Top Things to do in Oklahoma
Top Hotels in Oklahoma
- 1. The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City
- 2. Hilton Garden Inn Oklahoma City Bricktown
- 3. Wingate by Wyndham Tulsa
- 4. 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City
- 5. Best Western Plus Memorial Inn & Suites
- 6. Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown
- 7. Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Oklahoma City-Bricktown
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stillwater-University Area
- 10. Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa Downtown
Countries
What to do and see in Oklahoma, United States: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
With hundreds of man-made lakes, state parks, casinos, museums and nightlife and dining opportunities in revitalized downtown areas in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, there is a lot to see and do in the Sooner State. The state is dotted with phenomenal lakes where swimming, boating and bass fishing are the most desired activities. Some of the state’s most popular lakes include Broken Bow Lake located near the Quachita Mountains; Grand Lake in the northeastern corner of the state at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and Lake Murray in the hills in the southern part of the state.
While the state is known for its many outdoor activities like great fishing, golf, hiking, canoeing and boating, make sure you don’t overlook its fantastic museums. Heading the list are Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, featuring the world’s largest collection of art and artifacts from the American West; the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, which tells the story of the American Cowboy; and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which has a permanent collection of American and European art. A venerable family favorite activity is Frontier City Amusement Park in Oklahoma City, which has dozens of rides and shows.
Restaurants in Oklahoma
1. Philbrook Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,276 reviews
This vast art museum, housed in an Italian style villa, has numerous exhibits from European, American, Asian, Native American and African artists and is surrounded by acres of lush gardens.
Reviewed By teachinturtle - Collinsville, United States
As a lifelong Tulsa resident, I’ve been visiting Philbrook since I was a child. The grounds alone are worth a trip, but the art inside the mansion is also excellent. The staff is very knowledgeable & helpful. There are always special events going on, and each Second Saturday of the month, admission is free.
2. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,055 reviews
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a symbol of strength in the wake of unspeakable violence. Visit the Memorial Museum to experience the brutality of the Oklahoma City bombing, and the tenderness of the response. Share our dream of a world without violence and terrorism. Free parking with Museum admission.
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
Our first visit to Oklahoma City so visited the Memorial with family who live here. A beautiful memorial! The setting is serene and thought-provoking as we walked around the reflecting pool, the walls, the survivor tree, the chairs each with the name of a victim, and the fence with notes and memorabilia. Very sobering, and more so with the stories our family shared of that day and the weeks that followed. (We did not visit the museum, due to time constraints.)
3. SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,216 reviews
The Museum of Osteology is "America's Only Skeleton Museum". The Museum of Osteology, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a unique educational experience. Focusing on the form and function of the skeletal system, this 7000 square ft. museum displays hundreds of skulls and skeletons from all corners of the world. Exhibits include adaptation, locomotion, classification and diversity of the vertebrate kingdom.
Reviewed By VeronicaWanders
I visited the museum on a whim, because the name interested me when I searched for attractions to visit in Oklahoma City. It was well worth the time! The museum has an incredible range of skeletons on display--far more than I would have thought could be displayed so well in the building. The collection has been thoughtfully curated to interest and teach visitors. I especially enjoyed that except for the skeletons in the glass cases, visitors are encouraged to touch and handle the bones. I noticed several activity stations for younger children, and look forward to returning with my nephews.
4. Lost Creek Safari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 150 reviews
Our season runs Spring break through October. We are a walk-through zoo. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children 1 year - 15 years old. If you want to feed the animals it is an additional $5 PER PERSON. If you choose to feed the animals you will be able to feed the lemurs, camel, ostrich, water buffalo, miniature cow, deer, emu, and goats. We have a new parakeet enclosure. Bird Sticks are just $2. Contact us about your next field trip, church group, company party, and more.
