Pets are part of the family, and a vacation isn’t the same without the whole family, so don’t leave home without your furry friend. Dogtime.com ranked Oklahoma as one of the top ten states in the nation for dog ownership. Famous for its dog-friendly parks, restaurants and events, OKC is doggone fun for your furry friend, too. And exploring OKC with pets is even easier when you’re camping at pet-friendly Rockwell RV Park Oklahoma City.
Dog Parks
From pet-friendly restaurants and attractions to dog-friendly stores and bars, there are plenty of places to bring Fido. Start by visiting OKC Paw Park in northwest OKC, where there’s plenty of room to run, play and explore – for both of you! Admission is free, but donations are welcome to keep the park running. Nearby Lake Hefner offers water-loving dogs the chance to swim and soak in the sun in the summer months.
Midtown Mutts Dog Park is one of the city’s newest parks. On December 5th, Midtown OKC and Downtown OKC hosted “A Dog Day in December,” at the park. Owners brought the pups and enjoyed a pet-friendly Dog Day, holiday-themed fundraiser, benefiting the Midtown Association.
Celebrate dogs and the holidays at Midtown OKC. Photo Credit: Downtown OKC Partnership Facebook at Midtown District
The Wheeler Memorial Dog Park contains a side for small dogs and one for large dogs. This dog park has two sides and are rotated on a monthly basis.
Boathouse District
Dogs are welcome to join the fun as you head out on the water in the Boathouse District. Just make sure your pup has their lifejacket (PFD). Check out the Barks & Brews Dog Park and enjoy the Oklahoma River with your furry friend.
Enjoy the Oklahoma River with your favorite furry friend. Photo Credit: RiverSportOKC.org
Take your time to enjoy the art and architecture of the district. The Chesapeake Boathouse anchors the Boathouse District and serves as the community boathouse on the river.
Wheeler Ferris Wheel
Wheeler is home to the historic Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel. It stands 100 feet above the south bank of the Oklahoma River. The Ferris wheel was refurbished and installed in the Wheeler District in 2016. And it’s just about a 10 minute drive from Rockwell RV Park.
Relax with a book at the Wheeler Ferris Wheel. Photo Credit: Unsplash, @smontelongo
The Wheeler Ferris Wheel has the perfect landscape for a long walk with the one you love—your furry friend, that is! Get your best friend outside today and us the hashtag #wheelerdoggos in your Instagram stories.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Oklahoma’s oldest national park area is a haven for nature lovers and their pets. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur welcomes dogs on leashes. This Oklahoma oasis is abundant with springs, streams and lakes. Pets are prohibited on the trails east of the Travertine Nature Center and in some swimming areas. Check the NPS.gov site for more details.
The Little Niagara falls in Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you’re looking to go off the beaten path towards Davis, The Cross Bar Ranch Off-Road Park is a little over an hour from OKC and your pet is welcome to join you on your outdoor adventure.
Lake Hefner
On the city’s central northwest side, you’ll find a popular spot among the locals. With fishing docks, an enclosed heated fishing dock, picnic areas, nature trail and golf course, there’s no shortage of fun.
Photo Credit: Unsplash, Luke Southern
The Lake Hefner Trail is a 9.4 mile heavily trafficked loop that features beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
The Lake Hefner Golf Club features two challenging courses dotted by water hazards and bunkered fairways and greens.
“Lake Hefner goes on for miles…seriously! There are great trails to run, walk, bike, get the dogs out. Really just a great way to get outdoors. Hefner has some beautiful sunsets and is a great place to just look at the view.” Chelsey V., Yelp
Myriad Botanical Gardens
The Myriad Gardens has an off-leash dog park located on the east side. Keep it social and share your doggie pictures with #myriaddogs and tagging @myriadgardens.
Tulsa Arts District
While not located in Oklahoma City, this diverse, culturally robust area is just a short drive from OKC. The area has morphed over the years, into an eclectic cluster of museums, bars, retail stores, restaurants and galleries.
Guthrie Green is a community town square to celebrate the performing arts. Located in the heart of the Arts District in Tulsa, this inviting green space offers markets, festivals and concerts. And they’re all free to the public. Pets are allowed, on a leash. There are doggy bags located throughout the park.
“Restaurants, bars, breweries, art galleries, and studios, music venues, shops, awesome “town square” park, urban living space. This place has it all!” – Philip K., Facebook.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Breweries
And when you’re not cooking in the RV or roasting over an open campfire, there are a plethora of dog-friendly restaurants in OKC. With more than 120 pet- friendly restaurants that welcome dogs, you’ll even find dog-friendly bars like The Jones Assembly and Stonecloud Brewing.
OKC is now home to a rapidly growing craft beer scene and many of those breweries – like Anthem Brewing Co. Taproom – welcome pets. When hunger sets in, visit the hip outdoors food truck eatery and bar known as The Bleu Garten. This is innovative deliciousness in a unique outdoor dining experience that your furry friend can enjoy, too.
Furry friends are welcome at Bleu Garten any day of the week! Photo Credit: Bleu Garten, Rachel Photographs
Take Fido for a walk around Lake Hefner, then end the day with a meal, margarita and sunset over the water at Louie’s Grill & Bar. This casual American eatery has received a rating of 5.0 out of 5 bones by four canine critics on BringFido and 4.0 out of 5 in 46 traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.
ProTip: Kids eat free on Wednesdays!
Picasso Café offers organic and locally sourced ingredients with vegan and gluten-free options. And doggie dining options are available for just $4. Try their “Drunken Pear” spinach salad with port poached pear, spiced pecans, feta cheese and cider pecan vin.
“They use sustainable produce and meats. I had the Cobb Salad topped with chicken. They also have dog bowls with chicken, rice spinach and carrot curls. food was very tasty and they accommodated my Jack Russell very nicely.” Karen M., TripAdvisor
Anchor Down Draft and Dog serves craft drinks and gourmet corn dogs and hot dogs. And man’s best friend is welcome on the dog-friendly patio, which holds eight tables.
Bourbon St. Café in Bricktown offers Southern hospitality, great canal views and a nice patio welcoming four-legged friends. Grab some Louisiana Shrimp and Grits or Black Magic Catfish, with your pup.
OKC’s Social Capital provides comfortable atmosphere, an extensive list of craft beer, specialty cocktails, and wine, and two restaurants serving a wide variety of delicious fare. Their menu features 120 draft beers, a full wine and cocktail list, street tacos, salads, charcuterie, and house-made ice cream. All of this and they are dog-friendly on the outdoor patios.
Chimichanga with Carne asada, black bean puree, pico, cheddar/jack mix cheese, salsa, sour cream, queso. Photo Credit: Social Capital OKC Facebook
Dogs pair well with a beer on the rooftop patio. Photo Credit: Social Capital Facebook
Located just a short 30 minute drive from OKC, The Patriarch is a 3-story house in Edmond, OK built in 1903 by William M. Hunt. Known as ‘The Hunt House’ by the local community, it’s been gentrified and restored to facilitate an All-American craft beer bar, with 48 taps flowing with the finest local suds. They serve delicious street tacos from on the back patio, where Fido can hang out with you.
Photo Credit: Unsplash, @gersonrepreza
Rockwell RV Park in Oklahoma City has 170 full service leveled sites, an indoor heated swimming pool, indoor hot tub and a full beauty salon. It offers all of this and more and is located just minutes from all of these dog-friendly locations and activities.
Oklahoma City has upped its dog game.
