Bethany, Oklahoma: 10 Fun Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Bethany, Oklahoma (That Locals Actually Love)

Looking for easy, fun things to do near Bethany, Oklahoma? Whether you live in Bethany or you’re just visiting the Oklahoma City metro, this small town in Oklahoma County is a great home base for low-key adventures, family outings, and weekend dates. Below are 10 things to do in and around Bethany, OK that are simple, affordable, and close by—most within a 15–20 minute drive.

1. Explore Lake Overholser & The Historic Route 66 Bridge

Just a few minutes west of Bethany, Lake Overholser is one of the easiest day trips around.
  • Walk or bike the paved trails along the lake
  • Watch the sunset from the historic Route 66 bridge
  • Try fishing for catfish or crappie
  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard in warmer months
On a calm evening, the water turns into a giant mirror. I once stopped “just for 10 minutes” and ended up sitting on a bench for over an hour watching the sky change colors. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot near Bethany, this is it.

2. Stroll Through Downtown Bethany & Historic Route 66

Bethany sits right along Historic Route 66, and the main stretch through town still has that classic highway charm. Walk along N.W. 39th Expressway and you’ll find:
  • Local diners and cafés serving classic comfort food
  • Small antique and thrift shops
  • Old-school neon signs and Route 66 photo spots
If you like road trip history, this is a fun area to explore at a slow pace. Grab a burger, snap a Route 66 photo, and imagine what this road felt like in the 1950s.

3. Visit Southern Nazarene University’s Campus

Right in Bethany, Southern Nazarene University (SNU) adds a cozy college-town feel. You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the campus. You can:
  • Walk the tree-lined sidewalks on a calm evening
  • Check their events calendar for concerts, plays, or lectures
  • Visit the bookstore for SNU gear or a quick coffee
College campuses are often overlooked by visitors, but they’re usually open, safe, and pleasant to explore. SNU is no exception.

4. Spend a Relaxing Day at Eldon Lyon Park

If you’re searching for family-friendly things to do in Bethany, OK, start with Eldon Lyon Park, the city’s main park. Here you’ll find:
  • Walking paths
  • Playground equipment
  • Picnic areas with tables
  • Open fields for tossing a football or frisbee
This park is especially pretty in spring when the trees start to green up. Pack a simple picnic, bring a ball, and enjoy a low-cost afternoon outside.

5. Catch a Game or Event at the Bethany High School Area

In smaller communities, the local school is often the heart of the town—and Bethany is no different. Keep an eye on:
  • High school football or basketball games
  • School plays and band concerts
  • Community events hosted on campus
Even if you don’t have kids in the school system, going to a Friday night game or a school musical is a fun way to feel connected to the community.

6. Shop and Dine Along Northwest 23rd Street in OKC

Just a short drive east from Bethany, N.W. 23rd Street in Oklahoma City has turned into a lively stretch full of food and culture. Some highlights:
  • Uptown 23rd District – popular restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
  • Historic Tower Theatre – live music, comedy shows, and film events
  • Colorful murals and great people-watching
This is an easy evening outing from Bethany. Park once, then walk, eat, and explore. It feels like a completely different world compared to quiet suburban streets.

7. Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

About a 15–20 minute drive from Bethany, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is one of the most important sites in the state. Outside, you’ll see:
  • The Field of Empty Chairs honoring the lives lost in the 1995 bombing
  • The reflecting pool and the twin Gates of Time
  • Survivor Tree, a symbol of strength and hope
Inside, the museum tells the story of that day and the rebuilding that followed. It’s emotional, but incredibly moving. If you’re visiting the Bethany area, this is a must-see at least once in your life.

8. Spend an Afternoon at the OKC Zoo or Science Museum Oklahoma

Looking for things to do near Bethany with kids? Head northeast to the Adventure District in Oklahoma City. Two of the top options:
  • Oklahoma City Zoo – giraffes, lions, elephants, and fun seasonal events
  • Science Museum Oklahoma – hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and plenty of places for kids to run and explore
Both are about a 20–25 minute drive from Bethany and easy to combine into a full day. If you’ve got young kids, the science museum alone can keep them busy for hours.

9. Enjoy the Riverwalk at Oklahoma City’s Bricktown

When you’re ready for a city night out, drive from Bethany to Bricktown, just east of downtown OKC. Here you can:
  • Walk along the Bricktown Canal or take a water taxi
  • Catch an Oklahoma City Dodgers baseball game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
  • Eat at one of the many restaurants nearby
It’s touristy in a fun way—bright lights, baseball, water, and plenty of people. After a quiet day in Bethany, Bricktown makes for a nice change of pace.

10. Relax at Home-Style Cafés and Local Eateries in Bethany

You don’t always have to go far to have a good time. Some of the best things to do in Bethany are as simple as lingering over coffee or a slice of pie. Around town you’ll find:
  • Cozy coffee shops perfect for reading or working
  • Diners serving chicken-fried steak, burgers, and breakfast all day
  • Local Mexican, pizza, and barbecue spots
One of the easiest “mini adventures” is to pick a small, family-owned spot you’ve never tried before and make that your night out. No long drive, no dress code—just good, simple food.

Tips for Enjoying Bethany, Oklahoma Like a Local

To get the most out of your time in and around Bethany:
  • Check local calendars – city websites, school pages, and church bulletin boards often list community events, festivals, and parades.
  • Drive, don’t rush – most places are 10–25 minutes away by car, so you can easily plan two or three stops in one day.
  • Mix quiet and busy – pair a calm walk at Lake Overholser or Eldon Lyon Park with an evening in Bricktown or Uptown 23rd.
Bethany offers a small-town feeling with big-city attractions just down the road. That mix is what makes it such a comfortable place to live in or visit.

What Would You Add to This Bethany, OK List?

Did I miss one of your favorite things to do near Bethany, Oklahoma? Maybe a hidden park, a favorite café, or a local event that only longtime residents know about?
  • Drop a comment and share your go-to spots.
  • Share this post with friends or family planning a trip to the Oklahoma City area.
Your ideas help other travelers and locals discover new places—and they make this guide even better for everyone.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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