Look for a sampling of personal favorites every month from the Tinker Take Off staff, everything ranging from Tinker resources to local getaways around our great state.
In this issue, we share our five must-experience OKC Downtown destinations for Tinkerites looking to get the most out of the Oklahoma Experience.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
Downtown Oklahoma City
Myriad Botanical Gardens
This issue’s featured Off Beat location, the 17-acre urban park contains unique gardens and the famed Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. With a variety of classes, events and more, there’s something for everyone.
• Outdoor gardens: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day; Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Outdoor gardens: free; Tropical Conservatory: $8 for adults, $7 for students age 13-19 and $5 for students age 5-12
• oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com
• Dog park on premises
Wheeler Park
Wheeler District
Centered around the iconic Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel, the Wheeler District is a great area to get a pulse on the direction OKC is trending, while enjoying the scenic Oklahoma River from atop a historic ferris wheel.
• The ferris wheel is open 4-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays
• $6 for a single ride, $10 for a full day and free for children 3 and under
• wheelerdistrict.com/ferris-wheel/
• Free ride tickets for furry friends
Factory Obscura
Factory Obscura
Factory Obscura is a top destination in OKC for its colorful, immersive art exhibits. This art collective features interactive and cutting-edge art installations from a variety of artists ranging from popular local talents to high-profile figures.
• 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5p.m. Sundays
• $15 for adults, $12 for children 4-12 and no cost for children 3 and under
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
There is no single experience in OKC that provides a look into what has become known as the Oklahoma Standard quite like the National Memorial and Museum. Dedicated to the lives lost and those impacted by the 1995 OKC Bombing, the Memorial is an experience like no other, honoring a tragic event that became a formative moment in the contemporary development of OKC.
• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
• $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, military members and students, and free for children under 5
• oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/
OKC Underground
Downtown Oklahoma City
OKC Underground
A literal hidden gem of OKC, the Underground of OKC spans 20 city blocks filled with stores, restaurants and art exhibits highlighting some of the more unique aspects of Oklahoma and its residents. An entrance to the Underground can be found in Liberty Square, with many more hidden entrances scattered throughout downtown.
• 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday
• Free, with costs varying from business to business