5 Cool Oklahoma Museums For FREE!

5 Cool Oklahoma Museums For FREE!

Just like most parents, I am excited about my kids getting out of school for the summer. We usually plan for some type of daycare camp program, individual activities, time at the splashpad, fun in the backyard, and the list goes on. However, I also want my kids to do activities that will educate as well as entertain. But what can we do that is educational and FREE. Everyone likes FREE, right? Here are 5 fun free Oklahoma Museums that are within driving distance (a couple hours anyway) of Claremore, Oklahoma.

1) Oklahoma Museum of Natural History - Located in Norman, Oklahoma, it is the furthest from our home. But it is well worth the trip as an all day excursion. The musuem has FREE admission on the first Monday of every month. This means that we could go to the museum three times this summer for free (June, July & August). The museum features dinosaur bones from Oklahoma, ancient peoples of Oklahoma, Natural Wonders of Oklahoma and so much more. What an exciting journey and it's FREE!

2) Gilcrease Art Musuem - A bit closer to home in Tulsa, everyone has heard of Gilcrease. I even attended Gilcrease when I was a student in school. Gilcrease is called "one of the country's best facilities for the preservation and study of American art and history". This summers traveling exhibit is about America and the pursuit of happiness. There are the permament exhibits and scupltures as well. Gilcrease is always a fun afternoon and it too is FREE on the first Tuesday of every month. Once again...three days of activities for FREE!

3) Philbrook Museum of Art - The Philbrook is a very special place. It's a museum. It's a home (was the home for Waite Phillips). It's the cultural art center. The Philbrook is even special on the outside with some of the most famous gardens in Oklahoma. I recently went to the Philbrook with a group of students and viewed the actual VanGogh painting, Sunflowers. Your family will enjoy this experience for FREE on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Be sure to ask about the dance floor!

Our next two museums are really close to home..right here in Claremore. I am embarassed to say that I had not visited either of these until I had lived here for over 5 years. Both are very interesting and very kid friendly...

4) Will Rogers Memorial - The Will Rogers Memorial (and the Will Rogers birthplace) are both interesting places to visit. My kids have been to the memorial a few times and discover something new each time. The museum has 8 galleries with exhibitis ranging from Will Rogers artifacts, saddle collections, phototgraphs, a theatre that plays his movies, articles that he authored, and so much more. One afternoon there was a Will Rogers Impersonator in the auditorium and we got to hear one of his on stage performances live. You may have to search to find it, but there is an interactive exhibit area just for kids!  The Will Rogers Memorial has beautiful grounds to explore as well. The museum is open 365 days a year and is always FREE. There is a donation box at the door if you enjoyed your visit and would like to help support the museum.

and finally...

5) J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum -A Famous Claremore landmark, featuring the world's largest private gun collection. Not into guns collections at first? The museum has over 50,000 items to see and experience….saddles, spurs, local ranching brands, German beer steins, World War I posters, military weapons, John Rogers statuary, Native American artifacts…something for everyone. My youngest daughter personally recommends the Native American artifacts, well the dolls specifically. The musuem has special exhibits that change often and several events throughout the year. The Davis Musuem is always FREE and is open everyday of the week during the summer. There is a donation box at the door if you enjoyed your visit and would like to help support the museum.

When your kids are bored and want to do something a bit different, perhaps one of these museums will be your answer. I hope you enjoy the museums because just like in your real estate needs, when it comes to your family...What Matters to YOU, Matters to Me!