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OKLAHOMA FOR FAMILIES

During our trip to Oklahoma we found the state has much to offer for families with children of all ages and interests. Whether you’re planning to visit for a week or just a weekend, there’s a diverse range of attractions and activities, as well as things to see and do that are ideal for families. Below is a summary of our experiences with some ideas to help you plan your ideal fun-filled holiday to some of Oklahoma’s best destinations. (www.travelOK.com)

Oklahoma is home to several museums and attractions aimed at challenging children’s minds while treating them to a fun, exciting adventure, and there are many options for not only an enjoyable outing, but also a chance to get the kids to think about and explore the world around them. The main cities of Oklahoma and Tulsa are loaded with so many family-friendly activities, you'll find everything from roller coasters and water slides to dinosaurs and baseball, and a whole lot more. If you are looking for outdoor adventure try the vast, recreational Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, the scenic Illinois River or the pristine, blue waters of Broken Bow Lake, you will find activities of every kind centering around this natural resource. The state has an abundance of beautiful scenery, mountains, waterfalls and forests, fun recreation and everything from buffalo and elk to monkeys and tigers, while the diverse northwest landscapes include sand dunes, salt plains, canyons and ranches.

A hot spot for children is located in the northwestern Oklahoma community of Enid. Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse (www.leonardos.org) is a hands-on arts and sciences museum that is fun for all ages. Children can build in the carpentry shop, create a masterpiece in the art studio, observe snakes, chinchillas and ferrets in the animal area and much more inside the converted warehouse. A great facility here where children can also play as they learn is the outdoor Adventure Quest science park, which is the largest playground of its kind in the world.

Oklahoma is also home to one of the world’s largest children’s museums. The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum (www.jasminemoran.com) in Seminole has formed one of the world’s largest children’s exhibits where thousands of children come each year to experience the grown-up world from a kid’s perspective. The museum is uniquely created as an imaginary town where children can actually be the doctor, the judge, the firefighter, the waterworks engineer and so much more.

OKLAHOMA CITY
www.visitokc.com

Oklahoma City is the state’s largest city and state capital. Thanks to a citywide revitalization effort, downtown Oklahoma City now boasts the nation's premier minor league ballpark and a canal that flows beside choice restaurants, shops and quaint cafes in the historic Bricktown (www.bricktownokc.com) entertainment district. There’s a fleet of water taxis (www.watertaxi.com) that provide tours on the mile-long waterway and the fun commentary from the onboard guide make this interesting trip a great family experience. With more than 50 attractions, there’s never a shortage of family-friendly activities in Oklahoma City regardless of the time of year or the weather. You can catch a movie in the brand new IWERKS large format theatre at the Omniplex or tour one of the nation's top ten zoos right next door. Don't miss the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum where galleries are full of priceless western art and treasures, or for more active fun visit Frontier City and White Water Bay.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (www.nationalcowboymuseum.org)
is the ideal place to visit for a family outing. Having tripled in size over the past seven years and experienced a name change (was formerly known as the National Cowboy Hall of Fame), this sprawling complex features several major exhibition galleries, a life-size western town, large-scale sculptures and works of art, landscaped gardens, a fabulous gift shop and restaurant. Every Memorial Day weekend, the museum hosts the Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children's Cowboy Festival, a fun-filled family event featuring cowboy fare, entertainment and activities.

For a great family day out where you will find everything and anything under one roof, look no further than the OmniPlex (www.omniplex.org), a massive complex that features hands-on exhibits, one-of-a-kind displays and even a planetarium. Here is an amusement park for the mind where families can experience interactive science exhibits, vintage aircraft, space capsules, botanical gardens, a planetarium, art and cultural galleries and Oklahoma’s first large-format, dome-screen theater.

The Orr Family Farm (www.orrfamilyfarm.com) in Moore is one of the most family friendly attractions in Oklahoma. The enthusiasm of the founder Dr Glenn Orr is infectious; he drives the train (a third size replica of the United States first transcontinental locomotive), guides you around the farm on his hay wagon telling stories all the way, and together with his family organizes special fun events for all the family. Don’t miss the Amaze’n Maze, an innovative construction that allows the route to be changed every week.

At the Oklahoma Firefighter’s Museum (www.osfa.info) children can see turn-of-the-century fire engines that were once used in Oklahoma communities, Oklahoma's first fire station, and the finest specimens of fire fighting equipment anywhere. Exhibits relate fire fighting through history, from 1730's bucket brigades to the present.

