Howdy, partners! Oklahoma City is bursting with energy this week, with a perfect blend of outdoor fun, cultural experiences, and delicious eats. Get ready to explore the Modern Frontier with these hand-picked recommendations!
Take a leisurely walk or bike ride through Scissortail Park, OKC's urban oasis. Enjoy the gardens, relax by the lake, and maybe catch a concert or visit the farmer's market if you're lucky. Every night, the Skydance Bridge lights up, creating a top Instagrammable spot.
Tip: Check the park's event calendar for free activities like yoga classes or live music.
Head to the Boathouse District for some thrilling outdoor adventures at RIVERSPORT Rapids. Try whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, or scaling the 80-ft SkyTrail. With activities for all ages and skill levels, it's a guaranteed adrenaline rush.
Tip: Look for day passes to save money if you plan on trying multiple activities.
Enjoy a picturesque Oklahoma sunset at Lake Hefner. Walk along the East Wharf, snap a photo by the lighthouse, or grab a bite to eat at one of the lakeside restaurants. You can also find accessible playgrounds for the kids.
Tip: Bring a blanket and some snacks for a perfect, relaxed evening by the water.
Explore the Myriad Botanical Gardens, a 17-acre urban park in downtown Oklahoma City. Visit the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory to view plant displays or participate in Myriad in Motion, which is a place for enthusiasts of all levels to center, recharge and reconnect with nature.
Tip: While the Crystal Bridge Conservatory isn't free, the gardens surrounding it are, and they're beautiful.
Grab a delicious pizza at Hall's Pizza Kitchen in Midtown. With high-quality ingredients and a great patio view of the OKC skyline, it's a local favorite. Don't forget to try their Jalapeno Ranch.
Tip: Check out their garlic appetizers, they're very delicious.
Head to the Uptown 23rd District to enjoy a gourmet menu from lunch to late night at Guyutes. Named after a Phish song, the restaurant offers plenty of vegan and gluten-free options in an eclectic, amiable atmosphere.
Tip: Check out over 100 iconic tour posters adorning the dining room walls.
Experience a variety of culinary concepts at Parlor OKC, a food hall in Automobile Alley. From creative fried chicken to authentic Mexican food, there's something for everyone in this eclectic atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the artisan cocktails and craft beer at the bar.
Tip: Check out Parlor's second story garden patio.
Visit Casa Freddy's on the West Side for Oaxacan cuisine. Enjoy quecas and tlaocoyos and breakfast. The menu continues the trend of more and better regionally specific Mexican food in the metro.
Tip: Even though they have chips and salsa, try the Oaxacan food.
Explore the vibrant Bricktown Entertainment District for a night out on the town. With a variety of bars, restaurants, and live music venues, there's something for every taste.
Tip: Take a ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi for a unique perspective of the district.
Dance the night away at Selva Nightclub, one of the most vibrant nightclubs in Oklahoma City. With music ranging from reggaeton and EDM to hip-hop and global dance beats, every night is crafted to bring people together through music and hospitality.
Tip: Check out la Selva night club photos to capture the essence of Oklahoma nightlife and the excitement of Oklahoma City night clubs.
Enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere at The Jones Assembly. This popular spot offers a great selection of drinks and food, making it a perfect destination for a night out.
Tip: This is a great spot to dance.
Play 80s/90s music, have arcades that are free to play after cover charge and have a dance floor at Flashback retropub.
Tip: This bar is across the street from Jones Assembly.
Immerse yourself in art at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Explore their permanent collection and special exhibitions, including a comprehensive collection of glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly.
Tip: Kids under 17 are free!
Discover the history and culture of the American West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Explore exhibits on cowboys, Native Americans, and Western performers, plus an outdoor area with recreations of Native American living structures.
Tip: Don't miss Prosperity Junction, a replica turn-of-the-twentieth-century cattle town.
Experience interactive art at Factory Obscura. This quirky, brightly painted building features immersive installations and collaborative art experiences.
Tip: Look for the interactive boom box that is visible from the street.
Take an art walk through the Plaza District and admire the ever-changing murals at the Plaza Walls project. This outdoor mural gallery is a great spot for photos and discovering local artists.
Tip: Visit during LIVE on the Plaza, a monthly art event, for an even more vibrant experience.
Tour the Oklahoma State Capitol and learn about the state's history and government. Walk the six floors yourself or go on one of the tours. Don't forget to walk the grounds to see the statues and memorials.
Tip: Snap some photos of the architecture and view the artwork, from framed paintings to murals.
Enjoy a peaceful escape at Martin Park Nature Center, with over three miles of trails. See the red dirt Oklahoma is famous for and watch some wildlife. Stop by the indoor nature center to view more creatures.
Tip: This is a great spot for the whole family to learn and get some exercise.
Visit the 21c Museum Hotel to see a boutique hotel that decided to add an art museum to its lobby.
Tip: Many of these stops appreciate donations.
Follow the walking trail along the breathtaking Oklahoma River and let the kids loose on a modern playground located on the banks in Oklahoma City's Boathouse District. Take a break to watch the kayaks, canoes and dragon boats traverse the water.
Tip: This playground can be found amidst a hub of river activity.
Spend a day at the Oklahoma City Zoo, home to over 1,900 animals. Explore the Great EscAPE, where you get up close and personal with orangutans and gorillas. The Sanctuary Asia section houses the zoo's herd of Asian elephants.
Tip: Stop by the Children's Zoo to pet goats, see monkeys and lorikeets, or play in the splash pad.
Explore Science Museum Oklahoma, one of the biggest science museums in the USA.
Tip: If you have a membership to any ASTC museum, you can get free admission.
Take a narrated water taxi ride down the canal in Bricktown. Learn about the Land Run of 1889 and see the Centennial Land Run Monument, one of the largest bronze sculptures in the world.
Tip: Some water taxis give free 20oz water or soda with a ride.
Head to HeyDay Bricktown for bowling and arcades. Eat some pizza and play a few games at Hey Days during your family stay.
Tip: They have shoe rentals and bowling balls of all sizes so everyone in the family can have a great time.