14 Spring Break Ideas for Tweens and Teens
Local adventures, creative outlets and outdoor escapes
Whether you’re low on cash, low on time or just not interested in planning an elaborate holiday, there are plenty of ways you and your teen can enjoy spring break. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Animal Adventures
Tulsa Zoo
- tulsazoo.org
- Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
A perennial favorite for animal lovers of all ages, the Tulsa Zoo has done some major remodeling over the last few years. Its 124 acres are home to over 2,000 animals, including the latest addition of four Arapawa Island goats from New Zealand. Stop by the “Children’s Zoo” section for the chance to pet, brush and interact with some of the residents. Check the calendar for special activities; if you want a more intimate experience, behind-the-scenes tours and encounters can be scheduled for an additional charge.
Tulsa Trails West
- tulsatrailswest.com
- Trail rides available Friday and Saturday by reservation
Located in West Tulsa on Lookout Mountain, Tulsa Trails West offers one- and two-hour guided trail rides on the weekend. Kids must be 10 years old to ride and those 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Private group rides are also available.
High on a Hill Dairy Goats
If your interests run to cow cuddling and goat yoga, head to High on a Hill in Kellyville. Schedule a 30-minute mini cow snuggle for you and three of your besties, or join a Saturday goat yoga class. They also offer a Spring Break Farm Camp for ages 4-14.
Oklahoma Aquarium
- okaquarium.org
- Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (open Tuesday to 9 p.m.)
Chock full of amazing water creatures from Oklahoma and beyond, the Oklahoma Aquarium is popular for its walk-through shark tunnel and EcoZone with animals you can touch or feed.
Go Fish
Be an urban angler. The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Department stocks and monitors a variety of fish at Braden Park Pond, Hunter Park Pond and the two ponds in the southeast corner of Mohawk Park. If you’re a resident of the state and under 18 years old, you don’t need a license. Fishing is limited to rods and reels, and some fish limits apply.
Fun for Free
Get outside
Nature is basically free, and there are so many ways to enjoy it without traveling very far. Turkey Mountain Wilderness Area has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails to explore, and pets (on leashes) are welcome. With a short drive, you can immerse yourself in the Cross Timbers of Keystone Ancient Forest. Well-marked trails range from the smooth asphalt of the ADA-compliant Childers Trail to the rugged paths of the Falls. The preserve is open Thursday-Sunday, and leashed dogs are allowed on the first and third weekends. Oxley Nature Center in Mohawk Park is a hidden gem. The trails wind through forests, fields and wetlands.
The Gathering Place
This award-winning 70-acre park on the Arkansas River includes a skate park, basketball courts and a BMX pump track. Programming during spring break features Global Gatherings: Japan on March 21. Guests can experience the beauty and traditions of Japan through an immersive cultural celebration.
108 Contemporary
Visit Alicia Kelly’s Roughly Right solo exhibition and check out the craft kits in the art gallery store while you’re there.
Greenwood Rising
This museum tells the story of the historic Greenwood District and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Free admission is available to Oklahoma residents the second Friday of each month (March 13).
The Library
Don’t underestimate the fantastic Tulsa Library system. In addition to the huge selection of print, audio and electronic books, the library hosts a range of teen programming, including special events like movies, arts and crafts!
Art for All
Philbrook Museum
Located in an historic home near Woodward Park, Philbrook is a world-class art museum with 25 acres of gorgeous gardens. The museum offers discounted admission for youth ages 3-17, and entry is only $5 after 5 p.m. every Friday. Check the calendar for special activities, and don’t miss the Andy Warhol exhibit. Special exhibitions are extra.
Purple Glaze Studio
For a $4 studio fee and the cost of the ceramic item of your choice ($8 and up), create your own piece of art. Purple Glaze provides the supplies and glaze and fires your masterpiece once you complete it.
WaterWorks Art Center
A community art studio for all ages, WaterWorks offers classes and workshops in ceramics, drawing, painting, glass fusing, jewelry, basket making, weaving and more.
Tulsa Glassblowing School
If you’re new to glassblowing and want to try your hand, Tulsa Glassblowing School hosts one-hour “Hot Glass” experiences. You can choose from a menu of items and one of the TGS instructors will walk you through how to make it (prices vary according to the item selected).
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.
