May OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near May, Oklahoma.
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
HONORING HISTORIC TRAGEDY
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum features a reflective memorial with a serene pond and symbolic 168 chairs honoring victims of a historic tragedy. It is framed by meaningful statues and includes a Survivor Tree that stands as a symbol of resilience. Visitors can experience a moving tribute that educates about the impact and aftermath of the 1995 bombing.
2. Bricktown
VIBRANT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Bricktown is a historic district revitalized into a lively hub with diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy scenic canal walks, educational boat tours, and a vibrant riverfront atmosphere throughout the district. In May, the area comes alive with outdoor activities and evening entertainment as the weather warms up.
3. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
WESTERN CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum showcases cowboy culture and Native American history with interactive exhibits, art galleries, and a replica western town. The museum features a John Wayne collection and hosts seasonal festivals, including the Annual Chuck Wagon Festival on May 24-25, 2025. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the American West through the museum's extensive collections.
4. Museum of Osteology
AMERICA'S ONLY SKELETON MUSEUM
The Museum of Osteology is America's only skeleton museum, offering a unique educational experience in Oklahoma City. It focuses on the form and function of the skeletal system across various species with hundreds of specimens on display. Visitors can explore the intricate designs of nature through carefully articulated skeletons ranging from tiny mice to massive whales.
5. Myriad Botanical Gardens
URBAN NATURAL ESCAPE
Myriad Botanical Gardens offers visitors a 15-acre natural escape in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. The gardens include a half-acre children's garden and an off-leash dog area among its diverse plant collections. May is an ideal time to visit as spring flowers are in full bloom, creating vibrant displays throughout the grounds.
6. Oklahoma City Zoo
NATURAL HABITAT ADVENTURES
The Oklahoma City Zoo features spacious natural habitats, including a large elephant enclosure that allows for authentic animal behaviors. Visitors can enjoy up-close animal encounters throughout the grounds, which showcase diverse species from around the world. The zoo is particularly appealing in May when comfortable temperatures make it ideal for exploring the expansive grounds.
7. Oklahoma City Museum of Art
STUNNING GLASS COLLECTION
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art houses a thematic collection, including a significant Dale Chihuly glass exhibit that dazzles visitors with vibrant colors and intricate forms. The museum features special displays and a curated gift shop, complemented by a charming cafe for refreshments after viewing the collections. In May, the museum often hosts special exhibitions to coincide with the spring tourism season.
8. Science Museum Oklahoma
HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Science Museum Oklahoma captivates young minds with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities spanning numerous scientific disciplines. The museum's planetarium draws eyes upwards with spectacular astronomical displays, all nestled within a family-friendly science hub. May visitors can take advantage of special programming designed for families during the early summer season.
9. 45th Infantry Division Museum
MILITARY HISTORY SHOWCASE
The 45th Infantry Division Museum is dedicated to military history, featuring artifacts and extensive outdoor vehicle exhibits from various conflicts. The museum provides insights into the 45th Infantry Division's significant WWII involvement through personal stories and historical contexts. May visits coincide with Memorial Day, making it a particularly meaningful time to explore this tribute to American military service.
10. Land Run Monument
HISTORIC WESTERN SCULPTURES
The Land Run Monument features monumental sculptures capturing the historical Land Run, presenting an immersive look at western heritage and Oklahoma's founding. Visitors can enjoy the view from the canal in the vibrant Bricktown area while learning about this pivotal moment in state history. The monument is particularly photogenic in May when spring lighting accentuates the bronze details of the impressive sculptures.
11. Paseo Arts District
VIBRANT CULTURAL HUB
The Paseo Arts District is home to the 48th Annual Paseo Arts Festival taking place May 24-26, 2025, making it a must-visit May attraction in Oklahoma City. This Spanish Revival-style district houses over 20 galleries, studios, and shops in colorful buildings that create a distinctive artistic atmosphere. Visitors can explore unique boutiques, enjoy diverse dining options, and experience the creative energy of Oklahoma's premier arts district.
12. Paycom Center
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Paycom Center serves as Oklahoma City's premier entertainment and sports venue, hosting major concerts, sporting events, and shows throughout the year. The center is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team and features state-of-the-art facilities for optimal viewing experiences. May visitors can check the center's calendar for special performances and events scheduled during the spring season.
13. Bricktown River Walk Park
SCENIC URBAN CANAL
Bricktown River Walk Park offers a picturesque canal-side walking experience through Oklahoma City's entertainment district. Visitors can stroll along the waterway, dine at canal-side restaurants, or take a water taxi tour to learn about the area's history and development. May's pleasant temperatures make it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor dining and evening walks along the illuminated waterway.
14. Wheeler District
RIVERSIDE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The Wheeler District is a developing urban area featuring the iconic Wheeler Ferris Wheel, relocated from the Santa Monica Pier, offering stunning views of the Oklahoma City skyline. The district includes a food truck court, recreational spaces, and access to the Oklahoma River trails system. May visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in this emerging neighborhood that blends recreation, dining, and residential spaces.
15. Factory Obscura
IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE
Factory Obscura delivers an immersive, interactive art experience unlike anything else in Oklahoma City through its permanent and rotating installations. Visitors can touch, climb, and explore the multisensory environments created by collaborative teams of local artists. May often features special programming and extended hours at this unique attraction that blurs the lines between art viewer and participant.