If your family needs a break from screens and wants to get outside, then Oklahoma City has some great places to take a nature walk. And the best part, you may spot some wildlife. You do not have to drive far to see deer, turtles, birds, rabbits, and more.
Martin Park Nature Center
One of my favorite places to take the kids is Martin Park Nature Center. It feels like you are deep in the woods, even though you are still in the city. There are easy trails that go through trees, over small bridges, and near a creek. Every time we go, we see some type of wildlife, big or small. 
The best time to go is early morning or before sunset. We have been lucky enough to see a few deer right near the entrance. Unfortunately, this is not a place you can take your dog for a walk. If your kids stay quiet and look near the trees, there is a good chance that they will see deer. There is also a small lake where the turtles like to sit in the sun. This is a great place for families because the trails are easy and there is even a playground and picnic area.
You’re likely to see wildlife on one of these family-friendly hikes, too!
Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge
Another great spot is Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge. This place feels more wild and quiet. The trails go through marshes, trees, and open spaces. You might see deer, turtles, hawks, beavers, frogs, and big birds like herons.
Stinchcomb is perfect if your family likes a little adventure. It is more peaceful and not as crowded. You can walk for a short time or do a longer hike if your kids are older.
Lake Hefner
If your family likes birds, Lake Hefner is a fun place to walk. The quiet parts of the trail are great for seeing ducks, geese, pelicans, hawks, turtles, and other birds. You can bring your fur babies for a nice stroll along the lake. 
On the east side of the lake, near the lighthouse, you’ll find the walking trails, open space for kids to run, and one of the more popular playgrounds. There are several smaller playgrounds around the lake, too. We really love going to see the cats. It is tricky spotting them because they are the same gray as the rocks near the lake. We usually play a game and see who can find a cat first.
The north side of the lake has larger grassy areas that are perfect for flying kites, biking, or letting the kids ride their scooters. We love the playground on this side of the lake.
If you want one for the best sunset spots in OKC, head to Red Rock Canyon Grill after your walk. Cool down with a nice drink and grab a meal while watching the sunset.
Scissortail Park
Downtown, there is Scissortail Park. It is not as wild as the other places, but you can still see ducks, geese, turtles, and birds around the water. It is also an easier walk if you have a stroller or your kids.
Right across from Scissortail Park is Myriad Gardens. Under the bridge at Myriad Botanical Gardens, large koi fish and turtles are swimming in the water. You can see dozens of bright orange, white, and gold fish gliding around.
The fish tend to gather near the edges because they are used to people stopping to watch and feed them. My kids absolutely love watching them gather and lift their mouths out of the water, waiting for food.
Other Recreation Areas & Wildlife Refuges
If you want to make a day trip, you can drive outside of OKC to Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The drive is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. There you can find white-tailed deer, bison, armadillos, bobcats, and coyotes.
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is about two hours and 15 minutes from OKC. There you can see porcupine, fox squirrels, muskrats, badgers, and squirrels.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is 1 hour and 30 minutes from OKC. There you can see bison and elk.
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge is two hours from OKC, and there you can see
pelicans, egrets, and turtles.
Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge is 1 hour and 45 minutes away, and there you can spot waterfowl, deer, and birds.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is about two hours away. You can spot herds of bison; there are more than 2,000 free-ranging bison on the preserve. White-tailed deer are common and sometimes coyotes, bobcats, red foxes, raccoons, and many more.
