Summer may be winding down, but there’s still time to make unforgettable memories with your kids before the back-to-school routine takes over. Whether you're craving adventure, hands-on learning, or just some good old-fashioned outdoor play, the Tulsa metro area is packed with family-friendly destinations that blend fun and enrichment. From nature trails and science labs to berry farms and bookstores, we’ve rounded up eight kid-approved spots you won’t want to miss.
Gathering Place
This award-winning riverfront park has something for every age. With its whimsical playgrounds, splash zones, and towering slides, Gathering Place invites hours of exploration and imagination. Families can stroll across scenic bridges, rent paddle boats, or simply relax under shaded picnic groves. Best of all—it’s free, which makes it a summer staple.
Tulsa Zoo
You’ll never run out of things to do at the Tulsa Zoo, where more than 400 species await in immersive, thoughtfully designed exhibits. Ride the train, feed the giraffes, or cool off in the Helmerich Sea Lion Cove. Don’t forget to check out the Lost Kingdom complex, which transports visitors to a lush Asian rainforest filled with tigers, snow leopards, and red pandas.
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
If your kids love to hike, climb, or just get dirty, Turkey Mountain is a natural playground perfect for all ages. With miles of trails, shaded woods, and scenic overlooks, this is the place to spark your child’s sense of adventure. Pro tip: bring bikes or scooters for the paved trails, or try a beginner-level hike to the summit for a great family photo op.
Oklahoma Aquarium
From playful otters to toothy bull sharks, the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks offers an up-close view of life under the sea. Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, touch stingrays in the interactive touch tanks, and marvel at jellyfish and colorful reef fish. The new Sea Turtle Island exhibit is a crowd-pleaser, featuring rescued turtles in a Caribbean-inspired habitat.
Endicott Farms – Berries + Pecans
For a hands-on experience that’s as tasty as it is fun, head out to Endicott Farms in West Tulsa. Depending on the season, families can pick blueberries, blackberries, or even harvest pecans. It’s a great way to teach kids where their food comes from—and sample the fruits of their labor. Bring a bucket and wear old shoes—it’s muddy fun!
Tulsa Botanic Garden / Children’s Discovery Garden
Bursting with color and wonder, the Children’s Discovery Garden at the Tulsa Botanic Garden is a magical escape designed especially for curious young minds. Follow winding trails through secret tunnels, splash at the spring fountain, or explore the sensory walk with fragrant plants and textured paths. Parents will appreciate the shaded seating and beautiful surroundings while little ones burn energy.
Magic City Books – Downtown Tulsa Bookstore
Tucked in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District, Magic City Books is more than just a bookstore—it’s a cozy literary hub for families. Kids can browse a well-curated section of picture books, early readers, and young adult titles while parents sip locally roasted coffee in the café. Check their calendar for author visits, kids' story times, and creative workshops.
Discovery Lab
Science, creativity, and play collide at the new Discovery Lab near the Gathering Place. This hands-on children’s museum is packed with exhibits that let kids build, climb, tinker, and explore. From the hydro lab to the 30-foot slide made of packing tape, every corner encourages curiosity and problem-solving. It’s indoor fun with big educational benefits—perfect for a hot summer afternoon.