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10 Family Friendly Spots in Oklahoma City

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November 21, 2019

Young daughter with red hair on Dad's shoulders at OKC Fair, walking in crowd

The crossroads of America is a fantastic destination for families to explore. Whether you’re looking for a place to spend your daughter’s birthday or just a great way to spend the weekend with the whole family, our list of Oklahoma City RV Parks offers unparalleled convenience to the top family friendly attractions in Oklahoma City.

Sooner State Safari

Discover the wonders of wildlife and world-class habitats like the Cat Forest/Lion Overlook and Sanctuary Asia at The Oklahoma City Zoo. OKC Zoo is Oklahoma’s largest and most popular cultural attraction and a top-notch family friendly spot with 1,900 animal species, botanical gardens, zoo classes and educational programs for kids of all ages.

Bright orange flamingos at OKC zoo

In 2018, the OKC Zoo bird department successfully hand-reared four American flamingo chicks. 🐦Photo Credit: Danny Gallegos, Unsplash

There are three different buckets of tickets that are sectioned into rides, zoo attractions and the wild encounters. While open daily 9-5pm, the zoo is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Children’s Zoo Barnyard is a spacious area where little ones can connect with animals and nature. And they even offer overnights for families! During the holidays, “Breakfast with Santa at the OKC Zoo” is a festive morning of merry memories in the making. Don’t miss the hot chocolate bar, while the kids enjoy cookie decorating.

Lion cub laying down on dirt at OKC Zoo

A lion cub born 2008 at the Oklahoma City Zoo. 🦁Photo Credit: Getty Images

Pro tip: Guests are welcome to bring in personal coolers with outside food and drive. Open-air cooler storage is available by the Jungle Gym playground.

“My family and I love this zoo. The staff always takes time to answer my daughter’s questions, and they have tons of extra to do for a reasonable price!” – Chance Butler, Facebook.

Science Museum Oklahoma Broadens Horizons

For more worldly, learning fun for the kids, check out the Science Museum Oklahoma, conveniently located next to the zoo. The museum is all about making physical science fun. Targeting ages four to eight, “CurioCity” is a 20,000-square-foot village featuring eight whimsical neighborhoods. Each one is interactive and enhances different sets of skills. Just like camping and RV travel, it’s all about exploring, investigating, learning and having fun. Kids can experience action vs. reaction, how things are made and taken apart, in an environment that encourages families to learn together.

Small boy leaning over man made pond structure at Science Museum Oklahoma Gardens

After a busy day like Tinkerfest on Saturday, today was a good day for a walk in the SMO Gardens! 🌿 Photo Credit: Science Museum Oklahoma, Facebook Page

“What a great museum! Most exhibits are “hands on” which doubles the fun. This place is huge so plan on spending several hours…The planetarium is worthwhile. We were there on a Sunday morning and it wasn’t crowded.” -mwcw, Trip Advisor

Frontier Fun at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Western fans should begin by exploring OKC’s western roots at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Kids will love the life-size, turn-of-the-century cattle town that’s complete with a railroad depot, blacksmith shop, livery stable and saloon. And opening in the spring of 2020 is a whole new outdoor venue with more than 100,000 square feet dedicated to learning and family fun. Liichokoshkomo’ (pronounced Lee-cho-kosh-ko-MO) is a Chickasaw phrase for “Let’s play!” and will include picnics, cultural arts and crafts and active play for one of the coolest and most imaginative outdoor learning environments in the U.S. The grand opening is Saturday, March 14, 2020.

Large building with floor to ceiling windows displaying horse sculpture at night with Christmas lights

Indoors the iconic The End of the Trail sculpture is a favorite among visitors. 🤠Photo Credit: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Facebook Page

“Even if you are not a fan of Western history and culture, this place is still a must visit while in the 405. Amazing artwork and sculpture, authentic Native American artifacts and art, and fun stuff for the kids to do.” Brian V, Yelp

Get Bullish on the Oklahoma State Fair 

The Oklahoma State Fair is an annual event that runs for ten days in mid-September. Go for the “Xtreme Bulls & Broncs,” exhibits, live music or get a birds-eye view at the “Sky Eye Park.” Kids will enjoy “Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party,” a brand-new adventure with world-class skating, acrobatics with their favorite Disney characters.

Toy pig wearing overalls in front of ferris wheel at OKC Fair

Squishy Pig is enjoying a nice sunny day at the Oklahoma State Fair in front of the Sky Eye. 🐷Photo Credit: Oklahoma State Fair, Facebook Page

Pro tip: September 17th is “Dr. Pepper $2 Tuesday.”

