Its initials might be “OKC” but Oklahoma City is far more than just okay.
The capital of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City is a fun city full of great tourist attractions.
If you’re wanting to have an excellent midwestern experience, you should come here.
We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Oklahoma City just for you.
1. Myriad Botanical Gardens
The Myriad Botanical Gardens is an excellent gathering place for the people of Oklahoma City.
Not only are there splendid gardens to explore here, but there are also tons of activities to enjoy.
Coming to these gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Oklahoma City.
You can come with your whole family, even your beloved canine companion, as there’s a dog park without a leash requirement.
Otherwise, you can have fun going to classes and learn things such as how to garden.
There are even musical performances.
Should you be in downtown OKC, you need to come to the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
They’re open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The outdoor grounds of the garden are free to explore.
A low admission is charged for visiting the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory.
Address: 301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
2. Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Some of the finest art in the country can be found at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
This is another great part of downtown Oklahoma City.
Roughly 500 years of art is represented, with much of it being from our century.
If you’re looking for stuff to do in OKC related to culture and creativity, you should come to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
Although this museum has lots of pieces that go back to the 19th century, it’s actually a fairly new museum.
Completed in 2002, it’s become a must-visit area for anyone with a curious mind.
You can see some truly compelling works in this massive institute.
The focus is on European and American artists, but the collection explores different mediums and provides great insights.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art shows that tourist attractions don’t have to be frivolous things.
This museum is open from Tuesday and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission to all galleries is $15. Children five and younger get in free.
On “Third Thursdays,” admission is $12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 415 Couch Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
3. Oklahoma City National Memorial
It’s been more than 20 years since Oklahoma City was devastated in every possible way by the horrors of a domestic terrorism incident.
So many lives were taken or changed in unspeakably terrible ways.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial is a tribute to those who were directly impacted by this atrocity as well as those who showed valor in the face of evil.
Located on the site of the incident, where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building once stood, the Oklahoma City National Memorial provides you with an experience that may very well bring tears to your eyes.
You’ll also be able to learn quite a bit about this event, should you be curious.
If you’re looking for important places to visit in Oklahoma City, you need to go to the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
It’s one of the top things to see if you want to pay your respects to those affected.
It might not be a fun time, but it’s ultimately a meaningful one.
Address: 620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
4. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Get on your boots, hat and bolo tie, because it’s time to visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
This is one of the coolest museums in the whole state.
The rugged imagery of the West is given a whole new meaning when you see what’s on display here.
Coming to this museum is one of the most fun things to do in OKC.
Some museums are great for the antiquities they display, while others are great for their art.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is great in both respects.
You can see wonderful artwork and also look at fascinating items from the Old West era.
The education is quite extensive, as they also teach visitors about the importance of Native Americans.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum gives you a thorough exploration of one of this country’s most important periods.
This museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
Planning a trip to Tulsa soon? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Tulsa!
5. Oklahoma History Center
Whenever you visit a new city or state, you should strive to learn as much as possible about that area.
Oklahoma has a lot to provide inquisitive visitors with.
If you want to sharpen your historical knowledge, you should come to the Oklahoma History Center.
This is one of the top areas of OKC for getting in touch with the background of the region.
The exhibitions at The Oklahoma History Center do a terrific job of conveying just how much impact this state has made on the country and even the rest of the world.
For instance, there’s a whole exhibit about “Oklahoma!” the renowned musical from Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Other exhibits include “Votes for Women” and “Welcome Home: Oklahomans and the War in Vietnam.”
Going to the Oklahoma History Center is one of the most fun things to do in Oklahoma City.
This museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (age 62 and up), and $4 for students.
Children five and younger get in for free.
Address: 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, USA
6. Museum of Osteology
You hopefully won’t have any bones to pick with Oklahoma City, but if you do, you should come to the Museum of Osteology.
This OKC museum gives you all kinds of fantastic information about skeletons, ranging from yours to animals thousands of miles away.
This might be one of the most unexpectedly fun places you check out in OKC.
Do you ever wonder about the difference in bones between things like birds, fish, and mammals?
