A summary of the best activities and amusements for children in Tulsa.
Oklahoma's second largest city abounds with fun activities for the youngest generations. Tulsa is home to a host of places that cater to kids. Start your day with a trip to the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum in Mohawk Park. More than 250 different animals are on site in habitats designed to be native. A wildlife carousel and minature train offer rides as well.
If the kids prefer water over land, then head for the Oklahoma Aquariam at Jenks. More than a million gallons of water hold two hundred different exhibits of sea life. This up close look at the ocean and its' inhabitants is unique within the state.
Take time to explore local history at the Creek Council Oak Park on south Cheyenne. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, this site was chosen as ceremonial ground by the Lochapoka Clan of the Creek Nation in 1836. The Creeks were one of several tribes who were involuntarily relocated to Oklahoma, then Indian Territory. Tulsa was founded beneath a huge oak and commemorative tribal ceremonies are still held at the park. An ethno-biological garden featuring the plants used for food, medicine, and living by the Creeks is on site.
If the kids are hungry, take them to the Incredible Pizza Company on East 71st street. Ranked among the top five Family Entertainment Centers in the world by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the Incredible Pizza Company offers more than great pizza. Over one hundred video and redemption games are offered along with an indoor go-kart track, bumper cars, minature golf and a play area. Sixteen different types of pizza, more than one hundred pasta and salad dishes, and an incredible dessert bar offer all-you-can-eat for just $5.99 for adults, $3.99-$4.99 for children.
Sweet-tooth families will delight in touring the Blue Bell Creameries for a first hand view through glass how the "Best Ice Cream in the Country" is made. A tour, a video detailing the history of Blue Bell ice cream, and a sample taste are all part of the fun here.
Bell's Amusement Park at 21st and Harvard has been showing kids a good time since 1951. Amusements include a log flume ride, wooden roller coaster, game arcade, children's area, and an 18-hole minature golf coast. The nearby Big Splash Water Park offers a chance to cool off in the Motion Ocean Wave pool, ride a seven story water rollercoaster, slide on two water slides, ride a lazy river or splash in the kiddie pool.
Another option for family fun can be found at Celebration Station on Skelly Drive. An arcade, batting cages, go karts, minature golf, Playland rides, and bumper boats offer hours of fun in the sun. Birthday party packages are even available. For maximum fun, buy the one day "Play Pass".
When the sun goes down, visit Discoveryland for a presentation of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic musical Oklahoma!. Another Rogers and Hammerstein classic, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, is also available. Before the show, let the kids unwind with pony rides, watch the Native American dances, or visit the trading post for Oklahoma souvenirs.
Whether you plan to enjoy a day out or to spend several days in town, Tulsa offers several fantastic venues for the family to enjoy!
