WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
Trying to figure out what to do in Tulsa without breaking your budget? You’re in luck! Tulsa has plenty of parks, trails, local food and arts and culture to explore. With just a little planning, you can fill a day with activities for the whole family without spending a lot of money. If a solo day out is more your speed, Tulsa is the perfect place to go for a stroll, grab a quick bite and get lost among the paths of a beautiful riverside park.
If you’re looking for a travel guide for Tulsa full of options that will keep you active, save you some money and keep you coming back for more, then you’re in the right place.
Stay Active in Tulsa
Tulsa has a number of places to keep you moving. From riverside parks to state-of-the-art green spaces and a network of biking and hiking trails, T-Town is full of outdoor experiences that will help you sneak in a few extra steps in ways that you might not have expected!
Parks and Green Spaces That Make It Easy To Move
Not sure where to start on your day out in Tulsa? Your best option is one of the many parks and green spaces dotted around Tulsa’s urban core and outlying areas. These amazing spaces are a chance to enjoy a little fresh air and sunshine without spending a dime.
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is a riverfront park unlike anything you’ve experienced, built around art, nature and play, with walking paths, gardens, playgrounds and open lawns. There are new experiences around every bend in the path. Kids can play, adults can stroll the grounds and solo wanderers can get lost among the park’s unique design and architecture.
Did we mention that admission is free? That’s right! The Gathering Place is free to the public and hosts seasonal events year-round. You can have a completely different experience every time you drop in.
Tulsa Botanic Garden
Just north of downtown, the Tulsa Botanic Garden is a slower-paced option built with the leisurely stroll in mind. This collection of trails, gardens and open spaces makes it easy to wander at your own pace, take breaks in the shade and still get a solid walk in.
With multiple events each week, there’s always something fun happening, and seasonal displays like bulbs in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall will give you a reason to come back time and time again.
Guthrie Green
Need a little art, music and local flavor in your day? Guthrie Green is a downtown lawn that regularly hosts food trucks, live music, yoga and a wide range of community events. Guthrie Green’s free outdoor yoga and fitness classes are an easy, low-pressure way to get moving and clear your mind — no gym required.
An afternoon at Guthrie Green is a great anchor for a weekend in Tulsa’s vibrant downtown Arts District.
Trails and Outdoor Adventure
Turkey Mountain
For the more adventurous thrill-seeker, Turkey Mountain is Tulsa’s go-to spot for hiking, trail running and mountain biking, and it’s just minutes from downtown. This network of trails ranges from easy to more advanced, so beginners can start small and build up to a bigger challenge.
A word of advice: Come prepared. Bring plenty of water, a sturdy pair of shoes and be mindful of weather. In the summer months, mornings on the trail are ideal. In the spring, you’ll want to check trail conditions, especially after a rain.
River Parks Trails
Tulsa’s River Parks Trails is one of the city’s oldest and most notable landmarks. River Parks’ 26 miles of paved trails along the Arkansas River connects downtown to many incredible areas to the south, including The Gathering Place.
River Parks owns and leases hundreds of acres along the river, reserved for wildlife habitation and land preservation. Walkers and joggers are sure to encounter some incredible wildlife all along the waterfront.
Activities That Sneak in Steps
You know those days when you check your steps and think, “How did I walk that much?” Tulsa is full of places that will help you get in some extra steps without even realizing it! With all these experiences, you’ll want to confirm seasonal prices and hours before you head out.
Tulsa Zoo – The Tulsa Zoo is nestled in the heart of Mohawk Park and features a large, walkable layout with shaded paths and space to explore.
Admission: $19.99 adults, $16.99 children.
Discovery Lab – Discovery Lab provides families with hands-on exhibits, climbing and play areas spread across thousands of square feet. You’ll find plenty here to keep everyone moving.
Admission: $14 adults; FREE for children under 2; FREE for teachers with a school ID.
Tulsa Drillers – Tulsa’s minor league baseball team is a farm team for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Grab a ticket and make sure to enjoy the concourse. Seasonal promotions make a night at the ballpark an easy and affordable night out.
Admission: Pricing will vary from game to game.
Remember, kids need 60 minutes and adults need 30 minutes of activity each day, so if you’re looking for more ways to get moving, Tulsa has so many FREE opportunities to enjoy the city. If bad weather strikes, you can always head to the bowling lanes or try out a trampoline park! If you’re feeling adventurous, Tulsa is now home to Slick City Action Park.
Courts & Commons (for When You Want To Switch It Up)
Pickleball has taken the nation by storm, and Tulsa is no exception. Courts & Commons is a pickleball spot paired with restaurants and a large social space. If you’ve never picked up a racket, no worries! The game is beginner-friendly, low-impact and an easy way to get moving with friends or family.
