Top 15 Things to Do in Tulsa: Local’s Guide

Welcome to Tulsa, Oklahoma’s hidden gem. It mixes rich history with modern energy. As a local, I’m excited to share the top things to do in Tulsa. You’ll see the city’s unique charm and diverse attractions.

Tulsa has attractions for everyone. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy art, music, culture, and nature. This guide will show you the best experiences in our city.

The city’s calendar is full of events. From summer fun to winter markets, there’s always something new. Events like the OKGO Market and Sebastião Salgado Exhibit show Tulsa’s vibrant culture.

Get ready to explore Tulsa’s dynamic side. Our local’s guide will show you 15 must-see attractions. Pack your sense of adventure for an unforgettable journey through Tulsa!

Explore the American Indian Cultural Center

Tulsa events celebrate Native American heritage in a unique way. The American Indian Cultural Center is a key part of this celebration. It showcases the history and culture of Oklahoma’s indigenous peoples.

Oklahoma is home to 67 Native American nations. This makes it a vital place for learning about Native American culture.

At this center, visitors can explore Native American history in a new way. Interactive exhibits turn traditional museum visits into exciting stories. Tulsa entertainment reaches new heights here, where guests can:

• Experience multimedia presentations about tribal histories
• Learn traditional craft techniques
• Listen to authentic indigenous music
• Explore artifacts from multiple Native American cultures

Learn about Native American History

The center offers deep insights into the stories of Indigenous nations. It highlights the achievements and contributions of tribes like the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw. Their stories of resilience and cultural achievements are truly inspiring.

Participate in Interactive Exhibits

Guests can touch history through hands-on displays. From virtual reality to traditional artifact demonstrations, learning is a personal journey. Each exhibit is designed to educate and inspire, making Tulsa a top spot for cultural exploration.

Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art

In the heart of Tulsa, the Philbrook Museum of Art is a must-see for art fans and those looking for fun. This amazing place turns Tulsa’s nightlife and culture into a journey through art, history, and nature.

The museum is in a beautiful Italian Renaissance-style villa. It offers a mix of indoor and outdoor fun. Spread over 25 acres, it’s more than just art shows.

Discover Renowned Art Collections

Art lovers will love the museum’s wide range of collections. They cover many continents and time periods. You can see:

• Native American art and artifacts
• European masterpieces
• Contemporary American works
• Rotating special exhibitions

Stroll Through Beautiful Gardens

The Philbrook gardens are a highlight of Tulsa’s fun spots. They offer a calm break from city life. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with:

• Intricate Italian-inspired design
• Seasonal flower displays
• Tranquil walking paths
• Stunning fountain installations

Here’s some info to help plan your visit:

• Hours: 9am to 5pm (Wednesday-Sunday)
• Friday nights: Open until 9pm
• Admission: $18 for adults, $8 for youth
• Free for children under 2
• Advance tickets recommended

Looking for culture or a calm afternoon? The Philbrook Museum of Art offers a unique experience. It shows the best of Tulsa’s art scene.

Discover the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum

The Tulsa Zoo is a top spot for sightseeing, covering 84 acres. It offers a journey through the animal kingdom. With over 1,500 animals from around the world, it’s a hit with families and nature lovers.

Explore amazing exhibits that bring global wildlife to Oklahoma. The zoo’s highlights include:

• African Plains exhibit featuring majestic lions
• Lost Kingdom with exotic primates
• Chimpanzee Connection area
• Giraffe Experience
• African Penguin habitat

Family-Friendly Activities

The Tulsa Zoo has fun, educational activities for all ages. Kids can play in sensory gardens, feed animals, and learn about conservation.

Special Animal Encounters

The zoo focuses on conservation. It’s helped endangered species, like the Malayan tiger, with the birth of five cubs. This boosted the North American population by 10%.

For visitors, there’s free parking and last entry at 4 p.m. The zoo closes at 5 p.m. It’s a great place for wildlife fans or a family outing, with unforgettable animal experiences.

