Spring Break in Downtown OKC

Spring break is a time for relaxation, fun, and adventure. What better place to experience all three than in downtown Oklahoma City? With a wide range of activities, restaurants, and entertainment options across several districts there’s no shortage of things to do in OKC during spring break. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few family-friendly activities in each district to take on during your spring break here in downtown Oklahoma City.

Automobile Alley

Automobile Alley is downtown’s premiere district for art and high-end dining experiences. Located along Broadway Avenue, one of downtown’s most historic streets, Automobile Alley is a vibrant district that leans into downtown living. With multiple museums, luxurious restaurants, and retailers with charm; Automobile Alley is a welcoming district to all.  

Located on 9th street in Automobile Alley you’ll find Factory Obscura, a one-of-a-kind interactive art experience. This immersive art museum features a labyrinth of rooms, tunnels, and hidden passages, each one filled with its’ own whimsy and thought-provoking art. One of the most impressive things about Factory Obscura is how it is constantly evolving. The space is designed to be modular, with new installations and exhibits added throughout the year. The installations at Factory Obscura are created by a collective of artists, musicians, and makers, all of whom share a passion for creating immersive and experiential art. Each installation is a unique expression of the artist’s vision, ranging from the surreal to the imaginative. Located in the back is a stage for live music and we highly recommend checking out their programming for special performances and events. 

Just up the street on 11th and Broadway is Oklahoma Contemporary. The organization’s 8,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility houses galleries, classrooms, studios, and performance spaces, making it a hub for creative expression in the community. The organization offers classes and workshops in various mediums, from painting and drawing to ceramics and printmaking. They also offer a range of classes specifically designed for children and teens. With open gallery hours and free tickets available online, Oklahoma Contemporary is a must-stop location on your Spring Break if you are in Automobile Alley. 

A notable mention in Automobile Alley for Spring Break is The Doors Tour. An outside installation of art on back alley doors in the alleys on both sides of Broadway Avenue, brought to you by the Automobile Alley Association.

Bricktown 

Bricktown is arguably one of Oklahoma City’s oldest and most popular districts. Located in the heart of downtown, this quarter-mile district features a mix of historic architecture and modern attractions and is well known for its vibrant nightlife, music venues, and landmarks making it a must-visit destination for visitors and locals alike. One of the district’s main attractions is the Bricktown Canal, which weaves through the lower level of Bricktown offering visitors a unique multi-layered experience on the district’s rich history of entertainment as they see the shops, restaurants, and the Bricktown Water Taxi along the canal. Take the flight of stairs or elevator up at Mickey Mantle to discover Brickopolis University. 

Brickopolis is an immersive family-friendly entertainment center in Bricktown. This 3 story indoor/outdoor attraction offers a range of activities and games that are perfect for kids and adults alike. From pinball machines to zip lines, arcade games, and 18 holes of mini golf, there is truly something for everyone at Brickopolis University. 

Other notable mentions are the Criterion, an all-ages music venue, the Bricktown Comedy Club for something guaranteed to tickle your funny bone, and the American Banjo Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of the banjo. 

 

City Center 

If you’re looking for somewhere to visit in City Center during Spring Break we recommend catching a Thunder game, visiting the downtown Metropolitan Library, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, or a show at the Civic Center. If you’re looking to spend time outside, we recommend exploring the Myriad Gardens or Scissortail Park! 

The Oklahoma City Thunder is Oklahoma City’s professional basketball team and arguably the reason why Oklahoma started appearing as a destination for tourists over the years. If you have never been to an NBA game, it is a must. The environment, the athleticism, and the food at the arena are truly outstanding and the perfect way to spend a night during Spring Break. The Oklahoma City Thunder play their games at the Paycom Center just down the street from Scissortail Park. 

Scissortail Park is OKC’s newest and largest park to date. Stretching a massive 70-acres, the park offers something for everyone, including beautiful views of the city as you look north. Scissortail is separated by the Skydance Bridge into two parts, a main park and lower park level. You’ll find many attractions such as boat rides, pickleball and basketball courts, and even live music on the lawn. Surrounding the park are several food, coffee, and bar options as well. 

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is a 17-acre urban park that is perfect for leisurely walks or picnics on the lawn with friends and family. It is home to a variety of plant life, including the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory which recently received an $11 million dollar renovation. The Myriad also provides programming to the public, and we highly recommend taking a look at their Spring Break activities. 

If you are in the mood for a bit of art culture, head over to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The museum is home to a collection of over 3,000 works of art, including pieces by the one and only Dale Chihuly. The museum also hosts a movie theater, a restaurant, and a rooftop where they play music on Thursday evenings. During spring break, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, so be sure to check their website for more information. 

In City Center, you can also catch a show at the Civic Center Music Hall. This performing arts venue hosts various shows from Broadway musicals to orchestra performances and opera. The downtown Metropolitan Library is the perfect space to engage the brain in a quieter setting surrounded by the bustle of downtown.  

Deep Deuce 

The Deep Deuce District is west of City Center and just north of Bricktown, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Originally a thriving African American neighborhood, Deep Deuce was once a hub for jazz culture, and music venues, and attracted some of the most notable musicians and writers of all time. When the interstate was being built in the 1960’s the neighborhood experienced a decline. However, in recent years the neighborhood has resurged, and many efforts were made to preserve its rich history and culture.  

Today when you visit Deep Deuce, you will experience something incredibly special. A quiet neighborhood district surrounded by the hustle and bustle of downtown. With its own quaint coffee shops and restaurants, this neighborhood is a beautiful place to take a stroll or hang on a patio during Spring Break. We recommend the patio garden behind Blok Bar, the covered area in front of Bar Cichetti, and the patio at Deep Deuce Grill. 

In Deep Deuce, you will find Art Space at Untitled, a gallery and art studio designed to stimulate creative thought and innovative ideas through contemporary art as well as a space providing access to quality exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach. Stop in for a visit during Spring Break and check out the current exhibit on display! 

Midtown 

The most northern district in our downtown is the Midtown District. Midtown is a thriving neighborhood that prides itself on vibrant landscapes, approachable food, and charming retailers. The district has wide sidewalks that encourage walking and commuting, patios, and accessible streetcar stops. Midtown is one of the more activated districts in downtown, making it a Spring Break destination for tourists and locals.  

In Midtown you can find local attractions such as Baker Street Escapes, Capitals Ice Cream, and the Collective Food Hall as well as historical landmarks like the Midtown Marquee and a stunning mural by artist Carlos Barboza. 

 

West Village

The West Village District is downtown’s newest addition. This district was rebranded to include its growing size and to accommodate local businesses in the area. This sleek part of town boasts new high rises and developments while also leaning into the district’s old ties to the film industry. This district is a destination for activity hosting amazing bar and restaurant options such as Mary Eddy’s, The Jones Assembly, and Bar Arbolada. During the daytime, you can explore coffee shops and the free art exhibit at 21c. Plus, there is no shortage of beverages with Core4 Brewery, OK Cider Co., and The Study Wine Bar all conveniently located on a single corner on Film Row.  

No matter what you choose to do in downtown Oklahoma City during spring break, you’re sure to have a great time. With so many options across many different districts, you’ll find yourself wishing your break could last a little bit longer! Visit downtownokc.com to view our website’s calendar of events and see what is going on all year ’round.