05 Sep 10 Interactive Activities to do in Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers various interactive activities, from outdoor adventures to artistic pursuits, family fun, and community events. Whether you’re a resident or visiting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a list of 10 interactive activities you can dive into and tips on how to get involved.
1. Explore The Gathering Place
One of Tulsa’s premier attractions, The Gathering Place, is an expansive park along the Arkansas River. It features playgrounds, sports courts, skate parks, and scenic trails. There’s something for everyone, including boat rentals, paddle boarding, and interactive water features for kids. The park regularly hosts community events, from yoga classes to live music and cultural performances.
How to Get Involved:
- Visit the park’s website to learn about scheduled events.
- Join fitness classes and workshops or volunteer to help with park events.
- Check out local Meetup groups that organize activities at the park.
2. Tulsa Farmers’ Market
The Tulsa Farmers’ Market is more than just a place to shop for fresh produce. It’s an interactive experience that connects you with local farmers, artisans, and food producers. You can sample products, learn about sustainable agriculture, and attend gardening or healthy cooking workshops. Live music and street performers often add to the lively atmosphere.
How to Get Involved:
- Volunteer with the market, helping with setup, educational programming, or outreach.
- Attend seasonal workshops or cooking demonstrations.
- Join their newsletter to stay updated on special events or vendor highlights.
3. Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum
The Tulsa Zoo offers an immersive experience for families and animal lovers alike. From feeding giraffes to participating in keeper-led talks and behind-the-scenes tours, the zoo provides plenty of hands-on animal interaction opportunities. You can also explore the zoo’s seasonal exhibits and participate in animal enrichment activities.
How to Get Involved:
- Become a member for unlimited access and exclusive events.
- Sign up for zoo camps, workshops, or animal encounters.
- Volunteer as part of their community outreach or conservation programs.
4. Philbrook Museum of Art
Art lovers can engage with both indoor and outdoor experiences at the Philbrook Museum of Art. The museum offers not only incredible exhibitions but also interactive art-making workshops, artist talks, and garden tours. The expansive grounds include stunning gardens where you can enjoy yoga classes or participate in photography tours.
How to Get Involved:
- Attend a workshop or event at the museum, such as painting or pottery classes.
- Join the museum’s membership program for access to special tours and events.
- Volunteer as a guide, or get involved with community outreach initiatives.
5. Tulsa Drillers Baseball Games
A Tulsa Drillers game at ONEOK Field offers sports fans a fun, interactive experience. Beyond just watching the game, attendees can engage with on-field games and contests, enjoy food trucks, and participate in theme nights (such as Star Wars Night or Fireworks Night). It’s a great family-friendly activity that fosters local pride.
How to Get Involved:
- Purchase tickets and attend games, especially on themed nights for added fun.
- Participate in contests and pre-game activities.
- Join the Drillers’ Booster Club for more in-depth involvement, including opportunities to volunteer at games.
6. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
For outdoor enthusiasts, Turkey Mountain offers a fantastic interactive escape into nature. Its network of trails is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Various paths provide options for all skill levels. Seasonal group hikes and events like trail cleanups encourage community participation and environmental stewardship.
How to Get Involved:
- Join local hiking, running, or biking groups that organize regular outings.
- Participate in park conservation and trail maintenance efforts as a volunteer.
- Follow Turkey Mountain on social media for updates on upcoming group activities or events.
7. Tulsa Glassblowing Studio
Want to try something creative? The Tulsa Glassblowing Studio offers hands-on experiences where participants can create their own blown glass pieces. Classes range from introductory to advanced levels. Watching the molten glass being shaped into beautiful objects is an immersive and rewarding experience.
How to Get Involved:
- Sign up for a class or workshop to make your own glass art.
- Attend an open house or demonstration to watch professional glassblowers at work.
- Check for special events or exhibits featuring local artists.
