If you’d like to get out of your home town and take advantage of the last heat of summer, or the mild weather of fall, then fill your tank, block out a day and take a trip to some of these wonderfully entertaining locations found across the state.
No matter where you live in Oklahoma, most are within driving distance for a day trip, or perhaps a long weekend.
1. The Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park
The first indoor water park in Oklahoma, the Water-Zoo, is located in Clinton off Interstate-40 just 85 miles west of Oklahoma City. Open year-round and maintained at a consistent temperature of 83 degrees, the water park is an ideal spot for kids to have fun. There are four-story waterslides, a “lazy river,” a wave pool, birthday party rooms and even a “Cub’s Cove” exclusively for toddlers. Free tubes, free parking and free life jackets are available, and the entire water park is wheelchair-accessible. Visit the Water-Zoo on Fridays from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., or on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
2. Arbuckle Wilderness and Turner Falls
For the more outdoorsy folks, visiting the Arbuckle Wilderness and Turner Falls parks is always a surefire combination. Located in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains in Davis about 80 miles south of Oklahoma City, the wilderness park offers fun for all ages year-round. Famous for its drive-thru safari, Arbuckle Wilderness features exotic animals roaming the 500 acres in habitats similar to their native lands. Food pellets are available to directly feed some of the animals as you drive by them on the winding roads. And once you’re finished with the safari, swing nearby to Turner Falls Park, home of what locals consider the tallest waterfall in all of Oklahoma. There are also picnic sites, relaxing cabins, bath houses and natural caves to explore.
3. The Marland Mansion
If you’re interested in learning some history unique to Oklahoma, the Marland Mansion in Ponca City, about two hours north of Oklahoma City, is worth a visit. The mansion belonged to E.W. Marland, who competed directly with J.P Morgan during the oil boom of the 1920s and then built a close association with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as Oklahoma’s governor in the 1930s. The mansion, now maintained as a historical landmark by Marland’s estate, features architecture evocative of the time period, along with paintings and statues displayed in its studio and gallery named after artist Bryant Baker, sculptor of the beloved bronze “Pioneer Woman” monument. Call ahead on Mondays through Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for ticket prices and guided tours.
4. Roman Nose State Park
For an enriching full-day experience with plenty of options, travel about 75 minutes northeast of Oklahoma City and visit Roman Nose State Park, right outside of Watonga. Named after a Cheyenne chief, Roman Nose State Park is one of the original seven Oklahoma state parks. Surrounded by gypsum rock cliffs, three natural springs and a vast canyon, the park has no shortage of options. You can putt at the 18-hole golf course, walk its many hiking trails, rent a mountain bike, or paddle in boats across its two lakes. And if you decide to stay longer than a day, the park does have 11 cabins from which you can choose.
5. Robbers Cave Fall Festival
Hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans capped off the summer with the Oklahoma State Fair. As the temperatures begin to cool and September gives way to October, be on the lookout for another festival mid-month. The town of Wilburton, a two-and-a-half hour odyssey from Oklahoma City, hosts the Robbers Cave Festival every year. With over 200 vendors, arts and crafts, food and drink, amusement rides and a classic car show, the Robbers Cave Festival attracts entertainers from across the nation. Parking is free and shuttle rides will also be available.
Find more adventures on The Oklahoman.
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