Get outside and enjoy nature in the metro as a family!
“Exploring nature provides many benefits, especially when experienced as a family,” said Jennifer McClintock, with the city of Oklahoma City. “First and foremost, it helps you re-connect with the people closest to you. When you’re hiking in the woods or along a trail, you can let go and experience the world as it was intended to be.”
“Families can look for wildlife together, play a game of nature ‘I Spy,’ go geocaching or participate in a nature scavenger hunt, all of which can improve observation and communication skills, especially as it gets everyone away from screens and smartphones, which are such a constant part of our lives these days,” McClintock adds.
And the best news is, you don’t have to travel far to experience the wonders of nature. It’s all right here in the Oklahoma City metro. Ready to unplug and reconnect with your family? Here are five beautiful places to rediscover nature close to home.
Urban Paradise
Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W. Memorial Rd, okc.gov/parks) is a 144-acre preserve located in northwest Oklahoma City. Martin Park is home to many species of animals including butterflies, squirrels, deer, foxes, coyotes, armadillos and a multitude of birds. Hiking trails weave through the wooded and grassland areas of the park, with signage and trail maps available to guide and educate visitors. Additional park amenities include a playground, pavilion for rent, restrooms and an education center offering a variety of educational programs. Regular park hours are 5 a.m. – 9 p.m., April 1 – Sept. 30. & 5 a.m. – 6 p.m., Oct. 1 – March 31. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Path to Good Health
The Bert Cooper Trails at Lake Hefner (Britton Road near Lake Hefner Parkway, okc.gov/trails) are multi-use paved paths that loop around an approximately 9.1-mile circumference of the lake. The 6- and 12-foot wide paved trails are perfect for biking, rollerblading, walking and running and are open from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. Clear signs and maps help to keep park-goers oriented. Other amenities along the trails include portable restrooms, drinking fountains and picnic areas. Lake Hefner, its parks and the Bert Cooper trails offer many activities for all ages to enjoy, including access to fishing docks, ball fields, playgrounds, restaurants and the Lake Hefner Golf Course. Ample parking is offered at a variety of points around the lake, with large lots along the east side of the lake accessible from Britton or Hefner Roads, or on the south side of the lake at Stars & Stripes Park.
Horticulture Heaven
Located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, Myriad Gardens (301 W. Reno, myriadgardens.org) is a 17-acre park between West Reno, West Sheridan, South Hudson and South Robinson Avenues. A children’s garden, an off-leash dog park, restaurant, splash fountains and paths for walking and jogging provide families with ample opportunities to explore nature right in the city. The outdoor grounds hours are 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily and access is free.
The Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory in the center of the Myriad Gardens features a captivating plant collection, reflection pool, waterfall and more, beautifully displayed inside a unique, cylindrical building. The Crystal Bridge includes 13,000 square feet of plant display area. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10.50 for adults, $9 for seniors and active military, $7 for students and $5.50 for children ages 4–12. Children under 4 are free.
The Myriad Gardens offers a variety of events including classes, festivals and horticultural education programs for adults and children throughout the year.
Outdoor Adventures
Arcadia Lake is located approximately two miles east of I-35 between 15th and 2nd Streets in Edmond. The lake is part of the Deep Fork River and offers 26 miles of total shoreline for lots of outdoor adventure, including fishing, boating, skiing, swimming and other water sports. Three inter-connected city parks are located in the northwest section of the lake, including the 249-acres Central State Park (7900 E. 2nd St), Edmond Park (7100 E. 2nd St) and Spring Creek Park (7200 E. 15th St). All parks are open for playing and outdoor recreation from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. for day use, and camping is also available. The parks offer parking areas, playgrounds, swimming, restrooms, pavilions, lake access and trails. Spring Creek Park also offers two 18-hole Frisbee disc golf courses. The lake’s most popular trail is the 6.5-mile multiple-use trail which extends from the main park office to Spring Creek Park. Originally designed for mountain bikers, this single dirt track trail also attracts hikers, cross-country runners and walkers to enjoy the twisting and winding trail that features beautiful bridges and water crossings.
Spring Creek Trail runs from a new Wellness Park on the west side of I-35 to Spring Creek Park and the Arcadia Lake Trail, a paved 18-mile trail around the lake, enables walkers, joggers and cyclists to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while preserving the native habitat and vegetation. Find more information at edmondok.com/418/Trails.
Nature in Norman
The George M. Sutton Wilderness Park (1920 12th Ave N.E., Norman) is comprised of approximately 200 acres of native land, including a lake, gazebo and walking/jogging course. The park is a thriving ecosystem, designed as a representation of the natural ecology of Oklahoma. Dirt trails connect the park’s various habitats, which include prairie patches, wooded areas surrounding a lake, creeks, ponds and marshes. A variety of plants and animals thrive in this mixed habitat, including reptiles, mammals and a variety of rodents. Named after the internationally-recognized bird artist and University of Oklahoma professor George Miksch Sutton, the park attracts a large variety of both year-round and migratory birds (including great egrets, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, painted buntings, numerous native sparrows, Nashville warblers, red-winged blackbirds, hawks and owls), making it a perfect place to introduce children to bird watching and identification. Free ample parking is located adjacent to the park and the park closes at dusk.
A True Hidden Gem
Bluff Creek Park (11301 N. Meridian Ave, okc.gov/parks) is a tranquil space nestled just north of Hefner Lake. Oklahoma City’s HB Parsons Fish Hatchery is also nearby. They manage the city’s fish populations and fisheries programs and host open house events a few times a year for families to explore their facility and the inner workings of their programs.
Designed with families in mind, Bluff Creek Park has a wealth of amenities perfect for an afternoon exploring nature including covered picnic areas, paved paths that meander through the park and bike paths that pass through wooded areas for bikers to explore. The park is home to various wildlife and has several ponds and creek areas. Deer are often spotted by visiting families.
There is also a large playground area at the front of the park, perfect for kids of all ages to get their wiggles out.
Plan Your Adventure
In addition to spending time outside, numerous studies have shown that even a short walk in a natural environment can help improve mode and decrease stress.
“Regular contact with nature can improve brain function, and even help children who are affected by ADHD or certain spectrum disorders learn to focus,” McClintock concludes. “There is simply no drawback to experiencing the outdoors, especially when it’s so close at hand.”
So unplug, pack some snacks, apply sunscreen and lace up your sneakers for a fun family adventure outdoors.
