Parenting during the pandemic has been nothing short of brutal. Cancelations and virtual schooling have forced many OKC families to get creative when trying to entertain their children. Here are a few safe experiences in the metro area that will get your family out of the house and give your kids a much-needed break from screens.
Nature’s Hub
Pandemic precautions: Outdoor social distancing, masks required in visitors center.
Enjoy hiking miles of various trails through woods, grassland, and rivers at the Martin Park Nature Center. Whether it’s to stay warm in the late winter wind or be comfortable for early spring, be sure to check the weather and dress appropriately for the trails. There are additional amenities such as wildlife observation towers, playgrounds, and a visitor center with live animals and guides. Click on here to visit the Martin Park Nature Center website for further information.
Hold your horses
Pandemic precautions: Scheduled appointment required, limited capacity, outdoor social distancing
One of the most famous set of Clydesdale horses — second only to those beer hauling equines that dominate Super Bowl commercials — are located at the Express Clydesdales Ranch. Visitors are invited to enjoy self-guided tours and interactions with the massive Clydesdales throughout the stables, barns, farm grounds, and a welcome center. Kids and adults alike will love petting and feeding these world champion horses. To learn more about the ranches’ amenities and services, click on the Express Clydesdales Ranch website.
A Garden Walk
Pandemic precautions: Outdoor social distancing
The Myriad Botanical Gardens are home to a 17-acre natural escape in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Patrons can experience the Botanical Gardens Cafe restaurant, Reading Wednesday – a book club for kids ages 2 to 5 in the Crystal Bridge – an amphitheater, dog park and large children’s play area. Kids can run free in the music maze and on dozens of climbing play sets. Click on the Myriad Botanical Garden website for more information.
Park Plans
Pandemic precautions: Outdoor social distancing
Recently opened and much-anticipated, Scissortail Park lives up to the hype. This 70-acre urban park in downtown spans blocks and has something for all ages including a children’s playground, the Sky Rink roller skating venue that plans to open in the spring, numerous garden paths, a dog park and more. Food trucks frequent the area, ensuring a safe, socially distant meal for all families. Be sure to check the park’s calendar for concert schedules and upcoming events. More information can be found at the Scissortail Park website.
On the wild side
Pandemic precautions: Advanced reservations required, limited capacity, masks required for age 11 and up while indoors
So large it’s nearly impossible to cover in one day, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens has been lauded for its conservation efforts including its care for 54 endangered or threatened species, and its participation in 45 Species Survival Plans, which ensure the survivability of species globally. Covering nearly 120 acres, this living museum is home to over 1,900 animal species from around the world including elephants, a variety of apes, exotic birds and more. The expanded Sanctuary Asia habitat was nominated by USA Today readers as one of the 10 Best Zoo Exhibits in the country in 2019. To learn more, click on the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens website.