Courts and Commons will undoubtedly be one of the more unique experiences you’ll have while in Tulsa, and it’s a great way to get your heart rate up!
Eat Better in Tulsa
Exploring a new city isn’t just about what you see. It’s also about what you eat, and Tulsa has plenty of options that leave you feeling good.
Feel-Good Food Spots
Eating better while you’re out is all about small choices and simple swaps, not perfection. Just remember that when you are out exploring, water is always a better choice than sugary drinks.
Ediblend Superfood Café – A convenient spot for smoothies, juices, bowls and lighter grab-and-go options in a walkable area.
Mother Road Market – A Tulsa favorite! This food hall provides many options for your group, all in one location. Everyone can split up and find something they’ll love. With so many options, it’s easier for everyone to find foods they enjoy, including vegetables, whole grains and protein.
Farmers Markets
Experiencing local culture and people is perhaps one of the best parts of exploring a city. Farmers markets are perfect for just that. Strolling through the booths of local farmers and ranchers is a great way to meet the locals, sneak in a few steps and experience an authentic day in T-Town.
The Tulsa Farmers Market is a one-stop shop for fresh produce and local goods. Strolling through the market is also a fun way to get some extra steps in while you explore. Even if you’re not buying, the market is the ideal place to indulge your senses and stretch your legs. As always, take note of seasonal hours.
Farm Days and Berry Picking Near Tulsa
If you’re open to a short drive, farm visits and berry picking are a fun way to switch things up. From late spring through summer, farms across Oklahoma host “pick your own” days, where you can gather strawberries, blueberries or blackberries straight from the source. It’s simple, hands-on and a great way to spend time outside.
Tulsa and its outlying areas have plenty of options for picking. From Porter Peaches at Livesay Farms to berries at Endicott Farms, the Tulsa area will keep your fruit bowl full!
Helpful Tip: Go early, bring water and sunscreen and call ahead to make sure the farm is open for the season!
Arts and Culture in Tulsa
Murals, galleries and historic buildings can turn an ordinary walk into something extraordinary, and Tulsa is no stranger to the arts! From breathtaking mid-century architecture to world-class music and art, Tulsa will surprise you around every corner.
Philbrook Museum of Art – The historic grounds of the Philbrook provide patrons with multiple floors of stunning galleries and 25 acres of meticulously sculpted gardens; a perfect spot for an indoor and outdoor stroll.
Tulsa Arts District – This walkable stretch of shops, restaurants, galleries, museums and parks is great for wandering without a plan. You can spend an entire day here and not even come close to seeing it all.
Tulsa truly is home to a collection of impressive museums and galleries. These experiences are a great way to escape the elements while remaining active.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ways to stay active in Tulsa?
Some of the easiest ways to stay active in Tulsa don’t feel like exercise at all. Walking through The Gathering Place, hiking or biking through Turkey Mountain or River Parks Trails, experiencing the Tulsa Botanic Garden and family-friendly stops like the Tulsa Zoo and Discovery Lab are all great ways to keep moving while enjoying the city. For something unique, head to Courts & Commons for a round of pickleball.
What is there to do in Tulsa, Oklahoma for families?
There are plenty of things to do in Tulsa that work well for families. The Gathering Place, Discovery Lab, Tulsa Zoo and a Drillers game are strong starting points. Farmers markets and seasonal events can also be fun for all ages, especially if you’re looking for something more relaxed. Most of these spots are flexible, so you can stay as long or as short as you like.
Where can I find walking paths and trails in Tulsa?
Try River Parks Trails along the Arkansas River for flat paved paths, Turkey Mountain for wooded and more challenging routes and The Gathering Place or Tulsa Botanic Garden for easier loops. You’re sure to find a trail that is perfect, whether you want a rigorous hike or a leisurely stroll.
What are some healthy eating options in Tulsa?
Tulsa has plenty of spots where you can grab a meal that leaves you feeling good afterward. For a lighter meal, try Ediblend Superfood Café for smoothies and bowls. Needing options for the whole crew? Mother Road Market has a variety of restaurants in one spot. The Tulsa Farmers Market is a great spot to grab fresh produce.
What are some free things to do in Tulsa?
Some of Tulsa’s best options are FREE. Head to The Gathering Place for a day of exploring, Guthrie Green for community events and classes, River Parks and Turkey Mountain for some adventure on the trails, the Tulsa Arts District to see murals and public art.
Need more options? Check out these free activities across Oklahoma.
There’s no single way to experience Tulsa, and that’s what makes it so easy to enjoy. From parks and trails to markets, museums and local eats, there are plenty of places to visit in T-Town that fit your pace. At the end of the day, it’s about finding simple ways to move more, eat well and enjoy where you are. That’s what healthy living is all about.
Planning a trip to OKC? Check out our What to do in Oklahoma City for suggestions!