If you want to get adventuresome let the whole family try their hand at rock climbing at OKC Rocks Indoor Climbing Gym (www.okcrocks.com). Located in the historic Bricktown entertainment district, OKC Rocks lets visitors climb the inside walls of a former grain elevator with routes up to 145 feet high. Rental equipment and instructors are standing by to help even first time climbers reach new heights and have a memorable time.

After your climb, relax and enjoy a meal in one of the many great family restaurants in Bricktown Entertainment District. The Spaghetti Warehouse (www.meatballs.com) is a perennial family favorite with its fun seating arrangements ranging from brass beds to inside a trolley car. Coach’s is also a great place for the family, make sure you get a table with a view of the Bricktown Ball Park.

At the Oklahoma City National Memorial (www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org), the outdoor grounds are a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives in the Oklahoma City bombing. The museum is designed to touch those of all ages and leave them with a lasting appreciation for the spirit of hope that exists among mankind and draws us together in times of tragedy. In a special children’s area, kids can get hands on with the memorial in ways designed just for them and leave messages for other kids about their experience. The exhibits and displays are quite graphic and some families may find this a little too upsetting.

For a fun day out visit the Frontier City Theme Park (http://www.sixflags.com) where you can
stroll through an authentic 1880's western town and enjoy over 75 rides, shows, games and attractions. There’s lots going on here including the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral, six live shows, exciting rollercoasters, Renegade Rapids river raft ride, the perilous Time Warp, and the Mystery River Log Flume. For younger members of the family there’s Paul Bunyan's Tiny Timber Town, with rides specially designed for little buckaroos. Outdoor concerts by legendary music artists and fireworks displays are also featured and visitors can also attend special events like SportsFest, KidsFest, Oktoberfest and Fright Fest.

For something different explore Stockyards City (www.stockyardscity.org), the site of the world's largest stock and feeder cattle market that caters to cowboys and ranchers with western gear, clothing and outfitter shops. On Monday and Tuesday mornings, visitors can sit in on the live cattle auctions. Don't miss a stop at the Cattlemen’s Steak House (www.cattlemensrestaurant.com) an Oklahoma tradition since 1910, its name is as legendary as its steaks.

The Oklahoma City Zoo (www.okczoo.com) with more than 2,100 of the world’s most exotic animals exhibited throughout 110 lushly planted acres, is one of the top zoological parks in the nation. The several special exhibits include the Cat Forest/Lion Overlook, Great EscApe, the Noble Aquatic Center, Butterfly Garden, Island Life, and a canine exhibit featuring hyenas, wolves, and African wild dogs. In addition to these exhibits, kids will find plenty of other interesting inhabitants including all-time favorites such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and hippos along with hundreds of other family pleasers. The whole family will love the Fins and Feathers show in the performance arena of the Noble Aquatic Center, plus there’s a variety of rides and amusements available to add to the family’s zoo experience. The adventurous will enjoy the Morphis Virtual Simulator, a full-motion simulator that combines hydraulic motion, live action videos and surround sound to create realistic simulation adventures. The zoo spreads over a huge area so hire a buggy for younger children and make use of the Safari Tram to rest weary legs.

TULSA
www.visittulsa.com

Tulsa has a diverse range of attractions and activities that make it ideal for a family visit. National touring exhibitions can be seen at the Philbrook Museum of Art (www.philbrook.org), which has been featured on the television program America's Castles. Don’t miss exploring the newly renovated English Gardens, a multi-million-dollar project. The museum runs a series of excellent programs for children aged from 6 to12 years. 3 to 5 year-olds can also attend if accompanied by an adult. No pre-registration is required. This is a great place for the whole family to spend a day.

During summer months, Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical, Oklahoma!, is performed at the Discoveryland amphitheater (www.discoverylandusa.com) where cowboys race on stage astride real ponies and a barbecue dinner and roping lessons add to the evening's entertainment. Outdoor performances tell the timeless story filled with laughter, romance and drama as cowboys and ranchers settle Oklahoma’s wide open spaces. Before the shows you can chow down at the cattleman’s ranch dinner, ride a pony, watch Native American dancing, or visit the Indian trading post where you’ll find Native American art, beadwork, crafts and jewelry. It’s fun for the whole family, and children with a parent get in free.

To see some great examples of western art pay a visit to the Gilcrease Museum (www.gilcrease.org). Here you can discover much about the American West in the galleries and archives of the museum, and explore 23 acres of gardens with historical themes and sculptures that enhance the museum’s collections. The museum organizes an excellent series of family friendly programs throughout the year, check the website for dates and details.

