Discover Attractions, Museums, and Adventures in Oklahoma’s Second-Largest City Tulsa, Oklahoma might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning your next getaway. But this vibrant destination offers an incredible blend of culture, history, outdoor adventures, and family fun that rivals cities twice its size. 

Known as the former Oil Capital of the World, Tulsa has transformed into a modern metropolis with stunning Art Deco architecture, world class museums, and one of America’s most impressive urban parks. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Tulsa this weekend, planning activities for kids, or searching for unique attractions to explore, this guide covers everything you need to know. 

From free outdoor spaces to fascinating museums and hidden gems, Tulsa delivers experiences that will surprise and delight travelers of all ages. Let’s explore the best things to do in Tulsa ok and discover why this Oklahoma city deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Best Museums and Cultural Attractions in Tulsa

Philbrook Museum of Art

The Philbrook Museum of Art stands as Tulsa’s crown jewel among cultural attractions. Housed in a stunning Italian Renaissance style villa that once belonged to oil baron Waite Phillips, this world class museum offers an impressive collection spanning European, American, Asian, Native American, and African art.

The mansion itself feels like a work of art. Built in 1927 with 72 rooms, the architecture alone draws thousands of visitors each year. Inside, you’ll discover everything from contemporary pieces to ancient artifacts, including a real mummy case from 300 BC that fascinates both kids and adults.

The outdoor experience rivals the indoor galleries. Twenty five acres of beautifully maintained gardens surround the estate, featuring formal Italian gardens, rock gardens, and meandering pathways perfect for a peaceful stroll. These gardens transform with each season, offering something new to discover year round.

Admission costs $18 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 to 17. Kids under 2 enter free. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, family events, and educational programs that enhance the visitor experience beyond the permanent collection.

Gilcrease Museum

The Gilcrease Museum houses the world’s largest collection of art of the American West and Native American art. This museum celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of North America through stunning paintings, sculptures, historical artifacts, and documents.

Founded by oil tycoon Thomas Gilcrease, the museum showcases works by renowned artists like Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The collection includes over 10,000 artworks and 250,000 artifacts spanning centuries of American history.

The museum grounds feature 23 acres of themed gardens representing different periods and regions of American history. Walking these gardens provides a peaceful complement to the indoor galleries.

Note that at the time of writing, the Gilcrease Museum is temporarily closed for construction. A brand new state of the art building is being constructed to better showcase this incredible collection. Check their website for reopening dates before planning your visit.

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Woody Guthrie Center

Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa’s vibrant Arts District. This museum preserves and celebrates the life, work, and legacy of folk music legend Woody Guthrie, who grew up in Oklahoma.

Interactive exhibits let visitors explore Guthrie’s handwritten lyrics, personal archives, artwork, and the famous guitar emblazoned with “This Machine Kills Fascists.” The center goes beyond simple displays, offering educational programs and resources about Guthrie’s impact on American music and social justice.

Regular events include concerts, lectures, and workshops that continue Guthrie’s tradition of using music to inspire change. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military, and $10 for kids ages 5 to 17.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum

The Tulsa Air and Space Museum captures imaginations with hands-on exhibits, historic aircraft, and interactive flight simulators. Located at the edge of things to do in Tulsa International Airport, the museum lets visitors get up close with real planes and space artifacts.

The James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium offers full dome shows and live star tours that transport audiences across the universe. Kids especially love sitting in actual cockpits and experiencing what it’s like to fly different aircraft through simulators.

Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military, $10 for kids ages 5 to 17, and free for children 4 and under. The museum regularly updates exhibits and programs, making repeat visits worthwhile for aviation enthusiasts.

Top Outdoor Activities and Parks in Tulsa

The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place has earned recognition as one of America’s best city parks, winning USA Today’s Best City Park award in 2024. This 66 acre masterpiece along the Arkansas River offers something extraordinary for every age group, all completely free to the public.

