Top things to do in tulsa with family: A 2025 guide
- sultan mbs
- 7 days ago
- 16 min read
Planning a family getaway or a local staycation in Tulsa? You're in for a treat. This city, rich in history and buzzing with modern energy, offers a diverse landscape of activities perfect for visitors of all ages. From the sprawling, award-winning Gathering Place to world-class museums and riverfront adventures, there's an experience waiting around every corner. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, detailing the top family-friendly destinations that make Tulsa a standout choice for memorable outings. We’ll provide the practical tips and actionable insights you need to make the most of your time together.
We will explore everything from interactive science exhibits and serene art gardens to thrilling zoo encounters and scenic park trails. Each location offers a unique blend of education, excitement, and relaxation, ensuring your itinerary is packed with engaging options. As you map out your visit, especially for downtown attractions or special performances, it’s wise to think ahead. When planning your Tulsa family adventure, consider checking parking availability and options, especially if you plan to attend a show or event at venues like the BOK Center. Let's dive into the best things to do in Tulsa with family for an unforgettable experience.
1. Philbrook Museum of Art
The Philbrook Museum of Art offers a unique blend of fine art, stunning architecture, and expansive gardens, making it one of the most enriching things to do in Tulsa with family. Housed in a historic 1920s Italian Renaissance villa, the museum provides an immersive cultural experience that captivates both adults and children. The diverse collections feature everything from European masterpieces to contemporary and Native American art, ensuring there is something to spark every family member's imagination.
Beyond the galleries, the museum’s 25 acres of formal and informal gardens are a destination in themselves. These beautifully landscaped grounds invite exploration, offering winding paths, secret spots, and plenty of space for kids to roam. The museum actively encourages family participation through engaging programs and events scheduled throughout the year.
Family Activities and Events
Philbrook hosts numerous events designed specifically for families. Look for their popular Family Art Day events, which offer hands-on creative activities tied to current exhibitions. During the summer, the gardens come alive with outdoor concerts and activities, while seasonal celebrations transform the estate for holidays like Christmas, creating a magical atmosphere.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To make the most of your trip to the Philbrook Museum of Art, consider these practical tips:
Plan Ahead: Check the Philbrook website for special family event schedules and purchase tickets online to secure your spot.
Arrive Early: Visiting in the morning helps you avoid the largest crowds, allowing for a more relaxed experience in the galleries and gardens.
Pack a Picnic: The museum allows outside food and drink in the gardens. Enjoying a family picnic on the lush lawns is a perfect way to break up your visit.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: With extensive grounds and multiple floors in the villa, you'll be doing a lot of walking.
2. Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum
The Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum offers an exciting day of wildlife discovery, making it a classic and beloved choice for things to do in Tulsa with family. Spanning 75 acres, this world-class zoological park is home to over 2,000 animals from around the globe. Families can marvel at majestic African elephants, watch playful sea lions, and come face-to-face with powerful big cats in immersive, naturalistic habitats. The zoo masterfully blends animal encounters with conservation education, creating a fun and meaningful experience for visitors of all ages.
Beyond observing the incredible animals, the zoo provides numerous interactive opportunities that are perfect for kids. From the hands-on fun in the children's zoo and petting area to the unforgettable experience of feeding a giraffe, there are plenty of activities designed to engage young explorers. The zoo's commitment to creating an enriching environment ensures every visit is both entertaining and educational.
Family Activities and Events
The Tulsa Zoo hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. HallowZOOeen is a seasonal favorite, offering a safe and festive trick-or-treating experience. In the winter, the Lights ON! event transforms the zoo into a dazzling wonderland of holiday lights. Be sure to check their calendar for daily keeper chats and animal demonstrations, which provide fascinating insights into the animals' lives and behaviors. As one of the best family attractions in Oklahoma, the zoo consistently delivers memorable experiences.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To ensure a fantastic day at the Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum, keep these tips in mind:
Plan Ahead: Visit the Tulsa Zoo website to check operating hours, review the daily schedule of feeding times, and purchase tickets in advance to save time.
Arrive Early: Getting there when the gates open helps you beat the largest crowds and the midday heat, especially during the summer months.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: With so much ground to cover, comfortable footwear is essential for everyone in the family to enjoy the day without getting tired.
Stay Hydrated: Bring water bottles to refill at stations throughout the park and pack sunscreen to protect against the Oklahoma sun.
