When you’re planning a family vacation, you have to consider what your whole family wants. Your kids want to visit Orlando, New York City or another popular destination that is filled with exciting, albeit expensive, family-friendly attractions. You want a vacation destination that provides your kids with excitement, but is also easy on your wallet. Oklahoma City meets these qualifications.
- Oklahoma Citytomfs / Water Photos / CC BY-NC-ND
The best part is that many of those great sites and destinations your kids will enjoy are absolutely free.
Oklahoma Railway Museum
The Oklahoma Railway Museums offer a fun, educational glimpse into America’s rail transportation history. Located on Grand Blvd, the museum itself houses a variety of railroad artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries, but the real treat is taking a ride on the working diesel train. The first and third Saturday of each month, the museum offers 25 minute long train rides for children and adults of all ages. The train ride is moderately priced, but it’s free to explore the museum and the grounds.
Route 66 Park
Otherwise known as the “Will Rogers Highway,” Route 66 has become a symbol of exploration and freedom. The highway stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles at one point, but you might not realize that the largest chunk of drivable asphalt is found right outside Oklahoma City. The 148-acre Route 66 Park features three ponds, a small amphitheater, a skate court, covered picnic area and the Cyrus Avery Observation Tower. For the youngest members of your group, there’s a well-kept playground.
Oklahoma River
A recent $56 million renovation turned a once-failing section of the North Canadian River into the best spot in all of Oklahoma to enjoy a family-friendly day on the water. Dubbed the “Oklahoma River,” this seven-mile stretch of rivers and lakes is outside of downtown Oklahoma City. It hosts several major events throughout the year. If you aren’t lucky enough to visit the city during any of the festivals, regattas or outdoors events, you can still enjoy a picnic by the water or slip on your bathing suit to spend the day splashing around with your family.
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
The first Monday of every month, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History hosts a free family day. If you’re lucky enough to visit the area, don’t hesitate to take the 30-minute ride south to the city of Norman, Oklahoma. Located on the University of Oklahoma campus, the museum features over 10 million fossils, skulls, skeletons and other specimens. Keep an eye out for the “Copper Skull,” which was discovered in 1994 and is believed to be the one of the oldest decorated objects found in North America.
Oklahoma City is one of America’s fastest growing family-friendly destinations and a great place to reconnect as a family without breaking the bank. If you can fit one splurge into your itinerary, grab your giant foam finger and head to the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to watch the local minor league team, the Oklahoma City RedHawks, in action.
About the Author: Glenn Morgans is a guest blogger and frequent traveler to Oklahoma City. Glenn stayed at the Comfort Inn Hotel in Oklahoma City Oklahoma on his latest trip.
There are always a number of free activities to do in cities if you can find them. I have enjoyed all of these when visiting Oklahoma. I had a car and so was able to drive out of the City too and explore some free venues in the surrounding area. Wichita mountains and the National Park there are worth visiting, also Prairie Dog City close by.
Mandy Allen