For an underwater family adventure check out the Oklahoma Aquarium (www.okaquarium.org) in Jenks. This is a great place for kids who will marvel at the magnificent display of color and mystery of the over 200 exhibits housed in the aquarium, containing several thousand animals from around the world. Look out for the Finding Nemo exhibit where children can point out their favorite characters from the movie, and the shark exhibits, coral reefs, and a special look at the fish native to Oklahoma. If you are keen on fishing, take a look at the exhibits in the unique National Fishing Tackle Museum featuring a $4 million antique collection of fishing memorabilia.

Most kids get excited about visiting and exploring zoos and Tulsa Zoo (www.tulsazoo.org)
is one of the best. The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum is located on 78 acres within Mohawk Park, which is the third largest municipal park in the United States. Nearly 1,500 animals (436 species) are on exhibit, many of them rare and endangered, and with fantastic exhibits such as the Rain Forest, Siamang Island, North American Living Museum, Elephant Encounter and a new penguin exhibit, the Tulsa Zoo is a great place to be with the family. Gift shops, restaurants, a conservation center, and train rides help make the Tulsa Zoo a perfect all-day adventure for mom and dad as well as the kids.

The Big Splash Waterpark (www.bigsplashwaterpark.com) is the place for the kids to cool off and have fun in the sun. Here you will find seven-story-tall water slides, wave pool, float ride and a children’s pool.

The educational and fascinating Tulsa Air and Space Museum (www.tulsaairandspacemuseum.com) is dedicated to preserving not just general aviation but Tulsa’s rich aviation history. Exhibits include an F-14 Tomcat, Bell 47-K helicopter, shuttle launch cockpit simulator, wind tunnel, and airplane simulators. Enjoy the computer-simulation lab and view several rare airplanes, including the Spartan C-3 biplane built in Tulsa in 1930 and purchased by W.G. Skelly when he began Spartan Aircraft Co.

At the All Star Sports Complex (www.allstarsportscomplex.com) the kids get to slug it out in the batting cages, tee up at miniature golf, or give their thumbs a workout in the video arcade. Baseball lessons and camps are also available here.

In the Bell’s Amusement Park (www.bellsfamilyfun.com) you can scream out loud as you crest the top of Zingo, an old-fashioned wooden roller coaster that has scared the pants off Tulsa kids and their parents for years. Log rides, Ferris wheel, bumper boats, midway games, lots of kiddie rides, and a putt-putt golf course make this park a favorite of Tulsa families and visitors alike.

The Celebration Station (www.celebrationstation.com) is the place for families to race in go-carts, smash into bumper boats, and have a round of miniature golf. A ’50s-style diner and video arcade help keep the whole family happy.

At the Oxley Nature Center (www.oxleynaturecenter.org) the whole family can get up close and personal with nature on the trails that wind through this 800-acre wildlife sanctuary. The visitor center has hands-on exhibits of area plants and wildlife and guided tours are available by appointment.

NORMAN
www.visitnorman.com

Oklahoma’s third largest city, is home to performing arts, unique museums and galleries, year-round festivals, and nationally recognized sports teams. This is the place to bring the family to experience world-class attractions, lodging and restaurants, all in the unique environment of a university community.

Kids and dinosaurs go together like peanut butter and jelly and one of the best places in the country to get up close and personal with dinosaurs is the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (www.snomnh.ou.edu) where you can journey through 500 million years of history. Part of the University of Oklahoma, the museum houses more than 6 million artifacts and specimens in its collections and features dynamic displays on human, plant and animal life, but its resident dinosaurs are always a big hit with the whole family!

