When the weather gets warm, you might be looking for fun things to do with your family. Here are some of our favorite summer day-trips in and around Oklahoma City.
1. Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a great place for a family outing, just an hour and a half drive from OKC. This national park at the foot of the Arbuckle Mountains in Sulphur, Oklahoma, offers outdoor activities for all ages, including hiking, swimming, and picnicking. It’s also a scenic drive through gently rolling hills that take you past lakes and ponds.
Kids will love learning about nature at the Travertine Nature Center. And if you want to make a weekend of it, Chickasaw is a camper’s dream come true with 6 camping areas and over 400 campsites.
2. Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a great place to visit with kids. Located in the Adventure District in OKC, the zoo is open almost every day of the year (except Christmas and Thanksgiving) and is home to almost 2,000 animals.
The Children’s Zoo is the perfect place to take younger kids. This special area is set up with kid-friendly exhibits, fun educational activities, and the opportunity to pet and interact with gentle animals.
The Zoo has all the amenities for your day trip – refreshments are easily available, and you can bring a picnic or visit the indoor food court for lunch.
3. Science Museum Oklahoma
The Science Museum Oklahoma is another great place to visit for families.
There are many interactive exhibits and programs that will keep your kids entertained and engaged, while also teaching them about science and technology. There are also live daily science shows and an hourly space-themed show in the planetarium.
The museum also has a café and refreshments available.
4. Frontier City Theme Park
A family friendly park with dozens of rides and attractions, Frontier City is a great place to spend the day. This Old West themed park features all of the fun rides and carnival games you expect in a theme park, as well as live shows and entertainment. There are a number of less intense rides for younger kids as well.
Of course there are plenty of places to get delicious food as well!
5. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is located in Oklahoma City, and it’s a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of the American West. This museum features a huge collection of artifacts and items that date back as far as the 1830s. There are many exhibits and galleries, including one focused on Native Americans and even a model Old West town.
There are plenty of activities to keep children engaged, especially if they love cowboys!
6. Lake Hefner
Lake Hefner is a reservoir in Oklahoma City that’s popular for boating, fishing and swimming. It has a boat ramp and marina where you can rent paddleboats, canoes or kayaks. The lake is also home to several small islands that are accessible by footbridge or water taxi.
Lake Hefner is the perfect place to spend your day relaxing with family members of all ages!
7. Chickasaw Cultural Center
For the young history lover, the Chickasaw Cultural Center is a living history museum located in Sulphur, OK. It’s an educational facility that allows visitors to learn more about the Chickasaw culture and history.
The center also features a gift shop, restaurant, and free parking. There are also exhibits on display that include replicas of homes built by early tribal members as well as historical artifacts such as clothing and weaponry used by Native Americans over the years.
Oklahoma has many fun attractions to keep your family busy and happy during the summer months.
The state has something for everyone, from thrill rides at Frontier City Theme Park to educational exhibits at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor activity, Oklahoma City has something for every budget and taste!