Outdoor Experiences in Tulsa for couples or families
Beautiful Gardens in Tulsa
Tulsa Botanic Garden is nestled in the Osage Hills, just eight miles northwest of downtown Tulsa. The most romantic stroll among flowers and beautiful foliage you will find in the city. Join in the fun especially in the fall paradise. Visit during the annual Scarecrow Exhibit, where handmade scarecrows from schools, businesses, artists, and other community members are on display from September 22 through Oct. 30. Have a fall photoshoot for your engagement cards or wedding invitations. The Tulsa Botanic Garden’s beautifully decorated pumpkin labyrinth that creates a mosaic design is quite an experience.
Woodward Park at 21st and Peoria is most popular for its show of azaleas and tulips in the early springtime. Next door to the park is The Tulsa Garden Center which is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve as horticultural headquarters with diverse educational opportunities, and to provide exceptional guest experiences within Woodward Park. They offer numerous lectures, classes, training, plant shows, and special events throughout the year, which are predominantly free for its members.
Next door is the Snedden Mansion and is open to the public Tuesday through Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm, and Saturdays by appointment only. Visitors can enjoy the architecture and collection of historical photographs displayed throughout the mansion which depict the home as it was during the Snedden days. Most of the rooms still retain the craftsmanship and charm of the original home. The extensive woodcarvings, the flamboyant gold leaf ceilings and the dramatic marble floors are just a few of the original elements preserved.
Hiking
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness is a Tulsa treasure just East of highway 75 between 71st street and 61st street. Hiking in Tulsa Oklahoma with your fiancée in the fall is an exhilarating experience. After the hot dry summer, it feels so good to get out in the cooler sunshine of the day. The wilderness at Turkey Mountain has abundant trees, many birds are found there, and it encompasses several hundred acres of rugged hill country located only a few miles from Tulsa’s downtown. The landscape creates a sense of being far from city life with its thick canopy of trees. Turkey Mountain is dog friendly and offers miles of winding dirt trails for walking, mountain biking and trail running. At Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness one should wear comfortable hiking shoes because the terrain is very un-even. Be sure and take your phone with GPS activated because one can easily get lost in the woods and get confused on which trails lead back to the parking lot.
Tulsa Trails is located at 3301 south 29th W. Ave and is another great place to go out to enjoy some time together while getting acquainted with your soon-to-be spouse. The outdoor experiences at Tulsa Trails West are fun and relaxing especially if you have children because they offer Fall events include Saturday trail rides, and wagon rides for families to enjoy. The property has horses, longhorns, ponies, and native wildlife.
Keystone Ancient Forest is about 20 miles from Tulsa and is close to Keystone Lake. It is located at 160 Ancient Forest Dr, Sand Springs, Oklahoma. It offers a 1360-acre nature preserve and includes romantic walking trails for novice and experienced hikers: Frank Trails, Childers Trails, Fall Trails, Wilson Trails and the Less Traveled Trails are different types. This property was an ancestral hunting parcel and is now a refuge for all kinds of wildlife including 80 bird species, deer, coyotes, and more. The forest features the Cross Timbers Forest and is home to 500-year-old cedars and 300-year-old post oaks. The preserve is open Thursday through Sunday each week and some good but primitive hiking trails ranging from easy ½ mile to challenging 4-mile trails.
Post Oak Lodge is a high end experience at 5323 W 31st St N, Tulsa, where you can take a zip line tour when available, a good romantic hike up their forest trails, or dine in their restaurant at the lodge. There are lots of trees, hills, and creeks to enjoy.
Biking trails
Tulsa has the best biking trails, and they continue to grow and connect to various places. There is a paved biking trail open to the public to use with your own bike from Bixby to Sand Springs which is over 25 miles long.
This Machine is a public bike borrowing system that Tulsa offers. It is a local non-profit electric bike share system, a free service to all. Use the This Machine app to rent one of the 250+ electric pedal-assist bicycles from 70 conveniently located stations around Tulsa, including downtown, Route 66, Gathering Place, Studio Row, local trail systems, and more! At the end of your trip, leave your bike at any This Machine station or public bike rack. Great for getting from downtown to Cherry Street or Brookside! Visit their website at www.thismachinetulsa.com to learn more about how the system works.