8. Tulsa Performing Arts Center
The Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC) hosts a wide variety of events, including Broadway shows, concerts, and local theater productions. Attending a show is always an engaging experience, but TPAC also offers interactive behind-the-scenes tours and workshops for those interested in learning about theater production, acting, or technical roles like lighting and sound design.
How to Get Involved:
- Attend performances and post-show talkbacks with actors and directors.
- Join acting or theater production workshops hosted by the TPAC or local theater companies.
- Volunteer as an usher or help with promotional efforts.
9. Gilcrease Museum
The Gilcrease Museum is a treasure trove of Western American art and history. It offers interactive learning experiences such as family-friendly art projects, archaeological digs, and cultural workshops. The museum’s expansive collection of Native American artifacts and exhibits offers a deep dive into history, with many opportunities for hands-on learning.
How to Get Involved:
- Attend workshops on traditional crafts, such as pottery or weaving.
- Join guided tours or participate in archaeological digs.
- Volunteer with educational programs or museum events.
10. Tulsa Tough
Tulsa Tough is a premier cycling event that draws enthusiasts worldwide. It offers several ways to get involved, from competitive races to community rides. For families and casual riders, there’s the Townie Ride, which is a fun and accessible way to be part of the action. Spectators can also enjoy food trucks, live music, and interactive sponsor booths.
How to Get Involved:
- Sign up as a participant for any of the races or rides.
- Volunteer at registration, aid stations, or with course setup.
- Attend the event as a spectator and cheer on the cyclists while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
How to Stay Engaged in Tulsa’s Interactive Scene
Tulsa is rich with community spirit and a wide range of interactive activities that invite participation and involvement. To make the most of these opportunities:
- Stay Informed: Follow local event calendars, such as VisitTulsa or TulsaPeople, for updates on what’s happening around the city.
- Social Media: Join local Facebook groups or follow event-specific pages on Instagram to stay connected with upcoming activities, classes, or festivals.
- Volunteer: Many of the organizations hosting these activities are nonprofit or community-focused, so they rely on volunteers. Volunteering not only gives back to the community but also provides behind-the-scenes access to events.
- Try Something New: Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. Tulsa offers a broad range of interactive experiences, so whether it’s trying glassblowing for the first time or participating in a community bike ride, there’s always something new to explore.
Exploding With Potential
Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a city on the rise, exploding with future potential in numerous sectors, including technology, business, culture, and urban development. Over the past decade, Tulsa has transformed from a traditional oil town to a hub of innovation and growth, attracting young professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. This transformation is fueled by strategic investments, a low cost of living, and a focus on revitalizing the downtown area.
One of the driving forces behind Tulsa’s growth is its burgeoning tech and startup ecosystem. Initiatives like the Tulsa Remote program, which offers financial incentives for remote workers to relocate to the city, are drawing talent from across the country. Tech accelerators and co-working spaces foster a thriving entrepreneurial scene, making the city an attractive destination for startups and tech companies.
In addition to tech, Tulsa is positioning itself as a cultural hub. The city’s vibrant arts and music scene, supported by world-class institutions like the Philbrook Museum and Cain’s Ballroom, draws creatives and fosters a strong sense of community. Large-scale events such as the Gathering Place’s festivals and the growing prominence of the Tulsa Arts District are contributing to a renaissance of culture in the city.
Urban development projects, such as the ongoing renovations in downtown Tulsa and infrastructure improvements, enhance the quality of life and attract new residents. With affordable housing, a central location, and forward-thinking leadership, Tulsa is poised for continued growth. The city’s blend of opportunity, community, and culture creates an environment ripe for future success.
We’re Waiting For You
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or community-minded individual, Tulsa offers the perfect environment to grow, innovate, and make an impact. Join the movement of people transforming this vibrant city by exploring its opportunities, investing in its growth, and contributing to its thriving culture. Don’t miss out on being part of Tulsa’s next chapter—get involved today, attend local events, volunteer, or explore relocation options. Discover how you can make a difference in Tulsa’s bright future!