26 Fun Things To Do In Oklahoma City, OK That Every Traveler Should Try

‘Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing’ – Harper Lee

Heya! It’s Sam.

I got the opportunity to join a book club in Oklahoma. It was an amazing session that reminded me just how much I miss my local book club.

The invitation came from a group I met at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. I was perusing historical books when the group came and stopped right next to me. They were discussing their next book club session that was taking place the following day. I shamelessly asked if I could join.

Unfortunately, I hadn’t read the book they were reviewing, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, but it was such an impressive session. So impressive that I bought a copy immediately after. It’s such a literary masterpiece that I’m embarrassed it took me this long to read it.

Anyway, Oklahoma was great and I put together some fun things for you to do when you visit.

Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, an adventure seeker, a music lover, a nature lover, or even a foodie, Oklahoma City has something for everyone. 

With its family-friendly destinations, a plethora of historical narratives, and hospitable locals, it’s easy to see why Oklahoma City’s nickname is The Big Friendly.

Plan your trip to the Oklahoma state capitol Oklahoma City with our list of 26 things to do in Oklahoma City so you can enjoy your trip and savor every moment of it.

The city offers tons of things to do, ranging from its beautiful natural features, lavish gardens, wedding venues, an array of modern museums, galleries of artwork from around the globe, romantic getaways, and historic sites. 

Things to do in Oklahoma City:

1. Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 415 Couch Dr, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and college students, $5 for retired military members, and free for active military members and children (17 and under)

• Incredible artwork.
• Stunning Dale Chihuly collection.
  

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art features a variety of art styles in permanent and temporary exhibit spaces. 

• Why you should go:

The museum showcases a dynamic range of exhibits from North America, Asia, and Europe; it also has one of the most impressive collections of Chihuly glass in the world.

The Oklahoma City Museum’s theater shows films every week, including classic, independent, and foreign films. 

• Things to do:

If you are an art enthusiast, make sure to put the Oklahoma City Museum of Art on top of your list of things to do in Oklahoma City. Enjoy this artistic adventure and go through the world’s most extensive public collection of Dale Chihuly glass. 

The museum has self-guided and guided tours every day and an on-site restaurant that serves lunch, dinner, a weekend brunch, and more.

2. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Rating: 4.9 ★ 

Location: 620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and military members, $12 for students, and free for children under 5.

• A moving and inspiring memorial.
• A must-see while in Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is a peaceful memorial situated in the heart of Oklahoma City which honors the memory of the victims, rescuers, and survivors that were touched by the tragic Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995.

• Why you should go:

Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum features exhibits and interactive displays that immerse you in the heartbreaking and tragic moments in the past where one typical day became an unpredicted catastrophe.

• Things to do:

Wander through those moments, when a seemingly ordinary day for locals ultimately became one of heartbreak, chaos, and confusion. 

The original building was destroyed during the bombing. The memorial is framed by two twin gates stamped with times marking the minute just before the attack and the minute just after. There is also a survivor wall, a reflecting pool, and 168 empty chairs with names imprinted on them to represent the victims of the attack.

3. National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Rating: 4.8 ★ 

Location: 1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: $12.50 for adults, $9.75 for students, $5.75 for children (6-12), and free for children under 5.

• An excellent museum for the whole family.
• An educational tour.

Opened back in 1955, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is dedicated to Western history, culture, and art. 

• Why you should go:

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is one of the top things to do in Oklahoma City. Known as the United States’ premier institution of Western culture and history, this museum will take you through a large display of cultural and historical artifacts and artwork related to the American West.

• Things to do:

Wander around the museum and explore its vast expanse featuring a plethora of American Indian and Western artifacts and artworks alongside the most extensive collection of early American rodeo trophies, saddlery, and rodeo photographs.

The museum also includes an indoor interactive town that reflects life in the West in the early 1900s, a restaurant, and a museum gift shop that sells Western apparel and souvenirs. 

4. Oklahoma State Capitol

Rating: 4.2 ★ 

Location: 2300 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: Free admission.

• Beautiful State Capitol.
• Worth a visit.

The Oklahoma State Capitol is home to the acting government sector and officials of the whole state of Oklahoma.

• Why you should go:

The Oklahoma State Capitol fantastic building was designed and built from 1914 to 1917. If you are looking for accessible and fascinating things to do in Oklahoma City, you should pay a visit to this incredible piece of architecture right in the heart of the city.