Imaginative play structures dominate the landscape, including towering slides shaped like birds, suspended climbing tunnels, and interactive water features. The park doesn’t just cater to kids. Adults will appreciate the scenic biking and running trails, sports courts for basketball and volleyball, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Seasonal activities include kayaking and paddleboarding on the pond, skateboarding in the dedicated skate park, and BMX riding on custom tracks. The park hosts free concerts, festivals, and educational programs throughout the year.

An on site cafe provides refreshments, though you’re welcome to pack a picnic and enjoy the open lawns. The Gathering Place can get very crowded on weekends and during school breaks, so consider visiting on weekday mornings for a more relaxed experience.

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness

Adventure seekers will love Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness, Tulsa’s premier hiking and mountain biking destination. This forested park offers miles of winding trails through trees and around ponds, providing an escape into nature without leaving the city.

Trail difficulty ranges from beginner friendly paths to more challenging routes for experienced hikers and bikers. The varied terrain keeps things interesting, with scenic overlooks offering views of downtown things to do in Tulsa and the Arkansas River.

Turkey Mountain provides a true urban wilderness experience. You might spot wildlife including deer, armadillos, and various bird species along the trails. The park is free to visit and open year round, though conditions can be muddy after rain.

Tulsa River Parks Trail System

The River Parks Trail System stretches over 26 miles along both banks of the Arkansas River, creating a ribbon of green space through the heart of things to do in Tulsa. These paved trails connect parks, gardens, fountains, and attractions perfect for walking, running, or cycling.

Life sized wildlife sculptures dot the path, creating fun photo opportunities and teaching moments about local animals. The trails pass through picturesque areas including themed gardens and public art installations.

Access points throughout the city make it easy to hop on the trail wherever you are. The flat, well maintained surface accommodates everyone from serious athletes to families with strollers.

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Nature enthusiasts will find peace at the things to do in Tulsa Botanic Garden, featuring 170 stunning acres of themed gardens. Located just 15 minutes northwest of downtown, the garden showcases flowers, plants, and landscaping that change with Oklahoma’s seasons.

Spring brings spectacular tulip displays and flowering trees. Summer highlights include roses and water gardens. Fall transforms the landscape with changing leaves and harvest themed plantings. Even winter offers evergreen beauty and seasonal decorations.

The garden is open Tuesday through Saturday. Admission costs $15 for visitors 16 and over, $10 for ages 3 to 15, and free for children 2 and under.

Woodward Park Arboretum

Woodward Park Arboretum provides a peaceful setting for afternoon strolls among a diverse collection of labeled trees. The wide variety includes specimens imported from around the world, such as the Dawn Redwood from China.

A highlight is the picturesque greenhouse filled with curated cacti and succulents. The glass structure creates a microclimate perfect for these desert plants, offering a dramatic contrast to Oklahoma’s native landscape. The arboretum is free to visit and offers benches throughout for quiet contemplation or reading.

Family Friendly Things to Do in Tulsa

Tulsa Zoo

The Tulsa Zoo spreads across 84 acres in Mohawk Park, providing homes for over 1,500 animals representing species from around the world. Popular residents include Komodo dragons, Malayan tigers, snow leopards, Asian elephants, and black howler monkeys.

Interactive experiences elevate the zoo beyond simple viewing. For an additional fee, visitors can hand feed giraffes, creating memorable close encounters with these gentle giants. Educational walking tours led by knowledgeable staff offer deeper insights into animal behavior and conservation.

Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 65 and over and military, $12 for kids ages 3 to 11, and free for children 2 and under. The zoo is open year round, though some outdoor exhibits may be affected by extreme weather.

Oklahoma Aquarium

Just south of things to do in Tulsa in nearby Jenks, the Oklahoma Aquarium immerses visitors in the underwater world. The highlight is walking through the shark tunnel, where multiple species of sharks swim overhead in a 360 degree viewing experience.

