Tulsa Botanic Garden – A Beautiful Oasis Minutes from Downtown

Callister loved all the pumpkins – a seasonal attraction.

I’m almost embarrassed to write this blog because it means I have to admit that I just made my first visit to Tulsa Botanic Garden. It was a long overdue visit! It is a gorgeous place that leaves you feeling like you traveled for away when really, you’re only minutes from downtown Tulsa. Spending a few hours at Tulsa Botanic Garden is a great little getaway for adults and kids!

One of the reasons it took me so long to visit is the location. Like most people, I tend to develop an area I am comfortable traveling in, and northwest of downtown Tulsa was not one of my familiar paths. I had the opportunity to go to one of the special events, DIG, so I finally went. The drive was not the big deal I had built it up to be. From my home in mid-Tulsa, it took me about 20 minutes. Once I got off the highway, it was a lovely drive. The parking is free and an easy walk to the entrance.

The entrance fee is $8 for general admission (ages 13+) and $4 for children ages 3-12. Advance tickets are required at this time. Click here to learn more about admission. The Tulsa Botanic Garden does participate in Museums for All, which means Recipients of SNAP or WIC benefits can receive $1 admission for up to four people, ages 13 and up (ages 12 and under free) during normal hours by showing a valid EBT card + photo ID.  Call 918-289-0330 to make your reservations with the date and time.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it’s much more beautiful and bigger than I had envisioned. We had our four-year-old grandsons with us but left the almost one-year-old granddaughter at home. It’s a perfect place to let your kid burn off some energy, as long as you can keep up with them! Fortunately, my husband is in better shape than I am, so they explored trails and looked at the gorgeous seven-acre lake while I sat under a shade tree. It was a hot day when we were there, about 92 degrees, and I’m rather a hot weather wimp. I kind of wanted to jump in that gorgeous lake, but alas, it is not allowed. As always, when there are bodies of water involved, keep a close eye on your little ones.

Always keep a close eye and hand when there is water!

I’m not going to pretend that we covered all the grounds and saw everything. It’s a massive place with the eventual plan to be sixty acres of gardens with an extra 110 acres of natural beauty on the west side of the gardens. We covered what two sixty-something grandparents and a four-year-old boy ready for a nap could cover. We loved it, and the bonus was, our grandson was so tired he fell asleep the minute we buckled him in, and he slept all the way home! I have plans to go back when the weather is cooler, like twenty degrees cooler. By the end of October, the weather should be just right. The drive will be even more gorgeous.

Callister was fascinated with this statue!

If you go, I encourage you to look at the website to get all the necessary information and make your advance reservations. Take a mask along for indoor spaces, and wear comfortable walking shoes.  If you’re inclined, take along your device to count your steps, you’ll score a high number for sure. Make sure you stay hydrated. There are opportunities for water in vending machines, or you may bring along your bottles of water, as long as they are not in glass containers. Pets are not allowed except for designated special days.

I plan to go again when the high temperatures drop to the 70s and the trees are turning beautiful colors. I’ll take along a picnic, some water, and wear comfortable shoes. I may even be selfish and leave the grandkids at home, so I can enjoy a slower pace. The Botanic Garden is a slice of heaven just a few minutes from the city, a trip worth taking for all ages.

Look at that lake! I’m envisioning a picnic for one with a good book as a companion!