Parents will once again be in charge of keeping their children occupied as spring break begins in Tulsa this month.
But there’s no need to fret. The city has an assortment of events for families to ring in the start of the spring season. From art appreciation to nature exploration, there is something for every family to enjoy.
Here are 10 family-friendly activities — five for free and five for a fee — to help your family escape the hustle and bustle.
Spring Break Art Studio at Philbrook Museum of Art
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 18
The tulips are in bloom in the garden behind Philbrook Museum. After a nature stroll through the grounds, head to the art studio and create your own art inspired by current exhibition artists.
During regular visitor hours, there is also a spring break scavenger hunt, nature play and guest lounge play.
Location: Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road
Age: All ages
Cost: Free for members, free with general admission ticket and free for youth two and under.
Spring Break at Mother Road Market
4 to 6 p.m. March 17 — Balloons & Bingo
6 p.m. March 18 — Movie Night
6 p.m. March 20 — Silent Disco
Mother Road Market is hosting a jam-packed week of free events. It will begin with bingo and balloon twisters Tuesday before moving on to a viewing of “A Minecraft Movie” Wednesday.
If you’re able to spend a few dollars Thursday, there will be $3 lunch specials with $3 mini golf from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can return to the free events at 6 p.m. the next day to experience silent disco with three separate DJs.
Location: Mother Road Market, 1124 S. Lewis Ave.
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Central Library: Family Play Space Goes to the Movies
4 to 6 p.m. March 19
The Children’s Garden at the Tulsa City County Library will be transformed into a party area for families with children. At the central location, families can enjoy a movie, games and open play for free.
It is encouraged that you bring snacks, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the event will move inside.
Location: Central Library, 400 Civic Center
Age: All ages
Cost: Free. Find this event and other Central Library events here.
Spring Discovery Walk at Oxley Nature Center
11 a.m. to noon, 2 to 3 p.m. March 20
With over 800 acres and nine trails, the Oxley Nature Center can be a perfect spot for reconnecting with nature. On Fridays and Sundays, the center’s naturalists give free tours. Meet the group at the message board at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. to view the beauty of Tulsa’s natural state.
If you prefer to discover the wilderness without a guide, the trails are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Oxley Nature Center, 6700 Mohawk Blvd.
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Gathering Place
Each day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning March 7
As winter comes to a close, the park is extending its hours in time for spring break. If your children love the outdoors but need more than a hike to keep them entertained, the Gathering Place is the place to go. The free park spans across more than 65 acres and has garden trails, playgrounds, basketball courts and much more.
Location: Gathering Place, 2650 S. John Williams Way
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Spring BotaniCamp at Tulsa Botanic Garden
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 16-19
The Tulsa Botanic Garden opened for the season March 1. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of spring break. General admission costs up to $15, depending on age.
If you can’t make it but still want your children to experience the new LEGO exhibit, spots are still available for the Spring BotaniCamp. Ages seven to 12 can be registered for $300.
Location: Tulsa Botanic Garden, 3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive
Age: All ages for regular visits, 7-12 for Spring BotaniCamp
Cost: Up to $15 for general admission, $300 for camp registration.
Slick City Action Park
10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 16-19
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. March 20
If your family is feeling restless, Slick City Action Park may be the perfect place to burn some energy. The park, complete with an air court and huge slides, is extending its hours during spring break.
Location: Slick City Action Park, 5352 E. Skelly Drive
Age: All ages
Cost: Tickets range from $13.99 to $30.99.
STEAM night at Oklahoma Aquarium
6 to 8 p.m. March 17
Tulsans can continue their nature education at Oklahoma Aquarium’s STEAM night in Jenks. Grab the family and explore the aquarium’s 10,000 animal species before heading to STEAM night to create projects relating to environmental conservation.
Members can register for free and the general public can register with daily admission. There are sessions beginning at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Location: Oklahoma Aquarium, 300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks
Age: All ages
Cost: Up to $25 for general admission. RSVP here.
Spring Break Camp at Studio 512
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 16-17
Children with a more artistic streak may enjoy attending Studio 512’s Spring Break Camp. Local artist Casey Reed will instruct participants through paintings, crafts and hands-on projects during the two-day camp.
Location: Studio 512, 512 S. Boston Ave.
Age: Six and up.
Cost: $60 per child. Register here.
“A Man Named Cash” at Tulsa Performing Arts Center
7:30 p.m. March 20
For Tulsa’s music history buffs, the Tulsa PAC has a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity during spring break. “A Man Named Cash” is a tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.
The live show’s singer, Eric Hofmanis, was chosen by the Cash estate and June Carter Cash. Megan Houde will perform alongside Hofmanis as they go through a catalog of songs from across Cash’s 50-year career. All ages are welcome.
Location: Tulsa PAC, 110 E. 2nd St. S.
Age: All ages
Cost: $49. Buy tickets here.
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