20 Jun Top 40 Things To Do In Tulsa
The Top 40 Things To Do In Tulsa?
If you’re looking for an exciting city that can offer a wide range of activities, Tulsa, Oklahoma is the perfect destination. Located in the heart of the Midwest and surrounded by natural beauty, there are plenty of things to see and do while visiting Tulsa. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural attractions, this city has something for everyone. So, what are 40 different activities that you can do in the Tulsa area? With my research, I compiled a list of the 40 best Tulsa activities to do in Tulsa that every native and tourist alike should take part in, at least once:
1. Check out the Gathering Place
This award-winning park features trails, playgrounds, interactive installations, and more for visitors to enjoy. The Gathering Place is a world-class park located in Tulsa that offers a unique and immersive outdoor experience for visitors of all ages. The park is a must-visit, and is always free!
2. Check out The Guthrie Green
Located in the Tulsa Arts District, this outdoor urban community park is perfect for hosting events and live music. It also is the perfect place to picnic with your family or friends.
3. Explore the Philbrook Museum of Art
Opened in 1939, this museum is one of the largest art museums between Kansas City and the West Coast. In addition to special exhibitions throughout the year, its permanent collection includes Native American artwork, European paintings, and sculptures from the Renaissance through Postwar Europe, and American masterpieces.
4. Watch a concert, show, or game at the BOK Center
The BOK Center hosts many different events, from large concerts to rodeos. The space is modern, versatile, and well-known in the Tulsa area. Also, it is home to some of Tulsa’s biggest sports teams.
5. Catch a game at ONEOK Field
Cheer on Tulsa’s minor league soccer and baseball teams, Tulsa FC and the Tulsa Drillers, with their games throughout the season at ONEOK Field in Downtown Tulsa.
6. Explore the Tulsa Arts District
Grown from a historic oil-rich past, this vibrant area is filled with unique galleries, museums, retail and service shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, and more. Every first Friday of the month, the district holds its First Friday Art Crawl, which has been voted as one of the Best Public Entertainment Events in Tulsa! The First Friday Art Crawl was established in 2007, making this year the twelfth consecutive year of this monthly display.
7. Visit the Tulsa Art Deco Museum
This museum celebrates the Art Deco movement that emerged during Tulsa’s oil boom years in the 1920s and 1930s. Explore exhibits showcasing furniture, architecture, fashion, and automobiles, as well as photographs and artwork.
8. Catch a show at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Located in downtown Tulsa, this performing arts center offers a variety of cultural events year-round including Broadway musicals, opera performances, ballets, symphonies, and much more.
9. Visit the Oklahoma Aquarium
Get up close and personal with underwater creatures like sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, and more. Immerse yourself in an amazing educational experience that allows you and your kids to learn about aquatic life.
10. Visit the Tulsa Zoo
This amazing zoo features animals from all around the world, from Africa to Asia to North America. The Tulsa Zoo offers many exhibits such as the Reptile House and the Tropical Rain Forest exploration area. It also offers interactive educational experiences with live animal shows and presentations throughout the day, perfect to experience with family or friends.
11. Catch a show at Cain’s Ballroom
Opened in 1924, this historic Tulsa venue is home to many exciting concerts and events, boasting impressive live acts year-round.
12. Catch a show at the Tulsa Theater (formerly known as the Brady Theater)
This theater, located in downtown Tulsa and off of Reconciliation Way, hosts some of the best live entertainment from both local and national acts.
13. Stand in the Center of the Universe
Located in downtown Tulsa, the Center of the Universe is marked by a small concrete circle in the middle of a larger circle of bricks. It’s not much to look at, but looking isn’t really the point. Located here is a little-known mysterious acoustic phenomenon due to its construction. If you stand in the middle of the circle and make a noise, the sound is echoed back several times louder than it was made. It’s your own private amplified echo chamber.
