At the intersection of Interstates I-35 and I-40, you’ll find Oklahoma City – the crossroads of America. It’s a place where old brick warehouses in downtown are being turned into chic places to eat and play, old neighborhoods are being revitalized into fun destinations with green spaces and fun activities, and local chefs and entrepreneurs are opening businesses and restaurants. Best of all, it’s a fantastic destination for families to explore!

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  Fun Fact!

  Did you know that these slow-moving animals can see in color and that they are attracted to it? We sure didn’t, but it’s why they loved our orange shirts! Book one of the OKC Zoo’s Wild Encounters here before your visit, and we guarantee you’ll learn something cool also!

Our last encounter was with the elephants. We watched in awe as they responded to a series of commands from the trainers that allows them to better study the animals and make sure they’re healthy. We all loved giving them a gentle pat while they snacked on fruits and veggies.

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  Hours and Tickets

   The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

  Click here for tickets
  

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  Exploring OKC's distinct districts

  Oklahoma City is divided up into districts, each with its own fun, personality, and vibe. Try to find something to do in each one when you visit to get a true taste of OKC. Keep reading to see our favorites.

  – Adventure District
  

  – Asian District
  

  – Automobile Alley
  

  – Boathouse District
  

  – Bricktown
  

  – Classen Curve
  

  – Deep Deuce

  – Film Row
  

  – Midtown
  

  – Paseo Arts District
  

  – Plaza District
  

  – Stockyards City
  

  – Uptown 23rd
  

  – Western Avenue
  

  – Wheeler District
  

Science for the win! Exploring Science Museum Oklahoma

Longtime Okies will remember this as the Kirkpatrick Center (or Omniplex) next to the zoo, but it’s now named Science Museum Oklahoma, and it is better than ever. All their “greatest hits” are still here like the Echo Tube, the utterly mesmerizing gravitram, and the shadow wall. This museum is one of our favorite things to do in Oklahoma City with kids.

This museum is all about making science fun, and they succeed in a big way. There’s no shortage of interesting exhibits, hand-on science, and engaging spaces. Play some of your favorite games from a new perspective in Big Game Theory or learn about the weather – particularly Oklahoma’s severe weather – in Eye on the Sky.

Tiny Tracks is 1,000 feet of model train, complete with interactive buttons that activate elements in the models. When you’re done, peek into the fully restored Pullman train car to see what it might have been like to travel by train decades ago.

If you like exploring the cosmos, don’t miss the Planetarium and also the Destination Space exhibit where you’ll learn about the life (and science!) of being an astronaut. You can also learn about some of Oklahoma’s astronauts like Gordon Cooper (Mercury) and Tom Stafford (Apollo).

We’ve barely covered all there is to do here at Science Museum Oklahoma, but be sure to allow at least a half-day to see everything, including any special exhibits that might be on. During our visit, we were able to see Into the Fold: The Art and Science of Origami, which offered a unique look into this ancient art and how it’s part of today’s cutting-edge science. Fascinating (and beautiful) stuff.

Ride with your posse to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Another gem in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District is the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum which boasts one of the finest collections of western and Native American art and artifacts anywhere. From pop culture to firearms, if it has anything to do with the American West, you’ll probably find it here.

In between browsing the paintings and sculpture, learn about some of the real stories of Native Americans and American Cowboys during America’s race to settle the West. Follow along the Trail of Tears, or explore the fun of a rodeo.

Get up close to marvel at the intricate metal work on rare firearms by the likes of Colt and Winchester. Kids will enjoy the Cowboy Corral, an interactive exhibit where they can dress up like cowboys and cowgirls, cook dinner at the chuck wagon, or saddle up and ride a ‘horse’ off into the sunset.

Oklahoma City’s National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum garners national and international attention, so give it a shot. It’s one of the best museums in Oklahoma City.

Give OKC a spin in the Oklahoma City Wheeler District

• Wheeler Ferris Wheel
• The Big Friendly and Taco Nation
• Wheeler Criterium Bike Race and Cycling Festival

Wheeler Ferris Wheel

No doubt about it, the Wheeler District is popular for families, and for good reason. It has (mostly) everything to do with the giant Ferris Wheel located right next to the Oklahoma River that offers up perfect views of downtown and a sunset-watching experience among the best in the city. It’s also one of the best free things to do in OKC.

