Oklahoma City is the second largest city, next to Houston, so you can imagine all of the exciting adventures that they have waiting for you. If you live there or if you are going to go on vacation to Oklahoma, then Oklahoma City is one of the places that you must visit. They have “to die for,” restaurants that serve some of Oklahoma’s most popular foods; fried okra, catfish, and Indian tacos. There are casinos and other nightlife scenes and excitement, kid friendly activities, and for you adrenaline junkies; there are giant adventures waiting for you. Oklahoma City also has a ton of extremely educational landmarks and museums to visit as well.
I have lived here in Oklahoma for 3 years, and unfortunately, I have only been to Oklahoma City one time and it wasn’t for any fun-filled activities for the kids or the family. I do have a list of places that I would love to take my 9 year old son and 1 year old grandson. I think it would be very beneficial and fun for the both of them. Not to mention a huge memory maker for our family. Today, I have decided to share my “bucket list” of things to do in Oklahoma City, with you. If you are planning a vacation to Oklahoma I would recommend doing so between the middle of October and the end of December. It is cooler, more comfortable to go sightseeing, and you can witness all the beautiful fall colors. However, if you are wanting to do some activities along or in any of the lakes in the area, of course it would be best to do so during the summer months.
# 10 – Oklahoma City Zoo
Coming in on the bottom of our list, for no particular reason is the Oklahoma City Zoo. The zoo, any zoo for that matter, is a great place for any age. But children seem to enjoy them immensely. There are a large variety of animals at the OKC Zoo. They even have a petting zoo for the children to get up close and personal with the animals. For education there are signs throughout the zoo with information about the animals. There are also interactive activities, train rides, sea lion presentations, and opportunities to feed some of the animals. Giraffes, flamingos, and rhino’s await little hands with their favorite treats.
# 9 – Frontier City Theme Park.
I loved theme parks, fairs, and carnivals when I was younger. But beings as I am no spring chicken anymore, most of the rides make me nauseous. So, I enjoy watching my children ride their favorite rides, play some of the games and of course I partake in helping to eat the wonderful food. At Frontier City you could spend all day and make some extraordinary memories. This is a Six Flags park so you know it is huge with a large variety of rides and other attractions. You can enjoy restaurants, water rides, and even shop in the gift stores that are scattered about. They have rides that will suit the whole family; thrill rides, kids rides, family rides, and more.
# 8 – OKC National Memorial Museum.
For those of us that know about and remember the Oklahoma City Bombing, this is a great place to take the kids. It will teach them a lot of history about the state and the city, including that horrific day. There are thousands of pictures, artifacts, and important documents to look at and read. Anything that you or your children want to know about the history of Oklahoma, you will find throughout this museum. If you are a history buff, or your children love to learn about other places, then this is definitely a must do on your list.
# 7 Oklahoma City Science Museum.
If your kids are big into science, and experiments, and learning about the universe then take a look at this awesome Science Museum. I am planning on taking my son here in the near future because he loves science and doing all types of experiments. The kids have a very hands-on experience at this museum and they get to learn about monarch butterflies, space, aviation, the planets, and so much more. There are lots of creative things that the whole family will be able to participate in. The Science Museum is safe, fun, and boasts a ton of exploration for your future scientist.
# 6 – The Escape.
Sounds very mysterious and vague. But if you like the game of Clue, or solving mysteries then you have to stop into the escape. Take 6 of your friends and family along, or fewer if you wish. You get to pick a crime/mystery to solve. This would be perfect for pre-teens and teenagers, great for a bachelor or bachelorette party. You and up to 6 of your friends/family members will be locked in a room. You have 1 hour to complete all of your challenges and puzzles. Some of the options that you have are a murder mystery, hacking into cyber security, or uncover a scientists plot to poison the world. If you want a timed challenge that is thrilling yet nerve racking, then grab a crew and let’s go get locked in a room. Only the correct resolution will unlock the door.
# 5 – Wheeler Ferris Wheel.
As a kid, I loved Ferris wheels My son, on the other hand, is scared of heights and so I have not been able to get him to go on one. But if you want to enjoy a quiet, peaceful night outdoors with friends and family then head to Wheeler Riverfront Plaza. You will not only enjoy the food and the view, but you can take a ride in the 100 foot Ferris wheel . Take a look at the beautiful skyline and enjoy the sunset. Wheeler Riverfront Plaza is made to replicate an urban village. There are houses to purchase or rent, many restaurants to choose from, and you can also book parties; birthday, reception, baby shower, and more. The Ferris wheel is the old Santa Monica Ferris wheel that was moved to this location. Rides are inexpensive and you can also purchase day passes or season passes.
# 4 – Myriad Botanical Gardens.
If you have a green thumb, which I don’t, or just love flowers and other plants, then this is an astounding place to visit. The beautiful gardens offer so much to explore. They have an amazing tropical conservatory called Crystal Bridge. You can walk through and enjoy the gorgeous colors and wonderful smells of the 15 acre garden. The Botanical Garden has over 700 plants, flowers, and even a few waterfalls for you to enjoy on a sunny afternoon. Who doesn’t enjoy a nice waterfall and the smell of fresh flowers? I know that I will be booking a day here!
# 3 – Riversport Rapids and Adventures.
Ok all you adrenaline junkies and water lovers, this is for you. Here you will have a blast doing all things water related. You could actually spend all day here and not do half of the things that they have to offer. Depending on how much you love fast moving water and adrenaline pumping through your veins, they have something for everyone. Whitewater rafting and kayaking, sky slides, zip lines, bike park, and a youth zone. That is a very small handful of all of the amazing things that they have to offer their visitors. You can explore Lake Hefner and Lake Overhaser, and partake in many of the activities in and around them. So bring your swimming attire and have a thrilling time at Riversport Rapids.
# 2 – Pelican Aquatic Center
Also for water enthusiasts, but a lot more calm and relaxing, we have for you Pelican Aquatic Center. This Aquatic Center is huge and offers a lot of family friendly activities both in the daytime and at night. They have twilight swimming, movie nights, all day passes, cabana rentals, and you can book a party and have the whole place to yourself. If you live in Oklahoma City or the surrounding suburbs, you can also book private, group, or beginner swimming lessons. Enjoy the 2 large slides, diving boards, climbing wall, and the cafe (for all your snacking needs).
# 1 – Cactus Jack’s Family Fun Center
At the top of our list we have the most fun place to visit in Oklahoma City. Of course, this is my personal opinion and I definitely have this on my ‘bucket list’ of things to do in OKC. Cactus Jack’s Family Fun Center. This will bring back a lot of old memories for us older folks, and your kids will have an absolute blast here. With more activities than you can even imagine. Play skee-ball, pinball, pool, or dance until you can not dance anymore. They also have some of the best classic arcade games that I grew up playing as a kid. There are games where you can win prizes, games for you to earn tickets, and the laughs are never ending. Grab your appetite, your friends, your family, and let’s set out for some great gaming fun!
Cover Photo full credit: Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau (uploaded by Chamber employee Lillie-Beth Brinkman lbrinkman@okcchamber.com), CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons