Summer is an ideal time of year to spend with friends and family. From spending more time outdoors watching the flowers bloom and leaves become greener to interacting with amazing sea life, there’s no better season than summer. If you're a senior looking to explore new places in Tulsa with your family this season, we have some ideas that might inspire you.
Visit the Oxley Nature Center
The Oxley Nature Center is a great place to spend time outdoors with your family and get some steps in. This facility has an extensive trail system where you can walk seven days a week year-round, but summer is an ideal time to get in touch with nature while staying active.
All the different loops of the trail link together, with the main part centered around the Interpretive Building. Many of the Nature Center’s trails are smooth enough for wheelchairs and strollers, allowing you to enjoy the various forests, wetlands and waterways comfortably. Plan your own nature walk or take part in one of the many group trail walks scheduled throughout the summer.
Oxley Nature Center is also an excellent place to encounter wildlife. Set on 804 acres, many animals, birds and insects call the various habitats home. Deer, bobcats, raccoons, minks and other mammals live here, along with over 200 kinds of birds. Over 50 species of butterflies have also been found on-site. Wildflowers and many other flowering plants hit their peak in early summer, with another wave mid to late summer.
Oxley Nature Center is free to enter, but donations are greatly appreciated. Most scheduled events require pre-registration but generally don’t have a fee.
Dive Into the Oklahoma Aquarium
Nestled in the quaint suburb of Jenks, the Oklahoma Aquarium is a must-visit destination for seniors and their families, especially younger children. Share a fascinating experience at Oklahoma’s only freestanding aquarium, where you’ll see an impressive array of aquatic life — from exotic fish to fierce sharks.
One of the most impressive attractions at the aquarium is the shark tunnel. You can watch these majestic creatures as they glide gracefully overhead. It’s a remarkable experience for visitors, young and old. The aquarium also has interactive touch tanks, where you can physically touch stingrays and small sharks.
Designed with accessibility in mind, the aquarium accommodates wheelchairs and scooters to ensure seniors with mobility issues can still enjoy the wonders of the underwater world. Open to the public for more than 20 years, this family-friendly spot offers an enriching, educational outing that captivates your entire family. Best of all, seniors aged 62 or older receive a discount.
Take Flight at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum
Located in the northwest corner of the Tulsa International Airport, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is a must for aviation history fans. This astonishing museum is 19,000 square feet and houses vintage aircraft and historical exhibits. It offers seniors and their families a thrilling journey through the world of aviation and space exploration with fascinating hands-on activities.
The museum’s full-dome planetarium, added in 2006, is a standout feature for those intrigued by outer space. You can immerse yourself in stunning celestial shows that let you explore the mysteries of the universe, from the night sky above Oklahoma to the farthest reaches of space.
The interactive exhibits and knowledgeable docents enhance your visit, making the complexities of air and space travel accessible and engaging for everyone. Bringing your family here offers an inspiring and educational experience that bridges the gap between generations. No matter your age, the museum and planetarium spark the imagination like no other place.
Tickets can be purchased for the museum, planetarium, or both, with a combo ticket available for a discounted price. Seniors also receive a discount.
Stroll Around the Tulsa Botanic Garden
There’s always something in bloom at the Tulsa Botanic Garden, but summer is an ideal time to see plants and flowers at their peak. This verdant oasis sits on 170 acres 8 miles northwest of downtown Tulsa. It provides a refreshing place for seniors and their families to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of nature.
The Tulsa Botanic Garden offers a breathtaking array of plant collections and themed gardens, including vibrant Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces and a serene Bumgarner Family Foundation Lotus Pool. The paths to these and many other areas of the garden are wheelchair accessible. The gentle paths are also designed for easy walking, providing a scenic way to get your steps in.
Additionally, the garden hosts various educational programs and seasonal events that engage the senses and celebrate the natural world. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this picturesque setting allows you to reconnect with nature and enjoy a leisurely day with loved ones.
Purchase general admission tickets or become a member of the garden to enter for free during certain times and events. If you plan on spending the day there, pack for a picnic and enjoy lunch amongst the flowers with your family.
Step Back in Time at the Philbrook Museum of Art
Opened in 1939, the Philbrook Museum of Art is more than a museum; the entire place is a work of art. As one of Tulsa’s most enchanting cultural treasures, you have much beauty to behold before even stepping inside. The museum is housed in a stunning 1920s Italian Renaissance villa, dubbed Villa Philbrook, surrounded by expansive formal gardens.
The Philbrook is a haven for art lovers, but it’s also a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. Its extensive collection spans time periods and locations across the globe, from Renaissance masterpieces to Native American artwork. No matter your interests, you're sure to find something that captures your attention.
The meandering garden paths offer a peaceful retreat that blends art with horticulture and provides another opportunity to enjoy an outdoor stroll. The museum also frequently hosts workshops, lectures and family-friendly events that help enrich everyone’s understanding and appreciation of art.
Looking for more things to do in Tulsa this summer? Explore our activities at Montereau! The best way to get a feel for our community is to visit our campus. Experience what life is like at Montereau at one of our on-site events for prospective residents. Call 918-495-1500 to speak with one of our team members today.