Shoot the rapids in Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District

• Riversport Adventures – whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip line, sky trail, tubing, and stand-up paddleboarding
• Camping
• Watch world-class rowing on the Oklahoma River

Riversport Adventures OKC

Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District is all about fun on the water, and it delivers! Adjacent to the Oklahoma River south of downtown, the Boathouse District is anchored by Riversport Adventures, an adventure water sport and rafting company known for its whitewater rafting courses.

Whitewater rafting in the middle of the midwestern plains you say? Yep. This $45.2 million rafting and kayaking facility is legit, and is even an official US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site for both whitewater and flat water programs. With class II-IV whitewater on tap, this is the real deal.

And man, is it fun!

Once you meet up with your guide, you’ll go over safety, PFD (life jacket) fittings, and you’ll hop in the raft. There are two courses and you’ll go for a total of 3 circuits. A conveyor belt takes you up each time – no lugging rafts! If you’re looking for some authentic rafting, this is it. We all loved it and would go back in a second.

Included with our day passes was access to the slides and sky trail.

Carrie and the kids scrambled around on this for a bit and had a good time. When you get to the top, take the stairs or slide down one of the slides – some of the tallest in America.

Old is the new New in Bricktown, Oklahoma City

• Take a Water Taxi on the Bricktown Canal
• Enjoy a game with the OKC Thunder or the OKC Dodgers
• Find a concert at Chesapeake Energy Arena
• Go for a climb at Climb Up

Once a wasteland of rusted-out warehouses and shuttered businesses, Bricktown is now the entertainment hub of downtown Oklahoma City. Today, professional sports franchises play in state-of-the-art-arenas, people walk the streets enjoying the restaurants and night life, and families can enjoy the Bricktown Canal that runs through the district. It’s a great place to visit and one that you shouldn’t miss on a trip to OKC.

We’re fortunate enough to have watched the OKC Thunder play basketball, and if you’ve never been to an NBA game, you should go! It’s a lot of fun. Be sure to find their mascot Rumble the Bison before the game for a picture.

Summit OKC

Eating your way around Bricktown

• Chelinos – yummy Mexican food location right along the river, and one of Bricktown’s very first riverfront restaurants.
• Sonic – One of the few Sonic Drive-Ins that you can sit inside.
• Bricktown Brewery – Unique and delicious gastropub fare with locally brewed (as in next door) beers to match.
• Pinkitzel Cupcakes and Candy – The name says it all.
• Marble Slab Creamery – You guys all know this one, right? Delicious.
• Fuzzy’s Taco Shop – Street tacos, nachos, and dips. You know – the important things.

If you want to take lunch or dinner up a notch, consider HeyDay. Bowl a frame or two while you enjoy your meal, then play some old-school video games, air hockey, and more.

Oklahoma City Midtown District

• The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen
• Waffle Champion
• Capitals Ice Cream

The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen

Oklahoma City’s Midtown District is just north of the downtown business district and is known for its unique, independent shops and ever-growing food scene. During a recent visit, we sampled the food from several Midtown restaurants, and it was all amazing.

For our family, pizza is always an option, and The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen does it as well as anyone. Their pies are a cut above with top-shelf ingredients and wood-fired perfection. To start, order the Quinn’s Burrata.

We also devoured the Blanco and Saturday Night pies, and they were delicious. Don’t forget about dessert either. Their famous cookies come in several tasty flavors.

For something a little more ‘chill’ for dessert, head next door to Capitals. Pick your flavor (vanilla or chocolate), add your toppings and mix-ins, and enjoy. We did Chocolate with Oreos and Cocoa Puffs because we suffer from chocolate deficiency syndrome. ?

Waffle Champion

For breakfast/brunch, Waffle Champion wins with a unanimous decision. They specialize in (you guessed it) waffles, but not just any waffles. These are magic waffles that cast a spell on you that makes you keep eating them until they’re gone. Truth.

We shared the S’Mores waffle (with actual torched marshmallow) and the Blueberry Surprise that has blueberry-thyme compote, lemon curd, goat cheese, and oatmeal crumble. Keep your sad Eggo, we’ll be having these, thanks.

