Top 10 Things to Do in Norman, Oklahoma on A Weekend Getaway

Norman, OK is synonymous with Sooners and The University of Oklahoma. That may not excite you KU or KSU fans, but hear me out! Norman has so much offer for a fun weekend getaway.

Surely many of you have visited OKC, but it’s worth the extra few minutes south to experience someplace new. Norman holds a special place in my heart; it was my hometown nearly my entire life, and where I attended college. It boasts a cultural mixture of art, festivals, dining, collegiate events, and fun for families. You can surely fill a few days with fun activities to enjoy!

Things to Do in Norman, Oklahoma

Sam Noble Museum of Natural History

A wonderful museum nestled in the campus at OU featuring a wide collection of natural history exhibits. Children will really enjoy the prehistoric exhibit including dinosaur fossils!

Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art

This museum is for those who love artwork. Explore the beautiful building on the university campus with a large collection of Native American artwork.

Norman Firehouse Art Center

A quaint but wonderful gallery that features art exhibits, hosts instructional sessions, and partners to host events for the community.

OU Campus

Sooner fan or not, we can all agree major university campuses are fun to visit. Visit “campus corner” for an array of local shops, eateries, and events. Take a stroll around the campus grounds and admire the  beautiful landscaping that OU is known for. Catch an OU sporting event and definitely stop to see “The Palace on the Prairie!

National Weather Service

Norman is home to the head of the National Weather Service. Living in this area of the country, we love our weather, don’t we? Visit the center for a tour!

Downtown Norman

A stretch in the heart of Norman with wonderful local eateries, shops, and art galleries. Downtown Norman hosts an array of exciting events, such as Friday Art Walks and the Must-See, Norman Music Fest. Sooner Theatre is one to check out for local performing arts!

Riverwind Casino

A large casino with plenty of gaming, concerts and events, restaurants, and a posh hotel.

Norman Events

Norman boasts itself as a town of festivals, such as the famed Jazz in June. Check the schedule to see what’s going on around town!

Parks in Norman, OK

Ruby Grant Park: A new and upcoming park featuring a playground, dog park, trails and disc golf. 

Andrews Park: A large park with lots to enjoy: splash pad and playground for the littles, basketball courts, skate parks, trails, and an amphitheater for special events.

Reeves Park: Another large park with plenty to explore. This park offers a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, trails, and picnic tables.

Outdoor Activities in Norman, OK

If you crave outdoor adventure, Norman also features Lake Thunderbird with a swimming area, plenty of hiking and biking trails, camping areas, and more. Be sure to check out Discovery Cove Nature Center for some outdoor artifact fun!

*be sure to check individuals festivals and locations for Covid related closures and restrictions

Nicole Nickel
Hi, I’m Nicole! I’m a mommy to two young kids: Scarlet and Easton, and wife to Justin. We also have 2 furbaby Labs. I am an Oklahoma girl, born and raised. I’ve been here in Wichita since October 2016. Moving from my home of Norman has been tough, but what a great community to relocate! We love to get out explore the area, finding fun family activities! In addition to mom and wife, I am speech-language pathologist. Some of my favorite things-being an OK girl, I am a die-hard OU football fan (Boomer!), being outdoors, traveling, friends and family, wine and coffee!