14. Visit the Tulsa Garden Center at Woodward Park
Spend a day exploring this beautiful center with its gardens, educational opportunities, and special events. Tulsa Garden Center offers numerous lectures, classes, training, plant shows, and more, which are free for its members.
15. Visit Utica Square Shopping Center
Shop at this upscale shopping center with its variety of stores, restaurants, and more. Over the years, Utica Square has earned its reputation as the area’s highest-quality shopping center. A dynamic mixture of stores and restaurants in an elegant outdoor setting has made this unique destination a hometown treasure in Tulsa.
16. Enjoy a day of golf at LaFortune Park
This park features an 18-hole family-friendly golf course that offers something for all skill levels from novice to expert. In addition to the golf course, LaFortune Park is home to playgrounds, fishing ponds, a 3.2-mile trail, baseball fields, and an impressive indoor-outdoor tennis center.
17. Take a stroll through Tulsa’s River Parks
Enjoy this beautiful park with its long trails along the Arkansas River, gardens, playgrounds, and more. From the urban wilderness of Turkey Mountain to the 41st Street Plaza which offers a splash pad, playground, and disc golf, to the River West Festival Park where some of Tulsa’s largest events are held, there is something for everyone at River Parks.
18. Spend time at the Oxley Nature Center
This educational nature center boasts over 800 secluded acres, nine miles of trails, and an interpretive center on site. Referred to as Tulsa’s “Hidden Jewel,” The Oxley Nature Center offers visitors the chance to explore the outdoors with its trails, workshops, and more.
19. Visit the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
This museum is a great way to explore the history of aviation with its interactive exhibits, vintage aircrafts and spacecrafts, and an amazing planetarium. With a mission of “honoring the past, inspiring the future,” the Tulsa Air and Space Museum (TASM) has been exposing students to real-world applications of STEM since 1994 and is a wonderful museum to visit for educational or recreational purposes.
20. Take part in the Tulsa State Fair
Enjoy carnival rides, food, music, and more at this annual fair that takes place every fall from late September to early October in Tulsa. Being the city’s largest family event, the fair provides educational experiences and entertainment during an 11-day span yearly. Annually held on the fourth Thursday after Labor Day, this historical event is based upon heritage, family values, and quality entertainment for all ages. It was first organized in 1903 and continues to this day.
21. Take a walk or mountain bike in the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
Rising above the west bank of the Arkansas River, Tulsa River Parks’ Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness is an untamed nature center in the heart of the city. Encompassing over 600 acres, the park’s thick canopy of native trees watches over winding trails and serene ponds. Secured to remain a public park in perpetuity, this unique space is perfect for hiking, biking or just taking in the beauty of nature.
22. Tour Oral Roberts University
Take a guided tour of this historic university founded by evangelist Oral Roberts in 1963! Learn about its rich history and visit historical landmarks like Christ’s Chapel and the famous Praying Hands on campus.
23. Eat at Mother Road Market
With local goods and a variety of delicious restaurant pop-ups, there is much to be enjoyed at Tulsa’s largest public market! It’s the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs and to try the newest food from Tulsa’s local chefs. There is something here for the whole family.
24. Golf at Page Belcher Golf Course
Located in South Tulsa, this championship 36-hole course is great for golfers of all skill levels. It features an all-grass practice range, putting green, and a short-term game area. This course is also home to the Tulsa Golf School, which offers private lessons and classes to players young and old.
25. Visit the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum
Discover Tulsa’s rich past with its impressive collection of exhibits, each including photographs and other artifacts. Schedule a tour or visit during museum hours to take in Tulsa’s unique history.
26. Explore the historic Greenwood District
The Greenwood District is historic to Tulsa, being the district that was once home to many African-American migrants in the early 1900s. In this time period, there was rigid segregation. Ironically, this caused a group of African American entrepreneurs in the area to rise up, creating a vibrant, vital, self-contained economy that would become known as “Black Wall Street.” Today, it is home to a variety of unique eateries, bars, shops, and art galleries that capture the city’s history and culture.
