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9 Family-Friendly Places To Visit In Tulsa That Your Kids Will Love

By Janel Plunkard, Publisher of Macaroni KID Springfield MO February 24, 2023

Are you and your family looking for a fun vacation spot that won't break the bank? Look no further than Tulsa, Oklahoma! Just a short drive from Springfield, this city has plenty of activities that both you and your kids will enjoy. In this article, we'll explore the best family-friendly places to visit in Tulsa. From interesting museums to outdoor parks, there's something for everyone in Tulsa!

1. Tulsa Zoo

The Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum is a great place to take your kids in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With over 2,500 animals and more than 700 species, the Tulsa Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States. The zoo also has a variety of educational programs and events for kids of all ages.

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If your family has a Dickerson Park Zoo Membership, you'll receive 50% off your admission to the Tulsa Zoo!

2. Oxley Nature Center

The Oxley Nature Center is a great place to take your kids if you're looking for some family-friendly fun in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This nature center has something for everyone, with hiking trails, a playground, a picnic area, and even a petting zoo! Your kids will love exploring all that the Oxley Nature Center has to offer, and you'll appreciate the opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise as a family.

3. Gathering Place

Tulsa is home to many family-friendly places, but one of our favorites is Gathering Place. This beautiful inclusive 5-acre park has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. From the magical, shaded playgrounds and splash pads to the walking trails and beautiful picnic areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this incredible park located along the Arkansas River.

4. Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium

The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium is a great place to take your kids if they're interested in space and aircraft. The museum has a variety of exhibits on different aspects of space and aircraft, including an exhibit dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen, as well as a planetarium where you can learn about the night sky. There are also a number of interactive activities for kids, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

5. Philbrook Museum of Art

If you're looking for a family-friendly place to visit in Tulsa, Oklahoma, look no further than the Philbrook Museum of Art! This world-renowned museum is home to an impressive collection of art from around the globe and offers a variety of educational programs and events that are perfect for kids. From hands-on art activities to docent-led tours, your whole family will enjoy exploring the Philbrook Museum of Art.

6. Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab

The Discovery Lab is a place where kids can explore, discover and learn! With hands-on STEM exhibits and programs, the Discovery Lab encourages kids to use their imaginations and have fun while learning about science, technology, engineering, and math. The Discovery Lab is also home to the Tulsa Mini Makers, a maker space where kids can create, tinker, and invent!

7. Tulsa Botanic Garden

Tulsa Botanic Garden is a great place to take your family for a day of fun. There are plenty of activities for kids of all ages, including the Children's Discovery Garden, a hiking trail to explore, and a variety of educational programs and storytimes. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable, so you can be sure that your family will have a great time at the Tulsa Botanic Garden.

8. Oklahoma Aquarium

The Oklahoma Aquarium is a great place to take your family for a day of fun. There are plenty of things to see and do, and your kids will love it. Here are some of the highlights:

  • The Shark Tank is always a hit with the kids. They can see up close and personal these amazing creatures of the sea. The Oklahoma Aquarium is home to the world's largest collection of bull sharks.
  • The Aquatic Oklahoma and Ozark Stream exhibits take you on a tour of the rivers of Oklahoma. Your kids will learn all about the different animals that live in these habitats.
  • The Touch Tank is a great place for your kids to get up close and personal with some of the sea life. They can touch stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and more.
  • Your kids will want to visit the aquarium's playground, featuring play space for kids ages 2-12!

9. Safari Joe's H2O Water Park

A great place to take your kids to cool off on a hot summer day, Safari Joes is home to water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and an expansive pool to explore! Your kids will love splashing and sliding to beat the Summer heat. There is also a playground, and basketball and volleyball courts available. Other entertainment includes live music, magic shows, Reptile World exhibits, mermaids, and more!


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When visiting local businesses and events in Springfield, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all of your friends!
Macaroni KID Springfield is a free local events calendar, weekly newsletter, and website focused on family-friendly events and resources in the Greater Springfield, Missouri area. We gather all the local family-friendly events and activities happening in Springfield so you can find them all in one place!