Soak up the culture in Oklahoma’s Downtown Arts District

• Oklahoma City Museum of Art
• Myriad Botanical Gardens
• OKC Civic Center Music Hall

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

If you’re staying at the 21c Museum Hotel (near the museum), be sure to get your discount! Click here for details.

Myriad Botanical Gardens

Civic Center Music Hall

Cruise the main drag at Automobile Alley

• Iguana
• Hatch Early Mood Food
• Shopping

Iguana

Our brunch at Iguana was superb, and if you’re looking for good, authentic Mexican cuisine, this is a great choice. From street tacos to carnitas, Iguana is legit, and our meals were delicious. We shared the fish tacos, brunch torta, and skillet enchiladas. You would be wise to do the same. Yummy! 

Hatch Early Mood Food

As the name suggests, Hatch Early Mood Food is doing all things breakfast, and doing it well. In fact, rise and shine early, because it will get busy and the wait is long. They rocked our taste buds with poutine (on Canada Day no less!), house-made beignets with orange glaze, peanut butter bacon, and Nutella dipping sauces, and the big-as-the-plate chicken fried steak. It was gluttony on a global scale, and seriously delicious.

Once you’ve had all the #noms you can handle, take a walk around the neighborhood and do some shopping at one of the many independent businesses. Also, be sure to check the events calendar for special events happening. There’s usually something fun! Just north of Bricktown, Automobile Alley is easy to find and worth checking out on your OKC visit.

Pie’s the limit in the Plaza District!

• Pie Junkie
• Gorō Ramen
• Shopping

Pie Junkie

I will freely admit that finding and eating good food in a new destination is one my favorite things. In fact, we all do here at AftT which is why we love Oklahoma City – their foodie game is strong. Our good friend Leslie and her co-owner Darcy are leading the charge in the Plaza District with their shop Pie Junkie. It’s a great place for…pie junkies. Exhibit A below…

They are serving up all kinds of gourmet creations that are so good, they often sell out. Every. Day. With a pie named Drunken Turtle, what do you expect? Their Kentucky Bourbon Pecan is another favorite, and if we’re all lucky enough for the OKC Thunder to make the playoffs, they bless us with a special ‘Thunder Pie’ with blueberries and orange cream that will make you want to personally finance Kevin Durant’s return to the team. It’s that good – don’t miss it.

Gorō Ramen

For dinner, try the little ramen shop across the street called Gorō Ramen. Their spicy noodle bowls are amazing, and just the thing to clear your sinuses and warm your soul on a chilly day. The menu is simple, but the flavors are not. Delicious.

Old Meets New in OKC’s Film Row District

• Caeli’s Sweets, Eats, and Bar
• 21c Museum Hotel
• The Jones Collective

21c Museum Hotel

OKC’s Film Row District hearkens back to a time when Hollywood’s major studios and top brass had offices here in the 1960’s and business was booming. Today, Film Row is bustling with independent shops, restaurants, and small businesses. Swing by Caeli’s for something sweet, and if you’re staying overnight, consider staying at the incredible 21c Museum Hotel.

We stayed two nights here and came away impressed. In fact, it was one of the coolest hotels we’ve ever stayed at. The hotel is really a contemporary art museum with rooms on the upper floors. The kids loved looking at the murals, art, and installations all over the hotel, including one right outside of our room. Be sure to watch for the purple penguins – they like to roam around, and you’ll find them in new places each day. Our room had outrageously tall ceilings, a couch and table to work from, comfortable beds, and was clean – everything a travelling family would want. Service was excellent also.

There are many places your could stay in OKC, but they won’t be this awesome. Trust us.

Film Row is located in downtown just west of Bricktown and the Myriad Gardens.

For something good to eat, check out The Jones Collective. They have excellent pizzas and a hot chicken sandwich that would make Nashville proud.

Frontier City

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  Hours and Tickets

  Frontier City Hours of Operation

  Generally 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the summer, but vary by season.

   

  Check here for specific hours.
  

   

  To purchase tickets, click here.
  

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  Hours and Tickets

  White Water Bay Hours of Operation

  10:30 – 7:00 in the summer, but hours vary. Check the schedule here
  

   

  Check here for ticket prices.