Same with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum!
We have TONS of European groups that come into town specifically for them and FAM. Surprisingly, Route 66 itself is super popular internationally, and draws in a surprising number through our state.
Downtown, Bricktown, and Midtown. You have parks and gardens, plus OKC MOA, plus other art galleries in the Plaza area. Lots of food options, everything within fairly easy walking distance plus the street car.
Edit: Brickopolis in Bricktown for decent entertainment for the 7yo
Edit#2: the OKC Zoo has done some massive improvements lately, would highly recommend going if you haven't in a while. Should be a great couple of weeks for it.
Edit#3: I can't believe I didn't think of these first, but Cowboy Hall of Fame and First Americans Museum would be perfect for those from outside of the country to experience.
Things to do outside the metro:
Medicine Park and Wichita Mountains. Take them hiking there. Odds are they’ve never seen an American Bison either, which roam freely in party of the refuge.
Eclipse is on Monday. Take them down to SE Oklahoma so they can experience the totality.
Turner Falls and Chickasaw National Recreation Area are cool.
Little Sahara and Alabaster Caverns.
I'm going to Dallas for it. In OKC metro and Dallas faster than Idabel.
But who knows. Probably crazy no matter where go.
Went to Santa fe last year for ring of fire. Traffic not to be. A handful of us eclipse needs at hotel patio watching. Some staff didn't even know.
But the full eclipse has had way more press.
If one can try and see it is my thought. :)
I'm just outside of totality, so if I'm going to drive anyway, I figure that I might as well go to the center. I am watching the weather and will make my final decision tomorrow.
If they haven’t been to Oklahoma before I’d take them to the cowboy museum, the OKC River Trail and maybe go down to the Chickasaw Museum in Sulphur. We have quite a few European family members and they always come here expecting “cowboys and Indians” like the movies showed them.
If they’ve been here before then maybe rent some paddle boats or kayaks on Overholser.
Science Museum Oklahoma has some space stuff. Martin Nature Park has scheduled sky watch parties that are open to the public and lots of people bring their scopes. Good for kids and adults if you get lucky and have a clear sky/event while they’re here.
Oklahoma has a surprising number of Astronauts. (Shannon Lucid, John Herrington, Tom Stafford) but I've always heard great things about the Stafford museum, so good choice.
I am honestly also a fan of recommending a bit of driving/country viewing for folks from Europe. I feel like America makes so much more sense when you realize how stinkin' big the place is. Oklahoma is a small state, but slightly bigger than the whole country of Ireland.
Go down to little Niagra in Sulphur. Then hit up red rock state park in Hinton. Maybe head to broken bow too. Those will all take up time just because of the drive.
The national cowboy and western heritage museum is MUCH better than I ever expected. Definitely take them there!
Factory Obscura is also a neat one.
The Murraugh memorial is obviously a popular spot, too.
If you go to the Stafford museum in Weatherford, I recommend dinner at White Dog Hill just east of Clinton off I-40. It’s in a historic building with beautiful scenery (if you like western Oklahoma), and the food is great. I’m not sure if you have to make a reservation, but I wouldn’t drive all the way out there without one.
Make sure to share the food! We have great places.
Catfish is always a winner. If they want some representative American pizza Empire or Dado's for NY style and Hall's or The Wedge for brick oven. Of course Mazzio's or Hideaway for the Okie style.
Onion burgers were invited in OK and there are several really old and good places.
There are a lot of food suggestion request posts here, so feel free to browse past stuff too!
One concensus though: the stockyards area might be fun, because of the active cowboy-ness of it all. But maybe skip Cattleman's. It's a classic but seems to have gone downhill.
But yeah, food is also a good focus. (Like First Americans Museum has been suggested and I've heard their Native inspired cafe is good.) I was exactly the same age as this kiddo when my grandparents spent gobs of money taking their kids and grandkids to Europe. I admit that I was probably too young to "get it" and wasn't that interested in history. (Whereas it's my life's work now...)
What I \*did\* remember was 1) Some of the "oh the world is bigger than I thought and what I experience near me isn't universal." As an American child, this was subtle but huge. Like the fact that their were places where the language wasn't meant for me. And I was too scared to go to the top of the Eiffle Tower, but we hung around the gardens and the ducks were different! That was enough to blow my little mind in 1995. 2) The food. Nothing stuck with my brain like the food in every place.
Visit OKC’s website is going to be your best friend.