• Things to do:

Whether you are an art enthusiast or a history buff, you will enjoy this historical adventure to the Oklahoma State Capitol. The Greco-Roman structure has an Oklahoma pink and black granite base and an Indiana limestone exterior; it houses paintings and murals of Oklahoma’s history from World War I, World War II, Korea, and even the Vietnam wars.

5. Oklahoma History Center

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location: 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and free for children under 5.

• Interesting history.
• Lots to see.

The Oklahoma History Center is the history museum of the whole state of Oklahoma, which is located on an 18-acre plot directly in front of the city’s acting Governor’s mansion.

• Why you should go:

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Oklahoma History Center is a 215,000 square-foot learning center delving deep into Oklahoma’s unique history of geology, transportation, commerce, culture, aviation, heritage, and so much more.

• Things to do:

Oklahoma History Center is one of the most exciting things to do in Oklahoma City, where you get the chance to engage in all sorts of exhibits that’ll teach you all you need to know about the rich history behind this beautiful city.

6. Henry Overholser Mansion

Rating: 4.5 ★ 

Location: 405 NW 15th St, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: one-day tickets start from $29,99.

• History of Oklahoma City in an Old Mansion.
  

Constructed in 1903, the Henry Overholser Mansion is a historical mansion in Oklahoma City’s Heritage Hills neighborhood.

• Why you should go:

Built by entrepreneur Henry Overholser, this breathtaking mansion was the first mansion in Oklahoma City. Today, this historic structure stands as a tribute to one of Oklahoma City’s genuinely remarkable families.

• Things to do:

Explore all three stories of this French chateau-style gorgeous mansion, which has kept its original furnishings and fixtures, for a unique experience as you go back into a different period where you see the Mansion as the Overholser family did.

The mansion features French stained glass, English carpets, and Antwerp fine oak paneling. There are also tales of hauntings at the historic mansion.

7. Science Museum Oklahoma

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 2020 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: $18.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors and children (3-12).

• Fun spot for adults and kids.
• Great indoor activities.
  

The Science Museum Oklahoma is a museum and planetarium in Oklahoma City featuring some of the most entertaining and unique exhibits displaying various exciting objects. 

• Why you should go:

Packed with interactive activities and exhibits, the Science Museum Oklahoma displays science-themed topics intended to educate, engage, and entertain.

Science Museum Oklahoma is one of the premier things to do in Oklahoma City for family-friendly fun, housing around eight acres of interactive science experiences alongside thousands of aviation, cultural, and space artifacts showcased in a wide array of exhibits.

The Destination Space exhibit is home to the planetarium and various items honoring the locals’ air and space travel contributions. The Destination exhibit includes the Oklahoma Aviation & Space Hall of Fame.

• Things to do:

From traveling far away from the Milky Way in the Planetarium, stepping into a tornado simulator, inventing, and testing your creations, walking a tightrope, building designs with giant Legos, to exploring the depths of the earth, the Science Museum Oklahoma is a destination like no other.

8. Myriad Botanical Gardens

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: Free admission.

• Beautiful stroll in Downtown Oklahoma City.
• Peaceful and Serene.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is an interactive urban park in Downtown Oklahoma City. The Park includes several gardens and pieces of art surrounding an underwater lake. 

• Why you should go:

With its blooming landscapes and charming open spaces, Myriad Botanical Gardens is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful things to do in Oklahoma City, offering its guests a natural escape in the heart of the city.

The centerpiece of the Myriad Botanical Gardens is the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, featuring numerous trees, living plants, waterfalls, and exotic animals.

• Things to do:

Myriad Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place for a quiet outdoor stroll alongside flowerbeds and horticultural displays.

Wander around the different areas of this delightful park, featuring additional walking or jogging paths and trails that are perfect if you are looking for some nature time, a children’s garden, splash fountain, an off-leash dog park, a visitors’ center, and a gift shop.

After your walk, dine at the garden’s famous restaurant and patio or go ice-skating at the Devon Ice Rink.

9. 45th Infantry Division Museum

Location: 2145 NE 36th St, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: Free admission.

• A stunning display of history.
• Very informative.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Oklahoma City, consider stopping by the 45th Infantry Division Museum.

• Why you should go:

The 45th Infantry Division Museum is dedicated to military artifacts, especially artifacts related to the 45th Infantry Division of the National Guard.
The 45th Infantry Division Museum has displays dating back to 1541; it includes the United States’ third-largest collection of historic military firearms and the world’s most extensive collection of items once owned by Adolf Hitler.

• Things to do:

Whether you are a history buff or not, you will enjoy your experience at the nation’s largest military history museum, representing the gruesome and long history of Oklahoma alongside the 45th Infantry Division.

