A cozy and welcoming lakeside town surrounded by a lake of the same name, Broken Bow, Oklahoma serves as a gateway to Beavers Bend State Park, a sprawling 1300-acre park that’s home to black bears, bald eagles, and a huge pine forest. An ideal vacation rental location for families, Broken Bow’s lakes, rivers, and nature areas create the perfect opportunity for your children to experience the great outdoors. Whether you want to spend your days fishing, hunting, or simply relaxing by the water, Broken Bow allows you to enjoy some peace and quiet and get away from the hustle of daily life. Find your new home away from home by booking a stay at one of many unforgettable vacation rentals in Broken Bow. Here are the top family-friendly activities to check out when visiting Broken Bow.
1. Camp at Beavers Bend State Park
Have some outdoor fun by setting up camp at Beavers Bend State Park. Beavers Bend is one of Broken Bow’s most popular parks when it comes to recreational activities such as fishing and hiking, and it’s also home to the Cedar Creek Golf Course if you feel like a quick round of golf. Set up your tent at one of the park’s 56 tent sites, then take a walk down to the Mountain Fork River for a little trout fishing. As the sun sets, build a campfire and roast marshmallows while you bond with your kids.
2. Visit the Gardner Mansion and Museum
To teach your kids about Broken Bow’s history, spend some time at the Gardner Mansion and Museum. Built in 1884, the museum is the former home of Choctaw Chief Jefferson Gardner. Tour the museum and check out Indian artifacts and fossils, then enjoy a stroll around the grounds and take a look at the 2,000-year-old cypress tree, which was once a landmark to early Chocktaws when they traveled the Trail of Tears.
3. Explore the Deer Crossing Trail
Catch a glimpse of local deer while getting in a little recreation and fresh air when you explore the deer crossing trail at Beavers Bend State Park. The deer crossing trail connects Lookout Mountain Trail with Cedar Bluff Nature Trail for a total of 2 miles, making it a great area for an invigorating family hike. Be sure to have your camera ready in case you spot a deer or two.
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4. Get Lost in a Hochatown Escape Game
Add a little mystery to your holiday by signing the family up for an escape challenge at Hochatown Escape Games. Guests are locked in “escape rooms” for a set amount of time and must find clues throughout the room to escape before the buzzer goes off and the doors open. Escape games are a great way for families to work as a team, and participants receive a certificate at the end of the game to take home as a memento.
5. Visit the Animals at the Hochatown Petting Zoo
Treat your kids to a hands-on experience with some of Oklahoma’s most adorable creatures at the Hochatown Petting Zoo. Located just 8 miles outside of Broken Bow in Hochatown, the zoo houses a wide variety of animals, from kittens to alpacas. Stroll through the zoo and snap photos as your kids feed the baby goats and hold the baby hedgehogs, and learn about the importance of treating wildlife with care and respect.
6. Check Out the Gators at Little River National Wildlife Refuge
For a fun day of gator watching and all things nature, pay a visit to the Little River National Wildlife Refuge. Check out the gators on the edges of the oxbow lakes, and make sure to bring some binoculars to get a good look at almost 200 species of birds. If you feel like doing a little fishing, there are multiple access points along the Little River banks where you can reel in some catfish.
7. Go Fishing, Hiking, or Boating at Carson Creek Recreation Area
Carson Creek Recreation Area in Beavers Bend State Park has all the amenities you need for a day of outdoor fun with the entire family. Do a little fishing on Broken Bow Lake, or rent a pontoon from Beavers Bend Marina and take a leisurely cruise. For a little exercise, take a family hike along the walking trails.
8. Go Horseback Riding at Riverman Trail and Stables
For a little western adventure, take the kids horseback riding at Riverman Trail and Stables. Your children get to experience horseback riding in “cowboy style” as your family rides the trails that wind through the natural woodland areas. If you feel like spending a night under the stars, sign up for an overnight ride with all meals included.
9. Spend the Day at Broken Bow Lake
Round the family up for a day of quality time at Broken Bow Lake. Grab your fishing poles and sit along the shoreline for some on-shore fishing, or pack a picnic and enjoy an outdoor meal after a day of swimming, jet-skiing, or boating. The lake is the perfect backdrop for a variety of fun activities, and it looks beautiful as the sun sets. If you’re in the mood to navigate the waters, rent some kayaks from River Rats Canoe and Kayak Rentals and embark on a relaxing scenic journey.
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