The capital of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (OKC) is known as “The Big Friendly.” With its modern museums, lavish gardens, and art galleries, Oklahoma City creates the perfect atmosphere for a memorable midwestern experience.
With so many options, it can be difficult to decide what to see and enjoy. To help you, I have compiled a list of the 10 best things to do in Oklahoma City.
Have fun!
Top 10 Very Best Things to Do in Oklahoma City, OK: TL;DR
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art
- Oklahoma City Zoo
- Oklahoma History Center
- Frontier City Theme Park
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Myriad Botanical Gardens
- Science Museum Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State Capitol
- Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
Top 10 Very Best Things to Do in Oklahoma City, OK
1. Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Standing right at the heart of the city, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum memorializes the infamous Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing of 1995 that claimed many lives.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum offers video presentations and moving oral accounts, and displays bomb-damaged artifacts.
The memorial and museum complex has other attractions such as the Field of Empty Chairs, Gates of Time that frame the moment of the bombing, the Survivor Tree, and a reflecting pool, all of which are breathtaking at night.
2. Explore the Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Within the Downtown Oklahoma City area is the Oklahoma City Museum of Art in the Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center.
The museum displays artwork from Asia, Europe, and North America. There are many American art and postwar abstractions that woo art enthusiasts from across the world.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has the world’s largest collection of Dale Chihuly glass along with a large collection of the works of Paul Reed of Washington Color School and photographer Brett Weston.
3. Discover Wildlife at Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden
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Located in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a zoo and a botanical garden.
Spanning over 119 acres and housing 1,900+ animals, the Oklahoma City Zoo has many state-of-the-art habitats.
From mighty gorillas to spry orangutans, playful chimps to huge Asian elephants, and graceful tigers & lions to beautiful flamingos – the zoo offers a chance to watch wildlife up close.
The zoo is home to both Oklahoma’s native animal species and exotic species from different parts of the world.
4. Learn History at Oklahoma History Center
The Oklahoma History Center is a 215,000-square-foot center for learning the state’s unique history of commerce, transportation, aviation, geology, culture, heritage, and more.
Standing on an 18-acre plot right in front of the mansion of the acting governor of the city, the Oklahoma History Center is home to artifact galleries and interactive installations that will teach you everything you need to know about the city.
5. Have Fun at Frontier City Theme Park & Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Also known as the White Water Bay, the Frontier City Theme Park is Oklahoma City’s family adventure destination.
Renegade water rapids, high-speed rides, gravity-defying roller coasters, wild west shows (with shootouts) – the Frontier City Theme Park has everything you will need for a memorable family vacation.
To cool off, hit the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – a tropical water paradise with choices of gentle and extreme water rides.
For a heart-pounding experience take a trip down the Mega Wedgie – a 277-foot slide with a 64-foot free fall. If you have kids, don’t forget Ship Wreck Island.
6. Step Into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
There is no better place to witness the American cowboy saga than the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Home to the famous Prix de West art exhibition, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum displays a mind-boggling array of American Indian artifacts and Western art.
The iconic “End of the Trail” sculpture standing 18 feet tall will scream the plight of the Native Americans along the infamous Trail of Tears in which thousands of Native Americas died.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is also the home to an extensive collection of American rodeo saddlery, photographs, and trophies.
7. Breathe Fresh Air at Myriad Botanical Gardens & the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory
Sitting right in the heart of Oklahoma City, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, or simply the Myriad Gardens is an urban oasis with captivating open spaces and interesting landscapes.
Complete with tranquil streams, an off-leash dog park, splash fountains, and a children’s garden, the Myriad Botanical Gardens is a perfect getaway destination for those who want a touch of nature and solitude.
There is an ice skating rink for winter activities. If you want you can enjoy a performance of Shakespeare in the Park.
The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory is the crown jewel. This 224-foot round glass structure houses blooming orchids, cascading waterfalls, palm trees, and delicate zebra-longwing butterflies.