Owasso, Oklahoma: 10 Fun Things To Do Near Tulsa

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Owasso, Oklahoma (Tulsa County)

If you’re planning a visit to Owasso, Oklahoma or just moved to town, you might be wondering, “Okay… what is there to actually do around here?” Good news: quite a lot. Owasso has that friendly small‑town feel, but it’s just minutes from big‑city fun in Tulsa. That combo makes it a great base for weekend adventures, family outings, and date nights. Below are 10 fun things to do in and around Owasso, all within an easy drive. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find something worth adding to your list.

1. Relax And Play At Owasso’s Redbud Festival Park

Right in the heart of downtown Owasso, Redbud Festival Park is a cozy community hangout spot. You’ll find:
  • Wide open green space to stretch out and relax
  • A splash pad for kids on hot Oklahoma days
  • Live music and festivals during warmer months
  • Plenty of room for lawn chairs and picnic blankets
On summer evenings, this park really comes alive. You might catch:
  • Food truck nights
  • Outdoor concerts
  • Holiday events and markets
It’s one of those places where you can just show up, sit back, and let Owasso come to you.

2. Stroll Through The Owasso Gathering On Main

If you’re in town on the right evening, Gathering on Main is a must. It’s a monthly street festival that usually runs from spring through fall along Main Street in downtown Owasso. Expect:
  • Local vendors and crafts
  • Food trucks serving everything from BBQ to tacos
  • Live music and kids’ activities
  • A very relaxed, family-friendly vibe
Picture a classic small‑town street fair, but with a modern twist. It’s a great way to support local businesses and really feel the heartbeat of Owasso.

3. Go Birdwatching And Hiking At Oxley Nature Center

Just south of Owasso, in north Tulsa, you’ll find the Mary K. Oxley Nature Center in Mohawk Park — about a 15–20 minute drive. This is a peaceful spot for:
  • Easy walking and hiking on flat trails (great for families)
  • Birdwatching — especially herons, egrets, and songbirds
  • Spotting deer, turtles, and other wildlife
  • Photography, especially in fall when the leaves change
The nature center has more than 800+ acres of forest, wetlands, and prairie. Trails are well-marked, and you don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy them. If you like quiet mornings, try getting there early, when the air is cool and the birds are most active.

4. Spend A Day With The Animals At Tulsa Zoo

While it’s technically in Tulsa, the Tulsa Zoo is close enough to feel like an easy day trip from Owasso — again, around 15–20 minutes away near Mohawk Park. Some highlights:
  • Lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants
  • A tropical rainforest building with exotic birds and reptiles
  • Hands-on areas for kids
  • Train rides and a carousel
If you’re traveling with kids (or just love animals), this is one of the top things to do near Owasso. Tip: On hot summer days, go early in the morning. The animals are more active and it’s a lot more comfortable to walk around.

5. Enjoy A Scenic Drive To Oologah Lake

Need a nature break? Head about 25–30 minutes northeast to Oologah Lake, a large, beautiful lake that’s great for a day outdoors. You can:
  • Go boating or fishing
  • Swim at designated swim areas
  • Enjoy a picnic along the shore
  • Camp overnight if you want a weekend getaway
The lake is especially pretty around sunset, when the water turns shades of pink and gold. If you grew up around lakes, it feels familiar… but still a little bit magical.

6. Explore Downtown Tulsa: Arts, Food, And Music

One of the best parts of staying in Owasso is how close you are to downtown Tulsa — usually around a 20–25 minute drive, depending on traffic. Downtown Tulsa is packed with things to do:
  • Guthrie Green – a park with food trucks, events, and outdoor movies
  • Blue Dome District – colorful nightlife and funky restaurants
  • Art Deco architecture – take a quick walking tour and look up at the buildings
  • BOK Center – major concerts, sports, and shows
If you like good food, downtown is where you’ll find some of the city’s best:
  • Craft burgers and BBQ
  • Brick-oven pizza
  • Cocktail bars and local breweries
It’s an easy way to add “big city energy” to your Owasso trip without having to stay in a busy area.

7. Visit The Gathering Place: Tulsa’s World-Class Riverfront Park

Ask anyone in the Tulsa area about things to do, and you’ll hear about The Gathering Place. This massive riverfront park sits along the Arkansas River, about 25–30 minutes from Owasso. What makes it special?
  • Huge, imaginative playgrounds (great for kids and honestly fun for adults too)
  • Walking and biking paths along the river
  • Boathouse with rentals and seasonal activities
  • Free admission – your wallet will thank you
The Gathering Place feels more like a mini theme park mixed with a botanical garden. If you’re visiting Owasso with your family, you could easily spend a whole day here.

8. Tour The Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch Near Oologah

If you’re already headed toward Oologah Lake, add a quick side trip to the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch. It’s about 30–35 minutes from Owasso and offers a glimpse of old Oklahoma. At the ranch, you’ll find:
  • A historic farmhouse where humorist Will Rogers was born
  • Scenic views over Oologah Lake
  • Farm animals and open pasture
  • Simple walking paths and picnic spots
It’s a calm, slower-paced attraction — the sort of place where you can walk around, breathe in the fresh air, and imagine what life was like 100+ years ago.

9. Go Shopping And Dining At Owasso Market District

You don’t always have to leave town to have a good time. Owasso’s own Market District and nearby shopping areas have plenty to keep you busy. You’ll find:
  • Big-name stores for essentials
  • Local restaurants and chains
  • Coffee shops for a mid-day pick-me-up
  • Movie theaters for a laid-back evening
If you’re in Owasso for a weekend, this is a convenient area to:
  • Grab dinner
  • Do some quick shopping
  • Catch a movie or dessert afterward
It’s not a classic “tourist attraction,” but it’s part of what makes Owasso easy and comfortable to visit.

10. Enjoy Local Parks And Sports In Owasso

Owasso has several local parks and recreational spots that are perfect for everyday fun or low-key visitors. A few popular options:
  • Rayola Park – playgrounds, open fields, and walking paths
  • Funtastic Island – a big, colorful playground kids love
  • Local sports complexes – great for catching youth sports, soccer, or baseball
If you travel with kids, these parks are a lifesaver. You can let them burn off energy while you relax on a bench with a coffee.

Planning Your Trip To Owasso, Oklahoma

Owasso gives you the best of both worlds:
  • Small-town comfort – quiet neighborhoods, friendly people, easy parking
  • Big-city access – fast drives to Tulsa attractions, lakes, and events
Whether you’re into:
  • Outdoor adventures like hiking, lakes, and wildlife
  • Family fun like zoos, parks, and playgrounds
  • Food, music, and nightlife in nearby Tulsa
you’ll find something that fits your style within about a 30‑minute drive of Owasso.

What Would You Add To The Owasso Bucket List?

Have you spent time in Owasso or Tulsa County?
  • What’s your favorite thing to do near Owasso?
  • Do you have a go-to restaurant, park, or hidden gem?
Share your tips in the comments so other travelers (and new locals) can discover more fun things to do. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media — it might just help someone plan their next Oklahoma getaway.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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