When it comes to school breaks and activities to do, my brain feels like it wants to explode because it’s full of ideas just waiting to be shared! There is so much to do and explore in Oklahoma.
My personal favorite thing to do with kids is to explore Oklahoma and the trails around some of our beautiful lakes.
Explore Oklahoma: Favorite Trails, Lakes, & Caves to Explore
1. Broken Bow/Hochatown
Home of the log-style cabins nestled in foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains. Hochatown is about four hours from Oklahoma City in the southeastern park of Oklahoma. The town is quaint, with great food, a petting zoo and fun little gift shops. There are several trails around the lake with gorgeous views. There are also creeks to wander in, search for crawdads, fish, kayak and simply get lost in nature admist the smell of campfires.
2. Lake Tenkiller
Rolling terrain, as well as tons of trees and trails to explore in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Lake Tenkiller is known to be one of Oklahoma’s clearest and most scenic lakes, and is about 2.5 hours east of Oklahoma City. There are several state parks for camping, cabin rentals or bringing the RV. This is our personal favorite because it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the “fall break-ers” and it’s the breath of fresh fall air you may be looking for! Another lodging option is the Fin and Feather Resort. It won’t break the wallet and can accommodate large family gatherings. If you are looking for a 1960s “nostalgic lake hotel” with a burger and shake restaurant, check out the Fin and Feather.
3. Robbers Cave State Park
If you want all things fall, then buckle up, grab the backpacks and hiking shoes, and head east. The Fall Festival is going on during fall break which brings carnival rides, fair food, vintage car shows, live music, shopping and caves to explore! Our boys had a blast exploring the caves and I enjoyed the live music and carnival vibes.
4. Lake Arcadia
Have you been to their new Spring Creek paved trail? Grab your bikes, walking shoes, strollers and backpacks and go explore the rolling tree-lined trail at Lake Arcadia or have a picnic and watch the sunset at the dam. Our boys like to park at the Integris entrance and walk under the bridge to Chick-Fil-A for dinner.
If you want to stay in town and still have some fall fun, I have plans for you, too!
Explore Oklahoma: Favorite Local OKC Area Ideas:
Oklahoma City Zoo: The zoo is always a fun place to let the kids get their energy out while visiting all the animals. And they always have events which are a fun way to get out and spend time with the family. OKC Zoo Events Here.
Arbor Day Festival (Spring) and Tentober Family Camping at Mitch Park in Edmond (Fall). Bring the tents and your friends and experience an overnight campout with the kids. They will have campfires, s’mores, kayaking, fishing and a mountain biking course for their fall event and head to Festival Marketplace for their Arbor Day Festival in April.
Festival of the Child (spring) and Chisholm Trail Festival in Yukon (fall). You an check out all of the Yukon festivals here. The first Saturday in May, Yukon hosts the Festival of the Child with kayaking, pony rides, painting, wood art, storytelling, crafts, and more! The Chisolm Trail festival celebrates the history of the Chisolm Trail. There is re-enactments of Western history along with food, contests, live entertainment, Civil War demonstrations, craft booths, pony rides, petting zoo, Kids Korral, and a pumpkin patch. What a great way to soak in the history of Oklahoma…outside in the fall.
Parades, festivals, and events at Myriad Gardens. Tons of children’s activities and events are held at Myriad Gardens. You can check on their upcoming seasonal events here.
Last but not least, if you are looking to enjoy school break at a fun restaurant with all the patio vibes, check out the new Chicken Shack in Arcadia off Route 66! They have bean bags, live music, a playground, and tons of outdoor seating. The best part – their chicken is delicious!
Oklahoma is much more than red dirt, cows, fields and tumbleweed. It’s a beautiful state with so many outdoor adventures just waiting for you!
For more ideas to explore with kids, check out all there is to do in OKC this spring!
