Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City’s new Horizons District, the OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark offers a seamless blend of family-friendly fun and upscale relaxation. Owned by the Chickasaw Nation, this standout destination features a sprawling indoor waterpark and 4.5-acre outdoor adventure lagoon paired with the sophistication of a luxury resort.
Perfect for family travelers seeking an experience that entertains the kids while indulging the adults, OKANA delivers on all fronts—and our recent visit confirmed it as a must-visit getaway.
This article contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.
Our Experience
From the moment we arrived at OKANA Resort, we knew this staycation was going to be something special. OKANA delivers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation—ideal for an Oklahoma getaway with kids, especially with how unpredictable the weather can be.
I had the opportunity to experience the resort during its official grand opening (early March, 2025) as a media member. The check-in process was quick and efficient, with friendly staff eager to assist us with any questions or needs.
The hotel itself is an impressive 11-story structure with 404 rooms ranging from standard accommodations to suites. The contemporary design elements continue throughout the property, with thoughtful touches that reflect the Chickasaw Nation’s heritage.
The kids and I couldn’t wait to hit the indoor waterpark (more on that later!), but what we loved most was how it had something for everyone. Whether we were hanging out as a group or sneaking in a little quiet time, it felt like the perfect balance of fun and chill vibes.
Our king suite was spacious and well-appointed, with a comfortable king bed and pull-out sleeper sofa. I was pleased to find that all rooms have a microwave and mini-fridge—perfect for storing snacks and drinks.
I also learned that the artwork throughout the hotel was hand-selected by Katie Goodnight and Ali Bivens, of the Exhibit C Gallery located next to the resort. The pieces were stunning and added cultural elements to the rooms and common areas.
One of my favorite pieces in my room was this recreation of the Chickasaw Map of 1723. It served as an important visual of Chickasaw history outlining waterways, trade routes, and the relationships with other people during the time it was created.
Accommodations
We stayed in one of OKANA’s king suites, which comfortably accommodated four people. The room featured a plush king bed and a pull-out sofa, with ample space for everyone without feeling cramped. The suite included standard amenities you’d expect from a luxury resort: premium linens, a well-appointed bathroom, mini-fridge, coffee maker, clothing steamer, and a smart TV.
During this stay, it was just my yougest son and myself. So the suite was more that spacious for just the two of us. We had plenty of room to spread out and relax after a long day of exploring. OKANA offers several additional room types designed for larger families or groups. These include double-queen rooms, larger family suites with bunk beds, and connecting room options that can accommodate extended family gatherings or friend groups traveling together.
What makes the accommodations at OKANA particularly appealing for families is their waterpark pass policy. Each registered guest in your room receives waterpark access from check-in through the day you check out—essentially giving you two days of water fun even on a one-night stay. This policy means you can enjoy the waterpark as soon as you check in and continue using it throughout the day of your departure, adding tremendous value to your booking.
Indoor Waterpark
The crown jewel of OKANA Resort is undoubtedly its massive 100,000 square foot indoor waterpark. This climate-controlled aquatic playground features an impressive 15 water slides ranging from mild to wild, ensuring options for every age group and thrill tolerance.
The wave pool generated surprisingly realistic ocean-like waves that had our kids squealing with delight. Unlike some resort wave pools that feel like an afterthought, OKANA’s is substantial enough to swim and play in.
The Waverider quickly became a family favorite, with riders able to choose between boogie boarding or stand-up surfing on the simulated ocean wave.
The lazy river offers a relaxing ride through under waterfalls, while the activity pool provides interactive fun with basketball hoops and lily pad courses. Don’t worry about bringing your own towels either – OKANA provides complimentary towel service for guests at the front when you enter.
Parents of younger children will appreciate the dedicated “littles” area, thoughtfully designed with smaller slides, shallow water, and interactive water features scaled for toddlers and young children. The graduated entry makes it accessible even for wobbly new walkers, while still providing enough excitement for kids up to about age 7.
Want a place to come back to and relax while at the waterpark? Book a private cabana equipped with comfortable seating, a mini fridge stocked with cold drinks, and a personal attendant to cater to your needs.
What impressed us was the attention to safety without sacrificing fun—lifeguards were attentive and plentiful but not intrusive to the experience. Next time I visit, I will bring water shoes to ensure safety while playing in the water. The floor of the wave pool was newly surfaced and a little rough for my feet. Additionally, some walkways can be slippery with all the water. It is always better to take precautions.
Note: If you are local to the area or staying at another hotel nearby, you can opt for day passes.
Dining Options
After working up an appetite at the waterpark, food options become a priority, and OKANA doesn’t disappoint. The resort houses multiple dining establishments ranging from quick-service options inside the water park to more refined sit-down restaurants.
Our top recommendation at the pool? The pizza! After hours of swimming and sliding, we ordered pizza to refuel, and it was surprisingly excellent—not the typical mediocre resort food you might expect. With a perfectly chewy hand-tossed crust and generous toppings, it hit the spot for both kids and adults alike.
