Traveling with children can be an exciting — yet daunting — adventure. Get ready to make core memories at these kid-approved stays that will surpass your vacation expectations. From soaring treehouses overlooking a tiger enclosure to cozy cabins just steps away from a candy shop, these family-friendly getaways will keep the kids engaged at any age.
Northeast Oklahoma:
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park - Eufaula & Mannford
At a glance: Yogi Bear-themed resort with water attractions, outdoor activities and special events.
Pack a pic-a-nic basket and get ready for a rip-roaring time at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. With two locations available in northeast Oklahoma — Lake Eufaula and Keystone Lake — there’s no shortage of ways to stay. While both resorts offer RV sites, Eufaula also boasts tent campsites and cabins. Spend the day navigating the water obstacle course, playing mini golf, gem mining, racing pedal cars and bouncing on a giant jumping pillow.
Meadow Lake Ranch - Sand Springs
At a glance: This versatile ranch offers fun packages like tomahawk throwing and bb gun shooting.
Experience the great outdoors with Meadow Lake Ranch's "Dude for a Day" package, which will have your family throwing tomahawks, shooting a bow, roping a straw steer in the Cowboy Corral, and shooting a slingshot and bb gun. After the activities have ended, spend some time fishing on the bank, hiking or - if you’re lucky - napping in hammocks. Four cabins are available for rent at this Sand Springs getaway, so the ranch is never crowded, and a big ol’ country breakfast can be delivered right to your door each morning.
Southeast Oklahoma:
A to Z Guest Ranch - Smithville
At a glance: Great kid-friendly packages that include meals and a guided horseback ride.
Sign your family up for the Little Buckaroo package for a completely kid-friendly experience at this Smithville ranch. Enjoy a two-night stay in the Native Stone House, as well as a special treat upon arrival. Your family’s first night’s dinner is covered with homemade pizza, salad and root beer floats. On the second day, the ranch will provide breakfast and a one-hour guided horseback ride. Follow it up with ranch-prepared dinner, and then use the provided firewood to light a campfire and talk about the day’s adventures. Breakfast is also provided on your day of departure day, so all you need to worry about is what clothes to pack.
Whip-Poor-Will Cabins & Original Fudge Factory - Broken Bow
At a glance: Indulge your sweet tooth at a fudge shop that offers charming log cabin rentals near Beavers Bend State Park.
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of southeast Oklahoma with a stay in one of Whip-Poor-Will’s 17 cabins, ranging in size from cozy studio cabins to spacious three-bedroom options. In addition to exploring the attractions at nearby Beavers Bend State Park, you’ll also have access to fishing ponds, a children’s outdoor play area, volleyball net, basketball goal and horseshoe pit. Of course, no visit would be complete without a visit to the adorable, on-site fudge shop to stock up on creamy, homemade fudge and candy.
Choctaw Casino Resort - Durant
At a glance: The casino offers gaming fun for grownups, and children will enjoy the exciting attractions within The District.
The Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant has long been known as a popular gaming center, but did you know there are also family-friendly opportunities available? Book a stay at the on-site hotel and you’ll have close access to not only the resort’s newly opened AQUA waterpark where kids can splash in the pool or race down the waterslides, but also The District - a section within the casino where your kiddos can play arcade games, go bowling or even catch a new release in the movie theater.
South-Central Oklahoma:
Great Escape at Lake Texoma - Kingston
At a glance: Conveniently located halfway between OKC and Dallas, this lakeside getaway is just steps from the beach and caters to kiddos.
Those looking for a “Great Escape” at Lake Texoma don’t have to look far! This four-bedroom Kingston rental has plenty of space for up to 14 people, and there are enough amenities to keep everyone entertained throughout the stay. Play a game of bocce ball on the outdoor court or engage in a little friendly competition with a round of cornhole or basketball. A play area with two swings and a slide will help your little ones burn off excess energy. More games await inside, including foosball, an oversized Connect-4 and ping pong.
The Cabins at Lake Murray - Ardmore
At a glance: Custom-built bunk beds, drawers full of toys, outdoor yard games and even a Nintendo gaming system indicate that this luxury rental was designed with kids in mind.