This amazing, child friendly museum boasts record-breaking dinosaurs that cannot be viewed anywhere else, like the world’s largest Apatosaurus (also known as the ‘Brontosaurus’). The museum’s Pentaceratops skeleton with its 10½-foot-tall skull has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest dinosaur skull. These and other prehistoric giants grace the Hall of Ancient Life and leave kids staring up in amazement. But looking up at the towering giants is not the only vantage point you can get on Sam Noble’s dinosaurs – the whole family can board the glass "dinovator" for an adventure which takes guests up 26 feet to meet the Apatosaurus eye-to-eye. The Hall of Natural Wonders is a wonderland showcasing the diversity of Oklahoma’s wildlife. In a series of detailed dioramas, visitors are taken on a walk through the state’s diverse landscapes to meet wildlife on its own turf. Visit a coyote den, watch buffalo lazily grazing while a rattlesnake poises for a strike, and walk through an interactive cave exhibit where you’ll find bats and other cave-specialized species. Kids will particularly enjoy the many hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, as well as trying to spot the many camouflaged animals hiding in the dioramas. The cultures of Oklahoma’s native people are explored in the Hall of the People of Oklahoma. Here you will learn how the earliest Oklahomans hunted mammoth and bison and view examples of early Native American dwellings and tools. A native storyteller weaves a dramatic tale of a buffalo hunt while events are highlighted in a display area that becomes a theater through the innovative use of light and still drawings. Learn the secrets of turning a tree into a canoe, view artifacts from spearheads to jewelry, and learn more about the ceremonies and traditions of Native Oklahomans. Don’t miss the Discovery Room with its “Please Touch” policy. This is an exciting educational experience where activities include a dinosaur dig where children can excavate casts of real Oklahoma dinosaur fossils, and dozens of hands-on discovery drawers and activity boxes filled with objects from the museum’s collection that can be taken out, handled and explored.

While you’re in Norman, there are several other family-friendly activities that you won’t want to miss. Soak up some “Sooner Magic” with a tour of the beautiful and historic University of Oklahoma campus which is home of the seven-time national championship OU football team. Or visit Perfect Swing Family Fun Centre (www.perfectswing.com) for a day of excitement with go-kart rides, bumper boats, batting cages, miniature golf, and a large indoor play area. Near Lake Thunderbird is Norman’s Little River Zoo (www.littleriverzoo.com), a child’s dream zoo where the opportunity to interact with some very exotic animals builds lifelong memories. This unusual zoo is home to more than 400 animals - you’ll meet monkeys, bears, coyotes, foxes, several varieties of big cats, kangaroos, and a mammoth-sized porcupine that is actually cuddly.

TAHLEQUAH

One of the most historically significant cities west of the Mississippi River, Tahlequah was the end of the Trail of Tears for the eastern Cherokees and has been the capital of the Cherokee Nation since 1841. A wonderful place to visit is the Tsa-La-Gi, an ancient village depicting Cherokee living, which can be viewed at the Cherokee Heritage Center (www.cherokeeheritage.org), along with Indian art, crafts and books. Here you can experience interactive exhibits and view artifacts while learning about the history of the Cherokee people in their original homeland in the Southeastern United States as well as their new home and capital in Oklahoma. Don’t miss the evening performances of the Trail of Tears Drama in the 1,500-seat open-air amphitheater. The whole family will be fascinated by this timeless, true story of the forced removal of the Cherokees from their native homeland and relocation to Indian Territory.

PAULS VALLEY & DAVIS

An ideal place for a safari tour is the Abuckle Wilderness (www.arbucklewilderness.com), an exotic animal drive-thru park where you can feed llamas, giraffes and mountain goats right from your car window. This well laid out park is a great place to visit and kids will love feeding the animals and enjoy the camel rides, paddle boats and go carts. Nearby is the Turner Falls Park (www.turnerfallspark.com) where kids will enjoy splashing around in one of Oklahoma's most popular recreation spots. The 77-foot waterfall and surrounding natural caves and pools make it a playground for young and old. There are picnic areas and lots of places for the kids to run free, but this is a very popular spot and does get very busy in the high season. In Pauls Valley is the Bedre Chocolate Factory (www.bedrechocolates.com) where the whole family can see a wonderful assortment of chocolate being made and then sample the delicious products in the chocolate shop.

BARTLESVILLE
www.visitbartlesville.com

In Bartlesville, the town that oil built, you can see roaming herds of exotic animals on an oil baron’s vast ranch, explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s only skyscraper, shop for unique treasures and experience the art, culture and history of the American West. The Price Tower (www.pricetower.org) adorns the city skyline creating a unique attraction. Here you can tour the top three floors and visit the Price Tower Arts Center’s latest exhibition. One of Bartlesville’s most well known attractions is Woolaroc Ranch, Museum and Wildlife Preserve (www.woolaroc.org), the former country retreat of oilman Frank Phillips. The museum is full of unique artifacts and houses one of the finest collections of western art in the mid-west. The 3,700 acre country estate is a haven for wildlife and the ideal place to experience nature’s beauty at its best. Held here in June is the annual Kidsfest, an amazing fun event for children with entertainment, educational workshops, make-and-take activities. Also visit the sumptuous residence of Frank Phillips in Bartlesville and learn about the Phillip’s family and their contributions to the Bartlesville area.