For dinner, we highly recommend Jackrabbit, the resort’s signature restaurant offering a more upscale dining experience while still remaining family-friendly. The menu features creative dishes that showcase regional flavors, and the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort.
Weekend visitors should not miss the breakfast buffet, which offers an impressive array of hot and cold options that cater to every taste. From made-to-order omelets to fresh pastries, the quality and variety exceeded our expectations for a resort breakfast.
For quick meals and snacks, the resort’s coffee shop provides not only excellent beverages but also a selection of pre-made deli sandwiches, salads, and pastries perfect for grabbing between waterpark sessions. The cantina offers another casual dining option with Southwestern-inspired fare that’s perfect for a poolside lunch or casual dinner.
Throughout the resort, you’ll find these varied dining options catering to different tastes and time constraints, making it easy to keep everyone fed and happy without having to leave the property.
Additional Amenities
Beyond the waterpark and accommodations, OKANA offers a robust selection of amenities that round out the resort experience.
The family entertainment center provides additional activities for when you need a break from the water, with arcade games and other attractions that appeal to a wide age range.
For adults seeking relaxation, the resort’s spa offers a variety of treatments and services designed to pamper and rejuvenate. Local residents should take note: the spa offers special discounts for locals, making it a worthwhile destination even if you’re not staying overnight.
Shoppers will appreciate the retail options throughout the resort, offering everything from necessities you might have forgotten to pack to souvenirs commemorating your stay.
The resort also features comprehensive conference facilities, making it a potential destination for work retreats that can double as family vacations.
Coming Soon: OKANA Beach
While the indoor waterpark offers year-round aquatic fun, summer visitors have something extra to look forward to. OKANA Beach, a spectacular 4.5-acre outdoor adventure lagoon, is set to open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This impressive feature ranks as the fourth-largest pool in the entire country—a remarkable distinction that puts Oklahoma City on the map for water enthusiasts.
The outdoor lagoon promises to extend the water experience with a different atmosphere than the indoor park, allowing families to soak up the Oklahoma sunshine while still enjoying resort amenities. We’re already planning a return trip to experience this exciting addition.
Room Rates
The King Suite rack rate for my March weeknight stay was $179 per night. This was a great deal considering the high-quality amenities, spacious accommodations, and water park passes. I have seen advertised discount rates for as low as $99 per night with two people.
- See Special Offers and Book Directly at OKANA Resort
- Book on Expedia.com
Conclusion
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark delivers on its promise of a premium family destination that doesn’t require traveling far from Oklahoma City. With its impressive waterpark, comfortable accommodations, varied dining options, and additional amenities, it offers a complete vacation experience under one roof.
What makes it truly stand out is the thoughtful attention to both children’s entertainment and adult enjoyment—something many family resorts attempt but few execute this well. The value proposition of included waterpark passes for your entire stay further enhances the appeal for families watching their budget.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, OKANA Resort has positioned itself as a must-visit destination for families seeking adventure and relaxation in equal measure. The Chickasaw Nation has created something special here—a destination that rivals similar properties in more traditionally tourist-heavy locations.
For Oklahoma families or those within driving distance, OKANA represents the perfect blend of convenience and excitement, eliminating the need for expensive flights while still delivering a memorable vacation experience. And for those traveling from further afield, it offers a unique destination that showcases Oklahoma’s growing tourism appeal. While you are here, be sure to check out my article with great family-friendly things to do in Oklahoma City.
Our family gives OKANA Resort an enthusiastic thumbs up, and we’re already planning our return visit to experience the outdoor lagoon when it opens for the summer season!
Check out more from us starting with our recent adventure posts:
- 25 Cool Camping Gifts Any Outdoorsy Person will LOVE
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Time to Cruise Alaska with Your Family
- OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark: The Ultimate Family Getaway in Oklahoma City
- Splash Around for 3 Days of Family Adventure along Tennessee’s Ocoee River
- Traveling After 30: Embracing Comfort Without Breaking the Bank
This sounds like an amazing place! I love that it combines family fun with luxury. The indoor waterpark and outdoor lagoon are huge draws. I’m curious, what was the most thrilling slide in the waterpark? And how about the outdoor lagoon – did you get to try any fun water activities there? Can’t wait to hear more about your experience!
Good to read! I really enjoyed your blog—it was clear, concise, and incredibly easy to understand. You managed to explain everything in such a straightforward way that even complex topics felt approachable.
A lot of blogs tend to get overly technical or lose readers in jargon, but this one stayed focused and informative without overwhelming the reader. Your writing style is engaging and well-paced—I found myself genuinely interested from start to finish.
Looking forward to reading more of your work! If this is the standard you maintain, I’m sure your blogs will continue to be a great resource for many. Keep up the amazing work!
Your explanation was not only clear but also thoughtfully crafted—I could tell you put real care into making the topic understandable and engaging. It struck a great balance between being informative and approachable, which is rare.
I particularly appreciated how smoothly each point led to the next; it kept the momentum going and made the entire read enjoyable.
Posts like this remind me how valuable it is when someone takes the time to share what they know in such a meaningful way.
Thank you for contributing such quality content—I’ll definitely be coming back for more!