With four bedrooms — one of which features three built-in bunk beds — this luxurious vacation rental near Lake Murray ensures there is plenty of room for everyone. Located on 190 private acres full of mature trees in Ardmore, flowing creeks, ponds and hay fields, you can head outside for hiking or yard games on the backyard turf. Inside, children will love hunting for new toys waiting to be discovered in the bedroom drawers, and nostalgic parents will have fun playing games like Super Mario Brothers on a classic Nintendo console.
Southwest Oklahoma:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Hampton Inn - Clinton
At a glance: Comfortable hotel stays with packages to one of Oklahoma’s kid-friendliest attractions.
Clinton’s Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park makes the city a popular family destination all year long. When it’s time for your trip, check out the packages offered by both Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Hampton Inn in Clinton. Your kids will love the pancake-making machine at Holiday Inn, and both hotels offer indoor pools for even more swimming opportunities.
Tiger Safari African Huts & Tiger Overlook Treehouses - Tuttle
At a glance: Get the thrills of visiting an African safari village without needing a passport, plus enjoy close proximity to incredible animals.
As Oklahoma’s only overnight safari park and zoo, Tiger Safari Zoological Park in Tuttle invites guests to walk on the wild side. Book a mega VIP tour where you get to feed a tiger, hand feed a kangaroo and even give a baby zebra a bottle. After the animal encounters, head to your very own private African safari hut centered around a small lagoon. Families with older children (age 4 and up) can also monkey around in the on-site treehouses that overlook the tiger, bear and hyena enclosures. Be sure to head out to the deck after dark to hear the nocturnal rumblings from the animals.
Northwest Oklahoma:
7 Clans First Council Casino - Newkirk
At a glance: Ocean-themed rooms (think mermaids and scuba divers!) with bunk beds and an on-site water park for hotel guests make the visit extra memorable for the youngsters in your family.
Newkirk’s 7 Clans First Council Casino is Oklahoma’s first and only casino with indoor water park. Book at either of the two on-site hotels and receive water park passes free of charge. Beachfront Hotel is closer to the casino entrance, while the Oceanfront Hotel is closer to the water park. Since the water park only opens to the public when hotel capacity is lower than 85 percent, it’s guaranteed to never get too busy inside. Watch your kids wind through a 329-ft lazy river, race down four waterslides and get drenched by the “Bucket of Ruckus” before they dine on kid-approved meals like burgers and hot dogs at the on-site restaurant. Tip: Reserve the Bunk Suite Oceanview, which has two sets of twin bunk beds and fun cartoon murals that kids will love.
Gloss Mountain Outfitters - Waynoka
At a glance: Centrally located between five state parks, this getaway lets you rent as much or as little space as you need in the on-site lodge.
For decades, Oklahoma’s state parks have offered tons of affordable family activities. Plan a stay at Gloss Mountain Outfitters in Waynoka, and you’ll be centrally located between five state parks - Boiling Springs, Gloss Mountain, Alabaster Caverns, Salt Plains and Little Sahara. The on-site Cedar Haven Lodge can be rented as a whole or broken up into two smaller sections: the basement or the main floor. Visitors will also enjoy photography, stargazing, wildflowers, fishing and wading in the creek.
Central Oklahoma:
Orr Family Farm - OKC
At a glance: Enjoy a slice of farm life with an overnight stay in a teepee or Constega wagon right in Oklahoma’s largest city.
In addition to their popular annual spring and fall events, Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City also offers overnight stays year-round. Not only are you able to stay in a unique 19th-century teepee or Constega wagon, but if you book in the off-season, you’ll also have access to 15+ fun farm attractions without any crowds. Cruise down giant slides, spring on the jumping pillows, go fishing or play a game of human foosball. Each reservation also includes campfire starters, s’mores and coffee. Kids will love the thrill of staying in a unique destination, while parents will appreciate amenities like king and queen-sized beds, plus heating and air conditioning.
Fordson Hotel - OKC
At a glance: Inspire your little one’s imagination at this hotel complete with an art gallery and outdoor pool.
Located in Oklahoma City’s Film Row District in a transformed Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant building, the Fordson Hotel is a destination in itself. The lobby features a vintage Model T Ford and artwork decorates the entire building - including the vibrant, spacious guest rooms. Kids will love the outdoor pool and patio space and you'll be just minutes from downtown attractions like the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Bricktown.
