Feeling like you’ve been there and done that? Here are seven outside-of-the-box places to explore in and around OKC!
99s Museum of Women’s Pilots
museumofwomenpilots.org
4300 Amelia Earhart Rd, Oklahoma City; 405-685-9990
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Located inside The Ninety-Nines, Inc. International Headquarters building near Will Rogers World Airport, the 5,000-plus-square-foot museum contains displays and artifacts focusing on preserving the history of women in aviation, including one of the largest collections of Amelia Earhart memorabilia. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for kids. Children under 5 are free.
Arcadia Round Barn
arcadiaroundbarn.com
107 OK-66, Arcadia; 405-396-0824
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
A visit to this iconic Rt. 66 attraction is fun stop for families looking to experience something unexpected. Explore primitive farm equipment as you learn about the unique landmark. The barn’s beautiful ceiling is a sight to see in itself. Admission is free and the barn is open daily.
American Pigeon Museum
theamericanpigeonmuseum.org
2300 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City; 478-5175
Hours: Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The museum houses the largest collection of racing and fancy pigeon memorabilia in North America. Learn about the many varieties of pigeons, pigeon equipment and the history of military service involving pigeons, while browsing historically significant items from various pigeon fanciers including Thelma Snyder, “Doc” Hollander and more. The museum sits on a spacious 10-acre lot so be sure to head outside to see live pigeon displays, pigeon lofts and the gardens. Museum admission is free, however, donations are accepted.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Eagle Aviary
potawatomiheritage.com/aviary/
1899 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee; 405-275-3121
Hours: Tours of the Aviary are available Thursday-Saturday, by appointment only.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary offers a permanent home to eagles rescued from the wild that have been injured and cannot be successfully rehabilitated and released. This facility is the first of its kind to incorporate culturally significant elements into the facility design while focusing on sound husbandry practices. The CPN Aviary not only offers permanent homes to injured Eagles, but provides a source of naturally molted feathers for tribal members for cultural ceremonial use while providing the opportunity for individuals to reconnect with the living Eagle. Through education about the Eagle and wildlife they have the opportunity to share traditional Potawatomi culture, language and teachings. Tours are hosted by the eagles’ caretakers.
Further reading: All About Citizen Potawatomi Nations Eagle Aviary: 4 Ways to Prepare For a Visit
Harn Homestead
harnhomestead.com
1721 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City; 405-235-4058
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a .m.-4 p.m., last tour at 3 p.m.
Explore a territorial farm, one-room schoolhouse and Victorian home to learn about what early life was like in Oklahoma. Highlighting the waste-not-want-not ethic of a territorial farm family, guided tours offer a hands-on, educational look at the pioneering spirit of our state’s earliest residents. Tours happen at select times and are subject to availability, so be sure to call ahead. Admission is $7 for adults and $ for kids over four years old.
OKC Rattlesnake & Venom Museum
facebook.com/snakemuseumokc/
5500 S Walker aVe, Oklahoma City; 405-850-5905
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Got a budding herpetologist in your family? Get an up-close look at a selection of rattlesnakes from around the U.S., other venomous snakes from Oklahoma, venomous lizards and more. Live feedings happen regularly, so look for updates on the museum’s Facebook page. Admission is free, however, donations are accepted.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame
oklahomahof.com
1400 Classen Dr, Oklahoma City; 405-235-4458
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Experience Oklahoma’s story through its people while exploring the high-tech, interactive exhibits on display at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Step into life-size, gilded frames inspired by the contributing members; explore the galleries and portraits; create in a maker space inspired by the colorful and intricate Kris Kanaly Makerspace Mural and more. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6 – 17 and free for kids 5 and under, but be sure to check their website to learn about special events, many of which offer free admission.
Oklahoma Railway Museum
oklahomarailwaymuseum.org
3400 NE Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, 405-424-8222
Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
See freight cars, cabooses, passenger cars and even a real steam engine on display at the Oklahoma Railway Museum. On the first and third Saturday of each month, families can ride on a historic passenger coach pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Train rides are about 40 minutes. The museum hosts special events throughout the year.
Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum
osfa.info/museum/visiting
2716 NE 50th St, Oklahoma City, 405-424-1452
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Located near the Zoo in the Adventure District, the museum houses restored fire trucks and artifacts relating to fire service from the 18th century to today. See artifacts from the London Fire Brigade, pieces from the first fire station built in Oklahoma Territory and antique fire apparatus and equipment. Outside the museum is a Wall of Valor honoring fallen and living Oklahoma firefighters. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for kids (6-12) and free for kids under 6.
Overholser Mansion
overholsermansion.org
405 NW 15th St, Oklahoma City; 405-525-5325
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Many people have contributed to the thriving city we know and love today. Henry Overholser, who was considered by many to be the father of Oklahoma City, built the city’s first mansion. Step back in time inside his home and learn about the remarkable Overholser family. Operated by Preservation Oklahoma, the three-story, French chateau-style house showcases original furnishings, stained glass and ornate canvas-painted walls, highlighting social life at the time. Tours happen regularly throughout the day, beginning at the Carriage House and last 35 to 45 minutes. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids over the age of 6.
Worth the Drive:
Stafford Air & Space Museum
staffordmuseum.org
3000 Logan Rd, Weatherford; 580-772-5871
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m.
An official affiliate organization of the Smithsonian Institution, the Stafford Air & Space Museum is located in Weatherford, Oklahoma, the birthplace of legendary astronaut and aviation pioneer General Thomas P. Stafford. The museum houses over an acre of the finest collections of aviation and space flight exhibits in the central United States. Admission is $9.50 for adults and $4 for kids 5 and older.
And for even more ideas for things to do with your family in OKC, check out our searchable calendar and seasonal guides pack with family fun all year long. Or sign up for our e-newsletters to have great ideas delivered right to your inbox.