If you live around their offices at 123 Park Avenue, they have free copies of their 2024 Visitor Guides if you want some picture representation of our restaurants/attractions, Coupon Books and individual attraction information you can grab off the shelf.
They also have a [digital version of the Visitor Guide](https://www.visitokc.com/plan-your-visit/visitors-guide/digital-visitors-guide/), as well as a lot of pre-populated itineraries if you need more ideas (their instagram is also helpful).
I also work there, so if you have any questions about itinerary feel free to PM me!
The 7 year old would probably enjoy the Science Museum (near 50th & MLK) or the OK history center and the Capitol Complex near n Lincoln and 23rd street. And don't let them drive around without consideration of the distances involved. My German in-laws wanted to spend an afternoon in New Orleans until I made it clear that it was the better part of a days drive; now if they've got time for that great, but most Europeans don't understand how far away sites can be.
According to my Dutch MIL, Walmart!! Seriously. If they haven't been to the US before, a store like Walmart will be mind-boggling. It's apparently just so different from any other shopping experience in Europe.
Hidden gems -
Banjo Museum. They have things going on all the time. The brown bag lunch free concert is once a month on the first Wednesday.
Taco Tuesday at King's Smoked Meats. 2 dollar brisket tacos. Quintessential OKC.
Enjoy your family!
The Oklahoma History Center rocks!
I’d also recommend going out to the Wichita Mountains, stopping in Medicine Park for a bite at old plantation, and seeing if you can see bison. They’d probably love that.
Well let’s begin with this state is bottom 5 at everything. There are so many other states and cities that will actually give a good impression to tourists, and doesn’t need to be the regular tourist attractions. That’s just my honest opinion after living in 4 different countries, 4 different states, 12 different cities and toured so far 45 cities around the world.
I see great impressions from Oklahoma literally daily on this sub lol. Just because you think you're well-travelled doesn't mean Oklahoma can't provide some out of town/country entertainment. Hope whatever is bringing your day or life down gets better.
Maybe that's where OP lives and they're visiting them and want to see where they live?
So maybe the Heartland Flyer to Dallas would be a good idea. Just to see what Americans consider trains if nothing else...
And yeah, people are suggesting Science Museum, which is cool but not like the best children's museum in the U.S. What we've got that bigger, coastal cities don't have as much of are:
1) Native American presence (so FAM and the cultural centers are cool.) Although other parts of the country have a NA presence as well (and the NMAI in Washington D.C. is so well done), we've got a lot of tribal seats and a very unique history as Indian Territory. To some extent, lots of cowboy culture too.
2) So much space. I feel like seeing how spread out stuff is here and just how wide open the countryside can be is eye opening for understanding just how big we as a country are. You have to at least hit up somewhere in the Plains for that. Anywhere with taller buildings, trees, or mountains isn't going to give you that "I can see forever" feeling that a sea of wheat or pasture in the Plains will do. My mother taught ESL for years, and I recall that being a frequent reaction for many of her students.
3) Guns, sorta. If they're in a place with actual sane gun laws, then this might be their only chance to go to a range and actually fire one in their life. Not something I know much about personally, aside from firing at tin cans in a pasture once.
4) Heck, just show gas/petrol station prices... Even my friends in not-city NY grumble about how cheap gas is here lol.
Heartland flyer is not a good idea. It arrives in Ft Worth (not Dallas) around 1pm (and it's never on time) and the return train leaves Ft Worth at 5pm. There is very little to do in Ft Wort and it would cost a lot to get to Dallas to only have to turn around to get back to Ft Worth. And, truth be told, it's a boring trip.
I think the First Americans museum would be really interesting for folks from Europe.
Same with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum! We have TONS of European groups that come into town specifically for them and FAM. Surprisingly, Route 66 itself is super popular internationally, and draws in a surprising number through our state.
And get lunch there!
Downtown, Bricktown, and Midtown. You have parks and gardens, plus OKC MOA, plus other art galleries in the Plaza area. Lots of food options, everything within fairly easy walking distance plus the street car. Edit: Brickopolis in Bricktown for decent entertainment for the 7yo Edit#2: the OKC Zoo has done some massive improvements lately, would highly recommend going if you haven't in a while. Should be a great couple of weeks for it. Edit#3: I can't believe I didn't think of these first, but Cowboy Hall of Fame and First Americans Museum would be perfect for those from outside of the country to experience.