3. Aquarium at Jenks
Just a short drive from downtown Tulsa, the Aquarium at Jenks offers an incredible underwater adventure that makes it a top choice for things to do in Tulsa with family. As Oklahoma's premier aquatic attraction, it showcases thousands of animals in immersive, naturalistic habitats. From the mesmerizing shark tank to vibrant coral reefs and native Oklahoma fish species, the aquarium provides a captivating look into life beneath the waves that engages visitors of all ages.
The aquarium is designed for interactive learning and discovery. Exhibits like the touch tanks, where you can feel stingrays glide beneath your fingers, and the piranha feeding demonstrations create memorable, hands-on experiences. This focus on engagement and education makes the aquarium more than just a place to see fish; it's a dynamic environment for family fun and learning.
Family Activities and Events
The Aquarium at Jenks is packed with family-friendly activities. The stingray feeding experience is a must-do, allowing kids and adults to interact directly with the gentle creatures. The aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes tours for an exclusive look at how the facility operates and cares for its animals. Keep an eye on their calendar for special events and educational presentations scheduled throughout the day.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Aquarium at Jenks, keep these tips in mind:
Check the Schedule: Visit the Oklahoma Aquarium website to see feeding times and special presentation schedules before you go.
Go on a Weekday: If possible, plan your visit for a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and have a more intimate viewing experience.
Consider a Membership: If you plan on visiting more than once a year, an annual membership often pays for itself and offers great value.
Stroller Friendly: The facility is easily navigable with strollers, making it a comfortable outing for families with young children.
4. Gathering Place Park
Gathering Place is a world-class riverfront park that offers an extraordinary array of activities, making it one of the absolute best things to do in Tulsa with family. This 66-acre park, designed with imagination and play in mind, features everything from massive, themed playgrounds and whimsical gardens to splash pads and a serene boathouse. It provides an inclusive and adventurous environment where families can connect with nature and each other through active, creative, and educational experiences.
From the iconic Chapman Adventure Playground with its towering wooden structures to the sensory gardens and open lawns, every corner of Gathering Place is crafted for exploration. The park’s design encourages free play and discovery, offering a dynamic space for children of all ages to run, climb, and learn. It’s a must-visit destination that provides endless, cost-free fun for the entire family. For more ideas on local green spaces, you can explore Tulsa parks with our interactive map.
Family Activities and Events
Gathering Place maintains a packed calendar of free family-oriented events year-round. You can find everything from weekly story times and guided nature walks to large-scale seasonal festivals and outdoor concerts. The park also features sports courts, a skate park, and bike rentals, ensuring there are always new and exciting activities to try on every visit.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable day at Gathering Place, keep these tips in mind:
Plan Ahead: Check the Gathering Place website for daily hours, event schedules, and any temporary closures before you go.
Arrive Early: The park is incredibly popular, especially on weekends. Arriving early helps you secure a good parking spot and enjoy the splash pads before they get too crowded.
Pack Accordingly: Bring swimsuits for the water areas, sunscreen, and hats. You can also pack a picnic and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The park is massive, and you’ll want to explore every corner, so comfortable footwear is a must for everyone.
5. Science Museum Oklahoma
While not located in Tulsa, the Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City is an easy day trip that offers an unparalleled interactive learning experience, making it a must-visit for families from across the region. With hundreds of hands-on exhibits, this sprawling museum is dedicated to revealing the wonders of science through play. The sheer variety of attractions, from a full-dome planetarium to mind-bending optical illusions and live science shows, guarantees a full day of engaging discovery for all ages.
The museum is cleverly designed to let kids lead the way, encouraging them to touch, build, and experiment. Whether they are exploring the principles of physics in the Tinkering Garage, climbing through the multi-story Power Play tower, or marveling at the cosmos, children are actively participating in their own learning. This dynamic environment makes complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting, solidifying its place as a top-tier family destination.
Family Activities and Events
Science Museum Oklahoma keeps its offerings fresh with a rotating schedule of events. It frequently hosts world-class traveling exhibits covering topics from dinosaurs to superheroes. Additionally, the museum offers seasonal science camps and workshops that provide deeper, hands-on learning opportunities for children, and even offers birthday party packages for a uniquely educational celebration.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To ensure your family has a fantastic experience at Science Museum Oklahoma, keep these tips in mind:
Plan for a Long Visit: With so much to see and do, allocate a minimum of three to four hours for your visit.
Check the Show Schedule: Arrive early and check the schedule for planetarium and OMNIMAX shows to plan your day around these timed events.
Pack Refreshments: The museum allows guests to bring their own snacks and water bottles, which can be a lifesaver for families with young children.
Consider a Membership: If you plan on visiting more than once a year, a family membership often pays for itself and provides extra perks.
