Who would have thought that one day, I’d be aching to leave the house for things to do in OKC before 10 a.m.? I suppose this is motherhood and the Oklahoma Summer heat. I know I cannot be the only mama out there who loses all motivation once the time passes ‘breakfast’ and the heat passes my comfortable setting on my thermostat.
Some of us are happier when we are in controlled weather environments. I know I definitely have more patience with my children when my body temperature is set at a cool 73 degrees. Museums, before 10 a.m. and before the crowds arrive, are the perfect activity.
Museums
- Science Museum Oklahoma. Whether you are from Oklahoma or new to the area, this is a great activity for your early risers. You could be home before nap time! Opening times during the week are 9 a.m., and it is located in N.E. OKC.
- Museum of Osteology. If you have not been to this museum, it is such a fun experience! It’s not always easy to find a place that is both interactive and fun for ALL ages. They are located in OKC and open at 9 a.m. on weekdays.
- Oklahoma City National Memorial. The outdoor memorial is open 24/7 with the chairs of light and reflecting pool being the focus of the outdoor memorial. This memorial not only showcases how special and resilient we are in this state, but what can happen to a community when we unite. The indoor museum opens at 9 a.m. and gives an immersive experience into a huge part of Oklahoma’s history.
Now, if museums are not your thing, and you enjoy the tastier things in life, maybe these next options would be better for you.
Breakfast Faves
For some of us, there is nothing better than a day started with family and local breakfast favorites! I mean, a good breakfast has the potential to make or break the day. Check out just a few of OKC’s local favorites for early morning delights.
- Hatch Early Mood Food. With locations in the city and all over the state of Oklahoma, this is a local favorite. Great for an early morning mom date or to just to avoid making breakfast, the menu has something I think everyone will enjoy.
- Waffle Champion. With multiple locations throughout the city and surrounding areas, this is a fun and delicious spot to start your day off.
- Scrambl’d. Located on NE 23rd Street, this unique breakfast experience serves up your local favorites. Even if you are looking for an early morning drink to decompress (not talking coffee), they have you covered. A huge part of the community, if you are going to fill up with good food, this could be a new stop for you.
Let’s say you have filled your stomach with a delicious early morning breakfast and now you are wanting to work off some of that energy or calories . . .
Don’t worry, there is more than just food and museums. If you do love the outdoors and just want to get a head start on the day, there are plenty of options for you and your family. Not only are there tons of parks, but fun and memorable experiences for all.
Outdoors
- Myriad Botanical Gardens. The outdoor area opens at 6 a.m. daily, and the crystal bridge opens at 9 a.m. Soaking in the beauty of our downtown before the hustle and bustle starts can be healing. Walking the grounds of the gardens and then visiting the crystal bridge is every bit as relaxing as it sounds.
- Local parks with lots of shade. Check out the best shaded parks in the OKC Metro. This is a free and easy way to get out those early morning wiggles and possibly get an afternoon nap!
- Streetcar rides downtown. A great way to explore, the street cars often run promotions where it is free to ride all day. They are currently running free services until August 20th. The streetcars run through Auto Alley, Arts District, Bricktown, City Center and Midtown.
- OKC Underground. The best part of visiting this fun and unique spot before 10 is the lack of foot traffic and the 20 blocks of air-conditioned exploration. The tunnels open at 6 a.m. and take you on a journey all over downtown OKC. Maybe an out-of-the-box idea, but a memorable experience for all to have.
Now, if you aren’t an early riser like me, these are all still great attractions to visit during the day. Oklahoma has so many hidden gems and unforgettable experiences. These are just a few that start before the heat and the crowds do!
