“You’re going to Oklahoma City…again?” – words from a friend after we announced we were headed out on our third weekend getaway in the span of a few months to OKC.
Our family can’t seem to help ourselves! After a recent pit stop with girlfriends on the way to Waco to see the Magnolia Market at the Silos and tagging along on a work trip with my husband – Oklahoma City has quickly become our family’s go-to weekend getaway from Wichita! Maybe because of the familiar feeling (it slightly resembles Wichita but with more attractions) or because it’s quick and easy, being just over a two hour drive, or because it’s an inexpensive way to experience a change of scenery – but we find ourselves continuing to go back when we need a getaway to reconnect as a family.
A huge thank you to Visit OKC who mapped out our itinerary (and gave us options – we have a hard time being tied down to a schedule). I want to share our itinerary because it was PERFECT for our family of four, including a 2 year old and a 4 year old.
Accommodations:
I mean, let’s be honest, our kids get excited the moment we say we are going on a road trip because that means they get to stay in a “HOTEL”! And it’s all they talk about the entire way to our destination (because we aren’t one of the lucky ones who have children that nap in cars). And even though we loved our stay at the modern and happening Aloft Hotel (particularly because we didn’t have to do much driving – many of our activities were within walking distance, which we prefer!), we didn’t spend much time in the hotel at all. We had too much fun to have! *One thing to note, our room did not have a bathtub, only a sweet modern shower – so if we’d had super little ones, we would have had to use the sink.
Family-Friendly Eats:
Brickopolis:
We arrived later in the day on Thursday, and this was the perfect stop for kiddos who really needed to get the wiggles out. My husband wanted to play mini golf (which we would totally do when we go back), but we were reaching our maximum “fun capacity” for the day. Great stop for sandwiches, burgers, and pizza.
WMB Menu Recommendation: (and contributor Ginny’s favorite) fried pickles!
Hatch (Breakfast):
I love a good breakfast dining experience, and I really wanted to take the family back after eating at this super trendy and delicious local spot with friends a few months ago. I have to say, it was more fun without exhausted children. BUT, still worth every bit.
WMB Menu Recommendation: House-Made Beignets with orange glaze, peanut butter bacon, and Nutella (<< you will NOT regret this decision)
Pitchfork in the Park:
Ok, so this was our absolute favorite. Not only was the food delicious (and the ice cream treats are a MUST) – but our kiddos got to play in the super sleek splash pad while we waited for our food.
WMB Menu Recommendation: The Western Chick was the BEST sandwich we’ve ever had: chicken tenders served on Texas toast with house-made pepper jelly and whipped cream cheese. YUM! *The treat of the day was a cookies & cream popsicle – seriously delicious.
Fuzzy’s Tacos:
Sort of like Chipotle, but made to order. Super family friendly, DELICIOUS queso, and our kids loved the chicken quesadillas. Quick, easy, and really fun atmosphere. We sat on the patio and got to enjoy the happenings of Bricktown!
WMB Menu Recommendation: An order of chips and queso is a must!
Other Suggestions:
Waffle Champion (breakfast), Hideaway Pizza Auto Alley, Cheever’s, Nic’s Lounge, S&B Burger Auto Alley, Barrios, Cafe 324, the Mule (grilled cheese), Anchor Downtown (gourmet corn dogs), Urban Johnnie, Roxy’s Ice Cream, Pie Junkie, and Pop’s (on the way out of town on Route 66)
Things to Do:
Water Taxi Ride:
One of our favorite things to do was to explore the lively Bricktown area, and the Bricktown Water Taxi was such a fun post-dinner/pre-bedtime activity with the fam!
Oklahoma City Zoo:
Our very own Sedgwick County Zoo has made me quite the zoo snob because I love it so much. But the OKC Zoo was seriously awesome! We were able to score the Zoo-It-All tickets which included all rides, attractions, feedings, and shows. Our kiddos couldn’t get enough of the Sting Rays and Sea Lions!
OKC Dodgers Baseball Game:
The Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is in the heart of down town OKC, making it such an easy walk from our hotel. We decided to make an evening of it and dine on Dodger Dogs and Cracker Jacks.
Science Museum:
This is the ultimate family science museum and you could easily spend more than one day here. If you are limited on time, we recommend going right to the CurioCity children’s section. This is an incredible “city” made up of 8 themed neighborhoods where children can explore science through play, like Tinkerworks, Hands & Feats, and Riffs & Rhythms.
*FREE admission with an Exploration Place Membership
White Water Bay:
Made up of water slides, a lazy river, wade pool, and rides – this water park is such a fun family destination. We mostly hung out at Barefootin’ Bay, but our littles really loved The Big Kahuna ride (a first time for our 2 year old)!
Myriad Gardens:
This was our absolute favorite part of our trip! We didn’t even get the chance to go inside (which according to our contributor Kristina, is absolutely beautiful!) because we spent several hours exploring the outside. Complete with two splash pads, an outdoor children’s garden, and walking paths in the heart of downtown OKC – we couldn’t get enough of this attraction. We can’t wait to go back!
*FREE Admission with a Botanica Membership