OKANA: An Exciting Indoor Waterpark Adventure Less Than Four Hours From DFW

Located in Oklahoma City, OKANA is an easy getaway for DFW families looking for fun, excitement and a waterpark all under one roof.

The EA Crew is always up for a good time. We love to explore, travel, swim and just generally try new things and see new places. I'm always on the lookout for our next weekend adventure, vacation getaway or must-try new activity in Texas, in the South, in the US and absolutely beyond. 

Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City

So, naturally, Okana Resort and Indoor Waterpark is a spot that has been on my list since it opened its doors in Oklahoma City last spring. 

Let me list the reasons why...

• Less than 4 hours from DFW
• Indoor water park and seasonal outdoor water park
• On-site entertainment, including an arcade, daily activities for families and eateries with various activities to enjoy as you dine
• Rooms with bunk beds for kids so they have their own "space," plus rooms that can accommodate large families without breaking the bank (y'all... the overnight rates at Okana are amazing!)
• So much to do at one destination, plus it's just across the highway from downtown OKC and all the fun offerings in Oklahoma

Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City. 

Tell me more about the waterpark. Is it really worth the drive?

Yes! The indoor waterpark kept four of my six travel mates (yep- I traveled with 6 kiddos, ages 7, 10, 12, 13, 16 & 16) happy for literally 8 hours. There is a wave pool, a flow rider surf simulator, a kids splash area, a little kid area (think 2 and younger), a lazy river and multiple slides, some of which require tubes. Plus, the indoor waterpark has cabanas for an extra fee, three restaurants within the waterpark and a bar and hot tub for those 21 and over. My crazy crew (of all girls, by the way!) played hard. 

We recently visited, after it was already cold and the outdoor waterpark closed for the season. But the outdoor waterpark looks awesome, too, and we hope to travel back next summer to check it out!

Hitting the water slides at Okana Resort. 

But what else can we do while we are there? My kids will only want to swim for so long.

My girls loved the on-site arcade. They are in their claw machine era... Don't ask me how much we spent on those! Plus, next to the resort, at an area called the Boardwalk, is a restaurant called Curveball, where guests of all ages can hone their baseball skills while they nosh on great sports fare (think hot dogs and mac and cheese!). My softball player loved this (not sure what I'm talking about? Think TopGolf, but for baseball!). Not into baseball? No worries. Head next door to Bullseye, where you can try your hand at darts or axe throwing or other games of skill while you eat and drink. How's that for have your fun and eat it too?

Be sure to check the resort entertainment calendar each day of your trip, too. The resort offers different programming for kids each day so they can try something a little different. During our stay, the girls entered a limbo contest, made fall lanterns with tissue paper, plastic jars and tea lights and competed in races inside the waterpark and snagged some sunglasses as a prize. So fun!

There is also a candy shop in the resort for kids (and adults!) who need a little treat at the end of a wonderful (but exhausting!) day. 

Curveball in Oklahoma City

What about the adults in the group? Is there anything that might appeal to them?

Besides the hot tub and bar in the waterpark I mentioned above you mean? How about the onsite spa, where guests can indulge in a myriad of services to help them relax and unwind no matter the time of year? There is also a great Gastropub onsite called Jack Rabbit where you can eat and drink with great views of downtown Oklahoma City outside the window. I also enjoyed the small workout room to get a few workouts in while we stayed, and I enjoyed logging a few miles along the Canadian River, which you can access via walking paths directly behind the resort. 

Greetings from Okana!

Okana is truly a destination unto itself, and we were able to find all the food and entertainment we needed for a two-day stay at this awesome resort. But, if you're looking to explore while in OKC, there are a number of fun things to do that are just a short car ride from the resort. Check out Scissortail Park, the Oklahoma Science Museum and Bricktown, to name a few. 

Thank you, Okana, for hosting the EA crew for a two-day stay. We had an absolute blast and can't wait to come back soon.