6. Philbrook Downtown & Philbrook Museum Events
Beyond its standard museum offerings, Philbrook extends its cultural reach through its satellite location, Philbrook Downtown, and a vibrant calendar of seasonal events. These special occasions transform the museum grounds into an interactive playground, making it one of the most dynamic and repeatable things to do in Tulsa with family. From summer concerts on the lawn to magical holiday festivals, these events provide unique, engaging experiences that go beyond a typical museum visit.
The events are designed to be immersive, often featuring live music, hands-on activities, and festive food and drinks. This focus on interactive entertainment ensures that children and adults alike can find something to enjoy, creating shared memories in a beautiful setting. The Downtown location also contributes to the city's art scene, and for those interested in the broader arts community, you can discover more about finding local art events.
Family Activities and Events
The highlight for many families is the annual Philbrook Festival of Lights, which runs from November through December. The gardens are adorned with hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights, creating a breathtaking winter wonderland complete with holiday activities and entertainment. During warmer months, look for outdoor performances and film screenings that make for a perfect family evening.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To maximize your enjoyment of Philbrook's special events, keep these tips in mind:
Check the Calendar: Always visit the Philbrook website to check the event schedule and buy tickets in advance, as popular events often sell out.
Arrive Early: For popular festivals, arriving early helps secure a good parking spot and allows you to experience the attractions before the biggest crowds arrive.
Dress for the Weather: Many events are held outdoors in the gardens. Be sure to dress warmly for winter festivities like the Festival of Lights.
Plan for 2-3 Hours: To fully experience everything an event has to offer without rushing, plan to spend at least two to three hours.
7. Tulsa Air & Space Museum & Planetarium
The Tulsa Air & Space Museum & Planetarium offers a thrilling journey into the world of aviation and space exploration, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Tulsa with family. Located on the north end of Tulsa International Airport, the museum celebrates the region’s significant contributions to the aerospace industry. Families can get up close with historic aircraft, experience the principles of flight through hands-on exhibits, and marvel at the mysteries of the universe.
The museum's combination of fascinating artifacts and interactive technology provides an engaging learning environment for all ages. The centerpiece is the full-dome planetarium, which presents breathtaking shows that transport audiences to the far reaches of the galaxy. This blend of history and cutting-edge science ensures an unforgettable and educational family outing.
Family Activities and Events
The museum is packed with activities perfect for a family adventure. Kids and adults can climb into the cockpit of a real F-14A Tomcat fighter jet or test their piloting skills in the interactive flight simulators. The planetarium features a variety of shows, from educational star explorations to dazzling laser light shows set to popular music, offering entertainment for every interest.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To ensure your mission to the Tulsa Air & Space Museum & Planetarium is a success, keep these tips in mind:
Plan Around Shows: Check the museum's website for the planetarium schedule and plan your arrival to catch your desired show.
Book Simulators Early: The popular flight simulator slots can fill up quickly. It's wise to reserve your time in advance online if possible.
Budget Enough Time: To fully experience the museum exhibits and a planetarium show, plan to spend at least two to three hours.
Arrive Before Your Show: Get to the museum 15-30 minutes before your scheduled planetarium show to allow time for parking, tickets, and finding your seat.
8. Riverside Parks Trail System & Kayaking
Exploring the Riverside Parks Trail System offers a fantastic outdoor adventure and is one of the most active things to do in Tulsa with family. This extensive network of paved trails stretches for miles along the scenic Arkansas River, providing a safe and beautiful environment for walking, jogging, and biking. The system connects several parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it easy to plan a full day of fun.
For families looking to get on the water, the Arkansas River provides an excellent venue for kayaking and paddleboarding. The gentle currents in designated areas are suitable for beginners, offering a unique perspective of the Tulsa skyline and natural surroundings. Several local outfitters provide rentals and guided tours, making it accessible even for those without their own equipment.
Family Activities and Events
The Riverside Parks system is a hub for community activity. Look for family-friendly 5K runs, cycling events, and festivals that frequently take place along the trails, especially on weekends and during the summer. Designated fishing spots also offer a great opportunity to teach kids the basics of angling in a relaxed setting.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable day by the river, consider these practical tips:
Plan Your Route: Check the Tulsa Parks trail map to choose a segment that matches your family's fitness level and interests.
Go Early: Start your adventure in the morning to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds, especially on weekends.
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and snacks for everyone. There are water fountains, but having your own ensures you're prepared.
Rent Gear: If you don't own bikes or kayaks, local shops near the river offer convenient daily and hourly rentals.
