As a single parent, finding the perfect spot for a day out with your children can be challenging. You want a place that’s fun, safe and caters to your family’s needs. Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best parks in Oklahoma for single parents and their children. These parks offer a variety of amenities, activities, and natural beauty to ensure a memorable day for both you and your kids.
Martin Park Nature Center, Oklahoma City This 144-acre park offers a serene escape from the city with its extensive trail system, wildlife sanctuary, and educational programs. The nature center has restrooms, shaded picnic areas, and a playground catering to different age groups. Remember to bring sunscreen and bug spray, as you’ll likely encounter some friendly insects along the way. The entrance is free.
Fun Family Activities at Martin Park Nature Center, Oklahoma City
- Guided Nature Walks: Join one of the park’s guided nature walks to explore the trails and learn about local plants and wildlife from knowledgeable guides.
- Birdwatching: Grab a pair of binoculars and try spotting some of the many bird species that call Martin Park Nature Center home.
- Educational Workshops: Attend one of the park’s workshops or events, such as animal encounters or nature-themed crafts, for a fun and educational experience.
- Playground Time: Let your children burn off some energy at the playground, designed to cater to different age groups.
- Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal together in one of the shaded picnic areas, surrounded by the park’s beautiful scenery.
- Nature Photography: Bring a camera and capture the beauty of the park’s flora and fauna, creating lasting memories of your day out.
- Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt list of plants, animals, or other natural features for your children to find as you explore the park together.
- Relax and Unwind: Take advantage of the park’s serene atmosphere to relax and recharge, while your children enjoy the wonders of nature.
These activities at Martin Park Nature Center offer single parents and their children a variety of engaging, educational, and fun experiences that encourage bonding and create lasting memories.
Guthrie Green, Tulsa Located in downtown Tulsa, Guthrie Green is an urban park with a vibrant atmosphere. It features a splash pad, playground, and regular events such as concerts, food truck festivals, and outdoor movies. Restrooms and shade are available, making it a comfortable spot for the whole family. Parking is available nearby, and there is no entrance fee.
Guthrie Green-Tom Fox-5909.jpg
Fun Family Activities at Guthrie Green, Tulsa
- Splash Pad Fun: Let your children cool off and have a blast at the park’s splash pad on a warm day.
- Playground Time: Encourage imaginative play and physical activity at the playground designed for various age groups.
- Outdoor Movies: Attend one of Guthrie Green’s outdoor movie nights, where you can cozy up with your kids under the stars.
- Live Music and Concerts: Enjoy live music performances from local and touring artists, perfect for a fun family outing.
- Food Truck Festivals: Sample delicious food from an array of local food trucks during one of the park’s food truck festivals.
- Yoga and Fitness Classes: Participate in a free yoga or fitness class offered at the park, providing a healthy and fun activity for both you and your children.
- Art Workshops: Unleash your creativity by attending one of the park’s art workshops or interactive installations, offering unique bonding experiences.
- Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic, find a shaded spot, and enjoy quality time together while taking in the park’s vibrant atmosphere.
These activities at Guthrie Green in Tulsa provide single parents and their children with a variety of engaging, entertaining, and memorable experiences that cater to various interests and promote family bonding.
Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City This 17-acre park is home to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, which houses thousands of plants from around the world. The outdoor grounds feature a children’s garden, splash pad, dog park, and walking trails. Entrance to the outdoor gardens is free, while the conservatory requires a small admission fee. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and enjoy it on the lush lawns.
Fun Family Activities at Myriad Botanical Gardens
- Explore the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory: Discover thousands of plants from around the world in this unique indoor tropical paradise.
- Children’s Garden Adventure: Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they play and explore in this interactive garden designed specifically for children.
- Seasonal Events and Festivals: Attend one of the many seasonal events, such as Pumpkinville or the Orchid Show, for a fun and memorable family experience.
- Gardening Classes and Workshops: Learn about gardening, plant care, and nature through engaging classes and workshops offered for both adults and children.
