Best for Kids in Oklahoma City

Science Museum Oklahoma is a center for learning with its Planetarium and a massive 70-foot (21 meter) diameter Dome Theater in addition to other hands-on, interactive galleries. Some of the museum galleries include the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame, the Kirkpatrick Air and Space Museum and the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. The Air and Space museum has one of the most complete collections of historic aviation memorabilia in the country. In addition to displays, the museum is available for birthday parties, corporate events and it even hosts several excursions and day-camps for students throughout the year.

Martin Park provides a little natural respite for Oklahoma City's denizens with its nearly three miles of foot trails amongst thick foliage and plenty of local fauna. Visitors can reserve nature guides who describe the region's natural history or they can come alone to enjoy the tranquility. Either option notwithstanding, the park has informational stands along the way that tell you about native plants and animals. A couple of other relaxing activities include feeding turtles in the freshwater pond or taking a moment to bird watch. Highlights for the kids include 'Prairie Dog-Town' and the 'Squirrel Observatory', both are informative and fun. Whether you are alone or with the family, an afternoon strolling through the park is a great way to unwind. Admission is free.

The Will Rogers Park & Garden Center contains the Ed Lycan Conservatory, the Charles E. Sparks Rose Garden, the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum and the Will Rogers Exhibition Center. The entire park is truly a sight to behold with its lush green fields that cover over 130 acres and tons of botanical wonders spread throughout its trails. Visitors and residents are always here on balmy summer evenings to watch the sunset or to take a leisurely stroll. For more sporty activities, the park also contains a Frisbee-golf course and it is the location for the Oklahoma City Tennis Center.

Enjoy an evening of great baseball at Oklahoma City's Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, home of the Redhawks. With a capacity of 13,066 and a unique seating plan, fans get closer to the game than ever before. The ballpark is modern and has top-of-the-line features, like a million-dollar marquee, a state-of-the-art video board and television monitors throughout the park. Guests can munch on a bag of freshly roasted peanuts or have a full meal at Coach's, the restaurant overlooking the field.

This zoo in OKC is consistently rated as one of the best zoos in the United States, home to nearly 3,000 animals, it definitely is one of the largest. Some featured exhibits include the Cat Forest and Lion Overlook, in which you can see lions, tigers, jaguars and leopards. The 'Great Escape' showcases gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and other primate life. One of the zoo's most popular attractions is 'Aquaticus', an aquarium extravaganza that features a dolphin and sea lion spectacle. The zoo is also very active in the community, it provides nature classes, labs, tours and 'Zoomobiles' for all ages. At the end of the day, guests usually catch the show under the stars at the Zoo Amphitheater.

Route 66 Park sits along the beautiful Lake Overholser and its main feature is the three-story Cyrus Avery Observation Tower that overlooks the scenic lake. The park is the largest in the city's park system and it's full of fun activities for the whole family. In addition to the aforementioned tower, it has a small amphitheater, walking trails, ponds and a skate park. Don't forget to check out the historic map of the 'Mother Road' in the plaza before or after your visit, it displays the 34 landmarks from Illinois to California.

Get out and experience Oklahoma's beautiful weather at Earlywine Park. Families can spend the afternoon picnicking and playing on the playground. For sporting enthusiasts, a highly regarded golf course presents a welcome challenge. In addition, a tennis center and a soccer and softball field are located on the grounds. If you prefer solitary activities, suit up for a jog on the park's one-and-a-half mile trail. If exercise is not on your mind, just get comfortable and enjoy a southwestern sunset. Kids will enjoy the Earlywine pool and water park that are located inside the park as well.

For those that love trains, the OKC Railway Museum is the perfect place to visit. Here, train enthusiasts can see anachronistic dining or Pullman cars, freight cars, steam engines and everything that has to do with the great American railways. From April to September, visitors can take an actual train from Oakwood Depot to the nearby Zoo or towards downtown and rides usually take about 35 minutes. The museum can also be used as a venue for birthday parties and other themed events, especially during the holidays, Halloween, etc.

At this western-themed amusement park, there are rides and attractions galore for the whole family. From thrill-rides to water slides, shows, games and concerts, this park does not leave any fun stone unturned. Let the wee ones play in Paul Bunyan's Tiny Timber Town, while the adults go wild on one of the four roller coasters or take the whole family down 'Renegade Rapids' in unison.

Come experience a close encounter with exotic animals at Tiger Safari. The park has over 100 animals that you can get up close and personal with like tigers, leopards, lions, wallabys, lemurs, camels, bears and much much more. Kids and adults will love visiting with all these interesting animals, and the park offers all kinds of different packages for groups like special tours and camping.