Are you searching for some fun and unique things to do in Tulsa? If so, you’re going to love our handpicked list of the best 23 things to do in Tulsa.
If you're looking for all the best things to do in Tulsa, look no further. We've taken the liberty of putting together a list of 23 of the most exciting things to do in Tulsa. Regardless of who you are, you will find that Tulsa is full of all sorts of possible one-of-a-kind experiences.
1. Tulsa Bicycle Tours
Credit: Tulsa Bicycle Tours / Facebook
If you're into cycling, taking a Tulsa Bicycle Tours is one of the most unique things to do in Tulsa. Owned and operated by Tulsans with a pride in their city, each tour is crafted to be a one-of-a-kind experience of Tulsa. The tour involves cruising a large portion of the city via bicycle and making stops in historic districts, prestigious neighborhoods, and even includes the iconic Route 66. Tulsa Bicycle Tours is rated 5 out of 5 stars from TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
2. Tulsa Geoscience Center
The Tulsa Geoscience Center takes up a 4,000 square foot slice of Tulsa’s downtown district. The center is devoted to geoscience activities such as rock, mineral, and fossil identification, and much more. There are normally around a dozen activities available, and the tours last for approximately two hours. The center is volunteer-based, with a staff consisting of student interns as well as retired geoscientists. If you have an interest in Earth-based sciences, the Tusla Geoscience Center is one of the best things to do in Tulsa. The Tulsa Geoscience Center has a 5 out of 5 stars rating based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
3. The Holy Family Cathedral
Credit: Holy Family Cathedral / Facebook
For members of the Catholic faith, as well as those who enjoy the architecture of churches and cathedrals, stopping by the neo-Gothic Holy Family Cathedral is one of the most awesome things to do in Tulsa. The Cathedral has been around for just over a century and recently underwent massive renovations, so it is more awe-inspiring to visit than ever before. If you want to take your experience to the next level, plan a visit during a daily mass. The cathedral operates a family and youth-oriented program called “Our Whole Family Faith Formation Program” on Wednesday nights. After the church program, there is dinner and several programs for kids, teens, and even adults. Tours of the majestic Cathedrals are also available if you request in advance. The Cathedral has a 5 out of 5 stars rating based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
4. The Cave House
The Cave House is one of the most popular landmarks in Tulsa. Built in 1924, under the guise of a chicken restaurant, it was known as a place to “wet-your-whistle” during the prohibition period. The Cave House is famous for the many interesting and more than colorful tales about the days of old in Tulsa surrounding it. It is an excellent location for a romantic date, yet, has as the right elements to provide a wonderful evening for the family as well. The Cave House is so exclusive that you have to call ahead to schedule your visit with the owner. The Cave House has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
5. Tulsa Garden Center in Woodward Park
Credit: Tulsa Garden Center / Facebook
The Tulsa Garden Center in Woodward Park sits within the Snedden Mansion in Woodward Park. The center is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide educational opportunities about horticulture and the environment to the community. It is the horticultural headquarters for the whole region. Visitors to the center enjoy fascinating historical photographs and various memorabilia as well as the architecture of the Mansion itself. The level of craftsmanship found within the mansion harkens to a by-gone time, with intricate woodcarvings, gold leaf ceilings, and immense charm. The center offers classes, lectures, and holds several special events annually. Woodward Park has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating by TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
6. Tulsa Historical Society & Museum
The Tulsa Historical Society & Museum’s collection consists of artifacts and historical documents about Tulsa’s past. The Museum has several rotating exhibits full of interesting and unique Tulsa history. It is a great place to visit as the exhibits are always changing, so the chances are high that you will see something new each time. The Tulsa Historical Society & Museum is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
7. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
Credit: Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area / Facebook
The Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is one of the best go-to spots for nature lovers and families looking for a good area to picnic. Color-coordinated hiking trails lace the wilderness area and the beautiful scenery makes it worth the trek. If you love nature, it is by far one of the best things to do in Tulsa. It is a great location for capturing some landscape photography in the Tulsa area. The Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area has a 4.5 out of 5 rating via TripAdvisor traveler ratings.
