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Things to Do in Oklahoma City

Things to Do in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Oklahoma, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace Oklahoma City's natural and man-made outdoor spaces for exciting adventures.

Trails & Water Sports

Hiking & Cycling Routes

Oklahoma River Trails (13 miles, easy), Lake Hefner Trails (9-mile loop, easy). Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge offers unpaved trails (easy to moderate).

Water Sports & Activities

Riversport OKC on the Oklahoma River offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and whitewater rafting. Lakes Hefner and Overholser are well-liked for sailing and fishing.

Adventure Sports

Riversport OKC is a hub for adventure sports, featuring zip lines, an 80-foot adventure climb, and a challenging whitewater rafting channel.

Wildlife & Nature

  • Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge is great for bird watching and nature walks.
  • Lakes Hefner and Overholser also attract various bird species.
  • Wichita Peaks Wildlife Refuge (day trip) provides opportunities to see bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
  • Observe local flora and fauna in a natural setting outside the city.

Cycling

  • Extensive paved multi-use trails.
  • Suitable for road cycling.
  • Oklahoma River Trails.
  • Lake Hefner Trails.

Mountain Biking

  • Limited mountain biking trails directly within the city.
  • Some natural surface trails.
  • Available in areas like Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge.
  • Check specific trail conditions before riding.

Boating

  • Lakes Hefner, Overholser, Stanley Draper.
  • Popular for boating activities and fishing.
  • Oklahoma River for rowing and paddle sports.
  • Rental options often available seasonally.

Riversport OKC Reservations

Activities like whitewater rafting at Riversport OKC often require reservations, and some are seasonal. Check their schedule online to plan your visit.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Oklahoma City's rich cultural fabric through various immersive experiences.

Workshops & Performances

  • Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center offers workshops and classes in various artistic disciplines.
  • Paseo Arts & Creativity Center provides art workshops and community art programs.
  • Civic Center Music Hall has a wide range of performances from ballet and opera to Broadway shows.
  • Formal community-based tourism initiatives are less structured.

Cultural Festivals & Events

OKC Festival of the Arts

A major art festival held downtown in April, showing visual and performing arts.

Red Earth Festival

A celebration of Native American culture through art, dance, and storytelling in June.

Paseo Arts Festival

An annual festival celebrating art, music, and food in the historic Paseo Arts District in May.

Live on the Plaza

A monthly art walk featuring music, food, and local vendors in the Plaza District.

Community Events

Check local event calendars for other community gatherings that offer an insight into the local way of life.

Language Learning

No specific tourist-focused language learning programs; English is the main language spoken.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate in Oklahoma City.

Spa & Wellness Options

  • Various hotel spas (e.g., at the Omni and Skirvin Hilton) offer a range of treatments.
  • Independent day spas throughout the city also provide various services.
  • Several yoga studios all over the city offer drop-in classes for visitors.
  • Many hotels offer pools for relaxation and recreation.

Other Wellness Activities

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy

No natural hot springs are located within Oklahoma City.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Dedicated yoga or meditation retreats are not common within the city limits.

Traditional Healing Practices

Traditional healing practices are not a commonly promoted tourist pastimes.

Unique Relaxation

Myriad Botanical Gardens

An urban oasis for peaceful strolls and reflection amidst tropical plants.

Scissortail Park

Offers ample green space, a lake, and walking paths for a refreshing outdoor escape.

Riversport OKC Surf Simulator

Provides an unique water-based experience for fun and active relaxation.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Explore Oklahoma City's entertainment and nightlife scene.

Live Music & Theatre

  • Catch live music at The Jones Assembly, Tower Theatre, Factory Obscura, and The Criterion.
  • Numerous bars in Bricktown and Deep Deuce also feature live performances.
  • Civic Center Music Hall: Premier venue for Broadway shows, opera, and ballet.
  • CityRep: A professional regional theatre company offering engaging productions.

Nightclubs & Bar Districts

Nightclubs & Dancing

Bricktown offers several nightclubs and bars with DJs and dance floors, providing a lively atmosphere. The Gaylord-Pickens Museum occasionally hosts dance events.

Popular Bar Districts

Bricktown for pub crawls. Midtown, Plaza District, Uptown 23rd offer local and craft-focused bar scenes. Deep Deuce has a mix of current bars.

Late-Night Options

Bars and clubs in Bricktown typically remain open until 2 AM. Some restaurants offer late-night menus.

Jazz & Blues

Deep Deuce, historically known for its jazz and blues clubs, continues to offer live music venues.

Movie Theaters

Modern multiplexes and independent cinemas are available for film enthusiasts.

Check Event Schedules

Popular concerts, shows, and major sporting events often sell out in advance. Purchase tickets for particular happenings early to reserve your place.

Booking Activities

Plan and make a reservation for your activities and experiences in advance for a seamless trip.

Online Booking Platforms

  • GetYourGuide is a fantastic platform for booking experiences.
  • It offers a wide selection of tours, activities, and local experiences in Oklahoma City.
  • Book ahead for popular activities, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
  • Digital tickets and instant confirmation are often available.

Direct & Local Bookings

Local Tour Operators

Many local businesses offer unique experiences not found on larger platforms. Check their websites directly.

Riversport OKC

Book directly on their website for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and adventure park activities. Reservations are recommended.

Museums & Performance Venues

Purchase tickets directly from the official websites of museums or concert halls for the best availability.

Flexibility

  • Many online platforms give flexible cancellation policies.
  • Review terms before booking to understand options.
  • Some activities have strict no-cancellation policies.
  • Consider travel insurance for non-refundable bookings.

Group Rates

  • Check for group discounts for tours and activities.
  • Traveling with family or friends often qualifies to save money.
  • Contact operators directly for large group inquiries.
  • Some cultural centers have special rates for schools.

Reviews

  • Read reviews before booking to gauge other travelers' experiences.
  • Look for consistent feedback on quality and service.
  • Reviews can highlight practical tips or considerations.
  • Choose highly-rated activities for better experiences.

Pre-Booking Checklist

Before You Book
  • Confirm dates and times carefully.
  • Verify meeting points or pickup locations.
  • Read any age, height, or physical restrictions.
What to Bring
  • Bring comfortable clothing plus fitting footwear.
  • Pack sunscreen and water for outdoor activities.
  • Have your tickets ready (printed or on mobile).

Adventure Booking Tip

For activities like whitewater rafting at Riversport OKC, booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially during warmer months.

Activity Planning Summary

Before You Go

  • Check the weather forecast for your activity days.
  • Map out your activities to group nearby attractions.
  • Allow sufficient travel time between different locations.
  • Consider buying multi-attraction passes if available for savings.

During Your Activity

  • Capture memories, but respect any photography restrictions.
  • Don't hesitate to ask guides or staff questions.
  • Be mindful of other visitors and local residents.
  • Talk about your experiences and insights with fellow travelers.