9. Woody Grill & Gathering Place Playground Complex
The Woody Grill and its adjacent playground complex at Gathering Place offer an unparalleled outdoor adventure, solidifying its spot as one of the best things to do in Tulsa with family. This area combines stunning, nature-inspired architecture with innovative play zones that cater to children of all ages. The Woody Grill, designed by renowned architect Tom Killion, serves as a striking centerpiece and a convenient spot for families to refuel with casual food and drinks.
The surrounding playgrounds are a wonderland of imagination, featuring massive wooden towers, suspension bridges, slides, and interactive water features. The design encourages creative play, physical activity, and social interaction in a beautifully landscaped environment. It’s a perfect destination for a full day of fun, from energetic play sessions to relaxed family gatherings under the pavilion.
Family Activities and Events
The complex is a natural hub for spontaneous family fun, from simple day outings to larger celebrations like birthday parties. Its open design and ample amenities make it an ideal location for community get-togethers and casual family meetups. The nearby stages at Gathering Place often host live music and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To ensure your family has a fantastic time at this expansive playground, keep these tips in mind:
Visit on Weekday Mornings: To experience the playgrounds with fewer people, plan your visit for a weekday morning before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Arrive Early in Summer: During hot months, getting there early allows your kids to play before the peak sun and heat of the day.
Pack Sun Protection: The area has both sunny and shaded spots, so bringing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses is essential for a comfortable visit.
Bring Water and Snacks: While Woody Grill offers options, having your own water bottles and snacks on hand is convenient for keeping kids hydrated and energized.
Check the Gathering Place website: Before heading out, check their site for park hours, special event schedules, and any temporary closures.
10. Tulsa Historical Society Museums & Gilcrease Museum
Delving into Tulsa’s rich past is a fantastic thing to do in Tulsa with family, and the city’s historical museums offer a captivating journey through time. The Gilcrease Museum, though currently undergoing a major reconstruction, is globally renowned for its comprehensive collection of American West art and artifacts. Meanwhile, the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, set in the historic Travis Mansion, preserves the city’s unique story, from its Native American roots to its Oil Capital days.
These institutions provide an engaging educational experience, bringing history to life through curated exhibits, historical photographs, and fascinating artifacts. Exploring these museums gives families a deeper appreciation for the events and people who shaped the region. It’s an ideal way to connect different generations through shared stories and discoveries about the place they call home or are visiting. Exploring the state's past can be a great family adventure, and you can learn more about Oklahoma's rich historical offerings.
Family Activities and Events
Both the Gilcrease and the Tulsa Historical Society are committed to family engagement. Once it reopens, the new Gilcrease Museum will feature interactive exhibits and dedicated family spaces. The Tulsa Historical Society regularly hosts Family History Tours and seasonal educational programming. These events often include hands-on activities that make history accessible and exciting for young learners.
Pro-Tips for Your Family Visit
To ensure a smooth and enriching museum experience, keep these tips in mind:
Check Reopening Status: The Gilcrease Museum is being rebuilt, so check the Gilcrease website for the latest updates on its grand reopening and any off-site programming.
Preview Exhibits: Look at the Tulsa Historical Society website beforehand to find exhibits that will best capture your children’s interest.
Ask for Family Guides: Many museums offer activity sheets or family-focused guides to help children engage with the collections in a fun way.
Take Breaks: Plan for a 2-3 hour visit and use designated rest areas to keep everyone’s energy levels up.
