As the OKC metro becomes increasingly, well, metropolitan, it’s nice to remember there are several places nearby to stop and smell the roses (or play disc golf, or race a mountain bike or hit the water slides or…). You get the idea.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
301 W. Reno Ave.
myriadgardens.com
405-445-7080
Located downtown, this 15-acre natural oasis hosts a children’s garden, a dog park, several water features and performing arts stages and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, with a cascading waterfall and a sky-bridge view. Myriad events including gardening classes, and community get-togethers throughout the year ensure that there’s almost always a reason to take a walk in the park.
Mitch Park
1501 W. Covell Road, Edmond
edmondok.com
405-359-4630
A skate park, a disc-golf course, two basketball courts, an exercise station, a volleyball court, an athletic complex and 5 miles of paved, multiuse trails ensure you can stay active this summer whatever activity you prefer. Abundant playgrounds keep the kids busy, and weekly farmers markets and events like LibertyFest KiteFest (June 30-July 1) add even more versatility to this crowd-pleasing park.
Will Rogers Gardens
3400 NW 36th St.
okc.gov/parks
405-297-1392
This 30-acre historic park provides the community with interactive learning experiences in home gardening and landscaping. Family-friendly classes and workshops created in conjunction with horticultural educators from Oklahoma State University County-Extension Center give everyone a chance to get their hands dirty for a good reason.
Earlywine Park
3033 SW 119th St.
okc.gov/parks
405-692-6050
Home to a YMCA, a family aquatic center, tennis courts, ball fields, a playground and a 1.5-mile trail for walking running or biking, this south OKC park has something for almost everybody who likes to move around outside, even dogs.
E.C. Hafer Park
1034 S. Bryant Ave, Edmond
edmondok.com
405-359-4630
Kids can play like royalty at this Edmond park, which boasts three playgrounds, a child-sized fishing pond and Pelican Bay Aquatic Center. An athletic complex, exercise station, volleyball court and performing arts stage ensure plentiful activities for all ages.
Martin Park Nature Center
5000 W. Memorial Road
okc.gov/parks
405-297-1429
With 2.5 miles of woodland trails, a visitors' center complete with a nature learning library and live animals and even a nature-themed playground, Martin Park Nature Center lives up to its name. Guided hikes and educational programs for children age 2-10 offer an informative look at the world around us. Be sure to bring catfish food to feed the fish and turtles.
Bluff Creek Park
N. Meridian Ave.
okc.gov/parks
405-837-7995
The 3.4-mile trail looping alongside a river and through the woods is the main attraction here. Pedestrians successfully lobbied Oklahoma City Parks Commission last year to keep the popular trail open for hiking and jogging, but bikers and dogs on leashes are also welcome to take a break from urban life without really leaving the city.
