake capital is a bustling hub of first-class entertainment, western history, and arts. The unique experiences Oklahoma city has to offer make it well worth the visit, and if you’re toting kids along, there are family-friendly attractions for them to enjoy as well. If you’re a local, new to Oklahoma City, or just passing through on your travels, keep watching to learn the best things to do in Oklahoma City.
The Wild West
When you think of Oklahoma, one of the first things and best things to do in Oklahoma City that may come to mind is the rich history of the wild west. This is why Oklahoma city’s history museums should be at the top of your itinerary. Opened in 1955, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is one of the country’s most encompassing museums of Western culture, history, and art. The museum houses over 28,000 Western and American Indian artifacts and works of art. Some of the art and artifact exhibitions in the museum are even internationally renowned. It’s safe to say this is the place to learn more about the cowboys and cowgirls of the American Frontier.
Another museum to visit and delve deeper into Oklahoma’s past is the 215,000 square foot Oklahoma History Center. Here, you’ll be able to explore the history and artifacts of Oklahoma’s past pioneers, Native Americans, and more. As a visitor, you’ll get to learn the story of Oklahoma and some of its illustrious people. You’ll also get a chance to learn about Oklahoma’s aviators and oil and gas tycoons. One unique aspect of this particular museum is that it is a Smithsonian affiliate, so you know you’ll get to experience the kinds of engaging, high-quality exhibitions you’d come to expect from a world-famous museum such as the Smithsonian.
If you’d like to continue to experience Western traditions, slip on your cowboy boots and head over to Historic Stockyards City. Depending on what time you visit, you may be able to catch a livestock auction at one of the largest livestock markets in Oklahoma. Roam the area and shop for Western wear, Native American art, and experience Oklahoma’s cowboy culture. You can also visit the area’s rodeo opry, which is a music venue, and catch a country music concert. The culture and architecture of Stockyards City has remained the same since 1910 and remains a popular tourist spot and one of the best things to do in Oklahoma City.
First Americans
While the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Oklahoma History Center touch upon Native American history, Oklahoma City’s First Americans Museum is the place to dive deep into Native American culture, history, and art. The sprawling 175,000 square foot structure opened its doors in 2021. Featuring the history and contributions of over 30 Native American nations in Oklahoma, the museum gives visitors an immersive experience of Indigenous culture and one of the best things to do in Oklahoma City. You can also try Indigenous-inspired dishes at their restaurant and shop for unique souvenirs handmade by Native artisans at the museum store.
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The art scene
Oklahoma City boasts a thriving arts scene, with multiple places for art aficionados and appreciators to visit. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is one of these places where you can surround yourself with intricate sculptures and all manner of beautiful artwork. One of the most stunning displays you’ll see is a colorful and curving 55-foot tower made entirely from glass. The artwork here spans multiple regions of the world and features a large collection of dazzling glass pieces. The museum is so famous that it receives over 125,000 visitors every year from all around the country, with some even visiting from abroad. The oldest painting in the museum is from 1809. Another area to immerse yourself in the art scene is the Paseo Arts District. Home to over 20 art galleries interspersed with boutiques and eateries, you can spend a full day of exploration here and take in the Spanish-style architecture unique to this area of Oklahoma City and enjoy one of the best things to do in Oklahoma City.
The great outdoors
For a one of a kind camping experience, you can head to the Orr Family Farm. There, you can stay in a teepee or a wagon, similar to the ones American settlers used when they traveled west across the country – however, not quite as primitive since the lodging you’ll stay in has some temperature controls and comfortable beds. You’ll enjoy access to a campfire, deluxe amenities, and all activities available on the Orr Family Farm, such as pedal boating, go-karts, zip lines, paintball, a maze, and more. It is a truly unique experience, though the stylish teepees and charming wagons offer more of an upgraded, glamping experience.
If you are an outdoor activity enthusiast and looking for the best things to do in Oklahoma City, you’ll be thrilled to experience Oklahoma City’s Riversport Adventures Park. Here, you have the option of indulging in a wide variety of outdoor adventures such as zip lines, adventure courses, white water rafting, climbing, and more. Whatever outdoor activity you can imagine is offered here, including surf and ski simulations, tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fast slides, and bungee jumping. If you’re visiting with family or friends, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find something for every person to enjoy! They also have a bike park and one of the tallest adventure courses in the world, the sky trail. At the top of the sky trail, you’re able to do an 80-foot free-fall jump from the rumble drop – perfect for thrill-seekers.
To experience the true beauty of nature, a visit to Lake Hefner is a must. Take a stroll by the lake, eat a meal by the charming lighthouse, or take a hike on the nine-mile walking path. The views of the lake, whether while participating in outdoor activities or taking a sunset stroll, are especially serene. Locals love Lake Hefner and its 17-mile shoreline, and you’ll often see sailboats scattered throughout the lake.
Fun for families
Whether or not you have kids you’d like to entertain, these next few attractions are family-friendly but enjoyable for all ages. The interactive animal experiences of the Oklahoma City Zoo can’t be beat, and the zoo was voted one of the top 3 zoos in America. Aside from the usual wild animal fare, the up close and personal experiences the zoo offers are what really makes your visit memorable. You can feed flamingos, ride camels, feed giraffes and rhinos, interact with colorful lorikeets, and watch exciting sea lion shows. You can also experience what the zoo calls “wild encounters,” and be taken to restricted areas to learn more about the care of your favorite animals from the handlers themselves. When you’re done checking out all the animals, you can head over to the zoo’s botanical garden and see their expansive collection of blooms.
Science Museum Oklahoma is another stop sure to delight kids of all ages and adults alike. It is one of the country’s largest science museums and provides a hands-on experience for visitors. With over 390,000 square feet of activities, artifacts, and exhibits to explore, you can easily spend a full day of interactive learning at this museum. Some popular areas of the museum include the planetarium, tinkering garage, destination space, and the aviation section. And if you have kids, CurioCity in the museum is one activity they may not forget. This 20,000 square foot “city” houses 8 neighborhoods designed to teach children the magic of science through play and a variety of interactive activities.
Oklahoma City’s Scissortrail Park is an urban oasis with a little something for everyone to enjoy. The 70 acre downtown urban park offers options for outdoor recreation ,child friendly areas, and hosts events and live shows. Hike or bike along the river, or get on the water for kayaking, pedal boating, or paddleboarding. You can cool off on a hot day at the interactive fountains, roller skate, stroll through their gardens, or play with your dog at the pet-friendly playground. You can even stop at their cafe for a bite to eat.
Entertainment
Bricktown in Oklahoma City is a very unique district. Here, you’ll find a baseball park, many great nightlife and dining options, and a river in between all the buildings. You can walk along the river in the evening while looking for a nice restaurant to eat at, or you can take a ride on the river via water taxi. The water taxi also offers dinner cruises and tours. Outdoor dining with river views is especially pleasant, and you can even catch a movie here and have a drink at the famous Coyote Ugly saloon. You may also choose to go to the winery or a dueling piano bar.
A visit to Chisholm Creek offers a one-stop shop for a full day of entertainment. In addition to shopping and dining options, you can hit the virtual links at Topgolf, go indoor skydiving, experience an escape room, or visit the luxury cigar lounge. There’s also pedestrian hiking trails and areas of greenery in the 190-acre space. You can also find a dog-friendly pub – a place to get a drink and relax with your furry friends.
That about wraps up our list of best things to do in Oklahoma City. If you were visiting Oklahoma City, what sounds like the first thing you would want to do? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to give this video a like and subscribe to the Viewcaation channel if you haven’t already.
Safe travels!