OKLAHOMA
Please be sure to call and verify times and rates as they are subject to change

ACTIVITIES:

ARDMORE-  TUCKER TOWER NATURE CENTER
3323 Lodge RD, Ardmore    580.223.2109
http://www.oklahomaparks.com/detail.asp?id=1-29BNL
COST:  50 cents
HOURS:  Daily  9a - 7p
Located in lake Murray State Park, this museum was originally designed as a governor's retreat in the 1930's. Many interesting exhibits and artifacts.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Reasonably priced. Located in a state park with a lot of activities available. The kids especially liked the fossils and piece of a meteorite.
 

CHEYENNE-  WASHITA BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
2 miles west of town on SR 47A, Cheyenne    580.497.2143
http://www.nps.gov/waba
COST:  Free
HOURS:  Daily - dawn to dusk
This is the site of Lt. Col. Custer's attack of a Cheyenne of Chief Black Kettle. Rangers give talks several times a day during the summer. There is a 1.5 mile loop trail with explanatory and commemorative panels around the site.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Educational and interesting. Restroom available at the overlook.

DAVIS-  ARBUCKLE WILDERNESS
I-35, exit 51, Davis    580.369.3383
http://www.arbucklewilderness.com
COST:  $14.99 Adults (age 12 - 54), $12.99 Child (age 3 - 11), $13.99 Seniors (55+). Free for children under 3.
HOURS: Daily 9a - 7p
Lots to do! Drive through the scenic park where animals roam freely. Purchase feed cups at the gate and feed animals from the car (no other food allowed). Admission also includes a walk-through park area, featuring a small zoo, fish feeding, and a petting zoo. There are amusement rides available at extra cost (such as bumper boats, paddle boats, and go-carts).
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The kids loved feeding the animals. (I recommend buying the feed cups).
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- A bit pricey, especially if you go on the amusement rides.

DURANT-  THREE VALLEY MUSEUM
401 W. Main St, Durant    580.920.1907.
http://www.durantmainstreet.org/museum2.htm
COST:  Donations
HOURS:  Mon - Fri  1p - 5p
The museum is divided into many interesting displays depicting life from the late 1800s to present. Displays include a doctor's office, lawyer's office, and a general store.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Interesting displays.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Children were ready to move on quickly. Not much "hands on".

ENID-  MIDGLEY MUSEUM
1001 Sequoyah Drive, Enid    580.234.7265
http://www.lasr.net/leisure/oklahoma/garfield/enid/att5.html
COST:  FREE; donations appreciated
HOURS:  Wed - Fri  1p - 5p   Sat  2p - 5p
In the mid - 1940s, the Midgleys had this home built of more than 30 kinds of rock. The Midgleys traveled around the U.S. They collected items which are now on display in the museum
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Worth a walk through considering the cost. Informative
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Hands-off; the children lost interest quickly.
 

LANGLEY-  PENSACOLA DAM
Jct SR 28 and 82, Langley    918.782.9594
http://www.grandlakechamber.org/pgs/damtours.htm
COST:  Free
HOURS: Tour hours: Memorial Day - Labor day: Daily 9:30a - 4p
Tour the dam and power plant. Very interesting information; educational!
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Guides were very informative.


NORMAN-  LITTLE RIVER ZOO
3405 S.E. 120 Ave, Norman    405.366.7229
http://www.visitnorman.com/attlittleriverzoo.asp
COST:  $7 Adults, $4 Child (3 - 11), $5 Senior (55+), Children under 3 are free.
HOURS: Daily 10a - 5p
This zoo has about 400 animals. There is a small petting zoo where you can also feed some of the animals. A guided tour is included in the admission price.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Knowledgeable staff was happy to answer questions. The animals and grounds seemed well cared for. Affordable gift shop made it easy for the kids to each buy a momento.
 

OKLAHOMA CITY-  MEMORIAL MUSEUM
620 N. Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City    405.235.3313
http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org
COST:  $10 Adult, $8 Senior (over age 62), $6 Children (age 6 - 17) and college students W/ ID. 5 and under free.
HOURS: Mon - Sat  9a- 6p  Sun  1p - 6p
Be prepared for an emotional trip through the museum. Follow the timeline of events from the tragedy of April 19, 1995. Each section of the museum is dedicated to a specific chapter in the story of the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building and what has happened since. The Gallery of Honor is an amazing tribute to those lost that day. The collection of origami cranes shows the hops of better days in the future. There is a children's area that helps to teach children about the heroes who made a difference. Walk around the outdoor monument, which is on the site of the Murrah Building.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Though not easy for children to understand, this museum will make an impression. The children's room has an area to draw what you feel. The artwork can be emailed home.

OKLAHOMA CITY-  OMNIPLEX HANDS-ON SCIENCE MUSEUM
2100 N.E. 52nd ST., Oklahoma City   
http://www.omniplex.org
COST:  $13.50 Adult, $10.25 Child (3 - 12) and Senior (65+). This ticket includes exhibits, planetarium and one Omni Dome show. Cheaper rates are available for exhibits only.
HOURS: Mon - Fri  9a - 5p  Sat 9a - 6p  Sun 11a - 6p
The kids are sure to find something to do! Over 350 hands-on science exhibits. The exhibits are divided into themed areas, such as light, sound, math, nutrition, and life science. There is also an area called Kidspace and Familyspace. On site is a planetarium and the Omnidome theater.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Lots of hands-on fun. Good variety between exhibits and shows.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Some exhibits weren't working.

PONCA CITY-  PIONEER WOMAN STATUE AND MUSEUM
 701 Monument Rd., Ponca City    580.765.6108
 http://www.pioneerwomanmuseum.com
 COST:  $3 Adult, $2.50 Senior (65+), $1 Student (6 - 18), Children under 6 are free.
 HOURS: Tues - Sat  9a - 5p  Sun 1p - 5p
 Learn about the contribution of pioneer women. Outside the museum is a 17 foot tall bronze statue showing a pioneer woman and child. Great display of household items and First ladies of Oklahoma Inaugural Gowns. There is a small Children's Corner with a few hands-on activities.
 FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Though most of the museum in "no touch", there were enough hands-on activities to keep the kids interested. A favorite for our older children was the "What Is It" section where they tried to figure out what some odd objects were used for.