The Myriad Botanical Garden is a green oasis that offers space and serenity within the concrete urban sprawl of Oklahoma City's downtown. The gardens are spread across 17 acres (6.9 hectares), and the horticulturists often offer educational classes and workshops as well as just a place to relax. Upon entering, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory contains more than 2000 species of plants and in addition to permanent species, the gardens display rotating exhibits such as orchids and more exotic plants throughout the year. The Grand Event Lawn in the outer gardens and the Water Stage on the lake are frequently used for events like concerts, theater and movie screenings year-round.
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.
The only skeleton museum in the United States, the Museum of Osteology is a great place for people of all ages to learn about phlanges, metatarsals and carpals. With over 400 skulls and 300 complete skeletons on display, the museum gives valuable insights into the skeletal makeup of humans as well as animals. Visitors can enjoy some hands-on learning at the Explorers Corner, where you can handle bones from various North American mammalian species. On your way out, the gift shop is a great place to get someone something unique.
Located on the grounds of the State Capitol and managed under the auspices of the Oklahoma Historical Society, this museum takes visitors on a journey through the state's exciting history. Many know the mythic story of the Land Run of 1889, but the exhibits here go back even further. Some of the most popular displays focus on Native American culture, the Oklahoma oil boom, the state's impressionist painters and they also have some interesting online exhibits.
A great way to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Bricktown Canal is via water taxi. The flat-bottomed boats have narrators on board that tell visitors about the scenic points of interest in between the main dock on Mickey Mantle Drive and its end point at Bricktown River Walk Park. You can hop on-and-off along the route in order to shop, eat or just walk around in this historic neighborhood. The taxi is usually open throughout the year; the peak season is summer and it is open sporadically during the winter when weather permits.
Spanning across 5,000 square feet (464.51 square meters) Ninety-Nines Museum of Women Pilots tells the story of women in flight. This one-of-a-kind museum is located at the Will Rogers World Airport and is run under the auspices of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots which was spearheaded by Amelia Earhart in 1931. From mementos and exhibits to aviatrix artifacts, it has the largest collection of its kind in the world. The museum also has a display of Amelia Earhart's personal belongings and it is a place full of intriguing and historical wonder for people of all ages.
Country music has long played an important role in the culture of Oklahoma, almost as much as it has in Nashville, Tennessee. The Rodeo Opry hosts live concerts every week featuring professional and amateur musicians with backing from the famous house band. The Opry prides itself on being family friendly, with concerts that are accessible for music lovers of all ages. For an authentic and entertaining local experience, be sure to catch a show at the Rodeo Opry.
The Myriad Botanical Garden is a green oasis that offers space and serenity within the concrete urban sprawl of Oklahoma City's downtown. The gardens are spread across 17 acres (6.9 hectares), and the horticulturists often offer educational classes and workshops as well as just a place to relax. Upon entering, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory contains more than 2000 species of plants and in addition to permanent species, the gardens display rotating exhibits such as orchids and more exotic plants throughout the year. The Grand Event Lawn in the outer gardens and the Water Stage on the lake are frequently used for events like concerts, theater and movie screenings year-round.
You will see more than six million specimens of Oklahoma's natural treasures at this museum. It is the largest university-based museum in the country. There is a 95-foot-long and 26-foot-tall Apatosaurus, which is the world's largest. There is also a 10-foot-tall skull of a Pentaceratops. This is something that would impress your 10-year-old. There is even a hands-on room.
If you want to watch the big game and drink a few beers, try this place near Northwest Expressway and Hefner Parkway. From 4pm-6pm Monday through Friday, enjoy 75-cent draws (that is local for "drafts"). And enjoy Schnapps all the time. Oh, and there is barbecue too but only for lunch. If you are in town for Monday Night Football, this is a great place to watch it. On those very special occasions, 60-ounce pitchers are USD1.50, and the food is free. Enjoy darts, pool, shuffleboard, video games and pinball while you are here.
The Harn Homestead and 1889ers Museum is where city benefactor William Fremont Harn developed this quintessential frontier homestead. The estate contains a one-room schoolhouse, a grandiose Victorian mansion and a petting-zoo/farm on the grounds. The land was claimed during the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889 and today the complex offers hands-on education about the work ethic during the late 19th Century as well as providing field trips and day camps. The 9.4 acre facility is also available for corporate events, weddings, birthday parties, etc.
Located on the grounds of the State Capitol and managed under the auspices of the Oklahoma Historical Society, this museum takes visitors on a journey through the state's exciting history. Many know the mythic story of the Land Run of 1889, but the exhibits here go back even further. Some of the most popular displays focus on Native American culture, the Oklahoma oil boom, the state's impressionist painters and they also have some interesting online exhibits.