There are a whole lot of fun things to do in Ardmore OK, and as someone new to the place, it’s always good for you to first get acquainted with the city before you embark on the quest to explore it.
The word ‘Ardmore’ comes from the Irish word ‘Ard Mór’ or the Scottish word ‘Àird Mhòr’ which simply means “great height”; and going by its full name, Ardmore Oklahoma is the world’s most famous city today.
Located at Carter, United States, Ardmore Oklahoma holds a history as far back as the 1880s.
The city was established in 1887 in the former Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, and due to its outstanding uniqueness as a business, cultural, and tourism city, its 129.31 km2 land area can boast of a population as large as 24,283 (2019) residents.
But, despite its 191.00/km2 population density, the two most common reasons why people choose to visit or reside in Ardmore Oklahoma can be related to the city being a center of tourist attraction and its potential that favors several business lines within its province.
On your first visit to the city, you’ll get to find out that there are so many fun things to do in Ardmore OK, some of which we’ll be sharing in this post.
Best & Fun Things to Do in Ardmore, OK
Here are some things to do in Ardmore, Oklahoma:
1. Have Fun Dragway Racing
Have you ever wondered which is America’s oldest dragstrip? Then maybe you just haven’t come across Ardmore’s dragway yet…
Located at 15793 U.S. 77, Ardmore, OK 73401, this place holds a history as far back as 1954 for being America’s oldest continually running dragstrip. This place is well known for the exciting scenery it has to offer to tourists.
So, you can either spend a whole week watching different drags or take a day out for yourself to fill your eyes with amazing drifts and flips from each performing contestant.
2. Have an Exciting Moment at Lake Murray’s State Park
Sitting by the seaside and enjoying the cool sea breeze is one of the nicest things you’ll ever experience when staying in Ardmore Oklahoma, and how much more when you actually get the space to engage in several recreational activities within the city.
This and many more are what Lake Murray has to offer for visitors looking for fun things to do in Ardmore OK.
Sited at 3323 Lodge Rd, Ardmore, OK, Lake Murray’s State Park offers fun activities such as golfing, camping, picnics, horseback riding, biking, hayrides, swimming, paddle boating, rollerblading, and miniature golfing for visitors looking to just relax and take a chill pill.
3. Give Your Kids an Amazing Fun Time at the Urban Air Adventure Park
Of course, kids may not like what an adult would enjoy, hence, one thing that Ardmore is most unique for is its diversity when it comes to areas of interest.
That being said, whenever your kids crave an exciting space, don’t hesitate to take them to the Urban Air Adventure Park located at #1601 Woerz Way, Ardmore, OK 73401. There are indeed a lot of exciting games and adventures for your kids to explore therein, which when looked at as an adult, could make you miss your childhood days.
4. Shop for Antiques at Ardmore’s Emporium of Antiques
Are you running out of jewelry or collectibles in your home? Then the Ardmore’s Emporium of Antiques is the place for you.
Ardmore’s Emporium of Antiques was established in 2010 and up to date, it still stands out as the major source for antiques, jewelry, collectibles, and vintage merchandise.
You can also get all your special household décor and mouth-watering gifts for family and friends at the Emporium of Antiques, Ardmore.
5. Shop for Food Produce at the Farmer’s Market
Nothing gives visitors more joy than buying fresh locally processed food items. This is because not only do they taste good, but they also offer the necessary nutrients that you’ll ever find.
Ardmore’s Farmers Market is a market where fresh fruits and vegetables cultivated by Oklahoma’s local farmers are available for consumers to buy.
Its market hours for the Summer season are as follows:
- Tuesdays, 4:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- And Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
While its Winter market hours are:
- Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ardmore’s farmer’s market is located at 106 E. Broadway, Ardmore, OK 73401.
6. Play Games at the Gold Mountain Casino
If you’re in for some exciting games, then, one of the best things to do in Ardmore OK is to head over to Gold Mountain Casino where over three hundred games are waiting for you to explore.
The Gold Mountain Casino is located at 1410 Sam Noble Pkwy, Ardmore, OK 72401, and is open 24 hours daily for visitors.
7. Watch Exciting Movies at the AMC Classic Ardmore 8
The AMC Classic Ardmore 8 is open from Sundays through Saturdays, between 12 pm and 12 am.
This movie theater serves as a home for Cineplex 3D & jumbo digital screens showing first-run films, opera productions & sports events. The place offers visitors an amazing and comfortable environment filled with savory beverages, snacks, and drinks for both you and your family, to give you all an unforgettable experience.
The AMC Classic Ardmore 8 movie theater is located at 2401 12th Ave NW #106, Ardmore, OK 73401.
8. Hang Your Eyes Up to the Astonishing Display of the Ardmore’s Festival of Lights
Now you don’t have to worry about charges when visiting Ardmore’s Festival of Lights, the event is completely free of charge and is open from 5:30 pm to 10 pm all through the week.
Located at 2704 N. Rockford Road, Ardmore, OK 73401, the Ardmore’s Festival of Lights is world-class scenery with over 125 animated displays for you to feed your eyes on. This definitely makes this one of the best things to do in Ardmore OK.
9. Take Nice Adventures at the Brown 3B Ranch and Hay Maze
There are very few tour places you can never get over-familiarized with, even if you revisit them several times and times again; and one of such places is the Brown 3B Ranch Hay Maze.
It is unique for the different designs it offers every year.
