If you haven’t thought about spending a weekend in Oklahoma City with your family, you might start now. Whether you are looking for educational activities or adventure, there are a ton of things to do in OKC with kids. I live here with my children and we still haven’t experienced all that our metro area has to offer.
We’re chipping away at an OKC bucket list that never seems to end. That’s all part of the fun though. The more you look, the more you find. Every time we explore a new place in our home city, we find something else to put on our list of things to do in OKC. Our own backyard is super cool and you should come and hang out sometime.
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5 of The Best Things to do in OKC with Adventurous Kids
Oklahoma City has really stepped up its game over the last several years. From a total revamp of Bricktown to a sizzling food scene and the only urban white water rafting in the country, OKC has finally earned a spot on the list of US cities you should be planning to visit. Traveling here isn’t hard either. Automatic Bonus Points! Oklahoma City is smack dab in the middle of the country. You can fly to OKC relatively quickly from nearly anywhere in the USA. For road-trippers, it’s a straight shot from nearly every direction – North, South, East, & West. If you are coming with kids, you’ll find plenty of things to do in OKC and lots of adventure.
Explore Bricktown OKC by Land or Water
Bricktown is the entertainment district and where most people come when they visit OKC. It’s a great place for a family day with plenty of fun and exciting activities for the kids. It’s easy to spend a full day exploring Bricktown and a convenient base for a weekend getaway in OKC.
Bricktown offers a variety of family-friendly activities that cater to a range of interests. Sports enthusiasts can take in a Dodger’s game at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark or catch a Thunder game at the Paycom Center. For families looking for some friendly competition, Brickopolis is an arcade complete with miniature golf and laser tag. For a unique educational experience, visit the American Banjo Museum on Sheridan to learn about the history of the banjo and even test your musical talents.
Exploring Bricktown and its surrounding neighborhoods is easy and enjoyable. The area is walkable but, if you need a break, consider a horse-drawn carriage tour – a popular activity for both kids and couples. Alternatively, you can purchase a day pass for the Bricktown Water Taxi. The water taxi is a fun and informative way to tour the district and learn about its history. The boats also serve as a hop-on-hop-off transportation option, with several stops along the full route.
Another convenient and affordable way to get around is to use the new OKC Streetcar, which offers adult day passes for only $3 and is free for children under 7. Kids aged 7-17 may be eligible for half-price fares. With all these options, it’s easy to explore Bricktown and make lasting family memories.
Urban Whitewater Rafting at Riversport Adventures OKC
Oklahoma City is home to one of only three man-made white water rafting facilities in the country. Wait, what? Yes. Come to Oklahoma City and you can experience Class IV urban whitewater rafting while you stay downtown. Built on the Oklahoma River, Riversport Rapids and Kayaking Center is also an official training site for world-class athletes who compete in the Olympics and Paralympics.
Riversport Adventures is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for fun and exciting activities. This outdoor adventure park is situated on the Oklahoma River and offers a variety of activities that cater to people of all ages and skill levels. One of the main attractions at Riversport OKC is whitewater rafting. The course features a series of rapids and drops that simulate the experience of whitewater rafting, providing a thrilling and unforgettable experience for visitors. There are also other water-based activities, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, that offer a great way to cool off during the hot summer months.
Aside from water-based activities, Riversport Adventures also offers several exciting land-based activities. For example, the Sandridge Sky Trail features six levels of ropes courses, a zip-line, and some crazy slides. If you really want to experience a rush, go all the way up to the Rumble Drop and free-fall 80 feet. This is definitely one of the more exciting and adventurous things to do in OKC with kids or without. These activities are designed to test visitors’ physical abilities and offer a challenging and exciting experience.
In addition, there are activities specifically designed for children, such as a mini-golf course and a playground area, making it an ideal location for a family outing.