27. Take part in Tulsa Mayfest
Join this annual festival every May to enjoy live music, entertainment, art, and much more. There is something that the whole family will love at Tulsa’s Mayfest.
28. Go shopping at Tulsa Hills Shopping Center
This open-air mall features more than 75 national and local retailers, a variety of restaurants, and plenty of entertainment and shopping for the whole family.
29. Test your luck at the Tulsa Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
This popular casino offers more than 2,600 electronic games, a variety of table games, a live poker room, fine dining, and more! Not only that but the attached hotel features state-of-the-art amenities, such as sleek and comfortable rooms and a resort pool area with both a family pool and an adult-only pool.
30. Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza & 11th Street Bridge over Route 66
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Tulsa at the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, a must-visit attraction for history buffs. Located in the heart of the city, this beautifully designed plaza pays homage to Cyrus Avery, the visionary behind Route 66, with captivating exhibits and stunning artwork. Explore the interactive displays, admire the iconic Route 66 signage, and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of this landmark, making it a top activity in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Then, embark on a memorable journey across the iconic 11th Street Bridge over Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This historic landmark offers a unique perspective of the city, allowing visitors to witness the fusion of past and present as they traverse the bridge. Capture stunning panoramic views of the vibrant cityscape and experience the nostalgic charm of this renowned Route 66 crossing, making it a top activity for both locals and tourists alike.
31. Take part in the Tulsa Greek Festival
Celebrate Greek culture every September with Tulsa’s proud Greek population. Enjoy live music, delicious authentic Greek food, and so much more.
32. Spend a night at the Osage Casino Hotel
Enjoy an exciting night out at this popular casino in Tulsa! The Osage Casino features a world-class casino experience, from exhilarating table games to electronic gaming, dining, and more. The casino prides itself on hospitality and on making sure that you have an unforgettable experience.
33. Shop at the Tulsa Flea Market
Find unique items from local vendors and enjoy them as you shop. Being family-owned and operated, this flea market is the go-to place for antiques. It is a decidedly different flea market that you won’t find anywhere else.
34. Explore the Kid’s Discovery Lab
This interactive science museum geared towards kids aged 0-12 has plenty of hands-on exhibits that make learning and exploration fun. From a dinosaur dig to an art studio, your little ones will be entertained for hours.
35. Go see the Bob Dylan Center
This newly opened museum is dedicated to preserving Bob Dylan’s legacy as one of America’s most influential songwriters. Learn about his music and journey in life with interactive displays and audio-visual presentations.
36. Spend time at the Woody Guthrie Museum
Named after the legendary folk singer, this museum showcases the history of American music through artifacts, memorabilia, and multimedia exhibits.
37. Bike the Arkansas River Trail
This scenic pathway along the Arkansas River offers stunning views of downtown Tulsa and is perfect for cycling, walking, and running.
38. Kayak on the Arkansas River
Spend a day out on the water and explore this stunning river with a view of downtown Tulsa and gorgeous tree-lined banks.
39. Go bowling at Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge
Located in the Blue Dome District of downtown Tulsa, this bowling alley is a premier nightlife spot with retro 1970s-inspired bowling, bars, and outdoor patios. Enjoy a unique bowling experience here that you will not forget.
40. Play a round of disc golf at Hunter Park
Test your skills with this popular sport and take advantage of the park’s 18-hole disc golf course, and take in some stunning views while you are at it. With its 71 acres, Hunter Park is also a great park for the entire family to relax and enjoy a variety of activities, from trails to sports, to a dog park, and more!
In Closing
Tulsa, Oklahoma is a great destination for travelers looking for outdoor activities, cultural events, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, or even if you are a Tulsa native, this city has something for everyone. No matter what you choose to do in Tulsa, Oklahoma, you won’t be disappointed. Get out there and explore this incredible city today!