Exploring Oklahoma with Children
O ver summer vacation, you don’t need to leave town for a world-class family getaway. Make a splash at OKC’s new OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, the first luxury resort of its kind in the metro. The Chickasaw Nation’s $400 million project is located in the Horizons District, next door to First Americans Museum and the newly-reopened art gallery Exhibit C. As a lifelong Oklahoma City resident, I never imagined we’d have this kind of destination right in our backyard — one that feels both like a family-friendly escape and an upscale retreat. During my family of five’s visit, I lost count of the number of times one of us exclaimed: “I don’t even feel like we’re in Oklahoma!” Slide into A splash-worthy staycation in OKC BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS BY PAGE, FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROVIDED. The resort’s bright, airy design includes nods to Native art and artists. Luxurious suites accommodate large families or single travelers. Top-tier dining varies from elegant and refined to quick and kid-friendly. But the showstopper is the 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark featuring 15 thrilling water slides, a lazy river and a wave pool. And that’s just the beginning! This Memorial Day weekend, OKANA will debut its 200,000-square-foot outdoor waterpark, complete with a sandy beach, more water slides and a zipline. With 11 pools, 13 dining outlets and a variety of adventures, OKANA is setting a new standard for entertainment and relaxation in the metro. Plus, with day passes available, even locals who aren’t staying overnight can experience the magic. Use this guide to plan your weekend getaway or day of fun!
PLAY The indoor waterpark was the highlight of our staycation. OKANA’s waterpark is unique because there’s something for everyone, from the tiniest tyke to the thrill-seeking teen. Even adults will feel like kids again! Water slides that wow Our family loved Tidal Twist , a round tube slide for up to five riders that sent us twisting through massive bowls. Wild Rapids , a two-person tube slide with huge drops and a propelled uphill launch, was an unexpected thrill. My adventure-loving kids also enjoyed Whiplash , with its backward drop, and Racing Rapids , where they raced headfirst. We didn’t try the FlowRider Surf Simulator , but we enjoyed watching other guests bodyboard and surf. Fun for every age At the heart of the waterpark is Splash Falls , a massive interactive play structure with water slides, splash zones, tipping buckets and spraying water. My 9-year-old enjoyed this area most – the slides were just the right size and speed. In OKANA Crossing , we tested our strength and balance as we tried to cross the water using an overhead rope for support. The gentle swells of the High Tide Wave Pool were fun for floating or splashing, and the Enchanted River lazy river experience had us dodging (or aiming for!) waterfalls as we raced each other around the twists and turns. For toddlers, Low Tide offers a gentle slide, small lazy river and interactive play spaces.
58 SUMMER FUN GUIDE
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