17 Best Things to Do in Oklahoma County, OK

Oklahoma County represents the best of Oklahoma State.

Headlined by Oklahoma City, the county is home to some of the best tourist attractions in the state.

There are an abundance of museums, parks, and amusement areas that truly bring out the urban culture of Oklahoma.

It’s also brimming with history and culture, something you can see in every corner of the county through cities and townships like Arcadia and Midwest City.

To get a grasp of its beauty, here’s the best things to do in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

Check Out What’s Happening in Scissortail Park

Scissortail Park is one of the biggest and most-visited attractions in Oklahoma County, located in the heart of Oklahoma City.

It’s a huge open space where you can do and see a lot of things; some of the most memorable things you’ll see here are the Oklahoma City Union Station and the city’s farmers market.

Scissortail Park also has plenty of large ponds throughout, allowing you to enjoy its waters via paddle boating.

It’s also a primary event venue for concerts and other performances, so try visiting it late in the afternoon to see what’s brewing.

Whatever activity you want to do, there’s something for the family at Scissortail Park.

Visit the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Do you love the Wild West? Very few places in America can offer a comprehensive overview of this facet in U.S culture than the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Sprawling with tons of exhibits depicting the lives of cowboys and the conflicts that ensued throughout the centuries, this place is a haven for learning.

What’s cool about the museum is it utilizes its huge facility by showcasing a lot of gigantic art sculptures.

Hence, photo opportunities are abundant at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

One of the most unique attractions in Oklahoma County, find this museum in Oklahoma City.

Take the Family to Frontier City

Another famous attraction in Oklahoma City is Frontier City—it’s a renowned amusement park that’s perfect for the family.

Frontier City has a lot in store for children and grown ups alike; there’s a famous roller coaster here and an awesome concert area called Starlight Amphitheater.

Beyond that, Frontier City is great for younger children as they have an abundance of smaller rides that are just as fun.

The food here is also stellar, making it a well-rounded place for a whole day trip.

Easily the closest Six Flags experience you’ll have in Oklahoma County, this is a can’t-miss if you’re all about amusement parks.

Camp at Spring Creek Park

Another attraction in Edmond is Spring Creek Park, famous for being the primary recreation area along Arcadia Lake.

Arcadia Lake is one of the primary bodies of water in Oklahoma County, so you can do an abundance of outdoor activities that utilize its beauty.

Camping is one of the best things you can do here, as it’ll take more than a day trip to appreciate the lake.

Spring Creek Park has beaches, picnic grounds, and loads of walking trails to explore.

There is a lot of wildlife here as well, and you can even play disc golf if you fancy.

Do Recreational Activities at E.C. Hafer Park

E.C. Hafer Park is one of the primary attractions found in Edmond.

It’s a fantastic place to just enjoy the simpler side of Oklahoma County, as it specializes in a lot of laid-back activities.

You can do picnics here or play sports; there are also tons of walking trails to explore the vicinity.

One of the best things about E.C. Hafer Park is its sprawling ponds—there are plenty of ducks and geese here which accentuate the park’s overall atmosphere.

Fishing is also permitted, making this a great all-rounder for a fun and relaxing day with the family.

Tour the University of Central Oklahoma

If you love vintage university aesthetics, touring the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond should be a neat addition to your plans.

Boasting a red brick facade with a clock tower, the university is a treat to the eyes and makes for great photography.

The campus itself is also stellar as there is plenty of greenery and nice landscaping all throughout.

Campus life here is also generally laid-back, so you can take your time looking around this historic university.

Finally, the University of Central Oklahoma is conveniently located in the busier parts of Edmond, so you don’t have to go out of your way to see it.

View the Animals at Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma City Zoo is another amazing attraction for the family when visiting the seat of Oklahoma County.

Brimming with loads of different facilities, Oklahoma City Zoo is best enjoyed when you tour the area via their train ride.

You’ll find the zoological society of the city here, along with various amphitheater and event grounds.

There are also cafes and restaurants here, and the place is famous for housing a large lake that accentuates its overall aesthetic.

As for the animals, expect stingrays, sea lions, and lorikeets to headline the fun at Oklahoma City Zoo.

Go Fishing at Eagle Lake Park

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Oklahoma County, Eagle Lake Park is a great place for respite.

It’s a nice park located in Del City, so it’s a great stopover if you want to diversify the locations you want to visit in the county.

Ducks are plenty here, and the waters are rich with all sorts of fish that’s a treat for avid anglers.

The surrounding areas of Eagle Lake Park is also a nice way to relax, whether via picnic or light strolls—either way, it’s a great escape for the family.

One of the more peaceful destinations on this list, consider adding Eagle Lake Park to your travel plans.

Enjoy the Diverse Plant Life at Myriad Botanical Gardens

Myriad Botanical Gardens is like a zoo for plants, as the place is brimming with all sorts of rare species.

There’s a formal garden, a tropical conservatory, and even a park inside where you can bring your pooch with you.

