Art Museums & Echoing Landmarks in Tulsa
Tips on renting in Tulsa
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a vibrant city that warmly welcomes families seeking both adventure and relaxation. Begin your journey at the Gathering Place, a 66.5-acre riverfront park along the Arkansas River, where children can scale the Chapman Adventure Playground’s towering cranes and families can delight in paddle boating on Peggy’s Pond. Just a short drive away, the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks promises an awe-inspiring underwater encounter with over 500 species, including the world’s largest exhibit of bull sharks.
For families who love the outdoors, Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area offers 738 acres of scenic trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking, with a family-friendly 0.8-mile red trail loop. Woodward Park and Gardens, spanning more than 40 acres, features the enchanting Tulsa Rose Garden and the Linnaeus Teaching Garden, creating a serene backdrop for a leisurely afternoon. Nearby, the Route 66 Historical Village invites visitors to step back in time at an open-air museum along historic U.S. Route 66, complete with a towering 194-foot oil derrick and a charming 1920s-style gas station.
Tulsa’s cultural treasures include the Philbrook Museum of Art, housed in a historic villa surrounded by lush gardens, and the Discovery Lab, an interactive children’s museum designed to spark creativity and curiosity. With its mild climate, abundant sunshine, and average November temperatures of 76°F (24°C), Tulsa offers families the perfect setting for memorable getaways in every season.
Nearby cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Tulsa has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To experience the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, consider visiting on Fridays after 5pm when general admission is discounted to $5. Advance, timed-entry tickets are recommended and can be reserved online or by phone. For those eligible, the Museums for All program offers $1 admission for individuals enrolled in SNAP, TANF, WIC, or SoonerCare, making the museum accessible to all.
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For a seamless boat launch experience on the Arkansas River near Tulsa, head to Keystone Lake, a sprawling 26,000-acre urban playground just 15 miles west of downtown Tulsa. Here, you can utilize one of the 11 boat ramps, such as those at Keystone Harbor or Pier 51, which offer convenient access and boat rental services. The lake’s scenic beauty, with its wooded shoreline and sandy beaches, makes it an ideal spot for boating and other water activities year-round.
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For a seamless blend of swimming and boating near Tulsa, head to Lake Tenkiller, known as Oklahoma’s clear-water paradise, where you can dive into its pristine waters and enjoy various water sports. Keystone Lake offers boating, fishing, and skiing amidst its sandy beaches and sandstone bluffs, with convenient launch sites. Additionally, Kaw Lake features two sandy swim beaches and multiple boat launching ramps, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Heyburn Lake also provides public-use areas with swimming beaches, boat launching ramps, and picnic grounds, ensuring a comprehensive outdoor experience.
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For a family-friendly hiking experience in Tulsa, head to Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness, which offers over 20 miles of trails suitable for all skill levels, including the 0.8-mile Red Loop and the 5.7-mile Pink Trail. The Tulsa Botanic Garden is another gem, featuring a ¾-mile paved Lakeside Promenade and a 1.5-mile Cross Timbers Trail that winds through a beautiful prairie landscape. Both destinations are free or low-cost, with the botanic garden charging $15 for adults and $10 for children, making them perfect for an enjoyable and accessible outdoor adventure.
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For a picnic spot with a scenic view in Tulsa, consider Chandler Park, which offers panoramic views of Tulsa and Sand Springs from its 192 acres of wooded area. Here, you can enjoy your meal at one of the picnic tables or pavilions, and take advantage of the five hiking and nature trails. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., making it an ideal destination any time of day, especially during the warmer months when the scenic views are at their best.