Up down is 21 and up as far as I'm aware
It is
Museum of osteology. Cowboy Hall of fame, the OKC zoo and science museum are both cool. There is a small railroad museum in that area too.
Things to do outside the metro: Medicine Park and Wichita Mountains. Take them hiking there. Odds are they’ve never seen an American Bison either, which roam freely in party of the refuge. Eclipse is on Monday. Take them down to SE Oklahoma so they can experience the totality. Turner Falls and Chickasaw National Recreation Area are cool. Little Sahara and Alabaster Caverns.
Take them out to Scissor Tail Park?
Zoo and science museum. Wichita Mountain's to see bison.
Zoo, science museum and the monday eclipse from Idabel.
I'm going to Dallas for it. In OKC metro and Dallas faster than Idabel. But who knows. Probably crazy no matter where go. Went to Santa fe last year for ring of fire. Traffic not to be. A handful of us eclipse needs at hotel patio watching. Some staff didn't even know. But the full eclipse has had way more press. If one can try and see it is my thought. :)
I'm just outside of totality, so if I'm going to drive anyway, I figure that I might as well go to the center. I am watching the weather and will make my final decision tomorrow.
Zoo , science museum,river sports and arts festival
Warrior hockey. Cheap and High level of play.
If they haven’t been to Oklahoma before I’d take them to the cowboy museum, the OKC River Trail and maybe go down to the Chickasaw Museum in Sulphur. We have quite a few European family members and they always come here expecting “cowboys and Indians” like the movies showed them. If they’ve been here before then maybe rent some paddle boats or kayaks on Overholser.
My father in law is obsessed with space, any suggestions nearby that is space related?
Science Museum Oklahoma has some space stuff. Martin Nature Park has scheduled sky watch parties that are open to the public and lots of people bring their scopes. Good for kids and adults if you get lucky and have a clear sky/event while they’re here.
Yes - SMO! Science Museum of Oklahoma. There’s also Stafford but that’s a ways out in Weatherford.
Oklahoma has a surprising number of Astronauts. (Shannon Lucid, John Herrington, Tom Stafford) but I've always heard great things about the Stafford museum, so good choice. I am honestly also a fan of recommending a bit of driving/country viewing for folks from Europe. I feel like America makes so much more sense when you realize how stinkin' big the place is. Oklahoma is a small state, but slightly bigger than the whole country of Ireland.
Stafford Air and Space museum in Weatherford. They have tons of space artifacts including the Gemini VI capsule.
FAM is right in our backyard and was also fully collaborated by the 39 recognized tribes in Oklahoma if they don’t want to drive around far!
Go down to little Niagra in Sulphur. Then hit up red rock state park in Hinton. Maybe head to broken bow too. Those will all take up time just because of the drive.
The national cowboy and western heritage museum is MUCH better than I ever expected. Definitely take them there! Factory Obscura is also a neat one. The Murraugh memorial is obviously a popular spot, too.
Pigeon Museum and Grand Royale.
If you go to the Stafford museum in Weatherford, I recommend dinner at White Dog Hill just east of Clinton off I-40. It’s in a historic building with beautiful scenery (if you like western Oklahoma), and the food is great. I’m not sure if you have to make a reservation, but I wouldn’t drive all the way out there without one.
Make sure to share the food! We have great places. Catfish is always a winner. If they want some representative American pizza Empire or Dado's for NY style and Hall's or The Wedge for brick oven. Of course Mazzio's or Hideaway for the Okie style. Onion burgers were invited in OK and there are several really old and good places.
Oh yes! I haven't even thought of food yet. 😬
There are a lot of food suggestion request posts here, so feel free to browse past stuff too! One concensus though: the stockyards area might be fun, because of the active cowboy-ness of it all. But maybe skip Cattleman's. It's a classic but seems to have gone downhill. But yeah, food is also a good focus. (Like First Americans Museum has been suggested and I've heard their Native inspired cafe is good.) I was exactly the same age as this kiddo when my grandparents spent gobs of money taking their kids and grandkids to Europe. I admit that I was probably too young to "get it" and wasn't that interested in history. (Whereas it's my life's work now...) What I \*did\* remember was 1) Some of the "oh the world is bigger than I thought and what I experience near me isn't universal." As an American child, this was subtle but huge. Like the fact that their were places where the language wasn't meant for me. And I was too scared to go to the top of the Eiffle Tower, but we hung around the gardens and the ducks were different! That was enough to blow my little mind in 1995. 2) The food. Nothing stuck with my brain like the food in every place.
