Oklahoma is known for its booming agriculture, Native American heritage, cowboy legacies, and energy industries. Being the state capital, Oklahoma City is the heart of Oklahoma and showcases all that is important to the lovely state.
There is something for everyone in Oklahoma city, whether you are looking for fun, education, or both. There is even a great opportunity for you to honor the 1995 Oklahoma City terrorist bombing victims at the national memorial of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
Here are the top 9 things to do in Oklahoma City with your family this weekend:
- Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
- Oklahoma History Center
- National Cowboy and Western History Museum
- Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Hefner Lake and Park
- Wheeler Ferris Wheel
- Museum of Osteology
- Frontier City
- Brickopolis
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
No visit to Oklahoma City would be complete without taking a moment to pause and visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. This national memorial is dedicated to the tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995.
Visit the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial dedicated to those who died and survived, and see the Survivor Tree, which was at the heart of the bombing. You can journey through this moving museum’s touch screens, galleries, and theaters to learn the story of one of the worst terrorist bombings in U.S. history.
The outdoor memorial is free to the public. The museum is open daily and visits are on a time-based system, so reservations are required. Museum tickets for college students and children ages 5-17 cost $12 per person. Adult tickets cost $15 per person.
2. Oklahoma History Center
If you are looking for a deep dive into all things Oklahoma, look no further than the Oklahoma History Center. Run by the Oklahoma Historical Society, this museum’s goal is to collect, share, and preserve Oklahoma history.
Exhibits highlight this 46th state’s life before statehood, Native Americans, the innovative spirit of industry, and much more.
The Oklahoma History Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. It costs $10 per adult and $5 per child over age 5. They also offer a great family rate of $25 for families with up to 8 people.
3. National Cowboy and Western History Museum
For lovers of the wild west, the National Cowboy and Western History Museum is a must! Founded in 1955, this museum is a premier of Western history and culture.
This museum boasts of having the world’s largest collection of barbed wire, saddlery, and American rodeo memorabilia. There is even an old town area to walk through to help you feel like you are truly in the old west.
The museum is open daily, and tickets cost $12 per adult, $10 per student, and $5 per child.
4. Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Want a good old-fashioned fun day with your kids in Oklahoma City? Take them to the zoo!
While at the zoo, you can check out real animals or head to BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise to see and connect with animals made from more than one million toy bricks. The Oklahoma City Zoo is also home to a beautiful botanical garden to help you explore our world’s ecosystem.
The zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day of the year except Christmas.
5. Hefner Lake and Park
Lake Hefner is an absolute treasure trove for bird watchers. During the annual migration, dozens of water-based bird species stop along the 17 mile shoreline.
Non-bird watchers will surely enjoy the fresh air around the lake and the beautiful lighthouse. The lake also hosts sailboat races every weekend from April to October.
6. Wheeler Ferris Wheel
The Wheeler district houses a 100 ft Ferris wheel which will give you a fun bird’s eye view of Oklahoma.
One ride tickets cost $6 per rider or $10 for an all-day pass. Kids 3 and under are free. You can also simply enjoy the great fresh air as you watch the river flow by behind the wheel.
There are many great photo ops around the Ferris wheel, too, including large OKC letters.
7. Museum of Osteology
Unlock your family’s wonder by taking them to the Museum of Osteology. This unique educational museum of skeletons has over 800+ specimens and promises 100% family fun!
The Museum of Osteology has authentic skeletons from all over the world. The owner designed it to make learning fun and exciting. Compare structures of tiny mice to large humpback whales, or view rare species you have never seen before!
The Museum of Osteology is open daily. Tickets to the museum cost $12 for anyone 12 or older and $10 for ages 3 through 11.
8. Frontier City
For thrill-seekers, Frontier City is the place for you. This Six Flags theme park hosts a colorful and fun wild west theme and is great for a day of family fun under the sun.
Frontier City has great rides for kids young and old! Check out their assortment of kiddie rides for your little ones, or take your older kids and brave the Brain Drain together. With lots of shopping and live shows for entertainment, there is something for everyone in your family to enjoy.
The cost of one day pass to Frontier City starts at $29.99, with the option for additional add-ons. You can also purchase an annual pass starting at $6.75 a month.
9. Brickopolis
Brickopolis is a three-story family-friendly entertainment venue with a big emphasis on fun.
Get a hole-in-one of fun with their 18-hole mini golf course, engage in some friendly fire in a laser tag game, or test your skills in the arcade. You can even try your upper body strength by climbing any of the three exhilarating options at the Klime wall.
If you are visiting and need a bite to eat, check out their bar and grill for delicious pizza, burgers, wings, and more! While there you can also explore the Bricktown district area to shop and see some local art.
