Talks of creating a garden in Oklahoma City first began in 1964 when city leaders mastered a revitalization plan for the downtown area. Myriad Botanical Gardens has served as an urban getaway since its groundbreaking in 1977, and today, it’s a world-class urban park. The Urban Land Institute awarded Myriad Gardens with the title of 2015 Best Urban Open Space in a competition that included parks from all over the world. Since then, this must-visit destination has only grown more impressive.

Myriad Gardens has been a gathering place for families for decades. Kids enjoy a special children’s garden and “splash fountains,” dogs romp through an off-leash park, outdoor enthusiasts stroll along walking and jogging paths and people of all ages partake in horticultural education programs. The Band Shell, located on Devon Lawn off West Sheridan on the northern edge of the Gardens, is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful outdoor concert or to take in an exciting movie.

Take a whirl on Mo's Carousel, a permanent outdoor feature added to the Gardens in 2018. Located in the Pavilion next to the popular Children’s Garden and Thunder Fountain, it is lit with more than 1,200 lights and offers 18 carved animals and one chariot to choose from. Cost is $2 per person. Visit the Myriad Gardens website for seasonal hours.

But perhaps the Gardens’ main draw is the Crystal Bridge Conservatory, a 224-foot-long living oasis straight from a jungle fairytale, complete with towering tropical plants, sprawling, colorful flowers and even a 35-foot waterfall. You can visit the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

And you can have a great meal without wandering too far. Upscale restaurants like FLINT and Vast are located just across the street.

There’s always something going on at Myriad Gardens. For a current listing of weekly events, click here.