Whether for business or pleasure, if you are planning a trip to Oklahoma City, there will be no shortage of tourist-friendly things to do. Whether you are a history buff, looking for fine dining and entertainment, or plenty of sights that are good for the kiddies, it will not disappoint. There are also plenty of interesting day trips, giving you a chance to see even more of this wonderful state.
Here are just a few of the top things to do while you are spending time in the capital city of the Sooner State.
OKC National Memorial
This site serves as a place to learn about, and reflect upon, the 1995 bombing that shook the nation. This museum will help you learn about the events leading up to it, the aftermath and the inspiring recovery. This story is told through a variety of mediums, such as items damaged from the bombing, video and oral accounts.
Bricktown
The revitalized Bricktown entertainment district has become one of the highlights of the city. Whether you are looking for entertainment, fine dining or a night out on the town, you can find whatever it is you are looking for right here. You can hop on a water taxi along the canal, stroll the brick-lined streets, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. Many of the city’s best restaurants are located here, such as Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse and Nonna’s.
Head out to Nature
Oklahoma City Zoo
Zoos are always a great attraction for kids and adults alike, and the Oklahoma City Zoo is ranked as one of the top three family-friendly zoos in the United States. It is teeming with all manner of wildlife but is particularly well-known for a few key exhibits such as the elephant habitat, big cat habitat and the Great EscApe exhibit, which allows you to get an up-close-and-personal look at orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees. It is also well-known for its Children’s Zoo which contains all kinds of great kid’s stuff, such as interactive exhibits and plays areas.
Museums
While some may not think of this city as one dripping in culture, there are actually quite a few quality museums that challenge this notion, and certainly worth a visit.
The Science Museum Oklahoma is great for kids and adults alike. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits, and an interesting range of exhibits, from fractal art to WWII airplanes.
The Oklahoma History Center, which is the official state museum of history, gives a fascinating look into the lives of Oklahoma’s oil barons, famous citizens, pioneers, and American Indians. Covering over 215,000 square feet, it is chock-full of artifacts, interactive installations, and exhibits. You can also easily visit the State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion, which are located in the same complex.
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a great attraction for anyone interested in the ‘cowboy culture,’ which has really deep roots in the state. This museum is a celebration of these roots and is filled with Western art, American Indian art, artifacts, firearms, and a cattle town.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is home to a variety of pieces from blown glass to modern sculpture. Here you will find traveling exhibits from all over the world, European art, Latin American paintings, avant-garde sculpture and one of the world’s largest collections of Dale Chihuly’s glass pieces. You can also catch screenings of independent films and dine at the Museum Café.
Frontier City and White Water Bay
If you like theme parks, these are two attractions for you. The Frontier City Theme Park has over 50 rides, including plenty of thrilling roller coasters. The Wild West shows are another of its popular attractions.
White Water Bay has a little something for everyone, from tame water rides to more extreme offerings. Plenty of kid-friendly rides here.
This is just a small sampling of what is on offer in Oklahoma City, but some of the most popular and well-liked attractions. Enjoy your trip!