Fun Weekend Getaways in Oklahoma for Families

Where to Visit: Oklahoma City Zoo

If you haven’t been to Oklahoma City lately, you need to plan a visit. The city is in the midst of a revitalization and it is BOOMING! Today you will find award winning attractions, live events, great restaurants, and outdoor adventures throughout the city.

Families seeking adventure will want to don their swimsuit and grab an oar to raft the Riversport OKC white water rafting course, climb converted grain silos at Climb Up indoor climbing gym, or cycle along the miles of city trails.

For an educational weekend getaway, there are interactive, hands-on exhibits at the Science Museum Oklahoma, Museum of Osteology, and Firefighters Museum.

In Bricktown you’ll find the plenty of local eateries, live entertainment and street art/murals. The other various city districts offer great shopping, more great food, and family friends attractions.

Where to Visit: Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum

If you want to find places steeped in Western history, Duncan is the place to go. Duncan is a town made famous by the Chisholm Trail, a route stretching from Kansas to Texas that cowboys once used to drive millions of cattle to market.

Today it is home to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, one of the top western museums in the country. Here you’ll also find one of the last remaining steam locomotives at Rock Island 905 Railroad Depot & Museum. The museum holds several annual events that any train fan will want to attend.

Where to Visit: Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Just about an hour from Oklahoma City and two hours from Dallas, the town of Sulphur is filled with outdoor fun and activities. From Little Niagara and Lake of the Arbuckles in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area to nearby Turner Falls, water sports abound here. Plus explore on horseback with Arbuckle Trail Rides or on two or four-wheel at the Crossbar Ranch and ATV Park. For those looking for some culture, a stop at the Chickasaw Cultural Center is a stop. This is one of our favorite weekend getaways because there's always something to do here in Sulphur.

Where to Visit: Simpson's Old Time Museum

Enid is probably one of the best kept secrets in Oklahoma. The running joke is that during severe weather television forecasts, you won’t see roads leading to Enid. But it’s there and it offer a wide range of activities and attractions for people looking for family fun in Oklahoma. Some of our favorite attractions are the Leonardo’s Children’s Museum that was created by a local educator that wanted to provide a fun, educational space for all ages. The other site you MUST see is Simpson’s Old Time Museum. This is a working western movie studio with complete set scenes, vintage memorabilia, and pictures. Enid is also the closest town to Gloss Mountain State Park.

Where to Visit: This farm

Orr Family Farm is a long standing to-go for many families every fall. This agritourism farm is complete with pumpkin patches, hay rides, and outdoor fun.

Yet, now the farm is fun year-round with the addition of canvas-covered wagons. Book an overnight experience here to sleep out with the family. Don't worry though, there's no roughing it in these wagons that come complete with heating/air and heavenly beds.

Where to Visit: Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

This is the only place in the world where you can dig up hourglass-shaped selenite crystals. Bring your shovel and a bucket and you can dig on what was once covered by seawater when the dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Where to Visit: Hall of People of Oklahoma

Oklahoma has enjoyed a revival recently with a thriving music scene, world-class art museums and, of course, some of the greatest sports teams in the region. Norman, Oklahoma’s quintessential “college town,” is no exception and would be a great place to enjoy a weekend.

If the state’s third largest city is on your itinerary, consider visiting during the second weekend of the month to get the most bang for your weekend buck. The second Friday of each month boasts the Second Friday Art Walk in downtown Norman featuring live music, food trucks, local art and more. Early evening is a great time for families to enjoy the vendors and interactive activities sprinkled throughout the former empty lots turned gathering places. Once the sun goes down, drink specials and bands are easily stumbled upon up and down Main Street in the newly named Walker Art District.

After a lively, artistic Friday night, spend your Saturday exploring one of Norman’s gems, the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. This Norman must-see hosts a number of traveling exhibits but perpetually pleases dinosaur lovers young and old with their permanent Hall of Ancient Life.

Visitors interested in learning about Oklahoma’s rich Native culture will love the Hall of People of Oklahoma, another permanent exhibit showcasing the 300,000 year history of Native people of this region, including artifacts and contributions from my family! With no shortage of cultural immersion, artistic endeavors, culinary dreams and sporting events for days, Norman is an easy spot to fill a weekend with fun and family!

Where to Visit: Gloss Mountain State Park

While this is one of the smaller parks in Oklahoma, Gloss Mountains are one of my favorite destinations. A steep set of stairs zigzag to the top of Cathedral Mountain and once you’re up there it’s like you’re on your own planet.The area gets its name from the reflective selenite gypsum exposed in the ground. It’s especially pretty at sunrise or sunset when the sun catches the crystals just right and they sparkle. The collared lizard, the Oklahoma State reptile, can be spotted here and almost always there are buzzards circling in the sky, riding air currents in lazy circles. It manages to feel very isolated and peaceful, even with cars going by on the highway below. There isn’t much to do besides climb the stairs and explore the top of the mesa but it’s worth the drive all on its own. I really love this area; it’s stark and beautiful and so different from anything near Oklahoma City. And if you’re planning a day trip this is a perfect spot to head towards. The walk up and around the mesa takes about an hour if you’re in a hurry but it’s worth it to slow down and enjoy the view. There’s a spot to picnic and rest after you’ve come down too. Just keep in mind that the stairs are steep and to bring water with you.

Where to Visit: St. Francis of the Woods

St. Francis of the Woods in Coyle, Oklahoma, is the perfect destination for a family that is looking to slow down and find some quiet. One part spiritual retreat center, one part working farm, St. Francis of the Woods has cabins of all shapes and sizes, and each cabin has a working kitchen. There is no WiFi or TV, but there is an abundance of peace and quiet. For entertainment, there’s a library and a walking trail, and guests can go see the farm animals or feed the ducks at the pond. The retreat center is also actively involved in prairie restoration projects, and it’s a great place to see a little bit of Oklahomawilderness just outside the city. Though it’s not the sort of place with a flashy sign or big attractions, St. Francis of the Woods offers attendees the opportunity for some quiet time and connection. If you’re looking for a place where you can get away from screens and enjoy the company ofyour loved ones. While many artists like to visit as a way to retreat and dig deeper into their work, it could easily be the perfect spot to slow down and reconnect with family over board games or books read aloud.

Medicine Park, Oklahoma is a great destination for families looking to get away and explore the great outdoors! Located in the beautiful Wichita Mountains, Mount Scott is perfect for families who love hiking.