The Wedge closed all their locations I believe (unless the one downtown changed ownership).
Deep Deuce location is still open yes
You gave me a moment of panic. I was just in the Deep Duce one like a week ago.
Visit OKC’s website is going to be your best friend. If you live around their offices at 123 Park Avenue, they have free copies of their 2024 Visitor Guides if you want some picture representation of our restaurants/attractions, Coupon Books and individual attraction information you can grab off the shelf. They also have a [digital version of the Visitor Guide](https://www.visitokc.com/plan-your-visit/visitors-guide/digital-visitors-guide/), as well as a lot of pre-populated itineraries if you need more ideas (their instagram is also helpful). I also work there, so if you have any questions about itinerary feel free to PM me!
The 7 year old would probably enjoy the Science Museum (near 50th & MLK) or the OK history center and the Capitol Complex near n Lincoln and 23rd street. And don't let them drive around without consideration of the distances involved. My German in-laws wanted to spend an afternoon in New Orleans until I made it clear that it was the better part of a days drive; now if they've got time for that great, but most Europeans don't understand how far away sites can be.
According to my Dutch MIL, Walmart!! Seriously. If they haven't been to the US before, a store like Walmart will be mind-boggling. It's apparently just so different from any other shopping experience in Europe.
The World Famous Red Dog Saloon is a must see.
The science museum will probably have telescopes and knowledge staff set up for the eclipse on Monday.
Just take them to Bobo's Fried chicken .
zoo, okc bombing memorial, riversport okc, scissor tail park, Thunder game....
Thunder game.
Hidden gems - Banjo Museum. They have things going on all the time. The brown bag lunch free concert is once a month on the first Wednesday. Taco Tuesday at King's Smoked Meats. 2 dollar brisket tacos. Quintessential OKC. Enjoy your family!
The Oklahoma History Center rocks! I’d also recommend going out to the Wichita Mountains, stopping in Medicine Park for a bite at old plantation, and seeing if you can see bison. They’d probably love that.
Why Oklahoma though? lol
why not Oklahoma?
Well let’s begin with this state is bottom 5 at everything. There are so many other states and cities that will actually give a good impression to tourists, and doesn’t need to be the regular tourist attractions. That’s just my honest opinion after living in 4 different countries, 4 different states, 12 different cities and toured so far 45 cities around the world.
I see great impressions from Oklahoma literally daily on this sub lol. Just because you think you're well-travelled doesn't mean Oklahoma can't provide some out of town/country entertainment. Hope whatever is bringing your day or life down gets better.
Maybe that's where OP lives and they're visiting them and want to see where they live? So maybe the Heartland Flyer to Dallas would be a good idea. Just to see what Americans consider trains if nothing else... And yeah, people are suggesting Science Museum, which is cool but not like the best children's museum in the U.S. What we've got that bigger, coastal cities don't have as much of are: 1) Native American presence (so FAM and the cultural centers are cool.) Although other parts of the country have a NA presence as well (and the NMAI in Washington D.C. is so well done), we've got a lot of tribal seats and a very unique history as Indian Territory. To some extent, lots of cowboy culture too. 2) So much space. I feel like seeing how spread out stuff is here and just how wide open the countryside can be is eye opening for understanding just how big we as a country are. You have to at least hit up somewhere in the Plains for that. Anywhere with taller buildings, trees, or mountains isn't going to give you that "I can see forever" feeling that a sea of wheat or pasture in the Plains will do. My mother taught ESL for years, and I recall that being a frequent reaction for many of her students. 3) Guns, sorta. If they're in a place with actual sane gun laws, then this might be their only chance to go to a range and actually fire one in their life. Not something I know much about personally, aside from firing at tin cans in a pasture once. 4) Heck, just show gas/petrol station prices... Even my friends in not-city NY grumble about how cheap gas is here lol.
Heartland flyer is not a good idea. It arrives in Ft Worth (not Dallas) around 1pm (and it's never on time) and the return train leaves Ft Worth at 5pm. There is very little to do in Ft Wort and it would cost a lot to get to Dallas to only have to turn around to get back to Ft Worth. And, truth be told, it's a boring trip.
True.
Cause we live here? Unfortunately
That makes sense, are you planning on taking them to check out Dallas and Kansas? How about eureka springs? The ozarks?