Reviewed By D8307MDsusanw
This is a wonderful experience for animal lovers of all ages! Where else can you feed ring tail lemurs grapes from a porcupine quill and hold a baby kangaroo? The owners have excellent knowledge of the animals and are willing to answer all the questions children pose. There are picnic tables available. We have been on both the schedule tour and the open weekends. Can't go wrong with either. My grandchildren love to visit the safari when they are here from Massachusetts.Adults shouldn't miss out on the fun of feeding.
5. Gathering Place
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 436 reviews
Gathering Place is a public park located alongside Riverside Drive in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Spanning over 100 acres, Gathering Place offers guests a one-of-a-kind playground, gardens, trails, boat rentals, restaurants, outdoor concerts, events and so much more!
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, United States
What a terrific, free place! Lots to do from reading a book inside wifi equipped air-conditioned lodge to walking trails, to enjoying plants to climbing ropes and sliding on zip lines in Adventure Playground to playing ball, and enjoying boating.
6. Bricktown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,533 reviews
The former site of Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show is today the location of a massive tourist redevelopment plan.
Reviewed By 696christys - Oklahoma City, United States
We simply loved this town we stayed at the Loft there and walked uptown every night the Christmas Water taxi was awesome the people were so nice there I love the layout of this unique place
7. Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,901 reviews
Oklahoma's premier destination connecting people and our world's vanishing wildlife and wild places.
Reviewed By melissaw948
This zoo is impressive in how much room they give each species of animal. The new Elephant area and Asia experience is super nice. The food is good. It is very large and can take more than one day to experience it all. There is a train/ guided tour if you can’t walk that much. The children’s playground is fun. They have date nights for couples and special events for holidays.
8. Science Museum Oklahoma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,037 reviews
Science Museum Oklahoma, the state's premier destination for family fun, houses more than eight acres of hands-on science experiences. Travel beyond the Milky Way in the Kirkpatrick Planetarium, experience the explosive fun of Science Live, discover where the familiar meets the fantastical in CurioCity and beyond — the museum allows your inner-child to run wild!
Reviewed By G276BEsarac - Portales, United States
We spent 5 hours here and I *think* we saw everything! Our 3 kids (7, 5, and 3) weren't bored once. The food at the food court was pretty good, as well. The shop left a little to be desired for me. Most things there I could have gotten at the local Wal-mart. I wish they would have had more science-related things to purchase or even souvenirs.
9. Myriad Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 953 reviews
Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 15 acre natural escape in the very heart of downtown. A half-acre children’s garden, an off-leash dog park, restaurant space, splash fountains, and paths for walking and jogging provide guests young and old with a place to seek solitude with nature, or seek community and the company of others. Additionally, the Myriad Gardens offers a variety of horticultural education programs for adults and children. PLEASE NOTE: The Conservatory is currently closed for major interior renovations and will reopen to the public in fall 2022. The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory’s unique design has earned attention and praise in the architectural community. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter, and is covered by 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels.
Reviewed By malloryhFL
While Myriad Botanical Gardens is certainly worth a visit, the two biggest draws are the Children's Garden and the holiday lights. The Children's Garden is part of the free grounds and has an amazing playground, perfect for families. The Illuminations holiday lights were absolutely stunning and very much worth the $8 per person price of admission. We ran into Myriad's COO, Renee Porter, and she was immensely kind and helpful! She also recommended that we visit Scissortail Park, Myriad's sister park that is a short walk away, and it was just as pretty. All of the staff we encountered were very kind and the grounds were beautiful. Overall, a great experience.
10. Gilcrease Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 868 reviews
The world's largest collection of art from the American West is housed at this museum, which is also well stocked with Native American artifacts and artwork. Thematic gardens reflect the gardening styles of different time periods.
Reviewed By swwtheman - Little Rock, United States
Wonderful, a do not miss museum. Especially notable western and Native American art collections. Remington, Russell and Moran paintings and sculptures amongst others. Easy to navigate the spacious galleries. Even if your not big into art, you will enjoy this place.