Other popular exhibits feature sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses, and electric eels. Touch tanks let kids get hands on with marine life under staff supervision.

An outdoor playground comes free with aquarium admission, providing a place for kids to burn energy between exhibits. This combination of indoor and outdoor activities makes it easy to spend several hours here. Admission is $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under.

Chandler Park

Chandler Park combines nature and recreation in one family friendly location. Hiking trails wind through wooded areas with scenic views of things to do in Tulsa and nearby Sand Springs. Rock formations scattered throughout provide natural climbing opportunities for adventurous kids.

Beyond hiking, the park features playgrounds for different age groups, disc golf courses, picnic areas, and a splash pad that’s perfect for hot Oklahoma summers. The variety of activities means families can easily spend an entire afternoon here. All amenities are free to use, making Chandler Park an excellent budget friendly option for families.

Entertainment and Nightlife in Tulsa

BOK Center

The BOK Center serves as Tulsa’s premier venue for major concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events. This 19,000 seat arena attracts nationally touring acts across all genres, from rock and country to hip hop and pop.

The BOK Center is also home to the things to do in Tulsa Oilers, Tulsa’s professional hockey team. Catching a hockey game provides exciting family entertainment at more affordable prices than many other professional sports. The venue’s downtown location puts it within walking distance of restaurants and bars, making it easy to grab dinner before a show.

Cain’s Ballroom

For a more intimate music experience, Cain’s Ballroom offers legendary status among music venues. Dating back to the 1920s, this historic venue in Tulsa’s Arts District hosted Bob Wills’ radio show and helped establish Western Swing as a genre.

Today, Cain’s continues its musical tradition by hosting touring bands, local musicians, and special events. The venue’s size creates a connection between performers and audience that larger arenas can’t match.

Checking Cain’s schedule should be part of planning any things to do in Tulsa visit. The eclectic mix of acts means there’s often something interesting happening on any given weekend.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

The Tulsa Performing Arts Center houses four theaters under one roof, presenting ballet, opera, symphony, plays, and touring Broadway productions. This cultural hub brings world class performing arts to Oklahoma.

The Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, and things to do in Tulsa Symphony Orchestra all call the Performing Arts Center home. Catching a performance by any of these groups showcases the high quality of Tulsa’s arts scene.

Blue Dome District and Brady Arts District

These interconnected entertainment districts form the heart of Tulsa’s nightlife and cultural scene. The Blue Dome District takes its name from the sky blue dome of a former gas station and features bars, clubs, restaurants, and Tulsa’s comedy club.

The Brady Arts District is more arts focused, with galleries, studios, theaters, and the Woody Guthrie Center. Monthly First Friday Art Crawls open galleries late and fill the streets with locals and visitors exploring visual art and live performances. Both districts offer excellent dining options ranging from farm to table restaurants to casual eateries perfect for refueling after exploring.

Things to Do in Tulsa at Night

Guthrie Green

Guthrie Green serves as downtown Tulsa’s outdoor living room, hosting concerts, movies, yoga classes, and festivals throughout the year. This modern urban park in the Arts District provides a gathering place for locals and visitors.

Evening concerts at Guthrie Green create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Pack a blanket and grab dinner from a nearby restaurant to enjoy under the stars.

Free Things to Do in Tulsa

The Gathering Place tops the list as America’s best free urban park. Spend hours exploring playgrounds, trails, gardens, and seasonal activities without spending anything beyond parking or food.

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness provides free hiking and mountain biking on miles of trails through forested areas just minutes from downtown. The Woodward Park Arboretum offers peaceful strolls among labeled trees and a greenhouse full of cacti and succulents, all free to enjoy.

Window shopping at Utica Square or browsing boutiques along Cherry Street costs nothing and provides a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Chandler Park combines hiking trails, playgrounds, disc golf courses, and picnic areas all available at no charge.