Lubell Park provides mountain biking at 2910 W 53rd St in Tulsa. Enjoy their mountain bike trails if you like to bike in hill country. This beautiful Park offers bike-friendly trails and is Oklahoma’s first adaptive trail located so close to downtown Tulsa. When getting more acquainted with someone, there is nothing like expending lots of energy, even sweating, and getting dirty to help one get more acquainted with your fiancée. These trails are perfect for rigorous off-road cycling. Escape the noise of the city and enjoy nature with 40 wooded acres in west Tulsa. You can mountain bike, hike or run the many trails. There’s also a lookout deck, playground for kids, gazebo and even protected wetlands!
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced equestrian, these destinations are sure to provide an unforgettable horseback riding adventure.
Tulsa Trails West Check out Tulsa Trails West which is located at 3401 south 29th West Avenue in Tulsa for horseback riding; or River Run Farm 9300 South 51st West Avenue which is especially good for children and year-round indoor riding. If your fiancée loves horses, you will discover both countryside horseback riding and indoor riding all within 15 minutes of downtown Tulsa.
River Run Farm is located at 9300 West 51st South and provides horseback riding in a rustic Virginia farm-like setting in the rolling hills of southwest Tulsa.
American Theuraputic Riding is a great place for some horseback riding fun. This location offers breathtaking scenery and unique experiences for riders.
Tulsa City Parks
Tulsa Parks: The city of Tulsa offers a wealth of parks and outdoor spaces. Each setting offers its own set of amenities. Whether you are looking for a sports court or a spot to gather for a family afternoon picnic, these parks throughout the city have everything you need.
a. Chandelier Park is located on a hill in West Tulsa at 6500 West 21st and offers 192 acres of open spaces for one to enjoy. This park includes 2-disc golf courses, several pavilions, a baseball complex, swimming, hiking, rock climbing, picnic shelters, restrooms, two 18-hole golf courses and a community center. If one wants to gather a group, the 3 group pavilions can be reserved for $75 for a half a day by going on to the Tulsa Parks website at https://www2.tulsacounty.org/parks/parks-facilities/chandler-park/chandler-park-picnic-pavilions/
b. Tulsa River Parks were built along the Arkansas River and is Tulsa’s favorite place for jogging, cycling, or a leisurely walk. These spots along the peaceful river offer gorgeous views of Tulsa’s skyline, making them ideal for a relaxing afternoon or a scenic sunset together. Their trails are well-kept and smooth, whether you’re seeking tranquility or an active day out, walking along side your sweetheart will be a romantic and refreshing experience. For couples who love adventure, River Parks offers kayaking on the Arkansas River and hosts numerous sporting events and festivals throughout the year including races. The park also offers many lively concerts and public art displays, adding a cultural flavor to the natural beauty and recreational activities available, creating a unique and romantic experience for a pleasant date night out.
c. The Gathering Place is by far my favorite place to stroll with my sweetheart. It is in the heart of Tulsa on Riverside and 31st Street. It is Tulsa’s newest park with a riverfront featuring an adventure playground, beautiful gardens with flowers blooming most of the year. It has many interactive play elements and educational engagement opportunities for all ages to create great memories together. One can go get a coffee or an ice cream in the magnificent Williams Lodge where there is a cozy fireplace with a rip-roaring fire on cold winter days. There are comfortable love seats and chairs to relax in. They have a lot of entertainment and special concerts, treats, and shows to watch during the Holidays. There are lawn concerts in the summertime and the boathouse near the pond offers canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats for rent.
d. Hunter Park is a beautiful quite country spot in the middle of a residential area located between Yale and Sheridan on 91st street and offers walking trails under a forest of trees, a splash pad, playground equipment, picnic shelter, and fields for playing ball or playing frisbee with the dogs.
e. Play a game of gold with your sweetie. LaFortune Park GC offers an 18-hole Championship layout, an 18-hole lighted par-3 course and a brightly lit driving range, making it the pride of Tulsa golf. (Par 3 Lights are on until 11PM & Driving Range Lights are on until 10PM April through October ). This beautiful and well maintained 270-acre park is a green oasis where locals and tourists alike come to play golf. Since 1960 LaFortune Park Golf Course has been a shining example of Tulsa golf in Oklahoma. Recent renovations to the park have brought new life to the facility.
