Local Family Fun
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I s it really hiking if you aren’t walking on dirt paths? As a passionate explorer of urban landscapes, I choose to define hiking as any walk undertaken with the intent to discover the wonders of my environment. The heart of downtown Oklahoma City has changed so much in the past decade, and it’s the perfect locale for your family’s next adventure. Oklahoma City on foot BY MORGAN HARRIS . PHOTOS BY HARRIS AND PROVIDED. Urban Hiking Explore downtown
PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT OKC
About the route This urban hike spans approximately 3 miles and can be completed in about an hour at an adult’s walking pace. I like to start and end at The National, located at the corner of Robinson and Park avenues. But the route is flexible. If you’re unfamiliar with downtown or planning your explorations on a weekday when parking downtown can be difficult, park near the boathouse on the west side of Scissortail Park instead. From the west side of Scissortail, find the path that leads over the bridge, then curve to the right around the lake and head toward Union Station. Next, walk east to cross over I-40 via the Skydance Bridge. Explore the park south of I-40, then return north across the bridge. Keep going north along Robinson Avenue. As you travel north, you’ll pass Scissortail’s splash pad and children’s playground. If the kiddos need a break from walking, these are great places to pause and play.
Continue north to cross the intersection of Robinson and Oklahoma City Boulevard. Cross the street at Reno and enter the Myriad Gardens. Stick to the east side of the park and keep heading north. Using the walk lights for safety, cross Sheridan and travel north on Robinson. As you approach Main Street on your right, take a peek to your left to discover one of my favorite sculpture parks. One more block north and you’ll come to Park Avenue, where you cross Robinson to arrive at what used to be the First National Bank. Now called The National, it houses shops, restaurants, a hotel and apartments. Head inside the main doors on Robinson Avenue and take the escalators up to enjoy the beautiful Great Hall. When you exit The National, turn left to walk south along Robinson Avenue and head back to the Myriad Gardens. Wander
Before you walk — park Parking in downtown Oklahoma City can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. All metered parking is free on the weekends. Early on Saturday mornings, there is almost always plenty of parking around the north and west sides of Scissortail Park and starting your hike there is an easy option, although you could park anywhere along the route and adjust your starting point accordingly. If you plan your hike on a weekday, you will likely need to pay for parking. I use the Flowbird app that connects to all the parking meters downtown. This will save time and the hassle of walking to the nearest parking meter. If your hike takes longer than expected, you can easily add more funds from your phone.
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