A Few Other Fun Things to Do in OKC with Kids that You Can Find at Riversport Adventures
- Riversport Rapids
- Sandridge Sky Trail
- Zipline OKC
- High Speed Slides
- Rumble Drop
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of our favorite family activities in OKC and, undoubtedly, one of the most popular things to do with kids in OKC. One of the things I love about the OKC Zoo is that it gets better and better every year. The Oklahoma City Zoo offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and animal encounters that will entertain and educate kids. One of the most popular exhibits at the zoo is the Great EscApe, which features pools and waterfalls in a lush tropical habitat.
Other exciting habitats for children to explore include the popular Lorikeet Adventure and Butterfly Garden. Children can feed the colorful birds and enjoy an up-close experience with these friendly creatures. Oklahoma Trails explores Oklahoma’s diverse ecosystem and animals that live in the many different habitats throughout the state.
Jenna’s Pick for a Must-Visit Exhibit at OKC Zoo
Another must-visit exhibit for families is Sanctuary Asia, which is a relatively new addition to the Oklahoma City Zoo. This immersive exhibit offers an up-close look into the wildlife of Asia. It features a range of animals, including tigers, Indian rhinoceroses, and elephants. Children can observe the animals in their natural habitats and learn about the importance of conservation efforts as well as the animals’ cultural significance in Asian countries.
The exhibit also features a state-of-the-art elephant habitat, complete with mud pits and misters to keep the animals comfortable in Oklahoma’s hot summers. If you didn’t pack a lunch, The Lotus Pavilion offers a unique dining experience with new meal options and the ability to view some of the animals in their habitats right from your table.
The zoo is currently working on an exciting new addition to the park, Expedition Africa. Phase One will encompass 14 acres of savannah, expanding and improving the habitats of OKC Zoo’s African wildlife.
Ride the Old Santa Monica Wheel at Wheeler Riverfront Plaza
The Wheeler Ferris Wheel is undoubtedly one of the best things to do with kids when visiting Oklahoma City. Towering over 100 feet above the Oklahoma River, Wheeler Wheel is an iconic Oklahoma City attraction. The Ferris wheel is located in Oklahoma City’s Wheeler Riverfront Plaza and offers visitors, especially children, a unique and exciting experience.
The Ferris wheel features 20 gondolas, each capable of accommodating up to six passengers. The ride typically lasts about 15 minutes, during which passengers can enjoy spectacular views of the city. The LED light system that illuminates the Ferris wheel at night also adds to the fun, creating a dazzling display that captivates kids and adults alike.
What a lot of people don’t know is that the OKC Wheel is actually the old Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel. The Ferris wheel was originally built in 1959 and operated in Santa Monica, California. In 2008, it was acquired by a developer, refurbished, and introduced to Oklahoma City in 2016. Another little known but interesting fact is that the developer purchased the wheel off of Ebay!
Take on New Heights at iFly OKC Indoor Skydiving
iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Oklahoma City is a fantastic activity for kids (and parents) that offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience. With a specialized wind tunnel, kids can experience the feeling of free-fall in a safe and controlled environment. The iFly staff are highly trained and provide thorough safety instructions and gear to ensure a safe and fun experience. Kids will love the adrenaline rush and the feeling of weightlessness as they soar through the air.
Once they’re geared up, your child will step into the wind tunnel and experience the sensation of freefalling. It’s an exhilarating feeling that’s both fun and educational, teaching kids about the physics of flight and the importance of body control. The instructors will guide your child through a series of hand signals and body movements, allowing them to fly higher and higher in the wind tunnel. It’s an exciting and memorable experience they won’t forget. It’s one of the best things to do in OKC for families seeking thrill and a perfect indoor adventure to beat the Oklahoma weather.
Jenna Walker is a travel writer from Oklahoma who lives with her husband, two children, and three rescue pets. While out and about in the world, she loves spending time outdoors, exploring local culture, and trying new foods. Jenna knows that, often, we overlook our own backyard. You can also find her stories and guides on the website, The Oklahoma Experience.
Hey! I'm Jenna Walker and this is where I share stories and guides about adventure, culture, and good food. I hope this website inspires you to live your best travel life and encourages you to explore the world with an open mind and adventurous spirit.