21 Apr Fun Outdoor Activities For The Whole Family in Tulsa

Plenty of Outdoors In Tulsa

Tulsa, Oklahoma is a vibrant city that offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for families to enjoy together. With its museums, stunning parks, and scenic trails, Tulsa is the perfect destination for those who want to have some fun in the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of the city or try something new and exciting, Tulsa has something for everyone. So, what are some of the best fun outdoor activities for the whole family in Tulsa?

Some of the best fun outdoor activities for the whole family in Tulsa are to go visit outdoor attractions such as The Gathering Place, the Tulsa Zoo, and the Tulsa Botanic Garden. As well as visit Turkey Mountain, Mohawk Park, and Keystone Lake, all of which offer a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.

So now that you have an idea of some of the best fun outdoor family activities in and around Tulsa, Oklahoma, let’s discover why they are some of the best in the area!

Tulsa Zoo

The Tulsa Zoo is home to over 2,800 animals representing over 400 species from around the world, making it a fantastic destination for families with children of all ages. The zoo’s exhibits are designed to showcase each animal’s natural habitat and behavior, providing visitors with a realistic and educational experience. The zoo’s Lost Kingdom exhibit, for example, showcases animals from the African savannah, including giraffes, lions, and zebras, while the Rainforest exhibit features animals from the Amazon, such as sloths, anacondas, and piranhas. So, visitors can see everything from tigers and elephants to snakes and birds.

In addition to providing a unique animal experience for visitors, the Tulsa Zoo is dedicated to conservation efforts both locally and globally. The zoo’s conservation initiatives include partnering with local organizations to protect and restore local ecosystems, as well as supporting international conservation efforts through donations and advocacy. Another unique aspect of the Tulsa Zoo is its focus on animal enrichment. Animal enrichment involves providing animals with activities and stimuli that encourage natural behaviors and mental stimulation. The Tulsa Zoo’s enrichment program includes activities such as puzzle feeders, scent trails, and toys designed to encourage foraging and play.

Mohawk Park

Mohawk Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a wonderful destination for families looking for fun outdoor activities. The park spans over 2,800 acres, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. This park has several playgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The park’s trails are perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Families can explore the natural beauty of the park while getting some exercise and fresh air. In addition to its picnic areas, hiking trails, and playgrounds, there are numerous attractions within the park that make it a great destination for families such as the Tulsa Zoo and the Oxley Nature Center.

Oxley Nature Center

Another popular attraction within Mohawk Park is the Oxley Nature Center. The center offers a variety of educational programs and events, as well as guided nature walks and birdwatching opportunities. Families can learn about the local flora and fauna while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the park.

The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place is a world-class park that offers plenty of outdoor activities for families. The park is free to enter and offers over 66 acres of playgrounds, gardens, and sports courts. One of the most striking features of the Gathering Place is the park’s attention to art and architecture. The park boasts numerous sculptures, installations, and other art pieces, all of which are integrated into the park’s design. These pieces provide visitors with unique and interactive experiences, such as the Mist Mountain, a large sculpture that sprays a mist of water, creating a fun and refreshing way to cool off on hot days.

Another unique aspect of the Gathering Place is the park’s numerous play areas, designed for children of all ages. These play areas are the best for your kids. As they are designed to be both fun and educational, featuring features such as rock-climbing walls, swings, and slides. The park also includes a large treehouse area, complete with a suspension bridge and a slide that winds its way down to the ground.

The Gathering Place is also unique in its focus on providing a wide range of activities for visitors. In addition to the play areas, the park features basketball courts, soccer fields, and a skate park. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking and paddle boating on the park’s ponds or simply relax on the numerous benches and seating areas throughout the park.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Gathering Place is its attention to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The park was designed with sustainability in mind, using recycled and locally-sourced materials whenever possible. The park also features rain gardens and other natural filtration systems to help manage stormwater runoff.

Turkey Mountain

One of the most unique aspects of Turkey Mountain is its geography. The park is located on the western edge of the Ozark Mountains, giving it a rugged and varied terrain that is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. The park’s trails wind through rocky outcroppings, along steep cliffs, and through dense forests, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the most popular activities at Turkey Mountain is mountain biking. The park features over 20 miles of singletrack trails that are designed for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The trails range in difficulty from easy, beginner-friendly trails to more challenging routes that feature steep climbs, technical terrain, and thrilling descents.
Turkey Mountain is also popular among hikers and trail runners. The park’s trails offer a variety of options, from easy, flat routes to more challenging hikes that require scrambling up rocky outcroppings and navigating steep inclines. The park’s trails also offer stunning views of the Arkansas River and the surrounding landscape.

Tulsa Botanic Garden

One of the most unique aspects of the Tulsa Botanic Garden is its focus on plants that are native to Oklahoma and the surrounding region. This means that visitors can explore and learn about the natural flora of the area, including rare and endangered species that are not often seen in other gardens. The garden also features several themed areas that showcase different types of plants, such as the Prairie Garden, the Children’s Discovery Garden, and the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces.

Another unique aspect of the Tulsa Botanic Garden is its extensive collection of ornamental grasses. The garden’s Grass Garden is home to over 200 varieties of grasses, including both native and non-native species. Visitors can explore this unique collection and learn about the many different types of grasses and their uses in landscaping and gardening.

One of the most popular features of the Tulsa Botanic Garden is its extensive trail system. Visitors can explore the garden on foot or by bike, following several miles of trails that wind through the garden’s various landscapes and features. The garden also hosts several events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals, workshops, and concerts, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

State Parks

Keystone State Park

Keystone State Park is located just 20 minutes from Tulsa and offers plenty of outdoor activities for families. The park is home to Keystone Lake, where families can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites.

Osage Hills State Park

Osage Hills State Park is located about an hour from Tulsa and offers plenty of outdoor activities for families. The park is home to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where families can see bison and other wildlife. The park also offers hiking trails, fishing ponds, and camping areas.

In Closing

In conclusion, Tulsa, Oklahoma is a fantastic destination for families looking to spend quality time together while enjoying the great outdoors. With its abundance of parks, trails, and attractions, there’s always something fun and exciting to do in Tulsa. From exploring the natural beauty of the city’s parks to trying new outdoor activities, families are sure to create unforgettable memories in this vibrant city. So don’t hesitate to plan your next family adventure in Tulsa, where the possibilities for outdoor family fun are truly endless.