Places to Go: Nature Centers
These community nature centers offer an affordable way to learn more about the wildlife, plant life and habitats you’ll find in the Tulsa area. And they are all connected to family-friendly hiking trails so you can supplement your learning with a nature walk!
Photo courtesy Ray Harral Nature Center
Ray Harral Nature Center
Originally built around Broken Arrow’s historic spring, Ray Harral Nature Park features three miles of trails, a pollinator garden and a family-friendly Nature Center.
“Inside the Nature Center, visitors can explore interactive exhibits featuring Oklahoma’s native wildlife, browse our nature reference library or observe the forest from our observation deck,” explains Miranda Adams, Nature Center Supervisor.
A sensory station and several ambassador animals that call the nature center home make the building particularly enjoyable for younger visitors. Before you hit the trails, speak with a staff naturalist, especially if it’s your first visit.
“We can recommend trails based on your interests, help identify plants and wildlife, suggest ways to create native habitats at home, and provide information about our upcoming programs and events,” says Adams. Events include monthly programming like full moon hikes and nature crafts, as well as annual events such as a Pollinator Party and Earth Day Celebration.
“Fall is a wonderful time to explore the trails at Ray Harral Nature Center,” says Adams. “Keep an eye out for migrating birds and monarch butterflies, especially during September’s Parks for Pollinators Month. Look for the vibrant leaves of hickory trees, colorful fall wildflowers like asters and goldenrods, or mushrooms helping break down organic matter on the forest floor. You may even spot reptiles soaking up the last warm rays of sunshine before cooler temperatures arrive.”
7101 S. 3rd St., Broken Arrow
facebook.com/rayharralnaturecenter
Photo courtesy Oxley Nature Center
The Interpretive Center at Mary K. Oxley Nature Center
Oxley Nature Center is known for having broad, flat trails perfect for visitors of all ages. And the Interpretive Center offers a wealth of knowledge through ongoing displays, events and more. “The Interpretive Center holds so many interesting things to see and do for all ages,” confirms Maggie Regan, Nature Programs Manager. “There are items you can touch like turtle shells filled with acorns, hardened fish scales, deer antlers, seeds, moss, feathers and more.” In addition to these intriguing specimens, visitors can view artist-in-residence Taylor Painter-Wolfe’s studio — and create their own works of art using her hand-felted and hand-dyed material.
“One of our most unique and intriguing displays is the work of resident naturalist Kyle Thomas,” says Regan. “Kyle articulates avian skeletons into dynamic poses and artfully reattaches some of the feathers.” Thomas’s work and workshop are on view at the Interpretive Center, and if you visit on Thursdays, you may even see him in action.
Regan recommends asking the on-site staff/volunteers about trail conditions, plants currently in bloom and notable wildlife sightings before your hike. Plus, you can check out walking sticks, high-quality binoculars and Discovery Packs (backpacks full of supplies to enhance your hike), all free of charge.
Other Interpretive Center amenities include a reading corner stocked with nature-themed books and the Bur Oak classroom, which hosts events like Nature Story Times, music programs, art classes and more.
“Oxley is special for so many reasons,” says Regan. “It is one of the only places around where the more-than-human world is top priority. For that reason, you won’t encounter things like pets or bikes on our trails, making for a really peaceful outdoor experience.”
6700 Mohawk Blvd., Tulsa
oxleynaturecenter.org
Naturalist Kim Watson, M.A., CIG, holding Harvey the corn snake
Samuel Washington Woodhouse Nature Center at Chandler Park
Located inside Chandler Park’s Community Center, the Samuel Washington Woodhouse Nature Center, which opened in 2024, may not be large, but it is packed full of hands-on activity stations, educational displays and more. Especially popular among young visitors are the resident Animal Ambassadors: Demetrius, a bearded dragon; Azul, a tarantula; and Harvey, a 15-year-old corn snake.
“These animals, and especially Harvey, serve a critical role in representing unique animals as a beneficial, fascinating and important members of our world,” says Kim Watson, M.A., CIG, activity coordinator and naturalist for Tulsa County Parks.
Visit on weekdays or Saturdays to meet one of the park’s naturalists, who are happy to answer questions about the Nature Center and trails.
Seasonal events held at Chandler Park include an award-winning Earth Day event in April, and Monarchs on the Mountain (Sept. 19, 2026), which is the largest monarch migration event in Oklahoma, Watson explains. They also host homeschool science programs, a monthly Nature Babies program for ages 0-5, archery clubs, guided hikes and more. Visit the Tulsa County Parks website or follow @chandlerparktulsa on Facebook to stay in-the-know.
“We hope to help you learn about conservation education, how to be active and positive about environmental issues, and also how to help you find your peace in nature!” says Watson.
6500 W. 21st St., Tulsa
tulsacounty.org