The museum’s outstanding collection includes an impressive Reaves Firearm Collection, consisting of a range of weapons from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War.

The museum also contains a unique exhibit of more than 200 World War II cartoons created by a soldier in the 45th infantry division and a History of Flags exhibit.

10. Oklahoma Railway Museum

Rating: 4.5 ★ 

Location: 3400 NE Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: Free admission.

• Free fun for the whole family.

The Oklahoma Railway Museum is a non-profit organization in Oklahoma City. It is self-funded through train fares, memberships, special events, and donations for restoration projects. 

• Why you should go:

The Oklahoma Railway Museum is in a former railroad depot in Oklahoma City. The museum showcases various diesel trains and one steam locomotive that you can take a ride on. 

• Things to do:

A place for your whole family, spend your afternoon at the Oklahoma Railway Museum; there’s definitely something for everyone. Walk around a real steam engine, freight cars, passenger cars on display. There are caboose cars to explore, and an old station where a small gift shop is. The museum offers a model train exhibit in one of its cars. They also offer train rides on weekends during the summer and fall.

11. Oklahoma City Zoo

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location: 2000 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City. 

The entry fees: $11 for adults, $8 for seniors and kids between 3 and 11.

Fees for zoo activities and rides may cost extra.

• Home to a wide array of animals.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is part zoo, part botanical garden. The Zoo is well-known among visitors for its large size, variety of exhibits, and manageable layout. 

• Why you should go:

Spanning over an area of 119 acres, you will have a unique and thrilling experience at the Oklahoma Zoo, which is home to more than 100 different animal species native to Oklahoma. You will also find the usual zoo animals here, including lions, rhinos, gorillas, giraffes, and bears.

• Things to do:

Revel in a unique experience with some of the most exotic and fascinating animals Oklahoma has to offer. Throughout the grounds, you can see impressive displays of plants from Oklahoma and around the world.

Both adults and kids enjoy interactive experiences, such as giraffe feedings and lorikeet, sea lion shows, a walk-through wallaby enclosure, elephant demonstrations, and a stingray touch tank. 

12. Museum of Osteology

Rating: 4.8 ★ 

Location: 10301 S Sunnylane Rd, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: $11 for adults and $9 for youth.

• Unique place.
• A must-see in Oklahoma City.

The Museum of Osteology is a museum showcasing the studies of skeletons and bones. The museum has a vast collection of more than 350 skeletons, including bones from a diverse array of animals from all around the world. 

• Why you should go:

The Museum of Osteology’s exhibits focus on the physiology and anatomy of the skeletal system and displays also include taxonomic and educational presentations from all classes of vertebrates.

The museum’s collection includes around 5,000 items from 2,500 species. The skeletons on display include primates, a pygmy sperm whale, an African lion attacking an antelope, elephants, and a collection of skeletons from local Oklahoma wildlife.

• Things to do:

If this museum seems a little unusual for you, it’s because it is. The bones of hundreds of animals are on display at the only skeleton museum in the United States. Most of the skeletons are in life-like poses, so you can imagine how the animals move. Fun activities like treasure hunts are usually held in the museum.

13. Frontier City

Rating: 4.1 ★ 

Location: 11501 N I- 35 Service Rd, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: one-day tickets start from $29,99.

• Fun and nostalgic park.

Operated by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation theme parks, the Frontier City is a western-themed amusement park and one of the tourists’ favorite things to do in Oklahoma City. 

• Why you should go:

Frontier City has some of the best things to do in Oklahoma City. Laid on over 40 acres of land, the park offers a variety of exhilarating rides, from high-thrill to kid-friendly, with a Wild West theme.

Thrilling rides include several roller coasters, a classic wooden coaster, and two huge steel courses, the crazy Gunslinger, and other wild rides. Family rides include a carousel and the classic Ferris Wheel, as well as a flume ride and a mining train.

• Things to do:

Hop on all the best rides and have a thrilling and exciting day with your family or friends as you go on heart-pumping experiences throughout Frontier City.

14. The Boathouse District

Rating: 4.5 ★ 

• Outdoor activities.
• Family-friendly.

Nestled along the Oklahoma River, the Boathouse District is a United States Olympic and Paralympic training site for kayaking and rowing. The boathouse district is popular among nature and sports lovers. 

• Why you should go:

The Boathouse District was initially developed in the 1990s on a slight stretch of the river through Oklahoma City. In this district, you can participate in various recreational activities, including kayaking and rowing.

