The capital of the state offers so many things to do in Oklahoma City with the family. Start with fun things like riding a water taxi to visiting their unique zoo to experiencing its cowboy culture. Take time to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and hear stories of survivors and those who saved them. Read on for things to do in OKC on your next family vacation.
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6 Things to Do in Oklahoma City
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Oklahoma City is one of those midwest destinations that will surprise you with all the possible things to do. (Click here for all the possible OKC city tours, sightseeing, and tours.)
There are so many fun things to experience with family and friends, including its zoo, botanical gardens, and its popular Bricktown neighborhood. Perhaps the most moving experience is a visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
Read on for inspiration to visit OKC.
Looking for more Midwest Fun? Here are reasons why you should visit Winterset, Iowa.
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Located in downtown OKC, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum offers visitors an extensive self-guided, chronological, and interactive audio/video tour.
This tour tells the tragic story that began on April 19, 1995, when the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building occurred and killed 168 people.
The average visit lasts about an hour and a half. Visitors will:
- Listen to the incredible stories of survivors trapped in the chaos. Listen also to the amazing rescue workers, construction volunteers, the medical community, and others who helped save them.
- Helicopter news footage shows the building at 9:13 AM and press releases from around the world regarding the bombing amid an outpouring of concern and sympathy.
- See crime scene photos. Key evidence from members of the justice team and investigators who pieced together the case. You’ll even see the getaway car, evidence from the trials, and more.
- Browse the families’ displays of personal artifacts and photographs of their loved ones and tell their own personal stories.
- Learn about the rebuilding and how survivors and family members led the effort to have new Congressional legislation passed.
Pre-purchase your tickets here.
2. Myriad Botanical Gardens
This is an elegant 15-acre natural escape in the heart of downtown. It features “splash fountains,” a waterfall, a children’s garden, a playground, and cute baby rabbits and ducks. But wait there’s more!
Explore its beautifully landscaped plants. Visit the Park House restaurant. Take your four-legged family friend to its off-leash dog park. Experienced its paths for jogging and walking, and save time to enjoy concerts in the Bandshell.
The Crystal Bridge Conservatory is a gardener’s dream, featuring a resident talking parrot.
Also, the Gardens offers horticultural education programs for children and adults.
Everything’s been made even nicer by recent a multi-million-dollar renovation partially funded by the city.
3. Bricktown Entertainment District & Water Taxi
Bricktown is packed with more than 40 attractions, restaurants, and bars within walking distance. You could spend an entire day here.
To get the best overview of this area, take the historic Bricktown water taxi tour. This is a regularly scheduled, historically-themed, and entertaining narrated cruise. Enjoy the views while cruising through the heart of downtown and its Bricktown entertainment district.
The informative cruise lasts about 40 minutes or so. The admission ticket is good for the whole day if you want to ride the boat multiple times.
Learn the history and information about the different attractions, hotels, and restaurants that you pass. Be sure to check out the amazing artwork and bronze statues along the canal.
4. Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum and Oklahoma Railway Museum
Families will love visiting the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum and all aboard the Oklahoma Railway Museum in the Adventure District.
5. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Experiencing the cowboy life at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum especially in the Children’s Cowboy Corral. Here kids can look and feel like a little cowpoke when they dress up.
6. Oklahoma City Zoo
And kids of all ages will love the Oklahoma City Zoo, featuring more than 2,000 animals and amazing exhibits.
Where to Stay in Oklahoma City: Bricktown
When searching through hotels in OKC, consider the Bricktown neighborhood.
It’s close to so many attractions including the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
There are plenty of good hotels in Bricktown.
One popular pick is the Hyatt Place Oklahoma City/Bricktown, which offers 24/7 dining options, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown – Bricktown is a chic selection with its eye-catching architecture and funky interior design.
Wow. Oklahoma is more interesting than what I thought
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