- Outdoor Movie Nights: Enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars during the summer months at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
- Splash Pad Fun: Cool off on a hot day at the park’s splash pad, where your kids can play and make new friends.
- Scenic Strolls and Picnics: Take a leisurely walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens, and find a perfect spot for a picnic lunch with your children.
- Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation: Observe the various bird species and other wildlife that inhabit the gardens, teaching your kids about local ecosystems.
These activities at Myriad Botanical Gardens offer single parents and their children a wide range of engaging, educational, and enjoyable experiences that cater to different interests and provide opportunities for family bonding and creating lasting memories.
Riverside Park, Tulsa Situated along the Arkansas River, Riverside Park offers picturesque views, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a splash pad. The park also features a skate park and bike rentals, making it perfect for a day of adventure. Restrooms are available, and there is no entrance fee.
Fun Family Activities at Riverside Park, Tulsa
- Biking Along the River Trail: Rent bicycles and enjoy a scenic ride along the Arkansas River, taking in picturesque views and fresh air.
- Playground Exploration: Let your children climb, swing, and play at one of the park’s multiple playgrounds designed for various age groups.
- Splash Pad Fun: Keep cool and make a splash with your kids at the park’s interactive splash pad during warm weather.
- Skate Park Adventure: Encourage your children to try out skateboarding or rollerblading at the park’s skate park, perfect for beginners and experts alike.
- Picnic by the River: Pack a picnic lunch and find a shaded spot near the river to enjoy some quality time together while surrounded by nature.
- Group Exercise Classes: Participate in free group exercise classes, such as yoga or Zumba, offered at the park for a fun and healthy family activity.
- Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting: Bring binoculars and observe the various bird species and other wildlife that call Riverside Park home.
- Fishing and Relaxation: Cast a line and teach your kids how to fish at one of the park’s designated fishing spots along the river.
These activities at Riverside Park in Tulsa provide single parents and their children with a variety of engaging, entertaining, and memorable experiences that cater to different interests and promote family bonding and outdoor exploration.
Hafer Park, Edmond This family-friendly park boasts multiple playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, walking trails, and ponds for fishing. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors, and restrooms are available for convenience. Hafer Park is free to enter.
Fun Family Activities at Hafer Park, Edmond
- Playground Time: Let your kids climb, swing, and slide at one of the multiple playgrounds in the park, suitable for various age groups.
- Fishing in the Ponds: Teach your children the joys of fishing while spending a relaxing day by the park’s ponds, which are stocked with fish.
- Picnic Lunch: Pack a delicious picnic and enjoy a meal together in one of the shaded picnic areas, surrounded by the park’s beautiful scenery.
- Walking Trails: Take a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk along the park’s paved walking trails, perfect for exploring nature and getting some exercise.
- Outdoor Sports: Play a game of basketball, volleyball, or softball on one of the park’s sports courts or fields, providing fun physical activities for the whole family.
- Summer Concert Series: Attend one of Hafer Park’s free summer concerts, where you can enjoy live music and entertainment with your children.
- Birdwatching: Bring binoculars and observe the numerous bird species that inhabit the park, teaching your kids about local wildlife.
- Nature Photography: Capture the beauty of Hafer Park’s flora and fauna through photography, creating lasting memories of your day out with your children.
These activities at Hafer Park in Edmond offer single parents and their children a range of engaging, educational, and enjoyable experiences that encourage bonding, outdoor exploration, and appreciation of nature.
Will Rogers Park, Oklahoma City This historic park features beautiful gardens, a playground, picnic areas, and a splash pad. There is also an aquatic center with a pool and water slides, which require a small admission fee. Restrooms are available on-site, and there is no entrance fee for the park itself.
Fun Family Activities at Will Rogers Park, Oklahoma City
- Garden Exploration: Take a leisurely stroll through the park’s beautiful gardens, including the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum and the Ed Lycan Conservatory.
- Playground Fun: Let your children climb, swing, and slide at the park’s playground, designed for various age groups to enjoy.
- Splash Pad and Aquatic Center: Cool off on a hot day at the park’s splash pad or visit the aquatic center with a pool and water slides (a small admission fee is required).
