Discovering family-friendly and kid-sized adventures in the sooner state is a breeze when you have the right guide.
There are tons of affordable, fun, family and children-approved activities that include immersive virtual reality experiences at the Oklahoma City Zoo, meandering down lazy rivers at water parks like Hurricane Bay, and eating Western American fare at frontier-themed restaurants inside the National Cowboy Museum.
If you live in Oklahoma, or you’re planning a trip to the sooner state with your kids, family, and friends, this can’t-miss guide to fun-filled attractions is just for you!
Keep reading to learn about some of Oklahoma’s best attractions for kids and families.
Contents
- 10 Things to Do in Oklahoma with Kids
- 1. Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
- 2. National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
- 3. The Science Museum Oklahoma
- 4. Frontier City Amusement Park by Six Flags
- 5. Hurricane Harbor Water Park by Six Flags
- 6. Little Sahara State Park
- 7. Osage Hills State Park
- 8. Lake Hefner Resovoir
- 9. Myriad Botanical Gardens
- 10. Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
- Oklahoma Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
10 Things to Do in Oklahoma with Kids
1. Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
About the Zoo
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens are some of the most family-friendly attractions in the area. Families with children will love taking advantage of zoo attractions and rides.
They offer immersive virtual reality adventures via their Gorilla Trek VR experience ride for one-of-a-kind experiences. The zoo also offers camel rides, the Elephant Express Tram, and Explorikeet feedings for an additional fee.
Onsite Attractions
- Wild Encounters
- Wildlife Viewing
- Rhinoceros Feedings
- Stingray Bay
- Endangered Species Carousel
Contact Information
Address:2000 Remington Place, Oklahoma City – 73111
Website: https://okczoo.org
Phone: 405-425-0289
Pricing and Fees
Adult: $16.00
Child: $13.00
Senior: $13.00
Online Ticketing Options: Yes
2. National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
About the Museum
Parents who want to teach their kids about the history of the American West will love visiting the frontier-National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
Museum visitors are encouraged to dress up like cowboys and cowgirls as they meander through historical exhibits like the American Farmer Exhibition that tell the behind-the-scenes stories of American farmers on the frontier.
The Old West Museum also features a vast collection of art and sculptures that depict the American frontier.
They have a themed restaurant onsite where hungry cowpokes can take advantage of traditional Western fare.
Tourists and families can visit the gift shop to find a vast selection of frontier-themed cards, t-shirts, and other collectibles to take home as memorabilia for their exciting trip.
Onsite Attractions
- American Farmer Exhibition
- Best of The West Museum Collection
- Frontier-Themed Dining
- Gift Shop
Contact Information
Address: 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City – 73111
Website: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/
Phone: 405-478-2250
Pricing and Fees
Adults: $15.00
Children: $5.00
Students: $10.00 (Valid ID required for discount.)
Operating Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
3. The Science Museum Oklahoma
About the Museum
The Science Museum of Oklahoma is a fun-filled educational environment offering hundreds of interactive exhibits for kids and families to enjoy.
They provide hands-on exhibits that illustrate basic science concepts through interactive play.
Families visiting with children will love spending the day tinkering in the onsite garage or admiring kid-friendly art in the patented SmART space.
Onsite Attractions
- The Science Floor
- The Tinkering Garage
- CurioCity
- Kirkpatrick Planetarium
- Smart Space
Contact Information
Address: 2020 Remington Place, Oklahoma City – 73111
Website: https://www.sciencemuseumok.org/exhibits
Phone: 405-602-3760
Pricing and Fees
Adult: $20.95
Child: $15.95
Senior: $15.95
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Online Ticketing Options: Yes
4. Frontier City Amusement Park by Six Flags
About the Park
If you and your family love to ride roller coasters and Ferris wheels, this Wild West-themed amusement park is a must-visit.
Frontier City Amusement Park offers amusement park rides, onsite restaurants, and live performances.
The combination of attractions, live entertainment, and onsite concessions is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
This amusement park is connected to the Hurricane Harbor water park, which is also owned and operated by Six Flags.
Onsite Attractions
- Silver Bullet – Oklahoma’s Tallest Rollercoaster
- Bumper Cars
- Renegade Rapids
- Water Works
- Concessions
- Restrooms
Contact Information
Address: 11501 North I-35 Service Road, Oklahoma City – 73131
Website: https://www.sixflags.com/frontiercity
Phone: 405-478-2140
Pricing and Fees
Daily ticket prices range between $20.00 – $80.00 per individual.
They also offer discounted rates for season pass holders and members.
Operating Hours
Vary by day – check the website for updated hours
Online Ticketing Options: Yes
5. Hurricane Harbor Water Park by Six Flags
About the Park
Six Flags operates the Hurricane Harbor Water Park, which features fun-filled water activities for families and kids.
They have tons of towering high-speed water slides for adventurous family members over 48 inches tall.
Hurricane Harbor also has slower-paced activities for small kids and laid-back family members who want to take advantage of idling along the lazy river or splashing around on the kid-sized splash pad.
