Top Recommended OKC Airport Layover Activities:
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial
211 North Robinson Ave, Leadership Square, Oklahoma City, OK 73101 · 405-235-3313
This moving and beautiful memorial is a somber reminder of the worst act of terrorism committed in this country. The facades of two massive bronze gateways, one symbolizing the moment before the blast and the other one the moment after, are embellished with faint handprints. A large reflection pool is set between the gates and 168 granite and crystal chairs, representing those who died, are situated in rows that depict the number of floors in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building. The Survivor Tree, a single American elm, along with a wall inscribed with the names of those who lived serves a symbol of hope to the citizens of Oklahoma City. ADMISSION: Free
2, Bricktown District
Sheridan Ave and Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK
This former industrial center is the geographic heart of Oklahoma City. The centerpiece of this district is the Bricktown Canal, constructed by excavating an old street. Many restaurants and clubs built patios to take advantage of the view and provide prime spots for people watching. Water taxis are a popular and enjoyable means of transport between shops, cafes, and nightclubs.
3. Oklahoma City Farmers Market
311 South Klein Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 · 405-232-6506
This historical market features a variety of shops that sell various items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, antiques, books, dolls, glassware, and other flea-market items. ADMISSION: Free; prices vary according to vendor
4. Martin Park Nature Center
5000 West Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142 · 405-755-0676
Hike more than 20 miles of wood-chip foot trails and enjoy a protected wilderness area that includes 180 species of birds, dozens of native animals, and a host of indigenous plants, trees, and shrubs. Feed turtles in a freshwater pond or watch squirrels from a special observatory. Guided tours and nature programs are available.
5. Myriad Botanical Gardens
100 Myriad Gardens, Robinson & Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 · 405-297-3995
Located in the heart of Oklahoma City’s downtown, this garden oasis features a spring-fed lake stocked with Japanese koi and native Oklahoma fish. The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory resembles paradise with palms, orchids and exotic plants, butterflies, lizards, and a cascading waterfall. Outside, stone pathways wind along running streams, through the Meinders Gardens, around fresh water ponds, and by beautifully landscaped grounds. Visit the Crystal Bridge gift shop. ADMISSION: Conservatory Adult $4, Senior/Student $3, Child (4-12) $2, Child (under 4) Free
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. International Finals Rodeo
2304 Exchange Ave, State Fair Arena, Oklahoma City, OK · 405-235-6540
This rodeo is one of the premier events of the year in Oklahoma City. The top 15 cowboys and cowgirls in seven different events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, and bull riding, compete for top prizes. A large parade with horses, wagons, and entertainers also is part of the festivities.
2. Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival
121 East Oklahoma Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73044 · 405-282-4446
Located in historic Guthrie, 30 minutes north of Oklahoma City, this event features more than twenty-five performers who travel from as far away as Canada, Japan, and Switzerland. National acts, such as Willie Nelson, have headlined the festival.
3. Red Earth Festival and Parade
1 Myriad Gardens, Myriad Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 · 405-427-5228
This festival honors Native American history and culture. Learn about ancient customs and practices and enjoy traditional costumes and dances, story-telling events, art exhibitions, and authentic foods.
4. Southwestern Bell Balloon Fest
5700 North Rockwell Ave, Wiley Post Airport, Oklahoma City, OK 73008 · 405-948-4000
This spectacular event is one of the city’s favorites. Enormous, brightly colored hot-air balloons are scattered throughout the sky and the airport grounds. Enjoy “Moon Glow,” a magnificent evening event when the brilliant balloons light up the night sky. Live entertainment, skydiving events, and children’s activities are also featured. Proceeds benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
5. State Fair of Oklahoma
500 Land Rush St, Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 · 405-948-6704
Oklahoma boasts one of the biggest state fairs in the country. Enjoy spectacular entertainment including rodeos, professional wrestling, ice shows, rock and country concerts, and a variety of motor sports. The popular midway is jam packed with rides and games. Show up hungry - the corndogs and funnel cakes are the best around.