Botany enthusiasts will have loads of fun here, especially since the place also offers horticultural classes and other events.

There’s a lot of varied terrain here as well that truly brings Myriad Botanical Gardens to life; you can spot waterfalls for example.

Located in Oklahoma City, Myriad Botanical Gardens is great for any kind of itinerary when visiting the county.

Board a Train at Oklahoma Railway Museum

If you’re a big fan of locomotives, the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City is a can’t-miss destination.

It’s home to several restored trains from the 19th Century, some of which you can experience for yourself by entering inside of it.

Depending on the time of the year, the railway museum also has train rides which is a must if you want to enhance your experience.

If you visit during the winter season, the Oklahoma Railway Museum also has highly anticipated events such as The Polar Express that’s tailored for young children.

Overall, this is a great stopover in the heart of Oklahoma City because it’s both fun and educational.

Marvel at the Arcadia Round Barn

Located in the town of Arcadia, the Arcadia Round Barn is both an architectural marvel and a historical landmark.

The barn is quirky to look at, as it looks almost like a perfect dome that really pops up as you drive along the highway.

There’s a lot of history inside the barn seen through antiques and vintage farming equipment, depicting late 1800s agricultural life in Oklahoma County.

As you tour the place, you’ll also stumble upon a cool gift shop that’s one of the best places in the county to get a souvenir from.

Arcadia Round Barn is easy to access and many tourists are fond of its aesthetics, so don’t miss out on it.

Play Sports at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park

Found in Midwest City, Joe B. Barnes Regional Park is one of the best places in Oklahoma County for playing sports.

There are tennis courts and volleyball courts here, as well as basketball courts and a golf course.

Joe B. Barnes Regional Park is also a quaint and tranquil spot to relax with your loved ones—the pavilions here are some of the best in the county.

There are also streams within the park where you can do fishing, making this a great all-rounder for various activities.

To top it all off, its location is just gorgeous—it’s a scenic place that’s far from the urban districts of Oklahoma County.

Pay Tribute and Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

Both a historical and emotional landmark, Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is a solemn place to recall one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Oklahoma.

Called the Murrah Bombing, this deadly attack occurred in 1995 that took the lives of 168 people and destroyed a ton of property.

You can learn more about this sad moment of local history in the museum, and it’s a great place to also go sightseeing in Oklahoma City.

The landscaping and architecture here is amazing—it’s a great spot for couples or for small groups who are looking for a peaceful stroll.

Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is just a stone’s throw away from the Myriad Botanical Gardens, so it’s a great addition to your itinerary.

Go Sightseeing at Wheeler District

Wheeler District is one of the best attractions for photo opportunities in Oklahoma County, located in Oklahoma City.

It’s famous for having the large “OKC” pop sign, which is a great place to take a photo souvenir for visiting the state.

It’s also right along the Oklahoma River, which is an iconic body of water in this state.

Furthermore, there’s a huge ferris wheel here as well that serves as another landmark in the city.

Close to Scissortail Park, add Wheeler District if you have some spare time.

Learn World War II History at 45th Infantry Division Museum

Another neat museum in Oklahoma City is the 45th Infantry Division Museum.

The place is a haven for history enthusiasts, especially if you have a strong interest in World War II.

You’ll see a ton of battle tanks here and other remnants of the bloody war from the 20th Century.

World War II isn’t the only thing you can see here, however.

The 45th Infantry Division Museum also has exhibits on the Korean War and the Revolutionary War, so there’s a lot to unpack in this museum.

Complete with indoor and outdoor displays, this is an exciting spot for both kids and grown ups.

Appreciate the Artworks at Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Art lovers can’t afford to miss out on visiting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Starting from the colonial period to as early as the late 20th Century, this museum houses a wide range of artworks.

The building itself is cool to look at, and its spaciousness incentivizes you to check every nook and cranny it has.

There are a lot of iconic artists here that even the casual goer would appreciate—Van Gogh, Degas, and Monet are some examples.

Worth every penny, Oklahoma City Museum of Art stands out as one of the best museums in the county.

Experience Lake Heftner at Stars and Stripes Park

Oklahoma County also boasts Lake Heftner besides Oklahoma River.

This huge lake can be best appreciated in Stars and Stripes Park that’s found in Oklahoma City.

There’s a lot of facilities here, ranging from boat ramps, a skate park, picnic grounds, and a bunch of bike trails.

The sunset views that you can see at Stars and Stripes Park are some of the best in the entire county as well.

Whether it’s for a date or for family time, this is a scenic way to see a different side of Oklahoma County.

Final Thoughts

Oklahoma County has a ton of fun activities for you, whether you’re traveling with one person, alone, or with the whole family.

Known for its urban attractions, some of the best museums on the West Coast can be seen here.

The county also has a lot of scenic appeal—tons of attractions utilize the beauty of the surrounding rivers and lakes it has.

Before finalizing your plans, revisit this list of the best things to do in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.