MUSKOGEE

Historically known as Three Forks, (the Verdigris, Grand and Arkansas Rivers meet here) the Muskogee/Fort Gibson area has played an important role in the development of northeastern Oklahoma. The Three Rivers Museum (www.3riversmuseum.com) tells this fascinating story with a series of interactive displays. An interesting place to visit is the Ataloa Lodge Museum (www.bacone.edu/ataloa) located on the Bacone College campus which houses one of the finest privately owned collections of Native American art in the country. One of the most unusual features in the lodge is a stone fireplace made out of rocks and stones from around the world, including a fossilized dinosaur egg. The Five Civilized Tribes Museum pays tribute to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole tribes who were forced to relocate to Oklahoma's Indian Territory after the Louisiana Purchase.

One of the most unique attractions in Muskogee is the U.S.S. Batfish War Memorial, which features an actual WWII submarine that can be toured. An ideal place for families in April and December is the Honor Heights Park, where a kaleidoscope of color adorns the grounds during the Azalea Festival in the spring, and twinkling, colorful light displays shine during the Garden of Lights Festival at Christmastime. Also, the River Country Family Water Park with its interactive water playground, sand playground, water slides and tubes is a great, fun place to visit.

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO STAY

OKALAHOMA CITY

Holiday Inn Airport
www.ichotelsgroup.com

The hotel is ideally located close to the airport and car hire depots. This is a good base to explore Oklahoma City and all its attractions. They have good facilities, including a swimming pool.

TULSA

Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills
www.marriott.com

This is a comfortable hotel ideally located to visit all the attractions in Tulsa and the surrounding area.

MUSKOGEE

Whitlock Wishouse Bed and Breakfast & Restaurant
Email: twishouse@cox.net

This luxurious guesthouse is one of the most prestigious Inns in Oklahoma. The Wishouse art and antique collection, which is valued at $2.7 million, add to the lavish décor and fit-for-royalty sophistication. This is a special place to stay but I would only recommend it for families with older children.

NORMAN

Montford Inn
www.montfordinn.com

The Montford Inn, built in 1994, was custom-designed to create a unique quality and personalized atmosphere, achieving a distinctive ambience through a combination of elegance and country tradition. The owners welcome children.

SHAWNEE

Double J Ranch
www.doublejranch.de

The Double J is the ideal place to enjoy life on a working ranch. There’s loads of space for the kids to run free, enjoy horseback riding, fishing or swimming in one of the two ponds, and hunting. They have an arena for riding and lessons can be booked if required. The comfortable guest cabins are situated in an idyllic location next to the pond, about 500 yards from the main ranch house.

BARTLESVILLE

Hotel Phillips
www.hotelphillips66.com

Centrally located, ideal for visiting the Price Tower and other attractions.

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO EAT

OKLAHOMA CITY

Cattlemen’s Steak House
www.cattlemensrestaurant.com

The Cattlemen's is known not only for its unique history, but also for its terrific food - perfectly aged steaks, legendary breakfasts, and good coffee. Located next to Oklahoma City's Stockyards City (www.stockyardscity.org), this fascinating café first opened its doors to hungry cowboys and ranchers in 1910. The walls are covered with historic pictures and drawings of real cowboys and cowgirls, the kids will love it here, especially the food! Next door to Cattlemen's is the new Country Fare Restaurant, which specializes in Ranch Style Dining.

Coach’s Sport’s Restaurant & Brewery
Bricktown

Overlooking the Redhawks Ballpark and located across the street from the Bricktown canal, this restaurant serves great pizzas, BBQ steaks, salads and sandwiches.

TULSA

Incredible Pizza Company
www.incrediblepizza.com

This is a place to have lots of fun as well as to eat cheaply. There are four large dining areas and the restaurant features an all-you-can-eat buffet with a choice of Pizzas, Pastas, Salads, Potato Bar, Ice Cream and Dessert Bar for only $5.99. The play areas include go-karts with actual races, soft-tube type bumper cars, miniature golf course, a discovery zone and arcade games.

Casa Bonita

This all-you-can-eat restaurant has a huge dining area designed to recreate the enchantment of a Mexican Village at night. Water cascading down a 20ft cliff echoes throughout the village while a volcano roars on the horizon and fireflies dance in the night sky. This is a fun place to eat and the food is good too!

NORMAN

Indian Hills Steakhouse

A great little restaurant with a good choice of food and children’s menu.

email: info@gowithkids.com