Tulsa, the second-largest city in Oklahoma, is located along the Arkansas River and is known for its oil industry. The city is also best known for its unique Art Deco architecture and the remains of “Black Wall Street” in the Greenwood District.
Tulsa has evolved from an oil capital to a modern city that celebrates its history and diversity. If you’re planning a family visit, here are the top fun things to do in Tulsa that locals highly recommend.
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
The Most Fun Things to Do in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Gathering Place Park: For playgrounds, trails, and paddle boats.
Gathering Place Park, Socially Tulsa, OR 2650 S John Williams Way E Just south of downtown. Along the Arkansas River, it is one of the largest parks in the nation.
The park is always open, but it is best during the spring and fall. Admission to the park is free of charge, though most of the activities entail a small fee-for-service, such as paddle boat rentals. It has a huge adventure playground, a boathouse that offers rentals, Swing Hill, Mist Mountain to cool people off in summer, and courts for sports events and concerts.
Photo by 좀비 브렌다 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Center of the Universe: Test the famous acoustic anomaly
The Center of the Universe is at 1 S Boston Ave, in downtown Tulsa, next to the Arts District and the Woody Guthrie Center. Discovered in the '80s, this spot is another must-do on the list of fun things to do in Tulsa due to its strange acoustic effect. If you stand in the middle of the small concrete circle, your voice will have an echo, a distorted sound, but only to you. Those standing nearby will not hear it this way.
Maybe what’s more appealing is that the Center of the Universe is free to visit for all ages. Next to it is also a metal sculpture entitled Artificial Cloud, created by artist Bob Haozous. While there, test the sound, take pictures, or record the unique audio effect. It’s a fun stop while exploring downtown Tulsa.
Photo by Jill Reed is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Blue Dome District: Enjoy bars, and live music.
The Blue Dome District is located at 2nd and Elgin Ave, downtown Tulsa. The name of the district is derived from the Blue Dome building old service station covered with a blue roof that has become a hotspot for photographs.
It’s a walkable neighborhood full of interesting historic buildings and street art, with easy access to the Arts and Brady districts. It was once a commercial area, but it has become a fun destination for dining, nightlife, and art.
The area is busiest on weekends, mainly during First Friday Art Walks. Entrance is free, but some of the venues charge for events. Also, you can enjoy the street art and local galleries absolutely for free.
Photo by Jordan Lackey is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Philbrook Museum of Art: Art galleries and beautiful gardens.
The Philbrook Museum of Art is located at 2727 S Rockford Rd, in Tulsa’s Midtown area. It is set within a former 1920s villa that once belonged to oil tycoon Waite Phillips. The estate turned museum in 1938 and grew from there into today’s popular art museum. It is open year-round, but spring and fall are the best times to see the gardens.
Entry is $12 for adults; children under 17 go free. However, every second Saturday of the month, there is free admission. From ancient masterworks of several cultures to a variety of modern art, there is plenty to be seen inside. Visiting the gardens, another fun thing to do in Tulsa provides a beautifully landscaped home for fountains and sculptures. And if you get hungry, even an on-site café and gift shop are available.
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
Tulsa Drillers Game: Cheer for Tulsa’s minor league baseball team.
There are home games of the Tulsa Drillers in ONEOK Field, 201 N Elgin Ave, Greenwood District, within a short distance to downtown Tulsa. The team has belonged to the city since 1977, and the stadium is located in an area that reminds us of a very important period in history.
The Drillers compete from April to early September. This period is ideal for visiting, especially in the summer, when evening games are popular and you can enjoy the added charm of watching the sunset. It’s one of the best things to do in Tulsa.
Entry prices cost on average $43. But, the facility has several discounts, like $2 Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays. Some hotspots include the mascot Hornsby, and fireworks after the games. Also, there is a kids zone and drink specials featuring local Tulsa breweries.
Photo by Th3TruthPhotos is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Tulsa Botanic Garden: For Seasonal blooms
The Tulsa Botanic Garden is at 3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr, on the northwest side of town. Started in 2006, it now spans 170 acres. Although it’s open year-round, flowers and colors change by season. For nature and photography enthusiasts alike, Tulsa Botanic Garden is perfect for tulips and daffodils in spring, roses in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
Admission is $8 for adults, though it offers discounts for seniors and students. A.R. and Floral Terraces are also popular with seasonal blooms and fountains.