The Museum of Osteology will give you an in-depth understanding of these things.
You can also check out more than 800 skeletons to really see how distinct each of these species are.
The Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma s great for teaching you about a subject you might have previously had no interest in.
It’s open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $10 for adults, ages 12 and up, $8 for youths, age three to 11, and free for children younger than three.
Address: 10301 S Sunnylane Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73160, USA
7. Oklahoma City Dodgers Game
You don’t have to go to Los Angeles to see the Dodgers play baseball.
While the Oklahoma City Dodgers are a minor league team, they have a major fanbase.
The people of Oklahoma City love cheering on their Dodgers, and you can join the pandemonium if you plan your trip at the right time.
When you’re watching a game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, you can relish in the excitement of watching a great team play.
In its more than 50 years of history, the Oklahoma City Dodgers have won 19 different titles.
If you’re a baseball fan, you should pay close attention to how the Oklahoma City Dodgers work with one another.
If you’re not into baseball, you can still have an amazing time watching the Oklahoma City Dodgers play.
It’s a tremendous experience, and it can be enhanced by optimal weather conditions.
Seeing a baseball game is one of the most fun things to do in Oklahoma City.
Address: 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
8. Oklahoma City Zoo
If you want to go ape with excitement in OKC, you should come to the Oklahoma City Zoo.
This is an experience that puts you in amazing proximity with exotic species from all over the world.
When you come to the Oklahoma City Zoo, you can have an immensely fun time with your family.
Whatever you hope to see at a zoo can likely be found at the Oklahoma City Zoo, such as apes, big cats, and elephants.
There’s also excellent curation in terms of showing species native to Oklahoma, such as beavers and black bears.
You can also check out experiences such as the Sea Lion Show.
Going to the zoo is one of the top things to do in Oklahoma City.
This zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission for the all-inclusive “Zoo-It-All” experience is $29 for adults and $24 for children and seniors.
Address: 2000 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
9. Chesapeake Energy Arena
Watching NBA games is exciting enough when you’re at home.
However, the excitement is unbelievably high when you see them in person.
Seeing the Oklahoma City Thunder in action at the Chesapeake Energy Arena is great way to spend time in OKC and be near some tremendously skilled athletes.
If you’re in OKC outside of slam-dunk season or have interests outside of basketball, you can definitely make use of the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
This downtown Oklahoma City venue also hosts events such as concerts and WWE-based events.
Being part of a packed stadium makes the experience even more fun.
Dining options are all around you, including great places to grab a drink.
If you’re looking for what to do in Oklahoma City and want your experience to be as exciting as possible, you should come to the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
So much fun stuff happens at this venue.
Address: 100 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
Exploring other areas of Oklahoma? Why not check out some of the things to do in Broken Bow?
10. Science Museum Oklahoma
You have an amazing sense of curiosity.
It may have faded a bit as you grew up, but it’s still waiting in the wings, ready to come out whenever you’re willing to coax it.
When you come to the Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, you’ll find this self is practically jumping out, ready to be enthralled by so many great exhibits.
This is one of the most fun things to do in OKC with your family.
Your kids will love all of the exhibits, many of which put them up close with all sorts of scientific questions.
It’s also possible that questions you’ve always had will be resolved here.
Coming to this museum is what to do if you love learning and want to do so whenever you can.
Its operating hours are from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $16.95 for adults, age 13 to 64, $13.95 for seniors, and $13.95 for children.
Address: 2020 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
11. Frontier City Theme Park
If you’re a thrill-seeker in Oklahoma City, you have to check out Frontier City Theme Park.
This is a very unique theme park, as it has a Western motif.
It’s also jam-packed with rides, including four sensational roller coasters.
Attractions at Frontier City include thrill rides like Tumbleweed and Geronimo Skycoaster.
Then, there are rollercoasters such as the amazing Brain Drain and Diamondback.
If you don’t want something so intense, there are lots of fun rides suitable for families and young children.
You can also take in a gunfighter show to really feel like you’re in the Old West.
Coming to Frontier City is what to do in OKC if you love excitement.
