Are you heading to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the holidays? Maybe you just want to get away with the kids for a few days? Tulsa is the second-largest city in Oklahoma and offers many fun activities for everyone in the family.
Located in Oklahoma’s northeast corner, Tulsa is positioned near Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas on Route 66. Known as America’s Main Street, this is also a former territory for relocated Native Americans.
At the beginning of the 20th century, oil was discovered in Tulsa, and it became a booming city. Now Tulsa continues that tradition, with a number of entertainment and art districts, along with beautiful parks, and museums.
With a variety of options for the little ones and interactive museums for the older ones, you will be sure to have fun wherever you go. Even if it decides to rain (as it often does in the winter) there will be no shortage of activities, and even a few free options too!
Outdoor Activities
1. Mary K. Oxley Nature Center
Mohawk Park covers a huge area, and this part of the park features wide and easy nature trails. These are perfect for family hiking. See if you can spot different creatures, and try to identify the plants you see.
After your hike, head to the nature center where you can look at the displays, enjoy the interactive activities for kids, and get some souvenirs at the Nature Store as well.
Address: 5701 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK
2. Gathering Place
This public park is located along Riverside Drive in Tulsa. Spanning over 100 acres, this “gathering” place, offers a special playground, gardens, trails, boat rentals, restaurants, the opportunity for outdoor concerts, events, and more.
It is truly fun for the whole family!
Address: 2650 S John Williams Way E, Tulsa, OK
3. Linnaeus Teaching Gardens
These gardens are great for walking around, but there are also great opportunities to visit for children’s programs. Every Thursday in the summer they offer a “storytime in the garden” for preschoolers through second-graders.
Enjoy picture book readings with activities in the garden. If your kids are under 12 and over 6, they can get dirty in the garden from May-August.
Head to the Kid’s Corner to find even more activities. Enjoy seeing the vegetable gardens, koi ponds, wildflowers, and waterfalls that the Linnaeus Teaching Gardens have to offer. There is something for everyone.
Address: 2435 S. Peoria Avenue, Tulsa, OK
Bring Out the Artist In You
4. Tulsa Glass Blowing School
If you have a few creative kids in the bunch, then your family will love the Tulsa Glass Blowing School. Children as young as 7 years old can participate and create art from molten glass.
This colorful studio is located in the Brady Arts District and starts at just $20 a session.
Create vases, your family can learn about the skills needed to create glass vases, flowers, and sun catchers, among others. If you have kids under 7, they can make other art, or watch your family do so. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time.
Address: 19 E. Brady, Tulsa, OK
5. First Friday Art Crawl
Hosted in Tulsa’s downtown area, there are several designated neighborhoods offering plenty of art. The Arts District is one of them and each first Friday of the month they host the Art Crawl.
Here you will find all of the district’s art galleries, the Woody Guthrie Center, and much more. Open until 9 p.m. on First Fridays, this center celebrates the life and achievements of Oklahoma-born Woody Guthrie.
Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for 55+, $10 for military families (up to 4 persons), $8 for college students, and FREE for all kids under 18! The best feature for kids has to be the Dust Bowl virtual reality experience, included with admission.
6. Purple Glaze
This is a unique concept. You and your child get to choose a piece of pre-made pottery, and then paint it yourself. Following that it will go into the kiln to be fired. There are multiple locations, and it is a great option if you are stuck with a rainy day outside.
Address: 3303 S Peoria Ave, Tulsa, OK 74105
Indoor Fun
7. Go Ballistic
Go Ballistic is the quintessential place for young families, geared towards kids under 10. Whether it is raining or shining, three are play areas such as inflatable bounce houses, slides, multi-level foam ball shooting arena, an arcade game room, and a mini-zipline.
For younger kids, there is a special area for those under 2. With lots of yummy treats, your family will be sure to have a great time all day long.
Address: 6202 S Sheridan Rd, Tulsa, OK
8. Main Event Entertainment
If you are looking for something tailored to the whole family including your older teens, Main Event Entertainment is the place to be.
Here you will find laser tag, bowling, mini-golf, rock climbing, ropes courses, bocce ball, and arcade games all in one location. Stop by a bit later for billiards and karaoke before you grab some food.
With amazing American cuisine like burgers, baby back ribs, chicken tenders, and pizza, or grab a cocktail, beer, mojito, soft drink or fruit smoothie.
Address: 7830 South Santa Fe Ave, Tulsa, OK
9. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Whether you want to get active or want to let the kids let out a bit of their energy, the sky zone trampoline park is a great place to do so.
With open jump time, the “Sky Slam court” and a “SkyRobics fitness class” there is something for everyone. Be sure to sign up for Ultimate Dodgeball if it is on the calendar and get the whole family involved.
Address: 8306 E 61st St, Tulsa, OK
10. Cinemark IMAX Theatres
When you have to stay inside, there is nothing better than going to the movies. The only thing better as a family activity might be going to an IMAX movie.
At the Tulsa Cinemark IMAX Theatres, you can relax in recliners in front of the biggest screen imaginable. With affordable prices, this will be something everyone can agree on.
Address: 10802 E. 71st Street S., Tulsa, OK
Tulsa’s Museums, Aquarium, and Planetarium
11. Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium (TASM) promotes science-based education through hands-on interaction. This museum offers information on the story of Oklahoma’s rich aerospace history.
Find interactive exhibits that educate and entertain family members of all ages. Come experience 35,000 square feet filled with aviation history and interaction. Come and take a look at the future of aerospace!
3624 N 74th East Ave, Tulsa, OK
12. Discovery Lab at Tulsa Children’s Museum
Located in one of the oldest parks in Tulsa, Owen Park houses the Discovery Lab. This small, but exciting, space has many opportunities for learning and building.
Notable exhibits include a human foosball game, designed and built by a local seventh grade STEM classroom, along with rotating exhibits and lots of hands-on activities.
Being a very low-cost outing, you can head to the sprayground and other playground features after you are done in the Discovery Lab.
Address: 560 N. Maybelle Ave, Tulsa, OK
13. The Oklahoma Aquarium
You can never go wrong with spending the day at an aquarium. Especially because this 72,000 sq ft compound features 8 amazing habitats.
Find natural habitats of different ancient people, such as the Ozarks, as well as an amazing shark exhibit. There are also different weekday special events, so be sure to check out the calendar beforehand.
Address: 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks, OK
Unique Attractions
14. Visit the Center of the Universe
If you and your kids are looking for something you can’t do anywhere else, visit the Center of the Universe!
This phenomenon occurred when a bridge was removed in the 1980s. It was replaced with a pedestrian pathway, which created an acoustical phenomenon.
Stand in the center of a decorative circle and speak. You will notice that your voice echoes back as if through a device. This is a fun and free activity for the kids to enjoy!
Address: 1 S. Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK
15. Check Out Buck Atom on Route 66
This huge statue of Buck Atom is a fun activity to stop into. He stands a full 21-feet tall outside the shop.
Whether you are looking at the huge statue of Buck Atom or window shopping, it is a day of fun for the whole family. Here you will find not only art galleries but also souvenir shops as well.
16. The Cave House
Anyone who has visited The Cave House knows this unique house is a big part of Tulsa’s history. Take a tour and learn about who once lived here.
During your tour, you will go through to see all of its hidden treasures, secret passages, and learn about its most interesting tenants. The Cave House was inhabited in the 1920s, where it not only housed a chicken restaurant but also doubled as a speakeasy during the prohibition era.
Kids will have an exciting and fun time exploring the house. They will be sure to find surprises around every corner.
Address: 1623 W. Charles Page Blvd, Tulsa, OK