At first glance, Tulsa, Oklahoma, may seem like any other small city in America, but it boasts distinct charms and attractions that make it worth a visit. Built on big oil on the banks of the Arkansas River, Tulsa is noted for its art deco architecture, Old West roots and abundance of natural resources and outdoor recreation. The famous Route 66 also passes through Tulsa, adding to the city's appeal. For families with kids, Tulsa offers a mix of modern attractions, recreational areas and unique family-friendly experiences.
Venture through Tulsa's aviation history at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. The 19,000-square-foot museum includes several civilian and historic war planes that kids can climb inside and a planetarium featuring kid-friendly educational shows. The Gilcrease Museum, home to the largest collection of art and artifacts relating to the American West, offers children's activities that encourage art appreciation. SmART cards, for example, feature questions related to art pieces that kids must find in the museum. Walk-in family art classes are also available on select days each month. For young children, the Tulsa Children's Museum Discovery Lab offers hands-on learning and play exhibits, an art workshop and a spacious toddler area.
The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum is home to more than 1,500 animals from around the world, such as giraffes, kangaroos and tigers. More than just a zoo, each animal exhibit area includes natural history elements as well. For instance, kids can explore a replica of a Maasai village in the African area. Check out the children's petting zoo, an indoor rain forest and a series of gardens. On the wetter side, get close to mammals and other creatures of the sea at the Oklahoma Aquarium, just a few miles outside Tulsa. Filled with over 100 exhibits, the aquarium boasts a massive shark tank with a walk-through viewing tunnel. Exhibits dedicated to aquatic life found in Oklahoma bring you face-to-face with paddlefish, snapping turtles, beavers and river otters.
Tulsa's Guthrie Green park in the downtown area combines nature with big city activities and entertainment. Kids can run around on the large, grassy lawn or play in the fountains on a hot day. Events continually take place at Guthrie Green, including family-friendly concerts and a Sunday farmers market presenting handmade crafts and children's entertainment. The expansive River Parks, on the banks of the Arkansas River, features 26 miles of walking and biking trails to range over with your kids, picnic areas and ample fishing piers. The park also has three large playgrounds, a splash pad and a skate park.
Explore distinct and quirky Tulsa districts such as Brookside and Cherry Street. Both are home to independent restaurants and shops, many of which are child-friendly. You'll find independent bookstores with hard-to-find editions of children's books, trendy restaurants with kids menus and live musicians performing around every corner. If your kids are into sports, you can typically get affordable same-day tickets to enjoy Tulsa's local professional teams, like the WNBA's Tulsa Shock, or the Tulsa Drillers, a minor league baseball team. On your way in or out of town, be sure to visit classic Route 66 landmarks: These include a giant blue whale kids can climb in nearby Catoosa, and the iconic giant Golden Driller statue on the Tulsa Fairgrounds.
