The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History located at the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, OK is a great sensory experience for kids and parents. Here’s a guide for getting the most out of this wonderful museum.

Permanent Exhibits

The Museum is a research division of the University of Oklahoma, housing over seven million objects and specimens in 12 collections. Permanent exhibits include specimens of archaeology, ethnology (the study of human cultures and societies) and Native American Languages.

The Hall of Ancient Life features fossils and articulated skeletons of the world’s largest Apatosaurus and Saurophaganax maximus, a fearsome predator unique to Oklahoma. The Hall of the People of Oklahoma traces the 30,000-year history of the Native people of Oklahoma. Exhibits begin with the earliest archaeological evidence and travel through time to an examination of what it means to be Native American in Oklahoma today. The entry walls are covered in handprints made by representatives from 26 of Oklahoma’s 39 federally recognized tribes.

When you are done exploring, the museum’s

Redbud Café is a relaxing place to fill those grumbling tummies (closed Mondays). Souvenirs of your trip can be purchased at

Excavations, the museum’s store.

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History’s exhibits are all exceptional sensory experiences filled with hands-on learning tools, sound effects and fantastic visuals to keep even the squirmiest kid interested. The museum is located at 2401 Chautauqua Avenue in Norman. For more information about the museum, call 405-325-4712 or visit their website, snomnh.ou.edu.

Karen Mitchell, a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, lives in Edmond with her husband, Mark, teenage son, Ryan, and one spoiled Welsh Corgi. Daughter, Megan, attends OSU in Stillwater.