Wander Through the Woody Guthrie Center

In downtown Tulsa, the Woody Guthrie Center honors a legendary folk musician. It’s a place where you can learn about Woody Guthrie’s life and legacy. It’s a top spot for family fun in Tulsa.

The center is a deep dive into American folk music. It’s perfect for those who love music and history. You’ll see exhibits and displays that bring Guthrie’s life to life.

Exploring Music and Social Justice

Inside, you’ll find treasures that show Guthrie’s big impact on music and social justice. The exhibits include:

• Original handwritten lyrics
• Personal photographs
• Vintage musical instruments
• Interactive multimedia presentations

Engaging Exhibits and Archives

The Woody Guthrie Center has a vast collection of Guthrie’s materials. You can see how he influenced American culture. It’s a chance to explore his story.

Exhibit Highlights	Details
Location	102 E. Reconciliation Way, Tulsa
Artifacts	Extensive collection of personal items and music memorabilia
Interactive Displays	Multimedia experiences about Guthrie’s life and music

Whether you love music or just want to learn about American culture, the Woody Guthrie Center is a must-see. It shows how art and change go hand in hand. Tulsa is a special place because of it.

Experience the Gathering Place Park

In the heart of Tulsa, the Gathering Place Park is a top spot for families. It covers 66.5 acres and mixes nature with creative design. This makes it a place where every visit is an adventure.

The park focuses on fun Tulsa attractions. It has different areas for everyone to enjoy. You can see:

• Three acres of stunning pond water
• Over 6,000 trees representing 11 unique ecosystems
• Multiple themed gardens and recreational areas

Outdoor Activities for Every Age

There’s always something to do at the Gathering Place. It has lots of activities for fun and learning. Kids can play at the Chapman Adventure Playground. Sports fans can enjoy courts and a skate park.

Architectural Playground Wonders

The park’s playgrounds are amazing. The Sky Walk Forest has a rope net for older kids. The Discovery Lab has interactive zones. Everyone can get around thanks to wheelchair-accessible paths.

The park is free to visit, with free parking and open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s a great place for families to have fun. You can explore nature, play, or just relax in a beautiful setting.

Enjoy the Tulsa Arts District

Step into Tulsa’s creative heart in the lively Arts District. This area is full of artistic energy and cultural experiences. It’s a place where the city’s most innovative spots come together, inviting everyone to see the beauty of art.

The district is a top spot for those who love art and culture. It’s known for:

• Monthly First Friday Art Crawl (running for over 15 years)
• Many art galleries and places for performances
• Iconic music venues like Cain’s Ballroom
• Unique museums for legendary musicians

Attend Local Art Events

Tulsa events in the Arts District have something for everyone. The First Friday Art Crawl turns streets into a canvas. It draws hundreds to see local art, street shows, and interactive pieces. Galleries open, showing works by both new and well-known Tulsa artists.

Discover Unique Galleries and Shops

Art fans will love the district’s variety of galleries. The Woody Guthrie Center and the new Bob Dylan Center dive deep into music history. Local shops and art stores sell unique, handmade items, showing Tulsa’s creative spirit.

With nearly 80% of local artists staying in Tulsa, the Arts District is growing. It’s a shining example of cultural innovation and artistic expression.

Visit the Tulsa Botanical Garden

Find a stunning oasis in Tulsa’s heart. The Tulsa Botanical Garden is a top spot for fun and sightseeing. It’s a beautiful place filled with plants and nature.

It covers a lot of land. Here, you can see many different plants. It’s perfect for anyone who loves nature.

Seasonal Displays and Events

Every season has something special at the garden. You can see amazing things all year:

• Spring: Over 50,000 tulips and daffodils bloom at the “Tulsa Botanic BLOOMS” event
• Autumn: “Autumn in the Botanic Garden” shows off the changing colors
• Winter: “Botanic Garden of Lights” lights up the garden with beautiful displays

Educational Programs for Families

The garden is great for all ages. The Children’s Discovery Garden has fun learning areas. There are also nature trails for exploring.

Practical visitor information:

• Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (March 2 to November 21)
• Admission: $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-15
• Special extended hours on Thursdays until 8 p.m. (April 3 to October 30)

The garden has over 8,000 plants. It’s a journey through nature and plants you won’t forget.