Top 10 Family-Friendly Tulsa Attractions — Comparison
Attraction | 🔄 Implementation Complexity | ⚡ Resource Requirements | ⭐ Expected Outcomes | 💡 Ideal Use Cases | 📊 Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Philbrook Museum of Art | Medium 🔄🔄 — timed entry, mix indoor/outdoor | Moderate ⚡⚡ — admission, walking shoes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — cultural & exploratory learning | Family cultural day, garden picnic | Indoor galleries + 25‑acre gardens; family programs |
Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum | Medium‑High 🔄🔄🔄 — full‑day planning, lines | High ⚡ — tickets, long walking, extras | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — engaging, animal-focused learning | Full‑day animal encounters, interactive feedings | Large species diversity; hands‑on encounters |
Aquarium at Jenks | Low‑Medium 🔄🔄 — compact itinerary | Moderate ⚡⚡ — admission, 2–3 hour visit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — immersive, sensory learning | Rainy day, younger children, short visits | Touch pools, underwater tunnel, climate control |
Gathering Place Park | Low 🔄 — open access, flexible timing | Low ⚡⚡⚡ — free entry, bring supplies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — recreational and social play | Picnics, playgrounds, casual outdoor play | Free, accessible design, wide activity range |
Science Museum Oklahoma | Medium‑High 🔄🔄🔄 — show schedules, energy needed | High ⚡ — tickets, time, active participation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — strong STEM engagement | STEM learning days, field trips, curious kids | Hands‑on exhibits, planetarium, OMNIMAX theater |
Philbrook Downtown & Events | Medium 🔄🔄 — seasonal logistics, crowds | Moderate ⚡⚡ — event tickets/parking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — memorable seasonal experiences | Evening holiday outings, seasonal festivals | Unique seasonal programming; festive atmosphere |
Tulsa Air & Space Museum & Planetarium | Low‑Medium 🔄🔄 — fixed show times | Low‑Moderate ⚡⚡ — affordable admission | ⭐⭐⭐ — focused educational entertainment | Aviation/space interest, short educational visit | Flight simulators, planetarium, smaller crowds |
Riverside Parks Trail System & Kayaking | Medium 🔄🔄 — route/rental planning | Low‑Moderate ⚡⚡ — equipment hire, physical effort | ⭐⭐⭐ — outdoor recreation & fitness | Active families, kayaking, biking excursions | Scenic, low‑cost outdoor activity; multi‑use trails |
Woody Grill & Gathering Place Playground | Low 🔄 — walk‑in friendly | Low ⚡⚡⚡ — free, minimal gear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — play and social development | Young children, playground-focused outings | Inclusive, age‑segmented play, modern equipment |
Tulsa Historical Society & Gilcrease Museum | Medium 🔄🔄 — exhibit pacing | Low‑Moderate ⚡⚡ — time; Gilcrease has free entry | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — deep historical and art education | History/art exploration, docent tours | Extensive collections, strong regional context |
Making the Most of Your Tulsa Family Adventure
Tulsa is far more than just a stop on the map; it's a vibrant, evolving city that offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered by your family. From the world-class art collections at the Philbrook Museum of Art to the wild encounters at the Tulsa Zoo, the city presents a dynamic blend of culture, nature, and pure, unadulterated fun. This guide has journeyed through some of the best things to do in Tulsa with family, showcasing how you can build an itinerary that captivates every member of your crew, from the youngest toddler to the most discerning teen.
Crafting Your Perfect Tulsa Itinerary
The key to a truly memorable family trip lies in the mix. Imagine starting your day with an educational deep dive into the cosmos at the Tulsa Air & Space Museum & Planetarium, followed by an afternoon of unstructured play and exploration at the unparalleled Gathering Place. Or perhaps your family prefers a quieter pace, pairing a morning stroll through the tranquil gardens of the Gilcrease Museum with an afternoon of aquatic wonder at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. Tulsa's strength is its diversity, allowing you to seamlessly blend high-energy activities with moments of quiet reflection and learning.
Pro-Tip: Don't try to cram too much into one day. A successful family outing often means choosing one major attraction (like the Zoo or Gathering Place) and pairing it with a more relaxed activity, like a walk along the Riverside Parks Trail or a casual meal. This prevents burnout and keeps everyone’s spirits high.
Actionable Steps for Your Family Adventure
To transform this list from ideas into a concrete plan, here are your next steps:
Map Your Interests: Sit down with your family and review the destinations covered. Let everyone pick one or two places that excite them the most. This collaborative approach builds anticipation and ensures everyone feels invested in the trip.
Check Schedules and Events: Many Tulsa attractions, particularly the Philbrook and Gathering Place, host special events, workshops, and seasonal exhibits. A quick visit to their websites before you go can reveal unique opportunities that will elevate your visit.
Plan for Downtime: Traveling with children requires flexibility. The moments between your planned activities are just as important. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, understanding how to keep kids busy with a variety of engaging, screen-free activities is just as important as planning your outings. Having a few simple games or activities on hand can be a lifesaver during travel or while waiting for a table at a restaurant.
Ultimately, exploring Tulsa with your family is about creating a shared story. It's about the laughter echoing through the Gathering Place playground, the look of awe on your child's face at the aquarium, and the quiet conversations sparked by a piece of art. These experiences are the building blocks of lasting memories, strengthening family bonds against a backdrop of Green Country's unique charm. So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to discover all the incredible things to do in Tulsa with family.
Ready to anchor your Tulsa adventure in a hub of local charm and creativity? Explore The Ten District in Jenks, where unique shopping, delightful dining, and a welcoming community atmosphere await. Visit The Ten District to discover the perfect spot to eat, shop, and make memories during your family getaway.
