Best Family Hiking Spots In the Tulsa Area

Tara Rittler,

The Tulsa area is full of natural beauty! When you need to get out and about, consider visiting one of our favorite local hiking spots for the whole family.

1. Turkey Mountain

​The Facts: Turkey Mountain is home to 20+ miles of trails, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, trail running or horseback riding. Trails range in length from the .8-mile Red Loop to the 5.7-mile Pink Trail.

2. Tulsa Botanic Garden

  • Address: 3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr.
  • Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Seasonally extended hours on Thursdays.
  • Price: General Admission (16 years and up), $8; Children (3-15 years), $4; Children under 2 get in free
  • Website: tulsabotanic.org

The Facts: While you may not think of a garden as a place to go hiking, the Tulsa Botanic Garden not only has a ¾-mile paved Lakeside Promenade, it also has 1.5-mile Cross Timbers Trail, which leads visitors from the Persimmon Grove, to perambulate through a beautiful prairie landscape, and back again.

Don’t Miss: Check Tulsa Botanic Garden’s online calendar for upcoming events.

3. Oxley Nature Center 

  • Address: 6700 Mohawk Blvd.
  • Hours: Gates open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Mohawk Park open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Website: oxleynaturecenter.org

The Facts: Oxley Nature Center has several broad, flat trails, making it an ideal hiking destination for families. The trails take visitors through several different types of terrain, from a grassy plain to a marsh, forest and more.

Don’t Miss: Oxley Nature Center hosts a variety of special monthly walks, including a Saturday morning Bird Walk (8 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month), a Butterfly Walk (10:30 a.m. on the 3rd Saturday of each month) and Full Moon Walks, which you can register for by emailing oxley@cityoftulsa.org or calling 918.596.9054.

4. Keystone Ancient Forest

The Facts: The Keystone Ancient Forest is home to trees up to 500 years old, as well as a variety of native animal species, from bobcats to American eagles. Trail Guides are available to help novice hikers or those interested in learning more about the landscape, but you are welcome to hike alone as well. There are four trails to choose from. The Childers Trail is about .6-miles long and is ADA accessible. The Frank Trail is about 2.8 miles and is moderately difficult, thanks to some steeper inclines. The Wilson Trail is difficult and, according to the website, “Hikers should hike at their own risk, and may encounter steep slopes, poor footing, native wildlife and potentially deadly drop-offs.” The newest trail, Falls Trail, opened in Spring 2021. This 3-55-mile, difficult trail becomes slippery when wet. But it is very beautiful! None of the three trails are recommended for children younger than fourth grade.

Don’t Miss: Do you have a favorite four-legged hiking buddy? Keep an eye on Keystone Ancient Forest’s calendar for special “Hike With Your Dog” days.

5. Ray Harral Nature Center & Park

The Facts: Take a break from urban life at the Ray Harral Nature Center and Park. This 40-acre park has three-mile walking trail, picnic areas, a fishing pond and more. The Nature Center allows kids to further their nature exploration with interactive exhibits, a 60-gallon aquarium and other native animals.

Don’t Miss: Follow Ray Harral Nature Center on Facebook to stay in-the-know about upcoming events.

6. Haikey Creek Park

The Facts: In addition to a gentle trail that takes visitors through a grove of native pecan trees, Haikey Creek Park also has a 18-hole disc golf course, picnic areas, playgrounds, and other amenities.

7. Chandler Park

The Facts: Chandler Park includes 192 acres of wooded land, complete with hiking, rock climbing, disc golf – and even Oklahoma’s largest splash park!

8. Redbud Valley Nature Preserve

The Facts: Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is a unique destination, home to “plants and animals found nowhere else in northeastern Oklahoma.” In order to best protect the wildlife while still allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the preserve, Redbud Valley is only open on weekends.

Hiking with younger kids? Check out Margaritte Arthrell-Knezek’s (Executive Director and Lead Educator at Under the Canopy LLC) tips for Hiking with Young Children here.

Categories: Family Travel, Summer Fun

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