A couple can engage in a lively tennis match, swing on the swings, enjoy the many park benches to sit and visit, or cool off in the large community pool. LaFortune Park is at Yale between 51st and 61st and offers a breath of fresh air right in the middle of Tulsa. It is located close to Saint Francis hospital and across the street from several nice fast-food restaurants.
f. Mary K Osley Nature Center is located by Mohawk Park. It used to be Oxley Nature Preserve and is still Free to the public. They offer hiking trails in the woods. They are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and provide an interpretive building open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4:30.
Tulsa Area Lakes and Fishing
Tulsa area has several large lakes. They are Keystone Lake, Skiatook Lake, and Oolagah Lake. They have nice campsites, marinas, and picnic areas with playgrounds. One can rent fishing boats or a pontoon for the whole family through Cross Timbers Marina at Skiatook or Pier 51 Marina at Keystone. A medium size popular fishing lake West of Sapulpa is Heyburn Lake where on the North side off highway 33 a couple can tour and pick a bouquet of flowers at the beautiful wedding venue called Bella Rosa. Kaitybird Lake, Pretty Water Lake, Skyline Lake, Yahola Lake, and Recreation Lake at Mohawk Park by the Tulsa Zoo are some of the smaller lakes close in town.
Popular Indoor Date Ideas in Tulsa
Tulsa Performing Arts Center: The Tulsa PAC is an elegantly decorated auditorium where Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera and the Ameri Theater Company, and Tulsa Philharmonic perform plays, dance, drama, orchestras, musicals, and even films. It is in downtown Tulsa. Get your tickets at tickets-center.com
Aquarium: The Oklahoma Aquarium is located just off the river in Jenks. One can discover many types of underwater life at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Various underwater creatures are ready to share the way they live. This aquarium provides galleries that feature underwater life from our oceans, rivers, lakes and streams. Enjoy discovering aquatic life with your lover or friend and share your individual experiences with water creatures. See the largest bull shark collection in the world through a unique walk-through tunnel and dome. Get tickets on their website at https://www.okaquarium.org/
If you have children, they will enjoy crawling through the Kelp Forest and Discovery Caves and seeing exotic stingrays, iguanas and fish face-to-face. Participate by rolling up your sleeves at interactive touch and feed tanks to feel some of the fish’s skin. The Oklahoma Aquarium is open every day except Christmas from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last entry at 5 p.m.
Gilcrease Museum
The Gilcrease Museum is in Northwest Tulsa. The landscaped property with walking paths and flower gardens makes for a beautiful romantic stroll together. Inside the museum one steps back in time and discovers the world’s largest collection of art from the American West. Here, you can explore a vast array of artifacts, documents, and artwork that tell the rich story of America’s past. The museum’s exhibits extend beyond the traditional to include Indigenous art and historical manuscripts, offering a comprehensive view of the cultural heritage of the American West. If you are from another country, you will learn a lot of American history as you wander through the museum’s galleries. You will find the roots of our American heritage, and encounter stories of pioneers, Native American leaders, and artists whose works have shaped this nation. The Gilcrease Museum is a guardian of stories that define the American spirit and a treasure of historical pieces that make our culture who we are. The Planetarium reserves seats on a first come first serve basis. Tickets must be purchased and picked up in the museum at least 15 minutes before your desired show!
Tulsa Air & Space Museum
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum is located out by the airport on the Northeast side of the city. Find your inner rocket scientist as you sit in their Planetarium to enjoy a thrilling journey together through the archives of aerospace achievements. This museum beautifully blends historical artifacts with cutting-edge technology, allowing the discovery of the many accomplishments that put Tulsa on the map of aerospace exploration. From antique aircraft to hands-on simulators, the exhibits promise to educate and elevate your understanding of the skies. In the planetarium, the adventure continues as you traverse the universe without leaving Tulsa. The state-of-the-art facility offers a spectacular glimpse into the cosmos with shows that transport viewers from the night skies of Oklahoma to the farthest reaches of space. It’s an enlightening experience that highlights the wonders of the universe. Tickets must be purchased on line at www.tulsamuseum.org.