- Tennis and Disc Golf: Enjoy a game of tennis on one of the park’s courts or try your hand at disc golf for a fun and active family outing.
- Picnic Lunch: Pack a delicious picnic and find a shaded area to enjoy quality time together while taking in the park’s natural beauty.
- Photography and Wildlife Spotting: Capture the beauty of Will Rogers Park’s gardens and wildlife through photography, creating lasting memories of your day out.
- Outdoor Exercise: Utilize the park’s walking paths and open spaces for a brisk walk, jog, or even a family game of soccer or frisbee.
- Seasonal Events and Workshops: Attend one of the park’s seasonal events or workshops, such as gardening classes or holiday-themed activities.
These activities at Will Rogers Park in Oklahoma City offer single parents and their children a variety of engaging, educational, and enjoyable experiences that cater to different interests and promote family bonding, outdoor exploration, and appreciation of nature.
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, Bartlesville Woolaroc offers a unique experience combining art, history, and nature. Explore the museum, visit the wildlife preserve, or take a hike on the miles of trails available. Restrooms, picnic areas, and a playground are available for your comfort. There is an admission fee for this park, but it’s well worth the price for the experiences offered.
Fun Family Activities at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, Bartlesville
- Wildlife Drive-through: Experience a scenic drive through the preserve, where you can spot bison, elk, longhorn cattle, and other wildlife from the comfort of your car.
- Museum Exploration: Discover an impressive collection of Western art, Native American artifacts, and historical exhibits at the Woolaroc Museum.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the history, art, and wildlife at Woolaroc, providing an educational experience for both parents and children.
- Nature Trails: Take a leisurely walk along the park’s nature trails, perfect for exploring the beautiful landscape and observing local flora and fauna.
- Picnic Lunch: Pack a delicious picnic and enjoy a meal together surrounded by the stunning scenery and wildlife at one of the designated picnic areas.
- Kids Fishing Pond: Teach your children the joys of fishing at the park’s kid-friendly fishing pond, stocked with fish and available for catch-and-release fun.
- Petting Zoo: Visit the petting zoo area, where your kids can interact with friendly animals like goats, chickens, and rabbits.
- Seasonal Events and Festivals: Attend one of Woolaroc’s seasonal events or festivals, such as the Mountain Man Camp or the Christmas Wonderland of Lights, for a memorable family experience.
These activities at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville offer single parents and their children a range of engaging, educational, and enjoyable experiences that encourage bonding, outdoor exploration, and appreciation of art, history, and nature.
Mitch Park, Edmond This expansive park features playgrounds, sports fields, a skate park, and walking trails. With plenty of shaded areas and restrooms available, you can enjoy a full day of activities with your children. Mitch Park is free to enter.
Fun Family Activities at Mitch Park, Edmond
- Playground Adventure: Let your children climb, swing, and slide at the park’s accessible playgrounds, designed for various age groups to enjoy.
- Walking and Biking Trails: Explore the park’s scenic walking and biking trails, perfect for family strolls, bike rides, or even inline skating.
- Outdoor Sports: Play a game of basketball, soccer, or softball on one of the park’s sports fields or courts, offering fun physical activities for the whole family.
- Disc Golf Fun: Try your hand at disc golf on the park’s 18-hole course, providing a unique and enjoyable outdoor experience for both parents and children.
- Picnic Lunch: Pack a delicious picnic and find a shaded area at one of the park’s picnic tables or pavilions to enjoy quality time together.
- Nature Observation and Photography: Observe the local flora and fauna at Mitch Park, and capture the beauty of nature through photography, creating lasting memories.
- Outdoor Fitness: Utilize the park’s exercise equipment stations and open spaces for a fun family workout or group exercise session.
- Seasonal Events and Activities: Attend one of Mitch Park’s seasonal events or activities, such as holiday-themed celebrations or outdoor movie nights, for a memorable family outing.
