It seems like we often hear about the differences between Millennials, Gen Y and Baby Boomers, yet one thing unites us all – having fun and sharing new experiences.
When the frenzied pace of life feels unsustainable, travel awaits with the promise of new perspectives and flavors to discover.
If your family is like mine, we typically travel with extended family and enjoy making memories with grandparents, children, even aunts and uncles. While it’s nice to sneak away from the group with my spouse for a date night in a new destination (love that built-in childcare!), it can be a challenge planning a trip that multiple generations enjoy.
Oklahoma City has a variety of attractions and experiences that entertain adults and kids of all ages
A great place to start is at the brand-new First Americans Museum where you can experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations. The immersive exhibits, hands-on learning and variety of Weekend FAMily Fun programming bring America’s dynamic history, culture and art to life.
In the nearby Bricktown Entertainment District, families can try their hand at a little friendly competition at Brickopolis and Revolutions Lower Bricktown, or linger awhile along the Bricktown Canal where you’ll find water taxi rides, plus a variety of dining and unique retail shops such as Painted Door Gift Boutique and Exhibit C.
The Adventure District is another popular family destination. It’s home to many can’t-miss museums and attractions, such as the Oklahoma City Zoo, USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, Oklahoma Railway Museum and more. Science Museum Oklahoma also offers mind-bending science exhibits, plus space, aviation and cultural artifacts. The recently remodeled Kirkpatrick Planetarium and the museum’s Science Live shows are must-see fun for all ages.
Art and Western heritage enthusiasts will want to make time to mosey over to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, which is also in the Adventure District. Adults and kids alike will be transported back in time as you stroll through Prosperity Junction, a replica turn-of-the-twentieth-century cattle town. Their newest addition, Liichokoshkomo’ (Chickasaw for Let’s Play!), brings to life replicas of a Kiowa Tipi, Puebloan Cliff Dwelling, Prairie Sod House, Chickasaw Council House, plus a trading post and train depot.
My family enjoys visiting national parks and monuments during our travels since they often provide unique learning opportunities for all generations. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was forged from the destruction and heartache of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. While the Memorial and Museum are maintained and operated through a private, non-profit foundation, National Park Rangers are available for talks while visiting the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial. They assist visitors in making a deep connection to this event and the important place it holds in American history. There are also special Junior Ranger and Oklahoma Outdoor Ranger badges available online.
The interactive Museum exhibits are thoughtfully curated for those that lived through and remember this tragic event, as well as to share stories of hope, resiliency and strength for younger generations. While this experience centers on an emotional event, it also led our family to have interesting and meaningful conversations about how the lessons learned are still relevant and the Oklahoma Standard that lives on today.
No trip is complete without great lodging and Orr Family Farm is definitely memorable. Relax and unplug in their Conestoga wagons or teepees, but no roughing it here – both glamping options offer all the modern amenities you crave. Enjoy a night under the stars, plus s’mores over the campfire and exclusive after-hours access to all the farm’s fun activities.
Another challenge to multi-generational travel can be agreeing on where to dine – particularly if you have picky eaters in your clan. My niece and nephews live on a grilled cheese diet, but that doesn’t mean adults have to be stuck with a boring menu thanks to The Mule. Their gourmet hot melts and grilled cheese sandwiches are hit with everyone. Just down the block, other Plaza District favorites include Roxy’s Ice Cream Social and Pie Junkie which are perfect when you need a sweet treat any time of day.
For even more family fun ideas, check out these things to do with kids which includes attraction recommendations by age group.
