10 Kid-Friendly Day Trips - MetroFamily Magazine
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10 Kid-Friendly Day Trips

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Exploring Oklahoma with kids is our specialty. MetroFamily’s owner actually got her start in the publishing industry by authoring books on the subject! We’re passionate about getting local families out of the house to explore everything Oklahoma has to offer. We understand that traveling with young children can be challenging, so we’ve rounded up a list of family road trips that are all within 100 miles of the Oklahoma City metro.

No need to pack your bags or make a hotel reservation. These easy day trips are loaded with family fun. Within about an hour and a half, you’ll be at a family-friendly destination where your kids can explore brand new attractions for a one-of-a-kind experience.

  1. El Reno is a quaint town west of the metro filled with charm and history. Home to Historic Fort Reno,  the sprawling historic site offers windswept views for miles. Explore the fort and the storied grounds to learn about Native American and military history. And finish your trip with a sweet treat at Sid’s Diner.
  2. About 100 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, Enid is a small town on the historic Chisholm Trail. The town is full of Old West history and has several attractions that provide hands-on ways for your kids to experience pieces of Oklahoma’s past they learn about in the classroom. See our top five Enid destinations and start planning your trip!
  3. Find family fun at a childhood favorite destination, Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park! Enjoy hiking, fishing and picnicking surrounded by 310 acres of steep, rugged cliffs and canyons.
  4. If you’re looking to encounter nature and see some of Oklahoma’s most beautiful outdoor recreation areas, head south to Sulphur and Davis. These two towns are less than 10 miles from each other and there are at least six beautiful attractions between the two that make it well worth the drive.
  5. If you’re looking for an extra special road trip out of the metro, a Route 66 adventure is a must. Head west on the Mother Road to see a variety of roadside oddities and historical hot spots. Weatherford is a 70-mile journey and our list of family-friendly destinations along the way will have your family loving every minute.
  6. Head east out of Oklahoma City about an hour and you’ll discover another popular children’s museum. The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum is an award-winning family destination in an unexpected location. Seminole is a small town but this kid-friendly attraction certainly makes it worth the drive.
  7. Journey southwest of the metro and you’ll discover varied landscapes and exciting surroundings. A terrific stop for families is Lawton, a history-filled town packed with opportunities to encounter wildlife and natural beauty. This round-up of top stops for families includes iconic eats, unique curiosities and a wildlife refuge that houses impressive bison herds.
  8. Hit the road out of Oklahoma City heading northeast and you’ll find a one-of-a-kind Oklahoma experience in Pawnee. This town gives the whole family a taste of the Wild West and we have an insider’s guide to getting the most out of the unique Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum.
  9. With the longest stretch of Route 66 in the country, Oklahoma is home to many roadside oddities. Landmarks and attractions began to pop up along the Mother Road back in its heyday and many are still around today. As you travel to other destinations, incorporate some of these famous roadside oddities. Or, set out on a journey to see as many as you can in one round trip. 
  10. Even if you’re a Sooner State adventure aficionado, we’ve uncovered some out-of-the-box day trip destinations including a trip to see the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site in Cheyenne, one of only three operated by the National Parks Service in our state. Visitors can learn about the tragic clash of cultures, what lead up to the attack and the history of the Great Plains Wars through museum exhibits, survivor narratives and a hike to see the hallowed grounds.

For even more Oklahoma road trip ideas with kids, check out our collection of family-focused travel articles

 

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