12 Things to Do in Oklahoma City, According to the Locals 

Oklahoma City (OKC) may be known for its cowboy culture and laid-back attitude. However, with a growing population (OKC was one of only 14 cities to acquire over 100,000 residents between 2010 and 2020) of nearly 1.5 million, it’s also a thoroughly modern city rich in history, culture, and economic opportunity.  

Oklahoma City was officially founded in 1889 by European settlers during the Land Run, an initiative of the Homestead Act that encouraged settlement of the “unassigned lands” of former Native American territory. Due to its location and the discovery of oil on the land, the city grew rapidly into the metropolis it is today.   

People are attracted to OKC for its affordability and economic opportunities in aviation, biotech, healthcare, manufacturing, and oil and natural gas. However, new and seasoned residents alike will tell you it’s the warm people and beautiful neighborhoods that keep them rooted here.  

If you’re planning a trip or are new to the area, the locals are more than happy to advise on some of the best places to visit. Read on to learn about some of the exciting things you can see and do in OKC—as recommended by the people who call it home!

1. Check out Chisholm Creek

“We love the Oklahoma City area for many reasons,” says Audra George, professional organizer and owner of Oklahoma City-based Pretty Neat Organizing. But Chisholm Creek is one of the first places she recommends for exploring. “It’s a fun area with great food, shopping, and even live music.” The neighborhood also has a farmer’s market and holiday celebrations for families to enjoy together. If you’re looking for adventure, go to iFLY for indoor skydiving. Want to relax for an air-conditioned afternoon? Try Flix Brewhouse, a dine-in cinema with craft beers brewed on-site.”

2. Grab some grub and play some pickleball

George also suggested a unique one-stop entertainment and dinner venue that you’ll talk about long after your visit! “Chicken N Pickle is a place to be active and play pickleball with great food. My family loves this place!” They’ve got six indoor and four outdoor courts, but if pickleball isn’t your thing, you and the fam can enjoy shuffleboard, cornhole, bocce, ping pong, and giant Jenga and Battleship. Oh yeah, and the food is excellent, too! Obviously, they’re known for their chicken, but they’ve also got mouthwatering sides and fun cocktails to enjoy after your match.” 

Good to know: You’ll need to book a court in advance, so visit their website for hours and pricing and to reserve a court. 

3. Take the fam to Scissortail Park

“Scissortail Park is a fun area with lots to do for families, too,” says George. One of the more prominent urban parks in OKC, Scissortail is a 70-acre green oasis of serenity in the middle of the city, and the park is packed with amenities offering a vast variety of things to do!  

For example, you can check out a concert on the Scissortail stage or a festival on the Great Lawn. Rent a paddleboard or kayak at the boathouse for the afternoon to check out the park from the lake, or bring your favorite furry friend to try their paw at the agility equipment in the dog park. The park also hosts a weekly farmer’s market stocked with fresh local produce, artisanal products, and other goodies. You can take a free yoga or Zumba class in the park or just get your exercise chasing the kiddos on the playground and splash pad! 

Good to know: These are just a fraction of the activities you’ll find in Scissortail Park; check out their event calendar for more info. The park is open from dawn to dusk every day.  

4. Hang in Bricktown

Doug Arnett, broker and owner of the local real estate agency OKC Metro Group, gave us a couple of recommendations for fun stuff to do in OKC, too. “Oklahoma City offers a diverse array of experiences across its unique districts,” says Arnett, “start in Bricktown—a lively entertainment hub with restaurants, bars, and shopping.” One of the District’s highlights is the Bricktown Canal, where you can take a guided historical tour of the area via water taxi. Many of Bricktown’s preserved brick buildings add character and pay homage to its roots as a warehouse district in the early 20th century.  

The area is also home to the American Banjo Museum, the Centennial Land Run Monument, and the Bricktown Blues and BBQ Festival. During the holidays, you can enjoy the Parade of Lights, an event featuring a parade of festive illuminated floats, local area marching bands, and Santa!

5. Learn about unforgettable events that shaped OKC’s history

“Don’t miss the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the moving Oklahoma City National Memorial,” suggests Arnett. The Museum houses several galleries and collections full of fascinating artifacts, as well as a life-size replica you can wander through that gives visitors a taste of what life would’ve been like in a turn-of-the-century Western town. To get the most out of your visit, be sure to request a guided tour of the Museum! 

The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and others affected by the 1995 Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing. Its outdoor memorials, including the Gates of Time, Reflecting Pool, Field of Empty Chairs, Survivor Tree, and Rescuers’ Orchard are very poignant, so you might want to bring some tissues. Be sure to check out the hand-painted tiled wall adorned with emotional messages of support created by kids from across the country. Again, definitely bring tissues. There’s also an interactive memorial museum featuring artifacts, photos, videos, and personal accounts from survivors, rescuers, and family members of the victims.   

Good to know: The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Guided tours are available by appointment only. The Memorial Museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, from noon to 6 pm. 

6. Check out the art scene

“For art lovers, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Downtown Arts District are must-visit attractions,” says Arnett. The OKC Art Museum features a diverse array of permanent American and European collections as well as contemporary and glass art (you have to see the Chihuly Collection). They’ve also got a state-of-the-art theater screening independent, foreign, and classic films, as well as visual arts documentaries.  