Things to Do in Tulsa Today

Looking for last minute activities? Things to do in Tulsa offer spontaneous options any day of the week. Check the BOK Center or Cain’s Ballroom websites for same day concert or event tickets. Both venues frequently host shows throughout the week.

Visit The Gathering Place for outdoor fun. The park is open daily and provides hours of entertainment without advance planning. Explore downtown’s Arts District, browsing galleries and shops while soaking in Tulsa’s creative energy. Many galleries welcome walk-ins during business hours.

Catch things to do in Tulsa Drillers baseball game during the season. Minor league baseball offers affordable tickets often available on game day. Walk or bike the River Parks Trail System. Access the paved trails from multiple points throughout the city for instant outdoor recreation.

Things to Do in Tulsa This Weekend

Weekends bring additional activities and events to things to do in Tulsa. The Tulsa Arts District hosts First Friday Art Crawls on the first Friday of each month. Galleries stay open late, food trucks appear, and live performances fill the streets.

Cherry Street Farmers Market operates Saturday mornings during warmer months, offering fresh local produce, baked goods, and handmade items. Check sporting event schedules for Tulsa Drillers baseball, FC Tulsa soccer, or things to do in Tulsa Oilers hockey games depending on the season.

The Philbrook Museum and Gilcrease Museum offer weekend hours, though crowds may be larger than weekdays. Guthrie Green and The Gathering Place often host free concerts and festivals on weekend afternoons and evenings.

Planning Your Tulsa Visit

When to Visit Tulsa

Tulsa experiences four distinct seasons. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Temperatures range from comfortable to warm without summer’s intense heat.

Summer (June through August) brings hot, humid weather with temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Many attractions offer air conditioned relief, and The Gathering Place’s water features become especially popular.

Winter (December through February) is generally mild compared to northern states, though occasional ice storms can occur. Indoor attractions like museums remain excellent options during colder months.

How Long to Stay

Most visitors find two to three days sufficient to hit Tulsa’s major highlights. This allows time for a few museums, The Gathering Place, some outdoor activities, and sampling the local food scene.

Families with kids or those wanting a more relaxed pace might prefer three to four days to fully enjoy attractions without rushing. A long weekend works perfectly for road trippers within a few hours of things to do in Tulsa.

Distance from Oklahoma City

Tulsa sits approximately 106 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, making it an easy 1.5 hour drive between the two cities. This proximity makes things to do in Tulsa an excellent day trip or weekend getaway from Oklahoma’s capital.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Tulsa

Tulsa surprises visitors with its rich cultural offerings, stunning architecture, and genuine hospitality. This Oklahoma city has successfully transformed from an oil boom town into a modern destination that honors its past while embracing the future.

The combination of world class museums, impressive parks, diverse dining, and affordable attractions makes things to do in Tulsa an excellent value for travelers. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or solo adventure, Tulsa delivers memorable experiences.

The best things to do in Tulsa span indoor and outdoor options, cultural and recreational activities, and free and ticketed attractions. This variety ensures every visitor finds something to love about Oklahoma’s second largest city.

Start planning your Tulsa adventure today. You’ll discover why so many visitors leave pleasantly surprised by this underrated Oklahoma gem.

FAQs

1. What are the best free things to do in Tulsa?
Top free attractions include The Gathering Place, Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness, Woodward Park Arboretum, and River Parks trails.

2. Is Tulsa a good destination for families?
Yes, Tulsa is very family-friendly with the Tulsa Zoo, Oklahoma Aquarium, large parks, museums, and interactive attractions for kids.

3. How many days are enough to explore Tulsa?
Two to three days are ideal to see major highlights, while families may prefer three to four days for a relaxed visit.

4. What is Tulsa best known for?
Tulsa is known for its Art Deco architecture, rich music history, world-class museums, and award-winning urban parks.

5. When is the best time to visit Tulsa?
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather, making them the best seasons for outdoor activities and sightseeing.