The Boathouse District has rapidly grown over the years to offer a row of iconic boat houses along the Oklahoma River, the well-known Chesapeake Finish Line Tower, and Riversport Adventure Park (listed below).

• Things to do:

The Boathouse District is a beloved destination for athletes, families, and visitors to Oklahoma City. Athletes look forward to paddling or rowing on the world-class training and racecourse, at the same time, families and visitors can enjoy the water in a paddleboard or kayak, take a bike ride on the pump track, mountain bike course, and the endless miles of trails, or enjoy Riversport Adventures.

15. Riversport Adventures

Rating: 4.4 ★ 

Location: 800 Riversport Dr, Oklahoma City.

The entry fees: Day passes start from $39.99. 

• Great rafting and tubing experiences.
• Family-friendly.

Riversport is your key to outdoor adventures in Oklahoma City. If you’re traveling with family or friends and are looking for the most fun things to do in Oklahoma City, give the blazing rapids of the Riversport Adventures a try.

• Why you should go:

Riversport Adventures takes you on countless thrilling and fun-filled activities as you battle the rapid waters and journey through the waters for an experience like no other.

• Things to do:

Go tubing, rafting, surfing, or experience the new indoor skiing attraction. They also have a bike park with a mountain bike trail, full of pump tracks, jumping, climbing, and zip lines 700 feet across the Oklahoma River and back.

16. Bricktown Entertainment District

Rating: 4.5 ★ 

• Heart of Oklahoma City.
• Various activities and attractions for entertainment and nightlife.

While in Oklahoma City, you can find all the most significant places to visit, the prime entertaining things to experience, the finest things to see in the Bricktown Entertainment District.

• Why you should go:

Well-known for brimming with things to do in every one of its corners, Industrial-chic Bricktown is a favorite destination for locals and tourists. 

Bricktown has eclectic clothing shops, specialty food items, handmade chocolate, and home decor. From taking a peaceful cruise with The Bricktown Water Taxi along the Bricktown Canal to dining at the finest restaurants Oklahoma City has to offer, Bricktown has something for everyone. 

• Things to do:

You can go on a lively tour around Bricktown entertainment district filled with repurposed warehouse spaces now housing piano lounges, the best restaurants, museums, event venues, and trendy wine bars, creating a picturesque neighborhood on the Bricktown Canal. 

17. Hefner Park

Rating: 4.4 ★ 

Location: 4491 S Lake Hefner Dr, Oklahoma City.

• Peaceful walk alongside the lake.
• Charming and relaxing.

Hefner Park is a waterfront park with a playground, baseball field, tennis courts, dog park, golf course & footpath.

• Why you should go:

Bird watchers treasure Lake Hefner and Hefner Park as one of the best locations in central Oklahoma and one of the most diverse parks with tons of opportunities for recreational activities, offering an authentic and mesmerizing bird-watching experience.  

• Things to do:

Prepare to be astonished as you get to witness waterbird species stop alongside the 17-mile shoreline of Hefner Lake during their annual migrations through America’s central flyway.

Lake Hefner is also an excellent lake for sailing, and weekend sailboat races are held annually from April to October. 

18. Scissortail Park

Rating: 4.8 ★ 

Location: 300 SW 7th St, Oklahoma City.

• A hidden gem in Oklahoma City.

Scissortail Park is a 70-acre public space featuring massive areas perfect for all types of recreational activities.

• Why you should go:

Scissortail Park is nothing short of an urban oasis, featuring public art installations, lush landscapes, and fascinating stuff to do. Up to this day, renovations are still being done to this beautiful park.

• Things to do:

Enjoy tons of fun activities in Scissortail Park which features a variety of engaging experiences for guests, including a 3.7-acre lake, picturesque ornamental gardens, a children’s playground alongside water fountains, a dog park, a seasonal roller rink, and so much more.

19. Martin Park Nature Center

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 5000 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City.

• Great nature park in Oklahoma City.

More than just a park, the Martin Park Nature Center is a place for nature education and exploration for visitors of all ages. 

• Why you should go:

Martin Park Nature Center is filled with trails through woods and grassland and amenities such as a playground and its famous nature center.

• Things to do:

The Park offers education programs, guided hikes, and an interactive learning center that provides visitors a place to learn and explore nature and wildlife in a serene environment. 

20. Civic Center Music Hall

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 201 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City.

• Vintage Venue.

Oklahoma City has a long history of exhibiting fantastic live entertainment, and the Civic Center Music Hall is one of the outstanding examples of this in terms of venues.

