I grew up in a small town with limited entertainment options, so anytime we wanted to do something fun, we had to drive to the nearest big city. The 4+ hour trip to Oklahoma City always felt like a big deal. Now that I live here, I still get that same excitement when friends or family visit. I love playing tour guide and showing them the best things to do in Oklahoma City, from new attractions to hidden gems locals love.
With a little one in tow, we like to stick to family-friendly outings when visitors are here while still keeping it fun for the adults. This city is full of kid-approved restaurants, outdoor spaces, and hands-on attractions that make it perfect for a family weekend. Whether you want to be outside, explore indoors, or just find a fun place to eat, this OKC family weekend itinerary has you covered.
Day 1: Science Museum Oklahoma, Pops 66 / Sauced on Paseo, and RIVERSPORT Adventures
Kick off your Oklahoma City weekend at Science Museum Oklahoma (or as locals still fondly call it, the Omniplex). It’s one of the top kid-friendly attractions in Oklahoma City. The interactive exhibits make it fun for all ages. Kids can climb, build, and experiment, and parents might even learn something new. Don’t miss CurioCity, the indoor play area designed for hours of kid entertainment. If your family loves space, check out the new planetarium that opened in 2024, which is included with admission. The museum is also a great choice for rainy day activities in OKC with kids.
For lunch, here are two recommendations we love.
- Take your guests on a quick 20-minute drive north along historic Route 66 to Pops 66 in Arcadia. This modern roadside attraction is hard to miss thanks to the giant 66-foot soda bottle out front. Inside, you’ll find more than 500 soda flavors, plus burgers, fries, and kid-approved snacks. It’s quirky, colorful, and perfect for kids to pick a fun drink to try.
- If you’d rather eat somewhere closer to downtown, head to Sauced in the Paseo Arts District. This local pizzeria staple bounced back after a fire in 2021 with an updated remodel and new branding, but with the same amazing New York–style pizza and giant Rice Krispy Brick (I recommend it to everyone). Kids love it here for the food, the great outdoor patio, and the family-friendly arcade filled with vintage and classic games.
Afterwards head down to the Boathouse District for RIVERSPORT OKC. It’s one of the most unique outdoor attractions in the Oklahoma City metro. Depending on the season, you can kayak, venture through the Sky Trail ropes course, and zip line across the Oklahoma River. For older kids and adults, check out my favorite activity in the district, the RIVERSPORT Rapids, an 11-acre whitewater rafting and kayaking course. If you have younger kids, the youth zone has smaller climbing structures, gentle water play areas, and plenty of space to run.
Day 2: Neighborhood Jam, Scissortail Park, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and Bricktown Fun
Take your visitors to brunch at Neighborhood Jam in Midtown, one of the best breakfast spots in Oklahoma City for families. The biscuits and jam alone are enough of a reason to check this place out, and thankfully, the menu has a lot of great kid-friendly options. I recommend getting there early or joining the waitlist online as it’s extremely popular.
After breakfast, hop on the OKC Streetcar or drive to Scissortail Park to one of the best parks in Oklahoma City. This huge, urban green space has a massive playground, seasonal splash pad, walking trails, and open lawns for a picnic. The lower park features basketball courts, pickleball, and soccer fields. On Saturday mornings (April–October), you may even stumble upon the Farmer’s Market filled with local farmers and vendors.
Just a short walk away, the Myriad Botanical Gardens offers even more family fun.
The Children’s Garden is a great play space, and the Crystal Bridge Conservatory (paid entry) is an indoor tropical paradise.
For lunch or an early dinner, head back to Scissortail Park for Spark. Their burgers are some of the best in OKC, the shakes are a hit with kids, and the outdoor seating is perfect for keeping an eye on the playground.
If everyone still has energy, make your way to Brickopolis Entertainment in Bricktown. This three-story family entertainment space has an arcade for all ages, laser tag, and an 18-hole mini-golf course.
Day 3: Oklahoma City Zoo, Wheeler District, and Sweet Treats
Spend the morning at the Oklahoma City Zoo, one of the best in the country and one of my favorite places that never gets old. With 120 acres, more than 500 species, playgrounds, and a children’s zoo, you could easily spend the whole day here. Make sure to check the daily schedule for wild encounters, feedings, and caretaker chats.
For lunch, head to the Wheeler District just south of downtown OKC and eat at the neighborhood favorite, Taco Nation. They have a great outdoor area with open seating, tasty tacos, and even a playground so the kids can play while you sip a drink and catch up. It gives me comfort to know my kiddo can get good food and go run around.
Since you’re already at Wheeler, take a ride on the iconic Wheeler Ferris Wheel, which overlooks the OKC skyline from the banks of the Oklahoma River. The views from the top are gorgeous, and kids love it. While there, you can also enjoy lounging on some hammocks and playing lawn games. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the O-K-C letters, which is a great photo op.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t share a few sweet spots to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pie Junkie in the Plaza District, hands down, has the best pies ever—just trust me on this. This women-owned bakery makes every pie from scratch and sells them by the slice or whole. If ice cream is more your thing, head to Boom Town Creamery; they’re known for their small-batch ice cream made from scratch. And finally, there’s Tizo’s Pops & Ice Cream on S. Western Avenue for over 80 flavors of dairy and non-dairy paletas, Mexican beverages like horchata and aguas frescas, and more than 20 ice cream flavors.
From interactive museums and outdoor adventures to kid-friendly restaurants and local favorites, Oklahoma City is full of family fun. This itinerary brings together the city’s best attractions, parks, and dining so you can make the most of your Oklahoma City weekend with visitors, whether you’re hosting out-of-towners or exploring your hometown.
