Known for its Southern hospitality, diverse arts and culture scene, and activities, Tulsa offers families the chance to blend fun and education on vacation. From enjoying the outdoors to learning about the history of Tulsa, there’s something for everyone. Explore our list below of the top things to do with family in Tulsa.

Tulsa Family Friendly Things to Do – Outdoor 

The Gathering Place

Tulsa OK - The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place is one of Tulsa’s most popular parks, and for good reason! This 66.5-acre riverfront park offers amazing attractions for everyone in the family, all with no entry fee. The littles will love the Chapman Adventure Playground, a five-acre playground where kids can let their imaginations run wild. Hit up Slide Vale Swing Hill for some extra fun. The park also features a skate park, dining options, hiking trails, and more to entertain the kids (and you!). 

Tulsa Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side and plan a visit to the Tulsa Zoo. With 84 acres filled with more than 2,000 animals from around the world, this Tulsa family-friendly activity is a must-do when visiting the area. The zoo features several exhibits to explore where you’ll get the chance to see tigers, elephants, and more up close. Elevate your Tulsa Zoo experience with a safari tour. You’ll take a mini passenger train that circles the zoo and features views of animal exhibits and behind-the-scenes areas around the park. 

Oxley Nature Center

Home to 804 acres of secluded land, nine miles of trails, over 700 species of plants, and an interpretive center, the Oxley Nature Center is the best place to get out and explore the outdoors. The Oxley trails take you into the nature center’s forest, fields, and wetlands. Most trails are easy to navigate and relatively flat and smooth. After hiking, stop by the interpretive center, where you’ll find hands-on exhibits, a wildlife viewing area, restrooms, and a small gift shop. 

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Tulsa Botanic Garden Childrens Discovery

Admire the lush greenery and vibrant flowers as you stroll through the Tulsa Botanic Garden. Those with children will appreciate the Josephine G. and Timothy W. Driskill Children’s Discovery Garden, which offers 2 acres of a majestical garden environment with several different garden features. From a sensory walk that invites you to look, touch, smell, and feel to trails great for spotting nature and walking, Tulsa Botanic Garden is a great outdoor activity to relax and unwind. The garden’s hours vary throughout the year, so check the website for updated times.

Chandler Park

Chandler Park features scenic trails perfect for hiking and exploring, as well as spacious picnic areas for family gatherings. Kids will love the playgrounds and open spaces to run and play and the splash pad on a hot day while others may enjoy a game of pickup basketball or disc golf. With its beautiful views, recreational facilities, and peaceful natural setting, Chandler Park provides the perfect backdrop for a fun and memorable day with loved ones.

 

Tulsa Family Friendly Things to Do – Indoors

Philbrook Museum

Set in the historic home of Waite and Genevieve Phillips, the stunning Philbrook Museum of Art sees more than 150,000 visitors a year. Whether exploring the gardens on a sunny day or admiring artwork indoors, Philbrook is a wonderful place to spend quality time with family. Throughout the year, Philbrook offers several free-with-admission daily programs for kids, including Little Garden Explorers, Storytime, Family Nature Walk, Fish Feeding, and Nature Fun Fridays. 

Discovery Lab

Discovery Lab Tulsa

Learn, make, explore, and design at Discovery Lab. A favorite amongst locals and visitors, Discover Lab is an interactive kids’ science museum offering unique learning experiences through hands-on exhibits and DIY crafts. The Ballapalooza exhibit is a nod to the oil and gas history of the region, while the Imaginarium exhibit provides an immersive experience through different Oklahoma landscapes. Stop by the Stemcell Science Shop and grab a souvenir to remember the day.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium

For an out-of-this-world experience, a visit to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium is a must-do for children (and adults!) interested in aviation and space history. You’ll find hands-on exhibits, stunning aircraft displays, and immersive planetarium shows that make for an inspiring learning destination for the whole family. 

Oklahoma Aquarium

Oklahoma Aquarium

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks is the perfect destination for a family-friendly outing, offering an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Home to thousands of fascinating aquatic creatures, the aquarium features exhibits like the Shark Adventure, where you can walk through a tunnel surrounded by some of the largest bull sharks in captivity. Kids will love the hands-on touch tanks in the EcoZone, where they can interact with stingrays, small sharks, and other marine life. 

Gilcrease Museum

The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa is a fantastic, family-friendly destination, blending art, history, and culture into an enriching experience for all ages. Known for its collection of American West artifacts and stunning artwork, the museum offers engaging exhibits for children and adults. Families can explore interactive displays, participate in hands-on activities, or stroll through the picturesque gardens surrounding the museum.

Book Your Family Getaway to Tulsa Today!

Our selection of Tulsa vacation rentals is perfect for families. Whether a trip for a family of four or a multigenerational vacation, our properties provide the ideal escape for all. Start planning your next family vacation in Tulsa with many fun activities, from hiking nature trails to discovering mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. Tulsa promises an unforgettable family getaway.