Interestingly, the Brown 3B Ranch Hay Maze also has a lot of activities that fit right for both adults and children.
You’ll be met with an exciting challenge to go over this newly developed hay within a time interval. Being the largest Ranch and Hay Maze in Oklahoma, the Brown 3B Ranch offers gliders, amazing hayrides, kiddie cow train, cornhole, kid’s corral, lookout tower, merry-go-bounce, obstacle course and so much more for visitors looking for the best things to do in Ardmore OK.
Brown 3B Ranch is located at the US Highway South, 77 Campbell St., Ardmore, OK 73401.
10. Know Who’s the Champion at Good Time Lanes
I remembered feeling like a king when I won my first contest against other family members at the Good Time Lanes; It was indeed an amazing feeling.
It’s funny and would leave a remarkable memory when you and your family take a bowling contest at the Good Time Lanes, and end it with a taste of their savory dishes.
The place opens from Mondays to Saturdays by 10 am, and on Sundays, by 10 pm.
Ardmore’s Good Time Lanes is located at 1019 Grand Ave., Ardmore, OK 73401, and it definitely constitutes one of the best things to do in Ardmore OK.
11. Go and Explore the Greater Southwest Historical Museum
The Greater Southwest Historical Museum is open from Tuesdays to Fridays by 10 am and closes by 4 pm.
The museum is located at 35 Sunset Dr SW, Ardmore, OK, and is a choice place for you to discover the history and culture of both the ancient men of Ardmore, right from the mid-1880s to the current day residents.
12. Recall History at Ardmore’s Memorial Park
Leaving Ardmore Oklahoma without having a glimpse of her amazing history doesn’t sound nice.
This park exists as a memorial site and landmark that houses statues and sculptors of those who paid the sacrificial price, both during the second world war and for the independence of Ardmore Oklahoma.
The park is located at 410W Main Ardmore, OK 73401.
13. Relieve Yourself of Some Stress at Peace Yoga
The benefits of yoga include improved digestion, excellent muscle toning, stronger bones, stress reduction, better flexibility, all of which cannot be overemphasized.
These and many more are what you are assured to get at Ardmore’s Peace Yoga. It is located at 16 Broadlawn Shopping Ctr, Ardmore, OK.
14. Feed your Eyes with Amazing Racing Scenes at Southern Oklahoma Speedway
Aimed at giving you and your family an amazing scene, the Southern Oklahoma Speedway provides five different race classes for viewing visitors that include the IMCA-Stock Cars, Hobby Stock (Factory Stock), IMCA Sport Mods, Eco Limited Mods, and USRA Modifieds.
To add to its amazing scenery, it also offers tasty candy pick-up services that’ll leave your kids with delicious memories. Address: 2789 S. Hwy 77, Ardmore, OK 73401.
15. Unwind After a Long Stress-Filled Day at Ardmore’s Clubhouse
Occupied with some of the best things to do in Ardmore OK, you and your family can take up Eagles Landing challenges, go-karts, Flight Line Zip, Water Wars, and many more fun activities at Ardmore’s Clubhouse.
Located at 2705 Sports Complex Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401, the Clubhouse is set to give you a reason to revisit Ardmore on your next tour. It is also open from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm – 8 pm.
Ardmore’s Clubhouse offers interesting fun places to hang out like its amazing party rooms/treehouses, Clubhouse Cafés, an arcade area, dining area, soft play area, and a miniature golf spot.
16. Worship at the Crystalrock Cathedral
For those who take religious activities seriously, this is definitely a nice place for you to worship on your visit to Ardmore Oklahoma.
It is an Assemblies of God Church that welcomes people from different backgrounds and sees them joined together through the Gospel of Christ.
Built with a really amazing structure, the cathedral was established in 1985 and is located at 2005 12th Ave NW, Ardmore, OK.
17. Check Out the Pumpkin Patch at Woodbine’s Farms
If you’re tired of all the tension in this rapidly tech-driven world, then you definitely want to head over to the Pumpkin Patch at Woodbine farms where everything is done locally.
Created in 2005, the Pumpkin Patch is a smoke-free establishment.
It is located at 5109 Kings Road, Ardmore, OK 73401 and includes, mini race tracks, a giant bubble area, wood steer roping, kids tight rope walk, and swings for kids.
The Woodbine farms of Ardmore also give both you and your family an amazing opportunity to do some petty farming.
18. Read Amazing Books at Ardmore’s Public Library
Have you ever wanted to, not only have fun during a tour but also increase your knowledge? Then the Ardmore Public Library is the place for you.
Ardmore’s Public Library is located at No. 320 E ST NW, ARDMORE, OK 73401. There are more than 80,000 titles, books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs, in the Ardmore Public Library for you to explore.
19. Go and View Great Art at Marvin’s Place Art Gallery
Featuring artists from Southern Oklahoma, South Carolina, Michigan, New Mexico, Utah, and the Eastern Parts of Kenya, Marvin’s art gallery offers a great site of artistic creativity.
Come and browse through this incredible gallery at 103 W Main St, Ardmore, OK.
20. Spend Time at Goddard Center
At the Goddard center, you’ll find Art Studios that meet you and your family with artistic demonstrations, workshops best fitting for both parents and kids, as well as art classes.
The Goddard Center is open for visits from Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm, Fridays from 10 am till 5 pm, and Saturdays by 1 pm to 4 pm. It is located at 401 1st Ave SW, Ardmore, OK.