Children’s Discovery Garden at Tulsa Botanic Garden offers many fun things to do for the younger ones, including interactive sculptures, animal fountains, and creative structures. It’s a perfect spot for families to explore art and nature together.
Take a lakeside promenade walk and explore the differently-themed garden areas. Some events not to be missed are the Botanic BLOOMS and Garden of Lights.
Photo by John Tidwell on Unsplash
Route 66 Historical Village: Learn Tulsa’s connection to Route 66.
The Tulsa Village, located at 3770 Southwest Blvd along Route 66, relates to the city’s history with the famous highway and its oil industry. Highlights include a large oil derrick, which is open year-round, though spring and fall offer the best weather.
Entry to Route 66 Historical Village is free. The main attractions are the Frisco 4500 steam engine, a red caboose, and a restored train depot displaying classic cars, original Route 66 signs, and other vintage vehicles. Also, it hosts events such as car shows and Route 66 celebrations.
Tulsa is an excellent stopover for anyone passing through, with all sorts of fun things to do, whether you’re there for a short visit or a longer stay.
Photo by Brent Moore is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Cave House: Tour Tulsa’s famous “cave” home.
The Cave House is at 1623 Charles Page Blvd, Tulsa, Oklahoma. It opened in the last century as a chicken restaurant and speakeasy. Its unusual stone exterior and strange rooms hint at its secretive past. Stories of outlaws, tunnels, and hauntings add to the intrigue. No one really knows what went on there for sure.
Tours are led by the owner himself and cost $15. You can explore the house’s unique layout and history. Filled with odd artifacts, hidden spaces, and eclectic decor, it’s a fascinating place to tour. It’s a good stop for anyone interested in Tulsa’s more mysterious past.
Photo by JustTulsa is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Golden Driller: See the giant oilman statue.
Standing tall at 4145 E 21st St, the Golden Driller stands close to the Tulsa Expo Square and the fairgrounds. Built for the 1953 International Petroleum Exposition, it was permanently installed in 1966 to commemorate Tulsa’s oil heritage.
This 75-foot tall statue of cement and steel, weighing 43,500 pounds, became one of the largest statues in the U.S. and was named Oklahoma’s official state monument in 1979.
There’s no fee for visiting. In fact, it’s as simple as stopping by and taking photos. Be sure to see the plaque at its base, which describes its history during events at Expo Square. The area also features rides and food stands.
Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
Expert Tips for Visitors
Here are some expert tips to help you make the most of a visit to Tulsa.
Plan for Tusla Weather
Summers are hot, with highs over 90°F, so pack water, and sunscreen, and wear light clothes. April to June is tornado season, best to check alerts. October’s mild, ideal for outdoor activities like the Gathering Place or Tulsa Botanic Garden.
Don’t Leave Your Camera
Tulsa is full of photo-worthy spots, from its beautiful parks to its impressive street art. Be sure to capture those memories of your trip.
Don’t Skip Small, Local Businesses
While Tulsa has great chain restaurants and stores, don’t miss out on local spots—many are unique and offer some of the best experiences, whether a coffee shop in the Arts District or a small hidden museum.
Avoid Being Unaware of the City’s History
Tulsa has a complex and, at times, painful history. While in Tulsa, take the time to learn about such important events through local museums and historical sites.
Explore Downtown by Foot or Scooter
Downtown has Art Deco buildings and murals to see on foot or use scooters for easy rides between spots like Guthrie Green and the Tulsa Arts District. Look out for scooter parking zones.
Bring a friend to the Center of the Universe
Bring a friend to try this Tulsa echo spot where sounds bounce back only to the person in the circle. It’s one of those fun things to do that’s sure to be a hit! Parking can be tight, so it’s a good idea to walk from nearby spots like the Tulsa Arts District.
Try Tulsa Local Cuisine
Tulsa is famous for its unique barbecue and hot dogs at Coney I-Lander or Ike’s Chili. Guthrie Green hosts food trucks every Wednesday. Cherry Street Farmers’ Market on Saturdays is also good for local bites and produce.
Explore Route 66 with a Self-Guided Tour
Download a Route 66 map to explore Tulsa’s historic stops. Don’t miss Route 66 Historical Village and Meadow Gold Sign. Stop at Mother Road Market for food and Route 66 souvenirs.
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