Explore the Route 66 Historic District

Tulsa is full of life along the famous Route 66. Here, history and nostalgia mix in a way that’s hard to forget. The city’s part of the Mother Road shows what America was like in the mid-20th century.

Tulsa has an amazing 28 miles of Route 66. It’s known as the “Capital of Route 66”. Visitors can see many historical sites that tell the story of this famous road.

Iconic Landmarks and Stories

The district is filled with attractions that make the road’s history come alive:

• Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, honoring the “Father of Route 66”
• Blue Whale of Catoosa – a quirky roadside attraction built in 1972
• Meadow Gold Neon Sign, a 30-foot historic landmark from 1934
• Route 66 Historical Village with its 194-foot oil derrick

Classic Diners and Drive-Ins

Tulsa’s nightlife and dining along Route 66 are a treat for food fans. Some must-visit places are:

• Tally’s Good Food Cafe, a diner from the 1940s
• Mother Road Market, with over a dozen local vendors
• Admiral Twin Drive-in, Oklahoma’s biggest drive-in theater
• Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios, with unique 21-foot statues

Each landmark shares stories of American innovation, spirit, and the golden age of road travel. The Route 66 Historic District is more than a place to visit. It’s a living museum of American culture.

Attend a Performance at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Downtown Tulsa is home to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC). It’s a top spot for fun in Tulsa. Located at 101 East 3rd Street, it offers a wide range of shows for everyone.

The center has several theaters like Chapman Music Hall and Williams Theatre. Each theater has different seats, from Orchestra to Balcony. This ensures everyone gets a great view. You can see everything from Broadway shows to local theater.

TPAC makes visiting easy with many parking spots nearby. There’s even an underground garage that connects to the venue. The Lower Lobby has entrances, food stands, and modern facilities for a comfortable visit.

Tickets start at $4.00, and there are discounts for students, seniors, and groups. TPAC is a place where everyone can enjoy live shows. It’s a place where Oklahoma’s artistic spirit shines through.

FAQ

What are the best attractions for families in Tulsa?

Tulsa has many attractions for families. The Tulsa Zoo is great for interactive animal encounters. The Gathering Place offers playgrounds and outdoor fun.

The Philbrook Museum of Art has beautiful gardens. Both kids and adults can enjoy exploring them.

How can I explore Native American culture in Tulsa?

The American Indian Cultural Center is the best place to learn about Native American history and culture. It has interactive exhibits and traditional craft demonstrations.

Visitors can also experience immersive experiences. These provide deep insights into indigenous heritage and contemporary Native American life.

What are the best cultural experiences in Tulsa?

Tulsa offers amazing cultural experiences. The Woody Guthrie Center is great for music history. The Tulsa Arts District features contemporary art and live performances.

The Tulsa Performing Arts Center is another highlight. It offers unique opportunities to explore music, visual arts, and performing arts.

Is Tulsa good for outdoor activities?

Yes, Tulsa is perfect for outdoor activities. The Gathering Place Park and Tulsa Botanical Garden are great for walking and exploring.

The Route 66 Historic District is also a must-see. It has historical sites and plenty of opportunities for recreation.

What’s unique about Tulsa’s art scene?

Tulsa’s art scene is diverse and vibrant. The Philbrook Museum of Art has world-class collections. The Tulsa Arts District offers local and contemporary art experiences.

There are many galleries and cultural venues in the city. The First Friday Art Crawl is a highlight, showing off the city’s creative spirit.

When is the best time to visit Tulsa?

Tulsa is great to visit any time of year. Spring and fall have the best weather. The Tulsa Botanical Garden is stunning during spring tulip season.

Outdoor attractions like the Gathering Place and Route 66 Historic District are best enjoyed during mild temperatures.

Are there budget-friendly activities in Tulsa?

Yes, Tulsa has many affordable or free attractions. The Route 66 Historic District and public parks like the Gathering Place are great options.

Many museums offer free days. Walking tours of the Arts District are also free. Cultural venues often have discounts for students, seniors, and children.