Family Fun & Travel: TulsaKids’ Family Favorites Winners & Finalists
TulsaKids’ readers are active families who enjoy finding the best things to do in and around Tulsa. Here are places that garnered the most votes in this fun category.
Favorite Museum
Photo by Ian Upton
Discovery Lab
Once again, Discovery Lab is our readers’ top pick for favorite museum. While kids engage in creative, hands-on play, they’re learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math through the permanent and traveling exhibits. Special events and programming, camps and sensory friendly hours are just a few of the things that make Discovery Lab special. This year, the Stemcell Science Shop and Elote Café and Catering add to the museum experience.
Finalists: Philbrook Museum; Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
Favorite Local Attraction
Gathering Place
Since it opened in 2018, Gathering Place has captured the hearts of Tulsa families. A consistent winner, the park truly lives up to its mission of being a gathering place for all. Playgrounds for all ages, a zipline, plentiful food options and ongoing performances and programming make it a winner. Drawing visitors throughout Green Country and beyond, Gathering Place brings people together to play, be entertained and learn in a welcoming space.
Finalists: Tulsa Zoo; Oklahoma Aquarium
Favorite Sports Team
Photo courtesy Tulsa Drillers
Tulsa Drillers
For another year, the Tulsa Drillers have been voted a winner by TulsaKids’ readers. Everyone in the family can find something to enjoy during a Drillers game at ONEOK Field. Hornsby’s Kids Club, awesome promotions and giveaways, Sunday Fundays, fireworks – and even a playground to entertain the youngest Drillers fans while their parents watch the game – are just a few reasons families love the Tulsa Drillers.
Finalists: Oklahoma City Thunder; Tulsa Oilers
Favorite Local Park/Place to Get Outside
Gathering Place
Gathering Place nabs the top spot in yet another category – and another year! With over 100 acres to roam, play, boat, eat and watch live performances, this park has it all. Parents can get kids outside, away from screens and enjoy making memories together any time of the year.
Finalists: Elam Park; Whiteside Park
Favorite State Park
Natural Falls State Park
TulsaKids’ readers chose Natural Falls again this year as their favorite state park. Located near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border, a 77-foot waterfall attracts visitors to this scenic area. RV or tent camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing and many other activities are popular with area families. You can even rent a yurt for a unique stay as you commune with the local wildlife.
Finalists: Robbers Cave State Park; Beavers Bend State Park
Favorite Place to Camp in Oklahoma
Beavers Bend State Park/Broken Bow
Whether in a tent or a cabin, Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow brings families back to camp year after year. In only a little over a three-hour drive, families can set up camp in a gorgeous environment while finding plentiful activities nearby. Kids and parents can be as chill or as active as they choose to be.
Finalists: Robbers Cave State Park; Keystone State Park
Favorite Hotel in Tulsa
The Mayo Hotel
It’s hard to beat the history and elegance of one of Tulsa’s oldest hotels. Playing host to luminaries from politicians to musicians to actors, you never know who you might run into at The Mayo. Parents find the hotel with its fine dining, beautifully restored rooms and rooftop bar the perfect spot for a stay-cation away from the kids.
Finalists: Hard Rock Hotel; Brut Hotel
Favorite Weekend Getaway
Branson, Missouri
Our readers love Branson – it’s a winner year after year. Tucked into the stunning Ozarks, Branson is the perfect getaway. Silver Dollar City, White Water, the Titanic Museum, hiking trails, golf, go-karts and more give families a reason to return. It’s only about a three-hour drive, but you can also fly to Branson if you’re in a hurry to get started on the fun.
Finalists: Eureka Springs, AR; Broken Bow
Favorite Place to Buy an RV
Wade’s RV
TulsaKids’ readers once again chose Wade’s RV as their favorite place to purchase a fun road trip vehicle. Mom, Dad, kids, pets and maybe a friend or two can take to the road in a fully outfitted RV from Wade’s RV. The memories built from discovering the U.S. together are priceless.
Finalists: Bob Hurley RV; Camping World
Favorite Place to Play Indoors
Discovery Lab
It turns out that our readers’ favorite museum is also their favorite indoor place to play. Discovery Lab is geared toward active play that engages both the brain and the body. Parents love knowing that time spent indoors at Discovery Lab is time that their kids are learning while they play.
Finalists: Adventure Avenue; Wheels and Thrills
Favorite Family-Friendly Live Performance
Disney on Ice
Disney on Ice and “The Nutcracker” switched places this year, but both are much-loved traditions for Tulsa families. Year after year, Disney on Ice delivers an incredible, new performance that awes audiences and delights children as they watch the familiar characters gliding on ice in front of them. Disney on Ice is a winner.
Finalists: “The Nutcracker” by Tulsa Ballet; Guthrie Green
Favorite Festival
Photo courtesy Tulsa State Fair
Tulsa State Fair
Fall wouldn’t be the same without the Tulsa State Fair’s “11 Days of Awesome.” The fun food, rides, animals, educational opportunities, concerts and performances all make this historic event a family favorite. What will the new fair food be this year?
Finalists: Oktoberfest; Mayfest
