Discover OKC on a family Scavenger Hunt! - MetroFamily Magazine
MetroFamily Magazine

Where OKC parents find fun & resources

Discover OKC on a family Scavenger Hunt!

by Lindsay Cuomo. Photos provided.

Reading Time: 5 minutes 

Taking time to have fun as a family, explore new places and revisit favorite spots add the elements of delight and adventure to our lives — and we believe that makes families stronger. Experience our city in a new way this year by using this scavenger hunt to take a deeper look at our favorite attractions, parks and communities. Who knows what exciting and unexpected things you might find?!

Take MetroFamily along on your journey by tagging #okcfamilyfun as you share photos from your explorations. We can’t wait to see what you discover!


photo by Scott McDonald, Gray Studios

Oklahoma Contemporary’s award-winning architecture is a sight in itself, especially the zigzagging Ceremonial Stair. The innovative lighting in the staircase makes you feel like you are inside a work of art. If beautiful art makes you want to bust a move, then our next spot at Oklahoma Contemporary is just for you and other dance enthusiasts. Hint — this spot has a spectacular view of downtown.


Have you met Oklahoma’s best friend? While visiting the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the oldest statewide hall of fame in the United States, be on the lookout for a special statue honoring an iconic civic leader known as Mr. Oklahoma City. Then, search for a way to make “X”-treme tunes on the sensory wall in the Makerspace exhibit.


What do prairie dogs, goldfish and the color red have in common? More than you might think! While Myriad Gardens is well known for its natural beauty, three sculptures grace the gardens. Find the sculptures, which double as PokéStops in the popular Pokémon GO mobile game.


As you explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, you’ll find that animals play a starring role in the American West. In fact, some very famous four-legged rodeo legends are buried in the museum’s garden burial grounds. Bonus: hunt for two furry friends that are a bit sneaky. Hint – one is hiding in the Friess Family Playground, the other in Prosperity Junction


photo by Logan Sullivan

The OKC Zoo is 120 years old and home to more than 1,000 animals from all over the world. Residing in the Children’s Zoo are the zoo’s oldest animals. They can live to be over 100 years old! (Fun fact: a group is called a creep.) Can you find out their names? Next, see if you can locate a pride of very sleepy animals. Perhaps the “king” of cat naps, this species sleeps up to 20 hours a day and their roar can be heard from up to 5 miles away.


Scissortail Park is a hub of activity for big concerts, family picnics, afternoon walks and playtime. This urban oasis is also home to some important pollinators that help keep the gardens blooming. Head to the south end of the park, by Union Station, to see if you can find some of these creatures buzzing around their special home! (Fun facts about bees: they have five eyes, and a female bee produces about a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.) While there, investigate closely and you might find some prehistoric treasures hiding in the sandstone of Union Station.


Did you know “The Science Museum” was once located at State Fair Park? Known then as the Oklahoma Science and Arts Foundation, Science Museum Oklahoma moved into its current location in 1978. Today, the museum is a hub for hands-on learning and scientific exploration for all ages. While at the museum, channel your inner Ralphie and find a leg lamp in Curiocity. Then head over to the Aviation Gallery to locate Amelia Earhart’s thermos!


SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology invites families to compare more than 300 animal skeletons, large and small, from around the world. On your next visit, can you find the largest bird egg on display and a mammal whose wings double as its hands?


photo by Lindsay Cuomo

Ruby Grant Park is one of Norman’s newest outdoor recreation destinations and features an inclusive playground, disc golf course, walking trails and more. Hidden along one of the trails is an “egg”cellent public art piece. Can you find it?


 

The Sam Noble Museum is home to more than 10 million objects and artifacts that span 4 billion years of history! If you look closely, you can find some interesting specimens connected to Oklahoma, including a complete fossil of a prehistoric creature that was found right in Norman and now is on display in the Hall of Ancient Life. This tank-like creature lived in the Early Permian period. Then, head upstairs to see some modern-day neighbors in the mixed-grass prairie diorama. See if you can spot a furry rodent or two that are part of the ground squirrel family.


Edmond is home to more than 200 pieces of public art! From the Girl Scout Centennial, Stick Horse Stampede and Best Friends statues at Mitch Park, Big Wish at Hafer Park to Humpty Dumpty downtown, how many can you find?!


photo by Claudia Krshka

In the heart of Yukon, three city parks honor the area’s connection to the Chisholm Trail. Near the pond in City Park, be on the hunt for a well-visited historic spot that was essential for weary travelers. At the north end of Chisholm Trail Park, a monument honors early settlers of Township 12.


Happy hunting!

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