When I first moved to Oklahoma five years ago, I was so excited to share the city with my family, including my wonderful grandparents! They have always been my biggest supporters, and I truly felt like I couldn’t make this area “home” without their coming here.
At the time, I was working with very little knowledge of the area, but someone from work came to the rescue with a list of their “favorites” throughout the city. It was an absolute treat to go through their list and spend a long weekend showing my grandparents around OKC!
Five years later, many of those favorites are still on my go-to list when friends and other family come to town. Now I get to be the one to share some of these places with you. Just in case you find yourself looking for something the grandparents can enjoy too!
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
While this is a somber visit, the memorial is beautifully done and absolutely worth visiting. It is very walkable with easy parking. The memorial itself costs nothing, and museum tickets cost $18 and under with discounts for seniors and children. The museum provides further information and education on the resilience of OKC.
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
We enjoyed the vast amount of displays, immersive experiences, and advanced technology bringing to life the old west. We spent several hours looking around, but should have made more time for this as it can be an all-day experience! Tickets are $25 and under with senior and child discounts as well.
The Jones Assembly
While we enjoyed a delicious brunch here, I added it to the attractions list because there is frequently live music and talent shows to take in. The smaller venue gives an intimate feel that could be beneficial to older guests who may have hearing and mobility concerns.
iFLY Adventures
For the more adventurous grandparents, I threw this on the list. It’s a time commitment of a few hours for you to suit up and learn the basics of “flying” safety. It’s done in small groups with an instructor at your side. I saw young kids participating up to adult age. My husband and family enjoyed this and look forward to the next time they can go!
Bricktown Riverwalk Park and Water Taxi
Bricktown is such a unique blend of fun! With restaurants, bars, walking areas, small shops, and a river taxi to ride around the park. To observe Bricktown and see the downtown buildings from this vantage is something I think you’ll find only in OKC!
The Historic OKC Stockyards
Enjoy live action cowboy culture with cattle drives on the weekends, frequent parades, and community activities. Share a delicious steak with your grandparents at the longstanding Cattleman’s Restaurant where many famous people have dined before; photo proof is all over the wallpaper! Or enjoy an old-fashioned soda at the Stockyards Sarsparilla. And don’t forget to buy your cowboy gear at one of the fun shops lining the streets.
Some other attractions I have not personally vetted, but have heard great things about include:
- The Wheeler District
- The Light House at Hefner Lake
- Riversport Adventure
- OKANA Resort
- First Americans Museum
- Lake Thunderbird State Park
- Myraid Botanical Gardens
- Pops 66 and Arcadia Roundbarn
- Sam Noble Museum in Norman
- The American Banjo Museum
- OU Campus and Memorial Stadium
- Martin Park Nature Center
- Will Rodger’s Garden
If I missed anything, please let me know as I’d like to keep growing my list of things to try myself AND with visitors!
I also want to remind you to show your grandparents your day-to-day life here too. Some of the most memorable times we had the first time Grandpa and Grandma visited were touring my husband’s work and seeing the horses there. One afternoon we spent walking down Norman’s Main Street, popping in and out of furniture stores and candy shops, and they were thrilled when we saw a James Garner statue. I had walked past it a dozen times, yet something so simple became one of my core memories with them. They very much enjoyed their time spent here in Oklahoma, and I hope your grandparents do, too!
