When it comes to finding things to do with kids in Tulsa, there’s no shortage of both free and paid activities that the whole family can enjoy. In this blog post, we’ll run through some of the best things to do in Tulsa with kids, including indoor and outdoor activities.
As a local mom, I have taken my kids to almost all these places. I know the best of the best for family fun in Tulsa!
Short on time? Here are my top things to do with kids in Tulsa:
- Gathering Place
- Tulsa Zoo
- Discovery Lab
- Oklahoma Aquarium
Free Things to Do with Kids in Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma is a great place to explore with kids. There are many family-friendly parks, unique sights, and nature trails around the city that do not cost a dime.
1. The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is the absolute best thing to do with kids in Tulsa! This awesome public park has something for everyone, like multiple playgrounds, a pond with free pedal boat and kayak rentals, walking trails, and more!
Grab a snack or a coffee at The Lodge before checking out the different playgrounds. There are play areas specifically for the little ones, toddlers, and then the rest are open for all ages.
Don’t forget to check out Slide Vale and Swing Hill across the pond. Slide Vale offers multiple fun slides to zip down, while Swing Hill has cute swings scattered around. Even when the park is busy, this spot lets you escape the crowds a bit.
Older kids can have a blast at the skate and bike park, located a bit away from the main area.
2. Oxley Nature Center
The Oxley Nature Center is a wonderful place to take the family to explore the outdoors. It’s located near the Tulsa Zoo in Mohawk Park.
There are plenty of nature paths to choose from, totaling 9 miles. You can wind through the woods, take a leisurely stroll on the pavement, and explore the wetlands. Keep an eye out for deer, insects, birds, and turtles along the trails.
You can easily link the trails together to customize your hike to your preferred length. Stick to one path for a quick trek or combine multiple paths for a longer walk. For a more secluded experience, don’t miss the North Woods Trails.
3. Linnaeus Teaching Garden at Woodward Park
The Linnaeus Teaching Garden is a wonderful place for families to spend an afternoon outdoors together while learning about nature. The garden is home to a variety of plants, trees, and flowers that showcase the hard work of the volunteers who tend the garden and educate visitors.
You can generally visit the garden from Spring to Fall, between 9 am and 4 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
4. River Parks
The River Parks Authority (RPA) is a park system in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It operates miles of trails along the Arkansas River. The RPA offers something for everyone, including cyclists, runners, walkers, and nature enthusiasts.
Hop on the River Parks Trail along Riverside Drive for an enjoyable stroll. Be sure to stop by one of the many riverfront parks or even the 41st Street Splash Pad for a break and some beautiful views.
5. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
One of the best places to hike in Tulsa is the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area. This park offers nearly 300 acres of nature to explore. You can choose from several different trails that range in length and difficulty.
6. Center of the Universe
The Center of the Universe in Tulsa is such a cool and intriguing spot! You stand on a circular disk, and it echoes noises right back at you. It’s a fun little acoustic quirk that you’ve gotta experience!
Outdoor Things to Do with Kids in Tulsa
If you’re looking for entertaining things to do outdoors in Tulsa, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great options including the zoo, gardens, and more.
7. Tulsa Zoo
The Tulsa Zoo is one of the best things to do in Tulsa with kids. It has a variety of exhibits that showcase animals from all over the world.
Some of the most popular animals that the kids will love include tigers, giraffes, and elephants. In addition to the animals, the zoo has a playground, train ride, and carousel that kids will love.
8. Tulsa Botanic Gardens
The Tulsa Botanic Gardens is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and animals. The two main garden areas are the terraces and the Children’s Discovery Garden.
There are beautiful gardens to explore, as well as a variety of events hosted throughout the year. Popular events include Autumn in the Botanic Garden, Tulsa Botanic Blooms in the Spring, and the Botanic Garden of Lights in December.
9. ONEOK Field
If you’re looking for a fun family activity, why not go to a baseball game? ONEOK Field is home to the Tulsa Drillers, a minor-league baseball team.
There’s always something exciting happening. From promotions and giveaways to fireworks nights, you’re sure to have a great time. Get seats to view the action or sprawl out on a blanket on the Ferguson Kia Lawn.
10. Admiral Twin Drive-In Theatre
The Admiral Twin Drive-In Theatre is a great place to take the family for a fun night out. It is one of the last drive-in theatres in the Tulsa area. The theatre features two screens. You get two movies for the price of one at this cinema!
There is a concession stand that sells a variety of snacks and drinks. The theatre is open every Friday and Saturday night.
11. Paradise Beach Waterpark
Paradise Beach Waterpark is a great thing to do in Tulsa with kids during the summer. The park features a variety of water slides, pools, a lazy river, and spray grounds. There is also a playground where the kids can play.
12. Chandler Park
Originally used for picnicking, Chandler Park has since expanded to include amenities such as a popular splash park, hiking trails, picnic areas with grills, playgrounds, baseball fields, basketball courts, and open green spaces.
Museums to Visit with Kids in Tulsa
While there are numerous museums to visit in Tulsa, here are some of the most kid-friendly options.
13. Philbrook Museum of Art
The Philbrook Museum of Art features an ever-changing selection of exhibitions from around the world, as well as a large permanent collection that includes pieces from ancient Greece and Rome to contemporary American and European artists.
It is home to not only amazing artwork but also beautiful gardens. The gardens are a great place to spend an afternoon, especially if you have kids. There are swings and a whimsical cabin to enjoy.
Various events are hosted throughout the year including movie nights and crafts for kids.
14. Tulsa Air and Space Museum
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum is the perfect place for kids who are interested in science, space, or technology. It has a variety of exhibits that showcase different aspects of aviation and space travel. There are also interactive displays where you can learn more about how planes fly and spacecraft work.
