Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
When the time rolls around to begin planning your family vacation, consider visiting the great state of Oklahoma. With much to offer in the way of family entertainment, the Sooner State will delight the kids with its many attractions and activities, and provide lots of wholesome family fun. If youre thinking of taking part in the Oklahoma experience, try some of these tourist spots that will please adults and children alike.
Frontier City C a member of the Six Flags family C is located in Oklahoma City. With over 50 rides, this park is a great place to spend the day and help the kids to burn off lots of youthful energy. Among the many rides, youll encounter Prairie Schooner, The Nightmare, Renegade Rapids, Geronimo Sky Coaster and Buzz Saw. Some of the milder rides include the Grand Carousel, Treasure Mountain, Swinging Six Guns and Tin Lizzys. In addition, the park also offers a wide variety of performances and special events, such as magic shows, western stunt shows, rock concerts and country music. All in all, this will make an exciting day for the entire family.
Also within the limits of Oklahoma City is the Oklahoma City Zoo, with its 110 acres of wonderful wildlife and botanical displays. Among the many exhibits are Island Life C featuring parrots, pink flamingos and tortoises, to name a few; The Butterfly Garden C a spectacular view of various butterflies in their natural habitat; Aquatics C an accumulation of over 1,500 water creatures from all over the world; Great EscAPE C a collection of chimpanzees, apes and orangutans in a Tropical Rain Forest setting; and the Cat Forest C a lively collection of wild cats, including Snow Leopards and Lions, which inhabit an area of the zoo that emulates their natural habitat. A wide variety of events and programs are offered to complement the zoo exhibits, as well as amusement rides and a rock climbing wall. Before you leave, dont forget to visit the zoos gift shop!
Before you leave the city, theres one more attraction that you simply must see C Oklahoma Childrens Theater. During the summer months, youll be able to choose from a variety of performances, staged by both adults and children. While shows are designed to target kids from the ages of 3 through 12, older children and adults will also be delighted by these wonderful performances. Youngsters will be mesmerized by their favorite characters in shows such as The Hobbit, Charlottes Web, Aladdin and the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. Of course, the performance line-up changes each summer, so dont count on a particular show being offered when your vacation time rolls around. Regardless of whats playing at the time, you and your family will love your experience with the Oklahoma Childrens Theater.
If a safari is more your cup of tea, then be sure to visit Arbuckle Wilderness, located in Davis, Oklahoma. This thrilling park C boasting over 400 acres in size C is home to hundreds of exotic animals. Whether you prefer to drive in the comfort of your own car or take a guided tour on the Safari Bus, youll have the opportunity to explore the wilds and get an up-close look at the animals in a habitat that resembles their own natural environment. The kids will be in awe of these wild beasts coming right up to their car windows to sneak a peek at their latest visitors. This would be a great location for a family reunion, as well, since Arbuckle Wilderness offers hayrides and barbecue cook-outs for groups of 25 or more. A stop at the gift shop is a must! These are among the most gorgeous animal and Indian related souvenirs to be found, on display in a wilderness background. The whole family will love this vacation spot!
Jenks, Oklahoma is home to the Oklahoma Aquarium C a gathering of thousands of ocean creatures housed within gorgeous exhibits. Among the many attractions are Marvels and Mysteries of the Deep, Ocean Room, Shark Adventure and Coral Reefs. Also offered are Education WetLabs C these provide kids with the opportunity for some interactive exploration of underwater life. There are also a lot of educational opportunities, as families are exposed to exhibits such as Principles of Survival: Aquatic Adaptations. In addition to the exhibits, a gift shop and deli are also on the premises, for those who care for a bit of refreshment or a souvenir of their aquatic experience. This is a huge facility, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
The Jasmine Moran Childrens Museum C located in Seminole C is an ideal place for kids to learn, play and actually experience what its like to become what they want to be when they grow up. This interactive museum was created with kids from the ages of 3 to 12 in mind. The interior has been designed as an imaginary town, with a variety of places that offer kids the chance to become a doctor, firefighter or any of a large number of occupations that might interest them. Some of the areas in this make-believe town are Creativity Central, Homeland Grocery Store, Water Works, Gentle Dental, Kids Hospital and KKID-TV Station. The museum also offers a gift shop and picnic area. You have to see this place to believe it!
Read Ranch, in Chandler, Oklahoma, is chock full of fun and activities for all members of the family. Their family ranch C not a dude ranch C will provide a great western experience for the kids and their parents. Spend the day playing horseshoes, visiting the petting zoo, going on a hayride and attending a wiener roast. Walk among the Texas Longhorn Cattle and Buffalo C sometimes they even venture as far as the parking area! Since this isnt listed as a dude ranch, there are no sleeping accommodations unless youre a member of a large group. If you happen to be working a visit into a family reunion, however, and have a large number of folks (up to 1500!), then camping facilities and bunkhouses are provided. Horseback riding is also available, as well as pony rides for the younger set.
In Ponca City, youll find Sun n Fun Waterpark C a great place for the family to cool off on a hot summers day. Featuring Wild Water Waves, Lazy River, Twister and Kiddie Cove, the park is full of slides and various water activities, as well as bumper boats, go-karts and miniature golf. Also included are the patio, pavilion and the snack and gift shop, for those who need a bit of refreshment or a souvenir to take home. The kids will love the exciting water rides, and the adults can get in on the fun, too! One of the perks of this particular park is that you pay one price for the day, and are invited to stay for as long as you desire without paying for individual activities.
Regardless of which area of the state youre visiting, Oklahoma has something for you! For more information on vacation ideas and packages, contact the Department of Tourism or your local travel agent.
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