Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Broken Arrow, OK

  • Published 2023/03/02

Broken Arrow, the largest suburb of Tulsa County, is a city located in the northeastern part of Oklahoma.

Although the city was founded in 1902, its history dates back to the 1800s.

Broken Arrow is the fourth-largest city in the state.

The city has many tourist attractions that suit your preferences without spending a dime.

Whether you’re a history buff, a festivalgoer, or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something meant for you when visiting the city.

If you want to know more about what’s in store here, discover the free things to do in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Explore the Outdoors at Ray Harral Nature Park & Center

If you’re looking for the best place to enjoy the outdoors, Ray Harral Nature Park & Center is undeniably a must-visit.

It was named after Ray Harral, who committed to leisure activities and park facilities.

The park covers 40 acres of land with plenty of amenities, including park benches, picnic shelters with tables, pollinator gardens, and a suspension bridge.

Explore its three miles of trails with varying grades by walking and jogging, or head to the nature center to watch and learn about wildlife.

Admire scenic views and relax in the fresh and peaceful environment at Ray Harral Nature Park.

You can find it off 121st Street and west of Lynn Lane, behind Childers Middle and Spring Creek Elementary schools.

Enjoy a Summer Evening of Local Music at Tuesdays in the Park

For music lovers, you won’t regret attending Tuesdays in the Park, Northeast Oklahoma’s long-running success for arts in Broken Arrow.

This family-friendly musical event features a stellar lineup of area bands and entertainers performing classic to contemporary hits.

Whether you like pop, rock, lite jazz, country, blues, dance, or ’90s music, there’s something that suits your preferences.

Besides live music, many food vendors and extra fun activities are available during these free summer outdoor concerts.

What are you waiting for?

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and have a great time with your loved ones with live performances during Tuesdays in the Park at Central Park.

Learn about Local History at the Museum Broken Arrow

Established by the Broken Arrow Historical Society, the Museum Broken Arrow preserves the city’s history and residents.

The museum features fascinating interactive and educational exhibits illustrating the vibrant past of Broken Arrow that educates visitors.

The Museum Broken Arrow is open daily except Sundays and Mondays.

Its 2nd floor, which contains the permanent exhibits, has a small fee except for children under 17.

If you still want to check out the museum without spending a dime, stick to the first floor.

It houses rotating special exhibitions, a gift shop, and a genealogy library.

You can find this museum in the historic downtown near the town’s original train depot.

Celebrate Hispanic Culture at Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Join the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Broken Arrow’s Rose District with family and friends!

This annual event in May celebrates Hispanic culture with plenty of exciting attractions and family-friendly activities.

These include delicious authentic Mexican food, refreshing drinks, live music, dancing, shopping, a car show, and more.

Are you ready to experience and learn more about Hispanic heritage and culture?

Mark your calendar for a day of fun at Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Bring Your Loved Ones to Rooster Days

Did you know that Rooster Days is Oklahoma’s oldest continually running festival?

Its history goes back to the spring of 1931 when farmers brought too many roosters to Broken Arrow for the first Rooster Day.

The festival features food trucks, various vendors, thrilling carnival rides, stellar live entertainment, a fun run, a cornhole tournament, and more.

Join the crowd of spectators flooding the streets downtown for the colorful annual parade, one of the highlights of this multi-day event.

Rooster Days is held downtown at Central Park on Main Street and is free to attend!

So, bring your family and friends to engage in this lively event!

Feel the Holiday Spirit at Christmas in Broken Arrow

Are you ready to kick off the holiday season in the city?

A lot happens at Christmas in Broken Arrow with your loved ones and the community.

There’s an annual Christmas parade, tree lighting, live holiday music, a craft show, and more.

Check out Rhema Christmas Lights Extravaganza, a beautiful display of dazzling lights that started with about 60,000 in 1982.

Since it’s admissions-free, this display attracts nearly 500,000 visitors yearly from Oklahoma and surrounding states.

Get your family a free photo with Santa, too!

Don’t miss out on this Broken Arrow holiday tradition!

Check Out Beautiful Artwork at Arts@302

If you love art, stopping by Arts@302 would be an excellent option.

This 2,000-square-foot gallery is the jewel of the Rose District.

It highlights traditional and non-traditional artists each month.

There’s always creative and worth seeing here, including music, writing, painting, drawing, clay, photography, macramé, and more.

Are you interested in checking out its ever-changing range of exhibits?

Arts@302 is free and open to the public, and it’s on South Main Street.

Wander the Historic Rose District

If you want to experience the metropolitan side of the city, one of the best places to visit is the historic Rose District.

The city was nicknamed the “City of Roses” because of the famous rose bushes growing there when it was founded in 1902.

It is downtown Broken Arrow’s art and entertainment district with many things to offer locals and tourists alike.

You’ll find more than 50 places to eat, shop, do, and explore here.

It’s the home of the Military History Museum, the Museum Broken Arrow, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, and the Rose District Farmers Market.