 “Annual state fair is something you have to go to. Enjoy the fried foods and grab a drink while walking around playing games for a stuffed animal. We had a great time!” – Kristina S., Yelp

Brickopolis Thrills the Whole Brood

Looking for laser tag, arcade games or miniature golf? Visit Brickopolis along the canal for some awesome family fun. Scale to the top of Bricktown with the new Klime Wall. Check out their gemstone mining sluice where you can discover and identify your own treasures!

Brickopolis brick building in OKC

Check out their fully themed, multi-level laser tag arena located On The Canal in Bricktown. ⚡Photo Credit: Brickopolos, Facebook Page.

If you’re wondering if this is worth the trip, it is. Take it from a local who has been here several times! Friendly staff, fun games, clean facility, and fun for all ages!” Kelsey P., Yelp.

Take the OKC Wheeler District for a Spin

Oklahoma City RV Parks are just a short drive from Oklahoma City’s Wheeler District, where you can ride the grand and historic Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel (formerly a landmark in Southern California). This new urban village is curating great experiences through a combination of family-friendly public spaces. And Wheeler is located at the nexus of the Oklahoma City bike trail network.

Ferris wheel at dusk in OKC with people waiting in line

Wheeler is home to the historic Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel. After being purchased on eBay in 2008, over $1 million was invested to refresh and refurbish the Wheel. 🎡Photo Credit: Wheeler Ferris Wheel Facebook Page

Make a Splash at Riversport Adventure Park

Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District is located minutes from downtown Oklahoma City.  During the warmer months, Riversport Adventure Park is a must-visit for adventurous water fun for the whole family. With whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, high-speed slides and a youth zone, summertime in OKC will be a family vacation to remember.

Young boy wearing life jacket smiling on kayak in Oklahoma City

Their “Discover Kayaking” class covers the basic strokes, maneuvering techniques and general safety rules. 🚣Photo Credit: RiverSportOKC.org

OKC Gets Nautical on Oklahoma River Cruises

Oklahoma River Cruises is a great way to discover some of Oklahoma City’s hidden treasures. Offering public transportation along the 7 mile stretch of the Oklahoma River, each vessel can accommodate up to 35 guests. The cabins are climate controlled, so enjoying the views in the summertime is comfortable. Ferry season is April through November and operates Wednesday through Sundays, most months.

Have a Ball in the Bricktown District

Speaking of boat rides, families can take a boat ride through the Bricktown District running canal and learn about the history of the downtown area. Think urban entertainment center in the heart of OKC. On the far east side is the ballpark where the OKC Dodgers play. Head west to check out an OKC Thunder game. Catch a movie along the south side at their massive theater.

Oklahoma City cityscape in Bricktown at dusk

OKC cityscape in Bricktown at dusk. 🏙️Photo Credit: Sean Pavone, Getty Images

“We loved our time spent in Bricktown and can’t wait to come back! Definitely want to bring the kids next time for some canoeing and rafting. We loved the boat ride and the shops and restaurants. There is so much to do in the area.” – Angie H., Yelp

Sooner Slip ’n’ Slide at Hurricane Harbor OKC

Cool off in the summer at the largest water adventure park in Oklahoma with over 30 rides, slides, pools and activities. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely float down the easy-going lazy river at Castaway Creek or a fun-filled plunge that takes riders through a dark tunnel and out into the west end of Shipwreck Island, Six Flags is all about family fun. Newly rebranded to Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City, the largest waterpark in Oklahoma is debuting a new high-speed racing complex. The Wahoo Racer is a multi-lane water racing slide that gives riders two totally different experiences.

Aerial view of water park in Oklahoma

New water racing attraction will debut for 2020 season. 💦Photo Credit: Hurricane Harbor Facebook Page

Pro tip: Before the day of your visit, call the park information hotline at 405-943-9687 ext. 100 to hear about current discounts, show times, special events and concerts. The best times to visit are weekdays during the summer and any regular operating day during the months of May and September.

“I’ve been to several water parks and White Water [Hurricane Harbor] is my favorite…I’ve been going here since I was little and have watched the park grow as I grew. Kiddie pool is great. Friday Dive In Movies are a favorite for my boys…” Jerry C., Yelp

Combine all this with the city’s rich heritage and southern hospitality, it’s easy to see why Oklahoma City is one of America’s best untold family travel destinations.