OKC is of course known for our food, but we are also a hub of artistic and historical exploration. And families can find a wealth of enriching experiences in our museums, from interactive exhibits to hands-on activities and kid-friendly events. Here’s a roundup of the best museums in Oklahoma City that families won’t want to miss:
Science Museum Oklahoma | 2020 Remington Place, Oklahoma City, OK
Located in the Adventure District, Science Museum Oklahoma offers a blend of education and entertainment for visitors, featuring interactive exhibits on topics ranging from space exploration to the human body.
Features for Kids: The museum’s CurioCity exhibit is a highlight for children, where they can explore a mini-metropolis filled with hands-on activities, including a climbing structure and water play area. Additionally, the Science Live! stage shows offer engaging performances that bring scientific concepts to life in entertaining ways.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum | 1700 Northeast 63rd St.
Oklahoma City, OK
Explore the rich history and culture of the American West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This iconic institution showcases art, artifacts, and exhibits celebrating the cowboy way of life, Native American heritage, and Western artistry.
Features for Kids: Young cowpokes will love exploring the museum’s Children’s Cowboy Corral, where they can try on cowboy hats and vests, saddle up on a kid-sized horse, and participate in Western-themed activities like roping and branding. The museum also offers family-friendly events and workshops throughout the year.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art | 415 Couch Dr, Oklahoma City, OK
At the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, families can admire masterpieces by renowned artists, enjoy rotating exhibits, stroll through sculpture gardens, and even catch a film at the museum’s on-site theater.
Features for Kids: The museum offers a variety of family-oriented activities, including art-making workshops, storytime sessions, and has a dedicated Family Gallery with a welcoming space for children to explore art through interactive exhibits and hands-on projects.
Oklahoma Railway Museum | 3400 NE Grand Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73111
All aboard for a journey through railroad history at the Oklahoma Railway Museum. This museum preserves the heritage of railways in Oklahoma through a collection of vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and railroad memorabilia. Visitors can climb aboard restored train cars, explore the museum’s outdoor exhibits, and even take a scenic ride on a historic train during special events.
Features for Kids: The museum hosts several family events throughout the year with train-themed activities and entertainment.
Oklahoma Contemporary Museum | 11 NW 11th St. Oklahoma City, OK
With its ever-changing exhibitions and immersive installations, this museum invites families to explore new perspectives and ideas. From multimedia works to experimental creations, there’s something to inspire and engage visitors of all ages.
Features for Kids: The museum offers family-friendly workshops, art-making activities, and interactive exhibits that encourage creative expression and exploration.
Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum | 620 N Harvey Ave
Oklahoma City, OK
Honor the legacy of resilience and hope at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, a poignant tribute to those affected by the tragic events of April 19, 1995. Through immersive exhibits and personal stories, this museum offers a profound reflection on the human spirit and the power of community.
Features for Kids: The museum provides age-appropriate educational resources, guided tours, and interactive exhibits that facilitate meaningful conversations about empathy, compassion, and resilience.
Factory Obscura | 25 Northwest 9th Street, Oklahoma City, OK
Maybe not a museum per se, but this immersive and interactive experience is like no other. This collaborative art project invites visitors to explore fantastical realms filled with whimsy and wonder. From psychedelic installations to sensory adventures, every corner of Factory Obscura sparks imagination and invites playful exploration.
Features for Kids: Children can unleash their creativity in interactive installations, participate in storytelling sessions, and engage in hands-on activities designed to inspire wonder and curiosity.
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History | 2401 Chautauqua Ave. Norman, OK
This is a local favorite! Explore prehistoric creatures and ancient civilizations at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. With an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, Native American artifacts, and geological wonders, this museum offers interactive exhibits, including a fossil dig pit and discovery room!
Features for Kids: The museum hosts family-friendly events and educational programs, including guided tours and paleontology workshops, allowing children to learn through hands-on experiences.
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art | 555 Elm Avenue Norman, OK
Cultivate an appreciation for the arts at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, located on the University of Oklahoma campus. Home to a diverse collection of American, European, and Native American artwork, this museum provides families with an opportunity to explore art from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works.
Features for Kids: The museum offers family art-making workshops and gallery hunts designed to spark imagination and encourage artistic expression among young visitors.
Stafford Air & Space Museum | 3000 Logan Rd, Weatherford, OK
Venture beyond the Oklahoma City metro area to the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford for an out-of-this-world experience which showcases the history of aviation and space exploration through exhibits and interactive displays. From vintage aircraft to lunar modules, visitors can trace the evolution of flight and discover the wonders of outer space.
Features for Kids: The museum offers STEM-focused educational programs and flight simulations, providing young aviators with a hands-on learning experience.