8. ahha Tulsa
Another of the most interesting and often overlooked best things to do in Tulsa is visiting the ahha Tulsa. The center sits in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District, where everything from dining, shopping, fine art, and entertainment venues are available. The center makes for a great afternoon for two or a few hours of quality family time, and for an affordable price, too! You'll spend $10.95 for adults tickets, $6.95 for kiddos between 3-17, and it's completely free for kids under 3 years of age and members, too. ahha Tulsa is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
9. River Parks
Credit: River Parks / Facebook
If visiting unique city parks is high on your list of things to do in Tulsa, there are few better than the River Parks. For a stretch of about ten miles, there are walking and biking trails as well as paved running and cycling paths. The area also consists of several gardens, sculptures, fountains, murals and more. Whether you’re a nature lover or an art fan, you’ll enjoy the beauty and design of the park. River Parks is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars via TripAdvisor travel ratings.
10. Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
Music lovers are in for a special treat the next time they roll through Tulsa. Swinging by the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is a one-of-a-kind experience that lovers of blues, gospel, and jazz will truly appreciate. For those interested in experiencing the full depth of the Jazz Hall of Fame may participate in seminars, educational programs, and master classes. The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on TripAdvisor travel reviews.
11. The Gathering Place
Credit: The Gathering Place / Facebook
The Gathering Place is another park situated along Riverside Drive. It lies sprawling out over 100 acres and offers playgrounds, trails, gardens, boat rentals and more. The Gathering Place also hosts significant events such as outdoor concerts. They even have a restaurant. The Gathering Place has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
12. The Boxyard
The Boxyard is one of the newest things to do in Tulsa to make our list. Opened in 2016, the Boxyard has quickly become one of the most unique and bustling shopping centers in Tulsa. The Boxyard consists of approximately two dozen small businesses that you wouldn't be able to find elsewhere even if you tried. Everything from various authentic ethnic cuisine, including ice cream, to a barber and several one-of-a-kind boutiques. There is even a bar with a second story terrace to enjoy cocktails after a couple of hours browsing the shops. The Boxyard has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
13. South Lakes Golf Course
Credit: South Lakes Golf Course / Facebook
For those who enjoy golfing, the South Lakes Golf Course is one of the things to do in Tulsa you don’t want to miss out on. It is among the most popular 18-hole courses in the region. Regardless of your skill level, the South Lakes Golf Course is worth visiting any season of the year. From the driving range to the fairways, greens, and seven lakes, it is one impressive golf course. The course is fun for pro-level golfers and yet still playable and enjoyable for the beginners as well. The South Lakes Golf Course has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
14. Port City Raceway
The Port City Raceway is an eighth of a mile long clay oval racetrack. For those who love racing, or cars in general, it is easily among the best things to do in Tulsa. The track dates back four decades and has been graced with some extremely talented drivers over the years. Some of the most popular events at the Port City Raceway center around sprint cars, midgets, and trucks. The Raceway is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars via TripAdvisor traveler ratings.
15. The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art
Credit: The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art / Facebook
The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art is an interesting museum among those found in Tulsa, or anywhere for that matter. The mission of the museum is to educate the world about the Jewish experience. There are exhibitions, as well as educational programs, centering around the history, religion, art, and overall culture of the Jewish people as a whole. If you are Jewish, or simply a lover of world history, it is a must see for sure. The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating based on TripAdvisor Travel reviews.
16. Mohawk Sports Complex
As soccer becomes ever increasingly popular around the world (yes that is possible), a stop at the popular Mohawk Sports Complex is one of the first things to do in Tulsa for fans of the sport. You may be lucky enough to catch a game, or even a practice, from one of the many teams who often rent the state-of-the-art complex. Mohawk Sports Complex has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from TripAdvisor travel reviews.