Woody Guthrie Center:
If you like to learn about passed entertainers, dive into the vibrant legacy of Woody Guthrie at this inspiring center, where the spirit of Oklahoma’s most renowned folk singer-songwriter is immortalized. Through a series of compelling exhibits, visitors can explore Guthrie’s life, his music, and his enduring influence on social movements. It’s not just a museum; it’s a gateway to understanding the power of voice and song in advocating for change.
Philbrook Museum of Art :
The Philbrook has been named “the most beautiful place in Oklahoma” by House Beautiful magazine. This art museum is an essential stop at least once for a date. It is an old mansion nestled on 25-acres of pristine gardens in the heart of midtown Tulsa, Philbrook Museum offers world-class art in a historical mansion that transports visitors to the Italian countryside. Couples can take in some famous paintings, eat a nice lunch on the veranda, stroll among the gardens or sit and visit the pergola. The gardens are the perfect place to take your engagement photos for your announcements, especially in the spring or fall when the leaves are changing colors. Philbrook was founded out of the historical home of Waite and Genevieve Phillips but includes modern additions such as the auditorium, restaurant, library and educational studios.
Tulsa Walking Tours
Architecture Tour: See different Art Deco styles and classical European architecture as you explore up-close along this guided walking tour of Tulsa. It takes 2 hours and cost $54. On this architecture tour of Tulsa’s most historic district, you’ll see and learn about a variety of building styles, such as Neo-Gothic and Art Deco. The guide will explain how Art Deco came to be and why Tulsa has so many examples for a city of its size. Buildings shown and discussed are Atlas Life, Philtower, Tulsa Club, Southwestern Bell, ARCO, PSO – Pythian, Sinclair and Philcade.
Underground Downtown Tunnels:
The underground tunnels are a very interesting part of Tulsa’s history. Explore the downtown office buildings of Tulsa via underground tunnels on a walking tour. Learn about the vast history of downtown Tulsa with an expert guide. The cost is $40. It takes one and a half hours to walk through. To reserve your spot, go to tulsa guides. This is an excellent date on a windy or cold day, because one is inside the underground.
Route 66 Historical Village:
Visit the Route 66 Historical Village at 3770 Southwest Boulevard in Tulsa to experience history in an open-air picturesque setting. The vintage oil derricks and restored train cars educate visitors about the oil boom that propelled our city to make Tulsa the Oil Capitol of the World. One can go back to the bustling industrial era of America’s beloved and capture the spirit of a bygone era with its authentic exhibits that give a nostalgic charm. Each artifact and display give a glimpse into the lives of those who traveled Route 66 during its prime. With its vivid sense of adventure and enterprise, this historical site is an essential destination for history enthusiasts and couples looking to connect with early 20th-century America.
Boston Avenue Methodist Church
Boston Avenue Methodist Church, 1301 South Boston in Tulsa, is not only a place of worship but a stunning architectural masterpiece. It is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States and beckons couples in love to marvel at its intricate designs and symmetrical beauty. The church is a National Historic Landmark and stands as a testament to Tulsa’s rich cultural heritage.
Inside, the church has a breathtaking interior with many sculptural details and vibrant stained glass that cascades light inside. Guided tours are given every Sunday at 12:15 beginning in the church library on the second floor. Enjoy a deeper understanding of the architectural innovation and historical significance of this iconic Tulsa landmark. A visit here is a journey through the artistry and vision that shapes one of Tulsa’s most revered sites. Self-guided tours are also available any time the building is open.
- Written by Tricia Bell from Bella Rosa Venue where luxury and smart budgets meet to make your special celebration a beautiful dream come true. Come take a tour and make it your place to establish your family in our beautiful countryside marriage ceremony and reception venue. Check us out at www.bellarosa-venue.com
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