- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
- RIVERSPORT Adventures & RIVERSPORT Rapids
- Horse Shows
- Oklahoma City Zoo's Sanctuary Asia
- Bricktown Water Taxi
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Wheeler Ferris Wheel
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art
- Kirkpatrick Planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma
- Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory
Come to Remember at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
If you’ve never made it inside of the Oklahoma City National Memorial or it’s been years since your last visit, it’s worth a stop when you’re in town. The Memorial recently went through a $10 million renovation upgrading the museum with state-of-the-art technology, hands-on exhibits and new artifacts. Detailed information on the investigation—including Timothy McVeigh’s vehicle he was driving when he was pulled over and arrested—as well as the trail of evidence that was left behind, are all a part of the new enhancements. Also added to the museum is a 40-foot glass overlook creating a seamless connection between the museum and memorial outside, with stunning views of the ever-changing Oklahoma City skyline.
Get Active at RIVERSPORT Adventures & RIVERSPORT Rapids
Conquer your fear of heights on the tallest adventure course of its kind in the world on the SandRidge Sky Trail in the Boathouse District. The 80-foot structure features six levels of challenges, and the higher you climb, the harder it gets! After you make your way through the rope bridges and balance beams, you can speed down one of four 72-foot Sky Slide’s – America’s tallest dry slide – or free fall 80-feet down on the Rumble Drop. You can also zip across the Oklahoma River and back again along the SandRidge Sky Zip, a 700-foot zip line. Once you’ve conquered that, get a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the only urban whitewater rafting and kayaking course at RIVERSPORT Rapids. This Class II & IV rapids course will take you through several loops around the man-made excursion with some of the best raft guides around all while cooling off in the water and taking in OKC’s ever-growing skyline.
Horse Around
Oklahoma City is known as the “Horse Show Capital of the World” with more national and international equine championships events than any other city in the world. Watch real life cowboys and cowgirls rope, ride and wrangle their way to the winners circle at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds throughout the year. Many of the shows are free or very affordable and deliver plenty of action to keep everyone entertained.
Experience Sanctuary Asia
Located in the southwest section of the Oklahoma City Zoo, Sanctuary Asia extends the Asian elephant herd’s existing habitat and creates new habitats for red pandas, Indian rhinos, langurs, Komodo dragons, Tanuki (raccoon dogs) and cassowary birds. The expansion also includes a two-story restaurant with a view into the elephant, rhino and Komodo dragon habitats plus a splash zone in the courtyard for children to enjoy during warmer months.
Float Along the Bricktown Canal
Take a seat and enjoy the sites of the Bricktown Entertainment District on the Bricktown Water Taxi. Once on board a water taxi, you’ll be entertained as you learn all about OKC’s history and recent renaissance. Boats run continuously every 10-15 minutes and tickets are all-day passes. You can ride round trip, which takes approximately 40 minutes, or you can board and exit at any of the docking locations along the canal to get you through Bricktown and down to the Boathouse District.
Step Inside the Wild West
Experience the history and artistic beauty that more than 10 million people have seen at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Its large collection of classic and contemporary Western art, including works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, as well as sculptor James Earle Fraser’s work, The End of the Trail, make this museum top-notch, and interactive galleries bring the history of the American cowboy, rodeos, Native American culture, Victorian firearms and Western performers to life.
Ride the Wheeler Ferris Wheel
Once located at Pacific Park on the famed Santa Monica Pier, the Wheeler Ferris Wheel was purchased on eBay in 2008 and placed on the south shore of the Oklahoma River just west of downtown. Standing 100 feet high, it offers amazing views of the skyline and OKC’s famously-beautiful sunsets. While there, don’t miss the iconic “OKC” sign – perfect for capturing a great Instagram shot. There’s also plenty of hammocks to lounge in and food trucks that frequent the area.
Gaze at 55 Feet of Beauty
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Dale Chihuly glass in the world, including the 55-foot Elenor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower in the museum’s atrium. Chihuly is heralded as the most important artist working in glass since Louis Comfort Tiffany, and the museum’s collection represents more than three decades of some of his finest work. Be sure to take a selfie when you’re in the hall of Chihuly glass - it’s the perfect backdrop.
Experience All-New Science Discovery
Kids of all ages will love exploring eight ages of hands-on-science experiences with thousands of space, aviation and cultural artifacts in the mix. Experience infinity and beyond on the recently renovated Kirkpatrick Planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma. The various live, outer space-themed shows utilize top-notch technology, allowing guests to freely explore and be transported through the galaxy.
Escape to a Tropical Oasis
The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown OKC offers a unique design that has earned global attention and praise. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter and is covered by 3,028 translucent acrylic panels. Once inside, you’ll be welcomed by two distinct climates, some 750 varieties of plants and a cascading waterfall. It’s a beautiful oasis that is a must-see next time you’re in town.
