We had a lot of fun experiences this summer, but our most memorable was definitely our visit to Oklahoma City. A few years ago we toured three cities in Oklahoma, but with only a day in Oklahoma City, that trip left much to be desired. From the people to the environment to the social life and food, it was a joy to spend four days in OKC, thanks to the OKC Visitor’s Bureau. #SeeOKC
Oklahoma City is a city for everyone. Both adults and children young and old will both find joy in the offerings the city brings. Check out our favorite attractions in Oklahoma City:
The Wheeler District
If you’re visiting Oklahoma City, there’s one place you must stop by first. It’s the Wheeler Ferris Wheel, just a few minutes from downtown OKC. This ferris wheel was actually the Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel, purchased on eBay and brought to OKC! How neat is that? (And, how does one transport a ferris wheel down the interstate?)
The Wheeler District is a great way to spend a summer afternoon. You may find food trucks, concerts or festivals here, along with the standard games, hammocks and swings. Make sure you check out the calendar and pack a lunch — you can sit at the picnic tables or ask to borrow a blanket!
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Riversport Adventures In The Boathouse District
Riversport Adventures is definitely the place to be if you want some outdoor fun in the sun! Visitors can purchase a day pass to test their skill on the ropes course, hit the rapids while whitewater rafting, paddle board or zip line! They can also go down one of the tallest slides in the United States, go tubing or kayak! Make sure you bring water, sunscreen, a change of clothes and a towel for an afternoon outside!
This was definitely my children’s favorite activity of the summer, by far! (They were nervous to get in the boat, but once we hit that first rapid, the adrenaline started pumping and they loved it!)
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https://www.instagram.com/p/B0JuVIFnPb7/
Myriad Botanical Garden & Crystal Bridge Conservatory
In Downtown Oklahoma City, you’ll find this 17 acres of botanical gardens, including a tropical conservatory and a splash park. Many events are hosted in the Myraid Botanical Gardens, such as zumba, yoga, garden tours and concerts! Make sure you stay for a yummy lunch in the park, too!
At the botanical gardens, you’ll want to make your way to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. This is a 13,000 square foot greenhouse that is filled with amazing flowers, beautiful waterfalls and exotic plants.
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Bricktown Water Taxi
Visitors (and residents) can dive into the history of Oklahoma City while resting their feet on the water taxi. This 35 minute trip was both informative and relaxing, with a nice breeze as you ride down the canal. (Tip: you can use the taxi like a regular taxi… just let your driver know where you want to be picked up/dropped off and he will make it happen! Also, your taxi ticket is valid all day!)
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Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Let’s be honest for a moment. In 1995, I was 15 years old. I remember a bombing in Oklahoma City, but I didn’t remember a bombing in Oklahoma City. Walking into the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum brought back memories and then some. From the moment you walk into the doors to the moment you get back in your car, you will be speechless.
The museum is designed in a way that pulls you in and it’s hard to get out. Seeing this… being there… You will hold back tears as you literally go from minute to minute of that somber day in April 1995. This is a must-see, powerful exhibit, with a memorial to match. (Make sure you go see it at night, too!)
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Science Museum Oklahoma
Another must-see exhibit, though on another note respectfully? The Science Museum! You walk in to see a three-story tree house, STEM-based displays, magnetic fun, optical illusions and so much more!
Imagine hours of hands-on fun for children of all ages! My children could have stayed here all day long, if we would have let them! We loved the dinosaurs and space exhibits! (*By far, one of our top attractions in Oklahoma City!)
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Hey Day OKC
Dinner, bowling and arcades all under one roof? You bet. Hey Day is a great place for entertainment, whether it’s grabbing some food with friends, hanging out with your family or going on a date with your significant other. We tried the burgers, pizza and Southwest egg rolls… each were delicious and filling. (I could have those egg rolls for breakfast, lunch and dinner! SO good!)
I love the different variety of bowling games, the outdoor games and the arcade games upstairs! We introduced my kiddo to pinball, Ms. Pacman and the “old” version of Donkey Kong!
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Oklahoma City Zoo
Our family loves to visit the zoo. Many say “all zoos are the same,” but I beg to differ. Especially the OKC Zoo… this zoo will always be special to us because we were offered a special interaction with the elephants!
We were able to get behind the scenes and hear all about the 7 elephants who call the Oklahoma City Zoo home. After watching the elephant show off his learned behaviors, we were able to feel his interesting skin and talk to the trainers.
I loved the “hands-on” features of the zoo. We touched sting rays then fed birds and giraffes before riding the carousel and hopping on board the train. (Don’t forget to pack water… it’s hot out there!)
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Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum and Memorial
The Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum and Memorial is the only fire museum in the U.S that is owned and operated by firefighters. Visitors can visually see the history of the firetruck and see a variety of exhibits including The Last Alarm, the Patch Collection and the Fort Supply Firehouse, which was the first firehouse in what was then Indian Territory.
Before leaving the museum, make sure you head outside to view The Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial, which was designed to honor Oklahoma firefighters who served to protect the citizens of Oklahoma.
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Hungry? If you’re looking for lunch or dinner suggestions, I can speak highly of the following 3 Oklahoma City restaurants:
Pizza: Hideaway Pizza (try the Xtreme!)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0HrnlFgwEv/
Steak: Charlston’s (the prime rib was phenomenal!)
The prime rib is so flavorful! Charleston’s in Bricktown gets two thumbs way up! @charlestonsrestaurant #SeeOKC partner pic.twitter.com/BITgJMNTlI
— Hustle Mom Repeat (@hustlemomrepeat) July 18, 2019
American Classics: Bricktown Brewery (Try the nachos or the buttermilk chicken sandwich!)
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If you’re looking for a hotel in the area, check out the Sheraton Downtown. It’s minutes from each of these Oklahoma City attractions and they have a pretty nice breakfast, lobby and pool!
Waking up to a delicious breakfast at the Sheraton downtown in OKC! They have a hearty breakfast buffet made to satisfy! #SeeOKC @sheratonhotels @SheratonOKC #partner #travelblogger pic.twitter.com/1OSw4AblPQ
— Hustle Mom Repeat (@hustlemomrepeat) July 19, 2019