17. LaFortune Park
Credit: Phan Ly
Another of the best-hidden pieces of nature in midtown Tulsa is the LaFortune Park. It is a massive 270 acres consisting of baseball fields, tennis courts, golf courses, an epic trail, and more. There are also shelters, playgrounds, picnic tables, and even a community center as well. It is one of the greatest things to do in Tulsa for families and those who enjoy nature. LaFortune Park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars via TripAdvisor travel reviews.
18. Tam Bao Buddist Temple
Situated a couple of miles outside of the city, the Tam Bao Buddist Temple is a little out of the way but well worth it. For those who are spiritual or religious, stopping by the temple is one of the most fulfilling things to do in Tulsa without a doubt. There are over two dozen Buddhist-style sculptures including several rather large and impressive Buddha statues. If you’ve never been to a temple, or happen to be Buddhist, the temple is a great place to spend an hour or two in appreciation. The Temple has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
19. Tulsa Children's Museum Discovery Lab
Credit: Tulsa Children's Museum Discovery Lab / Facebook
One of the best things to do in Tulsa for families with kids is to visit the Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery lab. The museum has a mission to inspire children, connect families, and build community through exploration, exhibits, programming, and play. Initially opened as a museum without walls over ten years ago, the museum moved into a renovated community center which opened in 2013. The museum has an educational arm that is an outreach program impacting tens of thousands of students each year. Next year, the museum plans to break ground on a new 50,000-square-foot facility as the southern anchor of the new Gathering Place park. The Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab is rated 4.0 out of 5 stars from TripAdvisor travel review.
20. Tulsa Zoo
Credit: Nick Walters
The Tulsa Zoo is a must-stop destination in Tulsa for animal lovers or those with children. The zoo is an educational experience with animals from many of the major regions of the world. Visit some of the zoo's most popular residents including tigers, chimpanzees, penguins and sea lions. Mohawk Park is host to the 84-acre zoo featuring more than 3,000 animals. For those with small children, the zoo is quite family-friendly and offers natural science and general animal education services. The Tulsa Zoo has a 4.0 out of 5 stars rating based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
21. The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
Credit: Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium is another of the more interesting museums in Tulsa. It is a state-of-the-art facility with a focus on the aerospace history of Oklahoma that is excellent visitors of all ages. If you are interested in the past, present, or future of aerospace, this 35,000 square feet space is an excellent way to spend a couple of hours. The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium is rated 4.0 out of 5 stars by TripAdvisor travel reviews.
22. Center of the Universe
The Center of the Universe is the just the quirky one-of-a-kind sort of destination that many tourists seem to love. This strange spot in Tulsa supposedly contains a strange kind of energy that you have to see and feel to believe. Apparently, it even marks the very center of the universe itself (or so they say!). Are you brave enough to step into the center of the universe? If so, let us know what happens! The Center of the Universe has a 4.0 out of 5 stars rating by TripAdvisor traveler reviews.
23. Henry Zarrow Center for Art and Education
Credit: Henry Zarrow Center for Art and Education / Facebook
Last on our list of the best things to do in Tulsa, but far from least, is the Henry Zarrow Center for Art and Education. Situated in the downtown Tulsa Arts District, the center consists of many diverse exhibitions including many from the University of Tulsa’s School of Art. The center spans 18,000 square feet and is made up of classrooms, studios, and a reception area in addition to the gallery space. If you’re interested in the local and regional art, make sure to check out the Sherman Smith Family Gallery. The Henry Zarrow Center for Art and Education is rated 4.0 out of 5 stars based on TripAdvisor travel reviews.
When it comes to the best things to do in Tulsa, even the pickiest traveler will be impressed.
No matter what brings you to Tulsa, there is something for everyone. From tons of great parks to museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues, there's more to Tulsa than meets the eye.
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