• Why you should go:

Whether you love music, theatrical productions, or comedy, there will be something for you at this beautiful venue. 

Whenever you visit Oklahoma City, you can bet that incredible live entertainment shows are happening at the Civic Center Music Hall.

• Things to do:

As one of the best things to do in Oklahoma City for those interested in cultures, a weekend spent in Oklahoma City should include checking out what’s at the Civic Center Music Hall.

21. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City.

• Open-air stadium.
• Fantastic Ballpark.

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is a popular stadium that opened back in 1998 in Downtown Oklahoma City.

• Why you should go:

Home to the Oklahoma City Dodgers, and the AAA affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, this enormous stadium takes you on a thrilling experience of the world of sports within Oklahoma City.

• Things to do:

Book your ticket and enjoy a thrilling time at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as you support, shout, and cheer for the team of your choice. 

22. Paycom Center

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location:100 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City.

• Cheer on the Oklahoma City Dodgers.

Paycom Center, originally known as the Chesapeake Energy Arena from 2011 to 2021, is located in Downtown Oklahoma City.

• Why you should go:

If Basketball is your thing, then you should make a stop at Paycom Center Arena. The Paycom Center Arena is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team with a capacity of 18,203 seats that are usually full to the brim on home games.

• Things to do:

Book your tickets online and enjoy one of the best basketball games in Oklahoma City. If you are hungry before or after the game, you have a variety of restaurants and bars.

The Paycom Center arena has also been used for WWE events, including SmackDown, Raw, and Unforgiven. 

23. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman.

The entry fees: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children (4-17), and free for children three and under.

• Very educational.
• A fun way to spend your afternoon.

Located on the grounds of the University of Oklahoma, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum. 

• Why you should go:

The Sam Noble Museum features several exhibits, including the Hall of Ancient Life and the Hall of World Cultures, which feature several impressive dinosaur skeletons, and Roots of Wisdom, which inspects the relationship between the beliefs and knowledge of native peoples and modern science.

• Things to do:

Explore the museum’s Discovery Room, an interactive, hands-on exhibit that allows guests of all ages to explore and learn through activities and interactive experiences; it also hosts animal feeding sessions on Saturdays.

24. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum Of Art

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 555 Elm Ave, Norman.

• Beautiful architecture.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, Oklahoma, a 30 minutes drive from Oklahoma City.

• Why you should go:

Founded in 1936 by Oscar Jacobson, an art professor at Oklahoma University, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art offers the finest university art collection in the United States. There are close to 16,000 objects at the museum, while the main collections showcase artworks from many world-famous artists.

• Things to do:

Wander around this museum and enjoy the fantastic outdoor architecture as well as the beautiful collection of art collected from all around the world. There are pieces by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir in the Weitzenhoffer Collection, valued at over $50 million.

25. Gilcrease Museum

Rating: 4.9 ★ 

Location: 1400 N Gilcrease Museum Rd, Tulsa.

The entry fees: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for college students with valid ID, and free for children under 18.

• The world’s largest American West collection of art.

The Gilcrease Museum is a stunning art museum in Tulsa, a 1-hour drive from Oklahoma City, which is totally worth it. 

• Why you should go:

The museum holds the world’s largest American Western art collection and has an impressive, growing collection of artifacts and artworks from Latin America. 

• Things to do:

Walk around the 23 acres of gardens surrounding the museum building that reveal a variety of gardening styles from four different periods in the American West. The Gilcrease Museum has three areas designed for children, featuring interactive exhibits modeled towards creative learning.

26. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location: 2229 W Gary Blvd, Clinton.

The entry fees: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students (6-18), and free for children under 6.

• Excellent museum with lots of memorabilia.

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is devoted to the iconic American highway’s myths, history, music, and more. U.S. Route 66 or U.S. Highway 66, also known as the Mother Road, was one of the original highways in the U.S.

• Why you should go:

For the best Route 66 experience, visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, a 1-hour drive away from Oklahoma City. The museum’s galleries offer visitors a personal journey through the history of the nation’s most admired highway.

The museum explores the history of the historic highway, starting from when it was just a dream. Some exhibits are related to the road’s construction.

• Things to do:

The museum also features a working 1950s-style diner where you can sit at a counter or in a booth and enjoy a delicious meal. The museum gift shop offers souvenirs, books, apparel, road signs, and more.

Oh, did I mention that I met a girl at the book club session? Oklahoma awaits you. I’m out! Haha.