Last-Minute Spring Break Fun

Spring Break is upon us. For those of you who lacked the time, financial flexibility, freedom or even the desire to plan an elaborate family vacation, fear not. It’s not too late to build your own Spring Break adventure in Tulsa. Here are some ways to create some special memories, whether you only have a few hours or a few days.

Tulsa Area

Outdoor and Indoor Attractions

Plenty of city parks and local businesses plan special events or activities around spring break. The Tulsa Zoo opens its BUGS exhibit March 14. The exhibit features 19 giant, animatronic bugs and incorporates movement, scent and sound. Entry to the exhibit is the cost of zoo admission plus $6 for nonmembers or $5 for members.

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks is a great place to spend the day without having to worry about the weather. Plan your visit around the feeding schedule. Or, consider booking a Sea Turtle Encounter (an additional charge) for a small group, special behind-the-scenes visit.

It goes without saying that Gathering Place is a beautiful outdoor environment to pass the time for kids of all ages. Entry to the park is free. Check the calendar for special events and performances. A skate park and basketball courts are especially attractive to older kids. Combine your visit with a stop at Discovery Lab. The space is remarkable, and while many of the exhibits are geared toward younger kids, there is a lot for everyone to enjoy.

The grounds at Philbrook Museum are stunning, and the museum’s calendar is geared towards family during the break. Make a day of it with a stop at Elote Café, the museum’s current “pop-up” café vendor for breakfast, lunch or coffee.

Hiking and Nature

Spend time outdoors at Turkey Mountain, featuring miles and miles of trails for walking and mountain biking. An incredible urban wilderness, access to this park is free. If it’s been a while since your last visit, you’ll be amazed by the improvements and expansion over the last several years. Check out the stone staircase -130 steps and more than 600 feet in length.

With a wide range of trails, Oxley Nature Center in Mohawk Park is always worth a visit. Check the calendar for special activities.

Sand Springs’ Keystone Ancient Forest is open Thursday through Sunday. Start with a quick stop at the Visitor’s Center to check out the map and choose your trail. Options range from short and sweet to longer, challenging hikes, and the setting is gorgeous.

If you didn’t grow up on a farm, but you’re fascinated by farm animals, consider a visit to Claremore’s Lucky R Ranch. Book a 30-minute session ($60 for up to four guests) to pet, brush, and take pictures with one of their Scottish Highland cows. These are big, sweet, beautiful animals, and you can feel your heart rate slowing just by being near them.

Road Trip

Natural Falls

If you have more time, head east. Natural Falls State Park on the Arkansas border features a stunning 77-foot waterfall, as well as multiple trails. Situated in the scenic Ozark Highlands region, the park was a set for several scenes from the 1974 movie, Where the Red Fern Grows. About an hour’s drive, it’s an easy, affordable day trip (entrance and parking are $10/car). There are camping options, too, and you can even overnight in a yurt!

Bentonville

Two hours from Tulsa, Bentonville, Arkansas is home to Crystal Bridges, a world-class museum sitting on 120 beautiful acres. Entrance is free, although some of the special exhibits are ticketed. If the weather is nice, park for free at the public lot adjacent to 21c Museum Hotel and follow the winding nature trail to the museum, taking in some of the outdoor exhibits along the way.

Extend your visit with a stroll through the picturesque, pedestrian-friendly downtown. Bentonville is a haven for coffee-lovers, and there are plenty of great restaurant options, too. If you’re looking for physical activity, bring along your bikes and try a leg of the expansive multi-use trail system that includes the Razorback Greenway. Stop by Phat Tire Bike Shop for some tips, or bike rentals, before you head out.

Eureka Springs

If you have a few days, a beautiful three-hour drive into Arkansas will get you to Beaver Lake. Here, you can rent a cabin with a view of the water, or pitch a tent at one of the many campsites. Depending on where you land on the lake, Eureka Springs, in all of its wonderful weirdness, is a short trip away. Stay overnight at the haunted Crescent Hotel (take a ghost tour!), hike around Lake Leatherwood or travel above the tree line at Ozark Mountain Ziplines.

Julie Wenger Watson is a freelance writer who’s worked in all aspects of music promotion. She’s also Co-Director of “Live From Cain’s,” a public radio show pilot.