Family vacations in Oklahoma can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pre-trip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are recommended attractions for those planning Oklahoma family vacations.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
Recently renovated in 2011, the
houses over 1,000 species of plants from every continent in the world except Antarctica. The conservatory offers two habitat regions, the Tropical Rain Forest and the Dry Tropical Zone. Outside the conservatory there are walkways and grassy areas for picnics and play. Also located beside the conservatory is a Shakespeare in the Park stage for theatrical entertainment.
Address: 301 W. Reno Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102Phone: 405-297-3995Hours: The gardens are open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.Price: Adults, $6; seniors, $5; children, $3; children 3 and younger, free.
Frontier City
is Oklahoma City's only amusement park. Formerly owned by the Six Flags Corporation, the amusement park was sold in 2007 although it remains partners with White Water Bay, offering two-for-one passes for each location. The classic ride in the park remains the Silver Bullet, a high-speed roller coaster. The theme park also features Wild West gunfights and a summer concert series.
Address: 11501 N.E. Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73131Phone: 405-478-2140Hours: Frontier City is open from April through October. Hours vary but range from 10:30 a.m. until between 8 p.m. and 11 p.mPrice: Guests 48 inches and taller, $24.99; guests shorter than 48 inches, $19.99; children 3 and younger, free.
National Cowboy And Western Heritage Museum
Located in the entertainment district of Oklahoma City, the
offers a look at the history of the Wild West, with statues, relics and films on display. Formerly known as the Cowboy Hall of Fame, the museum presents a touch of Oklahoma history while also educating visitors of the vast history of the Native Americans that populate the state.
Address: 1700 N.E. 63rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111Phone: 405-478-2250Hours: The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Price: Adults, $12.50; seniors, $9.75; students, $9.75; children, $5.75; children 3 and younger, free.
Oklahoma City Zoo
The Oklahoma City Zoo sits in the Entertainment District of Oklahoma City, across from the Remington Park Casino and behind the Science Museum Oklahoma. The zoo features numerous exhibits and animals, including a large petting zoo for children and a gorilla habitat. The zoo also offers classes for children to learn about animals and conservation methods.
Address: 2101 N.E. 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111Phone: 405-424-3344Hours: The zoo is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From May through the beginning of September, the zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays.Price: Adults, $8; children and seniors, $5; children two and younger, free.
Sam Noble Museum Of Natural History
The University of Oklahoma operates the
, the largest natural history museum in the state. The museum offers interactive experiences for kids and adults alike. A large two-story dinosaur exhibit opens the museum and is followed by a wildlife exhibit and Native American history exhibit. Every month the museum offers Family Movie Night, with various family movies displayed for the price of admission.
Address: 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73072Phone: 405-325-4712Hours: The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.Price: Adults, $5; seniors 65 and older, $4; children ages 6 to 17, $3; children 5 and younger, free.
Oklahoma Museum Of Art
The
, located in downtown Oklahoma City, presents art, music and film for visitors to explore. Art exhibitions include classic art, photography and sculptures. The Museum also offers a movie theater that shows the best in independent and art cinema not shown anywhere else in Oklahoma. The center also houses permanent collections of American, European, classic and post-war art.
Address:
Phone:
405-236-3100
Hours:
The museum is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. From May through October, the museum remains open on Thursday until 9 p.m.
Price:
Adults, $12; seniors, $10; students, $10; military, $5; children 6 to 18, $10; children 5 and younger, free.
Braum Family Farm
Braum's, which opened for business in Oklahoma in 1968, is one of the premiere ice cream stores in Oklahoma. The
sits in Tuttle, Oklahoma. There are now over 280 Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores located in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Kansas and Missouri. The farm offers daily tours to guests interested in learning how the operation runs.
Address: 491 County Road 2880, Tuttle, OK 73089Phone: 405-478-1656Hours: During the summer the farm is open from Monday through Friday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. During the winter months the farm is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.Price: Free.
Scream Country Haunted Trail
The Scream Country Haunted Trail is Oklahoma's largest haunted forest, open every Halloween season. In 2010 the organizers built a theater and presented the "Evil Dead" musical, helping to raise awareness of the location. Open for 13 years as of 2010, the Drumright forest is a must-see for anyone visiting the state during the autumn months.
Address: 51853 W. 101st St., South Drumright, OK 74030Phone: 918-607-3327Hours: The forest is open every weekend during the month of October.Price: General admission, $18.
What are your family's favorite Oklahoma vacation destinations?
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