When most people think of traveling to Oklahoma City...oh wait, the honest truth is that most people don't really think about traveling to OKC. Here's the dirty little secret: a weekend in OKC is one well spent. Despite the state being long overlooked when it comes to American travel, there are a ton of awesome ways to spend a weekend exploring Oklahoma City. Whether you're skating around the roller rink in Scissortail Park, picnicking at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, or cheering on the Thunder, here's your guide to the best things to do and places to see around the city.
How to Spend the Ultimate Weekend in OKC
Catch a Free Show or Rent Some Roller Skates in Scissortail Park
Wander Around the Bricktown Canal
Shop & Sip around the Plaza District
Watch an OKC Thunder Game or Minor League Baseball Game in Bricktown
Honor the Victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing
Catch a Free Concert or Roller Skate in Scissortail Park
This massive public park is free to wander. Scissortail Park is over 70 acres right next to the arena in downtown Oklahoma City and is packed with ways to fill a weekend in OKC. 'Live from the Lawn' is a free concert series on Fridays in the summer. There's a ton to do in the park ranging from kayaking the little lake, a seasonal roller skating rink, a dog park, and plenty of places to picnic. You can also grab some fresh goodies on Saturday mornings in Scissortail Park at the farmer’s market.
Spending An Evening Exploring Oklahoma City's Bricktown Canal
Tucker rather sneakily in the downtown OKC neighborhood known as Bricktown is a sweet little river walk pack with a ton of ways to fill an evening. By night the river is lit up romantically giving San Antonio's rive walk a run for its money. As far as restaurants go, the menu pricing certainly reflects that of a tourist district. Skip Bricktown when it comes to dinner but plan to take to the river walk for drinks at the Tipsy Tiki, complete with live music and good vibes. Certainly doesn't feel like you're sitting in the middle of Oklahoma. If you're looking for a rowdy night out, make your way next door to Michael Murphy's Dueling Piano Bar - do expect to pay a cover and to find every Bachelorette party in town.
For those on a family trip or couples weekend trip in OKC, head to Brickopolis Entertainment. Brickopolis is a hub for all things fun. Play an ultimate round of OKC mini-golf with views of the canal, hit up the indoor arcade and laser tag, or get some air on the bungee trampoline or climbing wall. For those looking to see Bricktown by water, there's also a water taxi you can hop aboard, though I'll admit, it's seemingly a short ride.
Shop Until You Drop in the Plaza District
If you're looking to find some absolute vintage gems or stellar new items for your wardrobe, Plaza District in OKC is chock-full of incredible shops to bop around. Most importantly, the ultimate vintage store in Oklahoma City finds refuge here. Bad Granny's Bazaar is home to tons of amazing vendor booths where you can spend well over an hour perusing.
Right along the shopping strip, you'll also find the Plaza Walls, a creative pocket of murals tucked within the neighborhood. A weekend in Oklahoma City wouldn't be complete without snapping an Instagram-worthy pic with the Plaza Walls popping from the background.
Root for The Home Team
Most people looking for the best things to do around OKC are brought there in the first place by the main attraction: #SPORTS. Both the Thunder NBA team and the minor league baseball team, the OKC Dodgers, are right in downtown, making walkability to and from the stadiums to Bricktown a breeze.
Didn't make the trip to OKC for a game? Check out the schedule when you're in town to see if you can snag cheap last-minute tickets to get in on the action.
Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial
Make sure to dedicate some time on your trip to OKC to commemorate the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. There is a beautiful outdoor national memorial that travelers can visit for free or you can opt to spend a bit more time reflecting on this terrible day of American terrorism by going to the museum right next to the reflective pool.