It’s a theme park for those who love westerns, rollercoasters, both, and other things.
Plan a trip to Frontier City when you come to Oklahoma City.
Address: 11501 N I- 35 Service Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73131, USA
12. Boathouse District
There’s a way to experience the water in Oklahoma City without getting terribly wet.
This is possible through visiting the Boathouse District.
You can experience lots of boating activities on the great Oklahoma River here.
You should be excited to hear that this is where Olympic athletes train to compete in events such as rowing.
You can imagine people cheering you on as you paddle your canoe or kayak.
If you feel especially brave, you can try whitewater rafting or kayaking.
This takes place at RIVERSPORT Rapids & Adventures.
There are great non-aquatic activities to enjoy here, including climbing walls and zip-lines.
The Boathouse District is one of the most incredible places to visit in OKC.
You can have a great time enjoying all these activities.
This is one of the best Oklahoma City attractions for those who like to stay active.
Address: 725 S Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129, USA
13. Civic Center Music Hall
Oklahoma City has a proud history of exhibiting great live entertainment, and the Civic Center Music Hall is one of the best examples of this in terms of venues.
It has been in the city for more than 80 years and has gone through different names.
But one thing has been consistent: it’s always been a fantastic venue.
Whenever you come to OKC, you can bet that there’s something good happening at the Civic Center Music Hall.
Whether you love music, comedy, or theatrical productions, there’ll be something for you at this venue.
You should also cherish being in such a historic venue.
A weekend spent in Oklahoma City should definitely include checking out what’s at the Civic Center Music Hall.
It’s one of the biggest points of interest for those who love culture.
You’ll see live entertainment in Oklahoma City is done right when you come here.
Address: 201 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
14. 45th Infantry Division Museum
If you care about the military, you should come to the 45th Infantry Division Museum.
This gives you a great glimpse of not only Oklahoma history but also America.
Artifacts associated with Oklahoma from majors conflicts involving the United States can be found here.
The 45th Infantry Division in Oklahoma was part of the National Guard.
These brave souls had the moniker of “Thunderbirds.”
You can see things from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, and the Vietnam War.
Going to the 45th Infantry Division Museum is what to do if you want to pay homage to soldiers and the bravery they exhibit.
This museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
There’s no admission charge, so this one of the best free things to do in OKC.
Address: 2145 NE 36th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
15. White Water Bay
Even though Oklahoma is landlocked, you can have a lot of aquatic experiences when you’re in Oklahoma City.
White Water Bay gives you everything you’d want from a water park, including impossibly long waterslides.
It’d be hard to think of a cooler way to cool down in Oklahoma City.
You might think you’ve gone down some pretty extreme waterslides, but they’re likely nothing compared to ones like Acapulco Cliff Dive and Cannonball Falls.
You can also have fun on rides like Big Kahuna, which is great for traveling in groups.
It’s also a blast to go swimming at the Monsoon Bay Wave Pool.
A milder experience can be had at the Castaway Creek lazy river.
There are also rides for smaller children to enjoy.
Should you get hungry, you can have sinfully delicious food like hot dogs and burgers.
Address: 3908 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107, USA
16. Bricktown Water Taxi
Hailing a standard taxi or calling a rideshare has nothing on the Bricktown Water Taxi in terms of getting a great ride around OKC.
If you come during the summer, you should be able to get a ride on this Oklahoma City vessel on any date.
You can see some of the best parts of the Bricktown entertainment district, Oklahoma City through this ride.
You can use the Bricktown Water Taxi to check out different parts of Bricktown.
Otherwise, you can just use it to be toured around the Bricktown canal.
This is a fairly brief, but very educational, excursion.
Riding the Bricktown Water Taxi is a great way to get around the Bricktown entertainment district.
Hours and availability of rides vary based on the season.
Regular tickets are $11, $8.50 for youths, age six to 12, $3.50 for children five and younger, and $9.50 for seniors, active military personnel, and individualities with disabilities.
Address: 111 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
17. Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum
Fire can provide so much for us, but it can also cause serious destruction.