In addition to the OKC Art Museum, the Downtown Arts District hosts a variety of venues spotlighting the creative and performing arts. For example, there’s the Civic Center Music Hall, where you can catch a Broadway show, the OKC Philharmonic, the OKC City Ballet, and other major cultural events. You’ll find innovative contemporary works at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, exciting galleries showcasing works by local, regional, and national artists, and various outdoor public installations. Look out for the District’s many festivals and cultural events, including First Fridays, a monthly event where galleries and studios open their doors for special exhibitions, artist talks, and live performances.  

Good to know: The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursdays from 10 am to 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. It’s also open on Sundays from noon to 5 pm but is closed on Mondays.

7. Mingle with the hipsters and spend a night on the town

If you’re in the mood to see and be seen, Arnett has some suggestions for exploring your trendy side. “Venture to Midtown for trendy eateries, local shops, and eclectic mix of historic architecture.” The area is designed to be walkable so you can enjoy the sound of live music drifting from its bustling bars on your way to the Bleu Garten, an outdoor beer garden and food truck park.  

“Or explore Film Row’s art galleries and creative spaces,” he says. “The Plaza District buzzes with indie boutiques, vibrant murals, and quirky cafes, while the Paseo Arts District charms with its Spanish Revival architecture and artist studios.” 

8. Stroll through Myriad Botanical Gardens

“Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Myriad Botanical Gardens,” says Arnett. One of the most cherished green spaces in the city, this magical place has a vast array of plant collections, including a lush collection of tropical plants. You’ll find palms, ferns, orchids, and more exotic foliage in an environment designed to mimic a tropical rainforest. There are waterfalls, a koi pond, fountains, and ponds that highlight aquatic plants. There’s also a brilliant rose garden featuring fragrant blooms from a variety of rose species.  

Good to know: The outdoor grounds are open daily from 6 am to 11 pm. The conservatory is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. 

9. Visit the Asian District

“For cultural diversity, head to the Asian District on NW 23rd Street, known for its excellent Vietnamese cuisine,” recommends Arnett. The District began to take shape in the late 70s and early 80s as a hub for Vietnamese immigrants, but it’s grown over the years to include a mix of Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Japanese.  

The restaurants are unbelievable, but you have to try the bakeries, too. The pastries, desserts, and bubble tea are addictive! If you want to try making some Asian cuisine yourself, the District also has several Asian markets with imported groceries, fresh produce, seafood, spices, snacks, and specialty items. Finally, don’t forget to check out the Lunar New Year Festival with its food stalls, lion dances, and traditional performances!

10. And the Adventure District

Arnett had a couple of family-friendly suggestions, too. “The nearby Adventure District houses family favorites like the Oklahoma City Zoo and Science Museum Oklahoma.” The Zoo houses some awe-inspiring exhibits designed to replicate the diverse environments the animals call home. For example, Sanctuary Asia includes Asian elephants, red pandas, Indian rhinos, and Komodo dragons. The Great EscApe has interactive elements and educational displays among the gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. The Cat Forest and Lion Overlook focuses on big cats like lions, tigers, snow leopards, and other felines. You’ll also find an aquatic exhibit with sea lions, sea turtles, tropical fish, and botanical gardens integrated throughout the Zoo’s grounds.  

The Science Museum Oklahoma (SMO) offers a massive range of exhibits, programs, and activities for people of all ages to satisfy their scientific curiosity. In fact, one of their largest is CurioCity, an interactive village for kids encouraging hands-on exploration and learning. There’s an area for cultivating your inner engineer, an area dedicated to space exploration (don’t miss a show at the Planetarium), and an exhibit focusing on educating visitors about different forms of energy and the science behind them. The Museum also hosts live science demonstrations and various temporary exhibits of all kinds. 

Good to know: The Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The SMO is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. 

11. Catch a Thunder game

“One of the best things to do in Oklahoma City, in my opinion, would be going to an OKC Thunder game,” says Nicholas Hayer, owner of Serenity Moving Services. The games are held at Paycom Center (formerly known as the Chesapeake Energy Arena) Downtown, known for its energetic atmosphere. Thunder fans (Thunder Nation) are loyal and passionate and create quite a home-court advantage. “After a game, visit the Bricktown nightlife scene with all the restaurants and bars,” he adds. 

12. Dinner, then a nightcap at a speakeasy

Daniel White, founder of Bigger Better Movers had another suggestion for a night on the town we think you’ll like. “Visit the First National Center for dinner and then make your way downstairs to the Library of Distilled Spirits,” an authentically-designed speakeasy known for its extensive collection of spirits and curated cocktails. The atmosphere is elegant and refined but also relaxed, so you can go there for casual get-togethers or special occasions.  

Welcome to OKC

We hope these diverse recommendations from some of OKC’s loyal locals give you some ideas for things to do when planning your trip. This amazing city has so much to see and do, but its unique and vibrant personality will be one of the most notable takeaways from your visit here. The people are fun, the atmosphere is exciting, and the OKC heart is huge. Come visit and see for yourself!