6. Frontier City Theme Park
11501 North I-35 Service Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73131 · 405-478-2412
This western-themed amusement park features more than seventy-five rides including the Hangman, a wild freefall ride. Enjoy the four thrilling roller coasters, fabulous water rides, games, live shows, entertainment, and attractions, all situated in an authentic old 1880s western town. Paul Bunyan’s Tiny Lumber Town provides lots of fun for the littlest hombres. ADMISSION: Adult $22.99, Child/Senior $14.99
7. Oklahoma City Zoo
2101 NE 50th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 · 405-424-3344
The Oklahoma City Zoological Park is the oldest zoo in the Southwestern United States and one of the top 10 zoos in the country. This hundred-plus acre park is home to more than two thousand exotic animals from around the world. The popular Cat Forest/Lion Overlook includes lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and meerkats. You can enjoy the escapades of chimps, orangutans, and gorillas at the Great Escape exhibit. The zoo offers a variety of concessions, rides, tours, and other entertainment. ADMISSION: Adult $6, Senior/Child (3-11) $3, Children (under 3) Free
8. Read Ranch
Rural Rte 1 Box 1870, Chandler, OK 74834-8913 · 405-258-2999
Located between Tulsa and Oklahoma City, this working guest ranch offers a variety of trail rides for all ages and levels of experience. Enjoy a breakfast ride, picnic ride, or a chuck wagon supper. Children will delight in the Pettin’ Zoo, which features llamas, goats, pigs, wild turkeys, and exotic birds. Also on tap are hayrides, horseshoes, wienie roasts, and a gunfight show. The ranch welcomes corporate events and company picnics. Prior reservations are required. ADMISSION: Rates vary per activity.
9. White Water Bay Water Park
3908 West Reno, 1/2 mile East of I-40 & Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 · 405-943-9687
What can be better on a hot summer day than water, water, and more water! This popular park features more than 30 water rides, slides, pools, and water games. The brave-hearted visitors will enjoy Cannonball Falls, a slide that ends in a six-foot drop, and Acapulco Cliff Dive, a sixty-five foot freefall. For those that enjoy more leisure activities, they can grab an inner tube and enjoy a tranquil float down Castaway Creek. Kids Kove, a roomy “soft play” area will entertain younger children. ADMISSION: $17.99, Senior/Child $12.99
10. Will Rogers Park
3400 North Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 · 405-946-2739
This lovely 130-acre park features a magnificent arboretum with more than 600 species of plants, fragrant rose gardens, glorious ponds, groves of trees, and picnic grounds. Sports activities abound with an Olympic-size swimming pool, a tennis center, an 18-hole Frisbee golf course, an outdoor amphitheater, and a Senior Citizens Center.
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial
211 North Robinson Ave, Leadership Square, Oklahoma City, OK 73101 · 405-235-3313
This moving and beautiful memorial is a somber reminder of the worst act of terrorism committed in this country. The facades of two massive bronze gateways, one symbolizing the moment before the blast and the other one the moment after, are embellished with faint handprints. A large reflection pool is set between the gates and 168 granite and crystal chairs, representing those who died, are situated in rows that depict the number of floors in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building. The Survivor Tree, a single American elm, along with a wall inscribed with the names of those who lived serves a symbol of hope to the citizens of Oklahoma City. ADMISSION: Free
2, Bricktown District
Sheridan Ave and Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK
This former industrial center is the geographic heart of Oklahoma City. The centerpiece of this district is the Bricktown Canal, constructed by excavating an old street. Many restaurants and clubs built patios to take advantage of the view and provide prime spots for people watching. Water taxis are a popular and enjoyable means of transport between shops, cafes, and nightclubs.
3. Oklahoma City Farmers Market
311 South Klein Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 · 405-232-6506
This historical market features a variety of shops that sell various items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, antiques, books, dolls, glassware, and other flea-market items. ADMISSION: Free; prices vary according to vendor
4. Martin Park Nature Center
5000 West Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142 · 405-755-0676
Hike more than 20 miles of wood-chip foot trails and enjoy a protected wilderness area that includes 180 species of birds, dozens of native animals, and a host of indigenous plants, trees, and shrubs. Feed turtles in a freshwater pond or watch squirrels from a special observatory. Guided tours and nature programs are available.
5. Myriad Botanical Gardens
100 Myriad Gardens, Robinson & Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 · 405-297-3995
Located in the heart of Oklahoma City’s downtown, this garden oasis features a spring-fed lake stocked with Japanese koi and native Oklahoma fish. The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory resembles paradise with palms, orchids and exotic plants, butterflies, lizards, and a cascading waterfall. Outside, stone pathways wind along running streams, through the Meinders Gardens, around fresh water ponds, and by beautifully landscaped grounds. Visit the Crystal Bridge gift shop. ADMISSION: Conservatory Adult $4, Senior/Student $3, Child (4-12) $2, Child (under 4) Free
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. International Finals Rodeo
2304 Exchange Ave, State Fair Arena, Oklahoma City, OK · 405-235-6540
This rodeo is one of the premier events of the year in Oklahoma City. The top 15 cowboys and cowgirls in seven different events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, and bull riding, compete for top prizes. A large parade with horses, wagons, and entertainers also is part of the festivities.
2. Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival
121 East Oklahoma Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73044 · 405-282-4446
Located in historic Guthrie, 30 minutes north of Oklahoma City, this event features more than twenty-five performers who travel from as far away as Canada, Japan, and Switzerland. National acts, such as Willie Nelson, have headlined the festival.
3. Red Earth Festival and Parade
1 Myriad Gardens, Myriad Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 · 405-427-5228
This festival honors Native American history and culture. Learn about ancient customs and practices and enjoy traditional costumes and dances, story-telling events, art exhibitions, and authentic foods.
4. Southwestern Bell Balloon Fest
5700 North Rockwell Ave, Wiley Post Airport, Oklahoma City, OK 73008 · 405-948-4000
This spectacular event is one of the city’s favorites. Enormous, brightly colored hot-air balloons are scattered throughout the sky and the airport grounds. Enjoy “Moon Glow,” a magnificent evening event when the brilliant balloons light up the night sky. Live entertainment, skydiving events, and children’s activities are also featured. Proceeds benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
5. State Fair of Oklahoma
500 Land Rush St, Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 · 405-948-6704
Oklahoma boasts one of the biggest state fairs in the country. Enjoy spectacular entertainment including rodeos, professional wrestling, ice shows, rock and country concerts, and a variety of motor sports. The popular midway is jam packed with rides and games. Show up hungry - the corndogs and funnel cakes are the best around.
6. Frontier City Theme Park
11501 North I-35 Service Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73131 · 405-478-2412
This western-themed amusement park features more than seventy-five rides including the Hangman, a wild freefall ride. Enjoy the four thrilling roller coasters, fabulous water rides, games, live shows, entertainment, and attractions, all situated in an authentic old 1880s western town. Paul Bunyan’s Tiny Lumber Town provides lots of fun for the littlest hombres. ADMISSION: Adult $22.99, Child/Senior $14.99
7. Oklahoma City Zoo
2101 NE 50th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 · 405-424-3344
The Oklahoma City Zoological Park is the oldest zoo in the Southwestern United States and one of the top 10 zoos in the country. This hundred-plus acre park is home to more than two thousand exotic animals from around the world. The popular Cat Forest/Lion Overlook includes lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and meerkats. You can enjoy the escapades of chimps, orangutans, and gorillas at the Great Escape exhibit. The zoo offers a variety of concessions, rides, tours, and other entertainment. ADMISSION: Adult $6, Senior/Child (3-11) $3, Children (under 3) Free
8. Read Ranch
Rural Rte 1 Box 1870, Chandler, OK 74834-8913 · 405-258-2999
Located between Tulsa and Oklahoma City, this working guest ranch offers a variety of trail rides for all ages and levels of experience. Enjoy a breakfast ride, picnic ride, or a chuck wagon supper. Children will delight in the Pettin’ Zoo, which features llamas, goats, pigs, wild turkeys, and exotic birds. Also on tap are hayrides, horseshoes, wienie roasts, and a gunfight show. The ranch welcomes corporate events and company picnics. Prior reservations are required. ADMISSION: Rates vary per activity.
9. White Water Bay Water Park
3908 West Reno, 1/2 mile East of I-40 & Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 · 405-943-9687
What can be better on a hot summer day than water, water, and more water! This popular park features more than 30 water rides, slides, pools, and water games. The brave-hearted visitors will enjoy Cannonball Falls, a slide that ends in a six-foot drop, and Acapulco Cliff Dive, a sixty-five foot freefall. For those that enjoy more leisure activities, they can grab an inner tube and enjoy a tranquil float down Castaway Creek. Kids Kove, a roomy “soft play” area will entertain younger children. ADMISSION: $17.99, Senior/Child $12.99
10. Will Rogers Park
3400 North Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 · 405-946-2739
This lovely 130-acre park features a magnificent arboretum with more than 600 species of plants, fragrant rose gardens, glorious ponds, groves of trees, and picnic grounds. Sports activities abound with an Olympic-size swimming pool, a tennis center, an 18-hole Frisbee golf course, an outdoor amphitheater, and a Senior Citizens Center.