Onsite Attractions
- Wave Pool
- Water Slides
- Lazy River
- Private Cabana Rentals
- Concessions
- Showers
Contact Information
Address: 3908 West Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City – 73107
Website: https://www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborokc
Pricing and Fees
Entry and admission fees are based on height.
48 inches tall and up: $26.99
Less than 48 inches tall: $22.99
Children 2 and under: Free
Parking Fee: $6.00 per vehicle
Operating Hours
Vary by day – check the website for updated hours
Online Ticketing Options: Yes
6. Little Sahara State Park
About the Park
Families who enjoy bonding over outdoor and nature-based activities like fishing, camping, and hiking can find a variety of outdoor entertainment at the Little Sahara State Park.
The park has over 1600 usable acres.
They offer tent camping, RV camping, picnicking options, and onsite concessions.
One of the park’s best features is its ATV and Dune Buggy rental for families who want to explore the park’s natural dunes and other formations.
Onsite Attractions
- Overnight Camping
- ATV Riding
- Dune Buggy Riding
Contact Information
Address: 101 Main Street, Wayonoka, Oklahoma – 73860
Website: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/little-sahara-state-park
Phone: 580-824-1471
Pricing and Fees
Fees and prices vary by season and the number of guests in your party.
Contact the park directly for current pricing and seasonal operating hours.
Operating Hours
Vary by season
7. Osage Hills State Park
About the Park
Osage Hills State Park was established in Osage County, Oklahoma, in the early 1930s.
They offer families another outdoor recreational area that offers nature-based activities and outdoor recreation.
This park has cabins, lodging, campsites for overnight stays, and a swimming pool that opens seasonally.
Onsite Attractions
- Fishing
- Wildlife Watching
- Hiking
- Camping
Contact Information
Address: 2131 Osage Hills Park Road, Pawhuska, Oklahoma – 74056
Website: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/osage-hills-state-park
Phone: 918-336-4141
Pricing and Fees
Variable
Operating Hours
Sunday – Saturday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Online Booking Options: Yes
8. Lake Hefner Resovoir
About the Lake
Lake Hefner is a multi-use lake and drinking water reservoir that serves Oklahoma residents.
Families who visit the lake enjoy boating and taking advantage of the almost ten-mile stretch of public use space, including pristine walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a running track.
Onsite Attractions
- Walking Trails
- Lighthouse
- Playground
- Picnic Area
- Running Track
Contact Information
Address: Portland and Lakeshore Drive, Oklahoma City – 73116
Website: https://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.4341
Phone: 405-297-1426
Pricing and Fees
General Admission to Lake Hefner’s recreational areas is free.
Check with the facility to learn about additional fees required for boating, fishing, and parking.
9. Myriad Botanical Gardens
About the Gardens
Consider taking your family to the Myriad Botanical Gardens in OKC when looking for fun and free places to take your kids to Oklahoma.
The gardens encompass a 15-area expanse of outdoor gardens with fun activities for every family member.
Besides the floral displays, they offer an off-leash dog park, walking and running trails, and a splash pad.
Onsite Attractions
- Ornamental Garden
- Children’s Garden
- Playground
- Dog Park
- Splash Gardens
Contact Information
Address: 301 West Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City – 73102
Website: https://myriadgardens.org/
Phone: 405-445-7080
Pricing and Fees
Free Admission
10. Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
About the Refuge
Visit the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Southwestern Oklahoma, where you and your family can experience protected wildlife in their natural habitat as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The refuge is home to some of the most exotic wildlife in the West and tons of natural lakes for fishing and natural exploration.
Onsite Attractions
- Wildlife Watching – Bison, Elk, Birds
- Wildlife Photography
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Kayaking
Contact Information
Address: 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, Oklahoma – 73552
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wichita-mountains
Phone: 580-429-3222
Oklahoma Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Oklahoma Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free attractions for families with kids in Oklahoma?
Yes!
Families can find a variety of fun and free activities in and around Oklahoma City.
Below are family-friendly locations that offer free admission.
- Myriad Botanical Gardens
- Scissor Tail Park
- Martin Park Nature Center
- Lake Hefner
- Will Rogers State Park
- Osage Hills State Park
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
How can I prepare for outdoor activities with kids in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s visitors must note that local weather can be hot and humid, and temperatures regularly reach over a hundred degrees.
High temperatures mean you should plan your outings wisely, stay hydrated, and take cooling breaks in the shade or air-conditioned buildings as needed.
What are Oklahoma's best places for families and kids?
Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas have tons of attractions and local amenities that can keep families entertained for hours.
Families can browse natural landscapes at local botanical gardens, cool off at popular water parks, or learn about the history of the Old West by visiting frontier-themed museums.
What should I know about visiting Oklahoma-area attractions with kids?
Many activities require long periods of standing in line, hiking along trails, and walking from one attraction to another.
Be sure everyone in the family is appropriately dressed and wearing comfortable shoes, and bring along strollers or wagons for crawlers and early walkers.