These activities at Mitch Park in Edmond offer single parents and their children a variety of engaging, educational, and enjoyable experiences that cater to different interests and promote family bonding, outdoor exploration, and physical activity.
Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman If you’re looking for a park with water activities, Lake Thunderbird State Park is the place to go. Enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, or hiking along the lake’s shores. The park has restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it suitable for families. There is a small entrance fee per vehicle.
Lake Thunderbird, near Norman, Oklahoma. August 2020. FOR ADVENTURE ROAD USE ONLY
Fun Family Activities at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman
- Swimming and Beach Fun: Enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, and playing on the sandy beaches along the shores of Lake Thunderbird.
- Boating and Water Sports: Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard for a fun-filled day on the water, exploring the lake and its surroundings.
- Fishing Adventures: Teach your children the joys of fishing at one of the park’s designated fishing docks or from the shoreline.
- Nature Trails: Hike or bike along the park’s scenic nature trails, perfect for exploring the beautiful landscape and observing local flora and fauna.
- Picnic Lunch: Pack a delicious picnic and find a shaded spot near the lake to enjoy quality time together while taking in the park’s natural beauty.
- Wildlife Observation: Spot various bird species, deer, and other wildlife that inhabit the park, teaching your kids about local ecosystems.
- Camping Experience: Spend a night under the stars at one of the park’s campsites, creating lasting memories and bonding with your children in the great outdoors.
- Playground Fun: Let your children climb, swing, and slide at one of the park’s playgrounds, designed for various age groups to enjoy.
These activities at Lake Thunderbird State Park in Norman offer single parents and their children a range of engaging, educational, and enjoyable experiences that cater to different interests and promote family bonding, outdoor exploration, and appreciation of nature.
Honor Heights Park, Muskogee Renowned for its stunning azalea blooms in the spring, Honor Heights Park is a beautiful destination year-round. The park features a splash pad, playground, and walking trails that meander through the colorful gardens. Restrooms and picnic areas are available, and there is no entrance fee.
Fun Family Activities at Honor Heights Park, Muskogee
- Azalea Festival: Visit during the annual Azalea Festival in April to witness the park’s stunning display of over 30,000 azaleas in full bloom.
- Butterfly Papilion: Explore the Butterfly Papilion, where your children can learn about and interact with various butterfly species in a lush, enclosed environment.
- Garden Stroll: Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring diverse plants, flowers, and water features for a peaceful family outing.
- Playground Fun: Let your kids climb, swing, and slide at the park’s playgrounds, designed for various age groups to enjoy.
- Picnic Lunch: Pack a delicious picnic and find a shaded spot near the lake or gardens to enjoy quality time together while taking in the park’s natural beauty.
- Nature Photography: Capture the beauty of Honor Heights Park’s flora, fauna, and landscape through photography, creating lasting memories of your day out.
- Walking Trails: Take a leisurely walk along the park’s paved walking trails, perfect for exploring the scenic surroundings and getting some exercise.
- Seasonal Events and Activities: Attend one of the park’s seasonal events or activities, such as the Garden of Lights during the holiday season, for a memorable family experience.
These activities at Honor Heights Park in Muskogee offer single parents and their children a variety of engaging, educational, and enjoyable experiences that cater to different interests and promote family bonding, outdoor exploration, and appreciation of nature.
Spending time outdoors with your children provides countless benefits, such as stress relief, exercise, and bonding opportunities. These 10 parks in Oklahoma cater to the needs of single parents and their children, ensuring a memorable day out for everyone. So pack a picnic, grab some sunscreen, and head out on an adventure with your kids!
IMG SOURCES:
https://www.adventureroad.com/destinations/lake-thunderbird-state-park/
https://www.tulsakids.com/content/uploads/2021/05/q/f/img-0832-e1620228084113.jpg
https://www.keepmovingokc.org/venue/mitch-park/
https://www.visitbartlesville.com/woolaroc-museum-and-wildlife-preserve-bartlesville-ok-listing-46
https://www.metrofamilymagazine.com/family_fun/edmond-parks-recreation/
https://myriadgardens.org/about-us/
