We all know that kids and families need a way to burn off energy without heading outdoors during the cold weather months. Stay warm indoors while still having a great time at some of these family fun hot spots that will bring smiles to everyone.
Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium – Tulsa
For the plane and aeronautics lover in your family, a trip to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium in Tulsa is a must. Their interactive exhibits put you in the pilot’s seat of a cockpit, and the planetarium takes you on a real-time tour of the universe. This museum features both vintage and modern airplanes on display for high-flying fun that will make you forget about the winter cold nipping at your nose.
Oklahoma Aquarium – Jenks
A magical trek through an underwater world awaits aspiring oceanographers at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. This great family destination in Oklahoma is known for its walk-through shark exhibit with an “underwater” tunnel. Kids can also feed the stingrays and see all kinds of fresh and saltwater creatures including seahorses, jelly fish, eels, crabs, otters, turtles and many other exotic species.
Museum of Osteology – Oklahoma City
Can you identify a raccoon, monkey, falcon or lemur just from its skeleton? After a trip to the fascinating Museum of Osteology, you’ll be able to name hundreds of animals from their bones alone. Conveniently located in Oklahoma City, the educational exhibits that make up this museum cover two stories and thousands of square feet of floor space.
FAMily Discovery Center - Oklahoma City
Enter an immersive storybook world led by Grandma Turtle at the FAMily Discovery Center located at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. This kid-friendly exhibit presents the plants and animals of Oklahoma through the lens of Native American values. Kids will love meeting animal friends, putting beads on a giant shoe, crawling through tunnels and other hands-on experiences. This incredible center is within walking distance of the OKANA Resort & Indoor Water Park where the whole family can enjoy exhilarating water slides any time of year.
Level Up Arcade – Guthrie
Introduce a younger generation to the classic gaming experience at Level Up Arcade in Guthrie. For just a small admission fee, guests are free to play as many games as they want. In addition to joystick thrills, Level Up Arcade offers ping pong tables, foosball, air hockey and more. Further sate your appetite for nostalgia with candy, hot dogs and popcorn at the concession stand.
Science Museum Oklahoma – Oklahoma City
Science Museum Oklahoma is jam-packed with different ways to experience aviation, chemistry and biology. The museum’s live stage shows are full of awesome experiments and demonstrate how science applies to our everyday lives. It is also home to the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, where kids can try their skills on the balance beam.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games – Oklahoma City
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Oklahoma City provides family fun at full tilt. Race around the indoor track in an ergonomic go-kart equipped with enough torque to push you to the finish line. There are plenty of ways to play, including laser tag, virtual reality games, bowling and more adrenaline rush thrills for all ages.
Sam Noble Museum – Norman
Go four billion years back in time at the Sam Noble Museum. Visitors will learn about the massive creatures that once roamed the earth including dinosaurs, prehistoric bugs and aquatic “monsters.” Located on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, this museum houses the largest Pentaceratops skull in the world as well as walk-through timelines that illustrate the fascinating evolution of creatures that inhabit the planet. Don’t miss the hands-on Discovery Room, where kids can perform their own archaeological dig.
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum & Adventure Quest – Enid
The three story castle and playground with swings, slides and mazes at Leonardo’s Children’s Museum & Adventure Quest in Enid is only half of what this awesome attraction offers. When it gets too cold to run around outside, kids can head inside where they can feel a real dinosaur egg, learn to tell time with a sundial and let their creativity soar while making art.
Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab – Tulsa
The Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab is unlike any other children’s museum in the state. Kids can help add to the exhibits as they expand their knowledge of mechanics and engineering. The little ones can also put together take-home projects at the “Do-It-Yourself Maker Workshop.” The stations change frequently, so each visit is a new experience full of memories and indoor fun.
Stafford Air & Space Museum – Weatherford
The Stafford’s impressive collection of memorabilia from the age of space exploration features special pieces from the Smithsonian, including an actual Titan II rocket. Visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford to see an authentic Gemini fight suit, space food and items that were flown to the moon on Apollo 11. Kids and families will love the full-size plane replicas and fun flight simulation computers.
The Toy & Action Figure Museum – Pauls Valley
The Toy & Action Figure Museum in downtown Pauls Valley is truly a place to behold with over 13,000 pieces of memorabilia and pop culture icons in every corner. Check out the Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection and a tribute to World War II veterans featuring G.I. Joes. A museum filled with toys wouldn’t be complete without an area where kids can play with action figures and have a hands-on experience.
Rt 66 Bowl – Chandler
There's plenty of indoor fun to be had at Rt 66 Bowl in Chandler. Marked by a vintage Mother Road sign, the bowling alley and sports complex includes an arcade, laser tag, mini golf, games and an on-site restaurant. Enjoy hours of fun surrounded by Route 66 memorabilia at this family-friendly fun center located between Oklahoma City and Tulsa on the iconic Route 66.
Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum – Seminole
The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole has been welcoming kids and adults for decades. Role playing is an important part of the museum’s philosophy on learning, and different areas in the museum allow children to become pilots, doctors, firemen and more. During a visit, families can also take a train ride, get lost in the castle maze and have a blast on the playground.
Boombox Beach Club – Oklahoma City
Families can team up for friendly volleyball competition at Boombox Beach Club, even on the coldest days of winter. Located in Oklahoma City's Adventure District, this fun center features eight indoor sand volleyball courts where you can comfortably enjoy the sport any time of year. Six outdoor beach volleyball courts are also available along with cornhole boards and ping pong tables.