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum also has a planetarium that offers a variety of shows throughout the day. Go on a journey through space to learn about our solar system, stars, Mars, or black holes.
15. Woody Guthrie Center
The Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the folk singer Woody Guthrie. It tells his story through exhibits and interactive displays that showcase his life, music, art, and writings.
While you are in the area, you can also visit the Bob Dylan Center located just down the street.
16. The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art
The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art is a wonderful place to visit in Tulsa with kids. It celebrates the rich history and culture of the Jewish people. You’ll find a diverse range of exhibits that narrate the incredible journey of the Jewish community from ancient times to the present day.
Don’t miss the powerful Holocaust exhibit, where you can see poignant artifacts and hear the inspiring stories of survivors.
Indoor Things to Do with Kids in Tulsa
When the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor activities, or you need a break from the heat (Tulsa can get pretty warm in summer!), there are plenty of indoor options for things to do with kids.
17. Discovery Lab
The Discovery Lab is a science museum in Tulsa that is perfect for kids of all ages. The interactive exhibits and displays will keep your little ones entertained for hours. The Discovery Lab also offers classes, workshops, and camps for kids.
Explore the properties of water in the Hydrolab, sort colored balls in Ballapalooza, and climb around in the tape tunnel before sliding back to the ground. These are just a few of the fun exhibits at the Discovery Lab.
18. Oklahoma Aquarium
The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks is a fantastic spot to visit with the kids! You will have a blast exploring the exhibits that showcase the amazing aquatic life of Oklahoma and beyond.
One of the main attractions of the aquarium is the shark tunnel. Walk beneath the water as sharks swim above you.
A popular resident of the aquarium is the loggerhead sea turtle. He has a tendency to come and wave at visitors. The aquarium also has a large ray pool where you can watch stingrays glide through the water.
In addition to all of the indoor exhibits, the aquarium now has an outdoor playground. This is perfect to extend your aquarium visit and tire out the little ones before heading home.
19. Oilers Ice Center
Have you taken your kids ice skating? The Oilers Ice Center offers public ice skating sessions throughout the week. The public sessions are open to everyone and are a great way to spend time as a family and for kids to learn how to skate.
20. SkyZone
If you’re on the lookout for an indoor activity, Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park that has multiple zones to explore. The main zone has trampolines covering the entire floor, perfect for jumping and flipping off the walls.
there’s also an obstacle course, zipline, basketball hoops, and a foam pit.
21. Adventure Avenue
Adventure Avenue in Tulsa is an awesome indoor spot for the little ones! This play area has various zones to explore.
Let the kids unleash their creativity at interactive exhibits to build and create! Visit the restaurant, doctor’s office, veterinary clinic, and farmers market.
22. Tulsa Oilers Hockey Game
The Oilers are the local hockey team. They put on thrilling games packed with action and excitement. Kids will have a blast cheering on the home team and watching the players glide around the rink.
23. Tulsa Performing Arts Center
With Broadway shows, ballets, concerts, and more, there’s a performance at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center for everyone. Kids will have a blast watching the amazing talent on stage and discovering diverse art forms and cultures.
24. Shuffles: Board Game Cafe
At Shuffles, every evening turns into an epic game night! This unique dining experience is family-friendly and all about having fun. Purchase an inexpensive game pass, pick out a game to play, and have fun.
25. Andy B’s Bowling
Taking the kids to Andy B’s Bowling is a blast! They’ve got everything from classic bowling lanes to an arcade, laser tag, escape rooms, and even go-karts!
26. Purple Glaze Studio
Enjoy a fun arts and crafts session with your child at Purple Glaze Studio. Choose a ceramic shape, paint it together, and let the professionals handle the glazing and firing. Return in a few days to collect your unique masterpiece!
27. Main Event Entertainment
Main Event is another fantastic destination for a family outing, offering a variety of activities such as bowling, laser tag, mini golf, escape rooms, gravity ropes, and more.
28. Incredible Pizza
Incredible Pizza in Tulsa offers a range of fun activities for kids and adults alike, including go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, bumper cars, and arcade games.
Plus, you don’t need to stress over picky eaters – the all-you-can-eat buffet has you covered with pizza, pasta, and soup options.
Quirky Route 66 Stops Kids Will Enjoy
Historic Route 66 passes through Tulsa, creating the perfect opportunity to explore some of the most beloved sights in the city!
29. Golden Driller Statue
The Golden Driller statue, standing 75 feet tall, is a Tulsa landmark. Pose with this one-of-a-kind statue for a memorable photo.
The statue has a steel frame and is covered with concrete and plaster. The words at the base of the statue say: “The Golden Driller, a symbol of the International Petroleum Exposition. Dedicated to the men of the petroleum industry who by their vision and daring have created from God’s abundance a better life for mankind.”
30. Mother Road Market
The Mother Road Market, an indoor food court, is a fantastic spot to enjoy some delicious local eats! Don’t miss out on the mouthwatering Nashville Hot Chicken from Chicken & The Wolf or the flavorful Brazilian cuisine from Doctor Kustom.
31. Buck & Stella Atom
Make sure to take a photo of this iconic stop on Route 66! Discover cool souvenirs to take home at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios and the neighboring Decopolis store.
32. The Cave House
Discover Tulsa’s quirkiest building, the Cave House. Originally a restaurant turned speakeasy, it is now a unique museum with guided tours. Explore its colorful history, meandering halls, and intriguing interior decor.
33. Route 66 Historical Village
Make a pit stop in West Tulsa at the Route 66 Historical Village to check out the retired Friscoe locomotive that used to travel between Oklahoma City and St. Louis.
Explore the recreated gas station, wander among the different vehicles and train cars, and snap a pic with the massive Route 66 seal!
More Kid-Friendly Towns to Explore Near Tulsa:
