A critical review of some of the places we've been:
Oklahoma Aquarium: 4 cheetos
It has plenty of things for Davis to check-out! Most of the fish tanks have ledges for kids to stand and see the fish up-close, and the staff doesn't mind if you touch the glass (or maybe Davis is just so cute that he could get away with it). They have a lot of interactive exhibits, some that involve getting splashed! (Davis loved that part). The walk-through shark tank is incredible! It was worth the drive, even if it's the only planned stop in Tulsa (it's actually in neighboring Jenks). Bonus: It's less crowded on Sunday mornings when it first opens -and head straight for the shark tank. When we go back: Spend more time! The aquarium has a 'extended-item' snack bar, but it's not always open. Plan to spend at least 2 hours. Admission: FREE for Davis, reasonable for us with 2 military discounts
Tulsa Air and Space Museum: 3 cheetos
It's a good place to go if it's combined with a trip to the Tulsa Zoo or the Oklahoma Aquarium. The main exhibit is the F-14 Tomcat (it's dificult to realize how large the plane is until you're standing next to one). After about 15 minutes, you realize that you've seen everything, but checking-out the cool stuff a second time was fun for Davis.
Bonus: ask a member of the staff, and they will let you climb into the cockpit of the F-14 Tomcat fighter jet! (it was the 'star' of the movie Top Gun).
When we go back: we'll skip the planetarium -it's next to the museum, but Davis didn't get much out of it.
Admission: FREE for Davis, borderline unreasonable for 2 adults
Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center: 4 cheetos
It's a 15 minute ride from the house! It has a large walk-around fish tank with catfish and gar, but it's not lit that well, so Davis hasn't noticed all of them. There are exhibits and displays that Davis can be 'hands-on' with, and there's a large outdoor viewing deck that overlooks the lake (and it has the giant birdhouse that fascinates Davis so much).
Bonus: Bring food and drinks for an outdoor picnic!
When we go back: It won't be soon enough! We might try the walking trail with the cooler weather and fewer bugs.
Admission: FREE for everyone
Little Rock Zoo: 2 1/2 cheetos
Once we got over the ticket-shock of paying full-price youth admission for Davis, we enjoyed the nice atmosphere of the LR Zoo (clean and not too crowded). The ape/chimpanzee area was the main attraction, it has elevated walkways that allow for good viewing. The lay-out of the zoo is kid-friendly, not too long of a walk between exhibits.
Bonus: The elephant area is up-close and was Davis' favorite zoo experience.
When we go back: we'll check-out the bears, their new habitat was under construction during our last visit. Admission: NOT FREE for Davis (full price- youth)
Oklahoma City Zoo: 3 cheetos
The best part of the OKC Zoo for Davis was the aquarium. We could (and maybe should) have spent the entire length of the visit there. There were a lot of areas that were closed, and it was a long walk between the ones that were open.
Bonus: at the aquarium for feeding time with the seals -large viewing areas below the surface of the water are awesome.
When we go back: (this applies to all the other places too) we'll pack a small cooler for Davis with some 'sodas-in-disguise' for mommy and daddy- $2 for a 12oz bottle of Coke is crazy.
Admission: FREE for Davis, reasonable for us
Oklahoma Aquarium: 4 cheetosIt has plenty of things for Davis to check-out! Most of the fish tanks have ledges for kids to stand and see the fish up-close, and the staff doesn't mind if you touch the glass (or maybe Davis is just so cute that he could get away with it). They have a lot of interactive exhibits, some that involve getting splashed! (Davis loved that part). The walk-through shark tank is incredible! It was worth the drive, even if it's the only planned stop in Tulsa (it's actually in neighboring Jenks). Bonus: It's less crowded on Sunday mornings when it first opens -and head straight for the shark tank. When we go back: Spend more time! The aquarium has a 'extended-item' snack bar, but it's not always open. Plan to spend at least 2 hours. Admission: FREE for Davis, reasonable for us with 2 military discounts
Tulsa Air and Space Museum: 3 cheetosIt's a good place to go if it's combined with a trip to the Tulsa Zoo or the Oklahoma Aquarium. The main exhibit is the F-14 Tomcat (it's dificult to realize how large the plane is until you're standing next to one). After about 15 minutes, you realize that you've seen everything, but checking-out the cool stuff a second time was fun for Davis.
Bonus: ask a member of the staff, and they will let you climb into the cockpit of the F-14 Tomcat fighter jet! (it was the 'star' of the movie Top Gun).
When we go back: we'll skip the planetarium -it's next to the museum, but Davis didn't get much out of it.
Admission: FREE for Davis, borderline unreasonable for 2 adults
Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center: 4 cheetosIt's a 15 minute ride from the house! It has a large walk-around fish tank with catfish and gar, but it's not lit that well, so Davis hasn't noticed all of them. There are exhibits and displays that Davis can be 'hands-on' with, and there's a large outdoor viewing deck that overlooks the lake (and it has the giant birdhouse that fascinates Davis so much).
Bonus: Bring food and drinks for an outdoor picnic!
When we go back: It won't be soon enough! We might try the walking trail with the cooler weather and fewer bugs.
Admission: FREE for everyone
Little Rock Zoo: 2 1/2 cheetos
Once we got over the ticket-shock of paying full-price youth admission for Davis, we enjoyed the nice atmosphere of the LR Zoo (clean and not too crowded). The ape/chimpanzee area was the main attraction, it has elevated walkways that allow for good viewing. The lay-out of the zoo is kid-friendly, not too long of a walk between exhibits.Bonus: The elephant area is up-close and was Davis' favorite zoo experience.
When we go back: we'll check-out the bears, their new habitat was under construction during our last visit. Admission: NOT FREE for Davis (full price- youth)
Oklahoma City Zoo: 3 cheetosThe best part of the OKC Zoo for Davis was the aquarium. We could (and maybe should) have spent the entire length of the visit there. There were a lot of areas that were closed, and it was a long walk between the ones that were open.
Bonus: at the aquarium for feeding time with the seals -large viewing areas below the surface of the water are awesome.
When we go back: (this applies to all the other places too) we'll pack a small cooler for Davis with some 'sodas-in-disguise' for mommy and daddy- $2 for a 12oz bottle of Coke is crazy.
Admission: FREE for Davis, reasonable for us