When these worst-case scenarios happen, firefighters have been there to help save lives and stop a blaze before it has a chance to wreak havoc even more.
For more than 50 years, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum has showcased the courage of these individuals.
The artifacts of this museum are bound to wow you.
There are items here that are more than 200 years old.
In 2018, an expansion plan was introduced, which should help this become an even better museum.
Thanks to firefighters, we not only have people who will save us in case of intense fire, but who will also instruct us on how to avoid fire-related catastrophes in the first place.
The Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum is one of the best Oklahoma City attractions for how it tributes these heroes.
It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: 2716 NE 50th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
18. Centennial Land Run Monument
How people first came to settle in Oklahoma is an incredible story.
It took place near the end of the 19th century.
Free land was up for grabs, and tens of thousands wanted their piece of the pie.
It was a stampede to get to Oklahoma and be able to have a place to call one’s own.
Oklahoma City commemorates this event with the Centennial Land Run Monument.
Settlers, depicted in bronze, are shown coming through on horseback and horse-drawn wagon.
The pandemonium of this event is palpable.
Oklahoma became a state and formed such great town as Oklahoma City thanks to people like these settlers who were totally willing to go out on a limb to better their lives and those of their family members.
When you come to the Centennial Land Run Monument, you can think about just how much of a difference their actions made.
This is definitely one of the best sightseeing activities in Oklahoma City.
Address: 200 Centennial Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
19. Oklahoma State Capitol
State capitols are some of the most beautiful attractions of any area, and Oklahoma is no different.
The state’s seat of government sits proudly in Oklahoma City.
It gives you a great understanding of Oklahoma and how it’s taken shape.
Learning at the State Capitol building is fun, as the lessons aren’t dry.
You can be involved through things like statues and murals as well as guided tours.
Plus, it’s not like you always visit state capitols that have functioning oil derricks.
The Oklahoma State Capitol building is one of the most cool things around Oklahoma City.
This site is what to see if you have an interest in history and/or governing.
It’s open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There’s no charge for admission, making it a great choice if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Oklahoma City.
Address: 2300 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, USA
20. Cox Convention Center
Another great place to experience entertainment in Oklahoma City is at the Cox Convention Center.
This arena is where you can see the Oklahoma City Blue, an NBA G League team, plays.
As you might guess based on its name, it’s also a great place for conducting business while in Oklahoma.
Lots of great musical acts have come through the Cox Convention Center.
There have been concerts headlined by performers such as Kelly Clarkson, The Flaming Lips, and Nickelback.
If you’re looking for things to do at night in Oklahoma City, the Cox Convention Center is a superb option.
Address: 1 Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
21. American Banjo Museum
When used properly, the banjo can turn a good song into a great one.
While largely associated with American genres such as country and bluegrass, it actually has roots in African cultures.
Oklahoma City is home to one of the most interesting music-based museums in the United States, the American Banjo Museum.
At this museum, you’ll learn all about how banjos have been used across different styles of music.
You can see the progress of the banjo through the ages.
There are also many great individuals inducted in the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame.
The American Banjo Museum is one of the top things to see in Oklahoma City if you’re a music lover.
This museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on from Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, age 55 and older, and students, $6 for youths, age five to 17, $5 for those in the military, and free for children five and younger.
Families of two adults and two children get in for $15.
Address: 9 E Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
22. Lake Hefner
Oklahoma City is one of the most beautiful places in America today thanks to things like Lake Hefner.
This is something you must see if you want to witness an example of how a city came together to solve a serious problem.
Today, Lake Hefner is one of the top places to visit in Oklahoma for recreation.
A water crisis was going to hit Oklahoma City, so they constructed a reservoir, named in honor of mayor Robert A. Hefner.
Not only were residents able to keep getting water, but they also got a great place to go fishing.
Additionally, there are also lots of cycling routes to enjoy around this reservoir.
Other activities you can enjoy include skateboarding, jogging, or just going for a walk.
Lake Hefner is of the best things to see when you’re in OKC.
If you’re looking for fun things to do on the weekend in Oklahoma City, you should come to Lake Hefner.
