Must Do in OKC

As a popular Bricktown attraction for more than 20 years, the water taxi takes visitors down the Bricktown Canal at a leisurely pace, while the guide narrates the history of the canal and surrounding businesses. You can rent a private cruise, or even join a dinner cruise.

For a totally unique overnight experience with a American West feel, look no further than the Conestoga Wagons & Teepees at Orr Family Farm. Go camping or "glamping" under a country sky in this home away from home on the range, complete with a roaring campfire (for toasting marshmallows, of course), temperature-controlled wagons and teepees, deluxe amenities and exclusive access to Orr Family Farm activities. You won't find lodging like this anywhere else in the region!

Part art gallery, part immersive experience, Factory Obscura is a local arts collaborative focused on awakening wonder. Experience Mix-Tape, a multisensory homage to and modern application of old school mixtapes, those old cassettes that were thematic collections of favorite songs. Enjoy a mixture of visuals, sounds, textures and interactivity.

In one place, visitors will experience the collective histories of Oklahoma's 39 distinctive First American Nations. The First Americans Museum showcases state-of-the-art exhibitions in First American history, culture and art; live public and educational programs; a full-service restaurant presenting unique Native-inspired cuisine; and a museum store featuring authentic one-of-a-kind hand-made items or products by premiere First American artists.

One of the local favorites, you’ll find the downtown crowd dancing in the gardens, walking dogs, sharing a picnic, listening to free concerts and enjoying the beauty of this 17-acre urban botanical garden. At the center of the Myriad Gardens is the Crystal Bridge Conservatory, which houses plant collections, sculptural points of interest, overlook terraces and a waterfall feature.

More than an homage to the cowboy spirit, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum tells the diverse stories of the West with some of the world’s most beautiful Western art, a full-scale town and a room with over a thousand different barbed wires! An outdoor educational experience called Liichokoshkomo’ (Chickasaw for “Let’s Play!”) brings to life diverse stories of cattlemen and their counterparts with interactive fun. Cowboys from the cinematic landscape share space with those who had their boots on the ground at this premier institution.

The striking Dale Chihuly piece hanging in the foyer is an indication that there are awe-inspiring discoveries inside the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The museum curates travelling or special exhibits while also housing an impressive permanent collection, including a piece from former President Barack Obama’s portraitist Kehinde Wiley.

Built as a tribute to “those who were killed, those who survived, and those who were changed forever,” the Oklahoma City National Memorial has become a profound statement of the resolve, hope and community spirit that grew after the Murrah Bombing. Designed to be seen by day and by night – they truly are different experiences – the grounds also house the Memorial Museum, a project to educate the public about the tragedy, its impact and the resiliency of Oklahoma City.

OKC’s innovative approach to zoo design continues to improve the lives of zoo animals and the experience of guests. The Oklahoma City Zoo's newest installment is Expedition Africa, which features a new, state-of-the-art giraffe viewing area and vista spaces for common elands, flamingos, gazelles, honey badgers, meerkats, mongooses, naked mole rats, okapis, ostriches, wildebeests and zebras.

Located in the Boathouse District along the Oklahoma River, Riversport offers a zipline across the river, surfing and snow skiing simulators, standup paddleboards, kayaking, a sky trail, play areas for kids and Riversport Rapids, which features Class II-IV whitewater rafting. Riversport hosts international events, plus regattas and programming year-round. Age restrictions apply.

Science Museum Oklahoma is a staple for kids of all ages. The museum makes science interactive and fun with a theater for demonstrating, an art gallery, and most importantly, hands-on activities that teach kids (and adults) about weather, electromagnetism, optics and just about any scientific topic you can imagine.

Scissortail Park is Oklahoma City's 70-acre urban oasis, extending from the core of downtown to the shore of the Oklahoma River. Stroll through the gardens and groves, relax on the lawn, catch a concert or live performance, play like a kid on the Children's Playground and get on the water with pedal boat, kayak and standup board rentals from the Boathouse. Lower Scissortail Park is all about recreation, including basketball, soccer, futsal and pickleball, as well as a new sports pavilion and 32 acres of open green space. Every detail is designed for connection – with nature and neighbors.

Home to a number of shops specializing in all things western, you can outfit an entire ranch (cattle included) or just find a new pair of boots and enjoy a great steak in Stockyards City. It’s home to the Oklahoma National Stockyards, the world’s largest feeder and stocker cattle market, where live cattle auctions take place every Monday and Tuesday and are open to the public.