Moreover, the Rose District is a friendly part of Broken Arrow, with wide sidewalks, midblock crossing areas, and beautiful landscapes.

You can also check out regular special events held in this bustling district.

Ride a Bike along the Liberty Parkway Trail

Another great way to spend some time outdoors and enjoy nature’s beauty is the Liberty Parkway Trail.

This trail is approximately 9.5 miles in length and was created in conjunction with the Creek Turnpike and follows the terrain.

It begins at South Garnett Road, its western trailhead, and ends at the university near the Broken Arrow Events Complex.

Along the Liberty Parkway Trail, you’ll see several points of interest, like Rose West Dog Park, Valley Ridge Park, and Regal Warren Broken Arrow.

Several access points to the trail provide a small parking lot and restrooms.

Think about this trail if you’re looking for an ideal place for a long hike or bike.

Visit the War at Home Memorial at Broken Arrow Veterans Park

The War at Home Memorial is at Veterans Park in the heart of Broken Arrow.

Here, you’ll see 20 1,000-pound steel silhouettes set in granite, standing ten feet tall and four feet wide.

Each silhouette bears the name and likeness of military veterans who died by suicide.

The War at Home Memorial aims to bring awareness to American veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

After walking through the memorials, sit and relax on one of the benches at the park and enjoy its fresh, peaceful atmosphere.

You can watch the pond, fountain, and many flags swaying in the wind.

Other Free Things to Do Nearby

Immerse in the Beauty of Nature at Gathering Place

Kayaking at the Gathering Place

Vineyard Perspective / Shutterstock.com

To enjoy fun activities and see amazing sights that won’t cost you a dime, you must check out Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

USA Today has named this park America’s #1 Best New Attraction of 2018.

This gorgeous riverfront park is perfect for all ages who want to relax and enjoy themselves with families and friends.

It features a wide array of amenities you can use for free, like sports courts, a skate park, a playground, trails, Wi-Fi, parking, and more.

Swan-shaped slide at the Gathering Place

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

You can even join fitness classes, movie nights, and concerts without charge.

Whether you want to relax, play, learn, explore, or do something enjoyable, so much awaits you once you visit this popular park.

Situated along the Arkansas River, Gathering Place is on South John Williams Way E, around 19 minutes from downtown Broken Arrow.

Children playing at the Gathering Place

Vineyard Perspective / Shutterstock.com

Learn about Horticulture at the Teaching Garden

If you’re interested in nature and horticulture, visit the Teaching Garden in Tulsa, 15 minutes from Broken Arrow.

This garden has hundreds of perennials, annuals, vegetables, shrubs, and other plants.

Since it’s free and open to the public, take advantage of what it offers visitors of all ages.

See the well-trained volunteers sharing their knowledge and love of horticulture with the public through demonstrations.

You can also wander around with its accessible ramps and paved pathways.

The Teaching Garden is in Woodward Park.

Strike a Pose with the Golden Driller Statue

Daytime view of the tall Golden Driller Statue

Prosper106 / Shutterstock.com

Did you know that the Golden Driller Statue is one of the tallest freestanding statues in the United States?

This beloved Tulsa landmark is 76 feet tall and weighs 43,500 pounds.

It represents an oil worker and is dedicated to the men of the petroleum industry.

Take a photo with this spectacle in front of the Tulsa Expo Center, its location since 1966.

It’s about a 16-minute drive from downtown Broken Arrow.

Close view of the Golden Driller Statue

Vineyard Perspective / Shutterstock.com

Reflect on Life at the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church

Exterior of the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

If you’re into architecture, it’s worth stopping by the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.

Completed in 1929, this church is one of the finest examples of Art Deco church architecture in the United States.

One of the first things you’ll notice at this masterpiece is its eye-catching tower, which soars 255 feet high.

Its exterior is decorated with terra cotta sculptures, and its downward-flowing lines symbolize God’s love.

Interior of the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church

Alizada Studios / Shutterstock.com

It offers free guided tours on Sundays at noon to learn more about the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.

Otherwise, self-guided tours are available anytime its building is open during the week.

If you want to visit this National Historic Landmark, you can locate it on South Boston Avenue in Tulsa, 14 minutes from Broken Arrow.

Hallway in the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Blue Whale of Catoosa

Check out the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa, a major attraction along Route 66.

In 1972, the zoologist Hugh Davis built the waterfront structure as an anniversary gift to his wife, who collected whale figurines.

You can stop by this excellent spot for lunch at the quirky picnic tables.

Take a stroll and take photos of the smiling concrete mammal.

Over the years, the Blue Whale of Catoosa has been repainted and furnished with several facilities.

If you’re traveling down Route 66, consider dropping by this popular attraction.

The Blue Whale is in Catoosa, Oklahoma, 20 minutes from Broken Arrow.

Final Thoughts

Make the vibrant city of Broken Arrow your next destination with family or friends.

It offers plenty of free exciting things, from the natural environment and art scene to lively festivals.

What are you waiting for?

Have fun and enjoy the free things to do in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma!

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