Should you get hungry, you can have a delicious seafood meal at Red Rock Canyon Grill.
Address: 4491 S Lake Hefner Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73116, USA
23. Martin Park Nature Center
OKC is a great place to explore, because there are experiences that help you be more in-tune with nature as well as the “big city” experiences.
Martin Park Nature Center is an expansive area that gives wildlife a place to prosper.
This is one of the finest Oklahoma City attractions.
You can have a lot of fun just walking around the grounds of Martin Park Nature Center, especially when you explore the different trails.
However, you might have the most fun by coming to the Visitor Center.
This gives you a lot of compelling and hands-on learning opportunities, particularly with the animals that are shown here.
You can also have a picnic at this nature center and let your little one work their energy out at the playground.
Martin Park Nature Center stresses respect for nature, which includes not disturbing any of the wildlife, including both flora and fauna.
This park is open every day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April 1 to September 30, and from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October 1 to March 30.
Martin Park Nature Center doesn’t charge for admission.
Address: 5000 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142, USA
24. The Oklahoma Railway Museum
If you’re a transportation enthusiast, one of the best places to visit when you’re in OKC is the Oklahoma Railway Museum.
This is one of the most fun tourist attractions in the city, as it lets you not only learn about trains but also experience them.
You could come down to Oklahoma City this weekend and have a fantastic time at this museum.
Located in a defunct train depot, this museum has helped to keep the importance of the railroads and trains alive in the minds of visitors.
There are multiple trains to ride, with many running on diesel and others running on steam.
The sounds, sights, and smells of these trains may fill you with nostalgia for a time you never experienced.
Places like this museum are great examples of how Oklahoma City is such a fun area.
The Oklahoma Railway Museum is open from Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There’s no charge for admission.
Train rides happen from April and August on the first and third Saturday of a month.
Address: 3400 NE Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
25. Henry Overholser Mansion
If you’re going on a sightseeing tour of Oklahoma City, you have to check out the Henry Overholser Mansion.
OKC was able to become one of the best places to visit in the world thanks in part to Overholser’s vision and ambition.
His home has since become a museum, one which preserves his legacy and gives the people of this city another reason to be proud.
This home is impressive not only for its size but also for its lovely design.
You can get information about the home and its history by going on a tour.
If you find it to be a really magical environment, you might use it to host exclusive events.
Coming to the Henry Overholser Mansion is one of those places that you can’t let it slip by you.
If Henry Overholser is alive today, he would undoubtedly be proud of what his legacy has wrought, both for his home and for the city.
The Henry Overholser Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It’s also a great cheap experience.
Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (age 55 and up), $5 for students and children, and free for children age five and younger.
Address: 405 NW 15th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, USA
26. H&H Shooting Sports
If you want to take aim at serious fun in OKC, you should come to H&H Shooting Sports.
It offers every kind of shooting you can imagine, including archery and lots of gun usage.
Their team makes sure that everyone is trained in proper safety measures when it comes to handling weaponry.
An especially cool feature of H&H Shooting Sports is their TechnoHUNT shooting lanes.
This is a virtual archery experience that still requires plenty of attention and patience.
H&H Shooting Sports is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 400 Vermont Ave #110, Oklahoma City, OK 73108, USA
27. Paseo Arts District
Just going to a couple of museums might be enough for the average OKC visitor, but if you’re really into art, you have to come to the Paseo Arts District.
This could be one of the top 10 districts you’ve ever visited in America.
It’s overflowing with places that appeal greatly to art lovers.
You can explore lots of galleries in the Paseo Arts District, which host art and entertainment.
There are also great places for luxurious shopping and dining.
There are so many great things to see related to endless possibilities of the human mind when you come here.
Address: 2909 Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, USA
Start Planning Your Trip To Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is a place for fun, even if you can only manage to stay for a weekend.
If you’re anywhere near Oklahoma City, just try to find the time to see at least one of these attractions.
You’ll be near all sorts of wonderful people and things, including lots of free stuff.
These points of interest are great to explore and will leave you with so many things to share with your friends and relatives.
Start looking into flights to Oklahoma City tonight.