OKC’s Urban Oasis for Every Season
Discovering Scissortail Park: OKC’s Urban Oasis for Every Season
In the heart of Oklahoma City lies one of the city’s most beautiful and dynamic spaces: Scissortail Park. Stretching from the downtown core to the banks of the Oklahoma River, Scissortail is more than a park! It’s a place for music, nature, community, romance, and daily joy.
If you haven’t visited yet (or even if you have), here’s everything you’ll want to know! From hidden gems and romantic moments to community events and everything in between.
🌿 A Park Born from Vision and Community
Scissortail Park was created as part of OKC’s “Core-to-Shore” vision: connecting downtown with the riverfront in a green, accessible way. It spans about 70 acres (40 in the Upper Park, 30 in the Lower Park) and is anchored by the Skydance Bridge (also called the Scissortail Bridge), a striking pedestrian span linking the two sides.
The design includes native prairie landscaping, gardens, walking paths, a lake, gathering lawns, playgrounds, sports courts, a boathouse, performance spaces, and more.
The park is accredited as an arboretum, too, reflecting its deep commitment to nature and plant stewardship.
Open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Scissortail offers beauty and activity in nearly every corner. Scissortail Park+1
🎯 Things You Can Do at Scissortail
Here’s a sampling of favorite activities — perfect for locals and visitors alike.
1. Paddle, Float, or Sip by the Lake
The Scissortail Boathouse sits along the 3.7-acre lake and offers rentals of kayaks, canoes, paddleboats (including ADA-accessible ones), and stand-up paddleboards.
It’s a lovely way to see the park from a different perspective, glide across calm water, or just drift in the evening light.
2. Walk, Jog, or Roll Through Gardens & Trails
Meandering paths wind through lush gardens, prairie grasses, tree groves, and shady lanes. These make for peaceful strolls, intentional nature walks, or fitness routes. Add in early mornings or twilight hours, and you’ve got magical light and cool air.
3. Scooters, Biking & Downtown Exploration
One of the best parts: you can catch an electric scooter or bike in downtown OKC and ride right into Scissortail. It’s a fun, elevated way to explore without a car. The park’s proximity to downtown means your ride can easily include stops at restaurants, shops, or other landmarks.
4. Date Night Vibes: Love Locks, Stargazing & Bridges
Love locks on the bridge: Many couples leave padlocks on the Skydance Bridge (or nearby pedestrian areas) as a symbol of their bond.
Quiet starlit walks: After dark, the park’s open expanses and lower light zones make it a lovely place to look up at stars, moonlight, and feel far from the city buzz.
Sunset or glow-walks: Watch as the skyline and river shift colors while walking on the bridge or along the promenade.
5. Playgrounds, Spraygrounds & Family Fun
Kids and families will love the playground areas, geometric dome climbers, gardens, net lenses, slides, and interactive spray fountains.
The Children’s Playground is open dawn to dusk.
6. Sports, Fitness & Active Life
Scissortail supports a healthy lifestyle with courts, open lawns, wellness programs, and free classes like yoga, Zumba, HIIT, and more.
7. Concerts, Festivals & Events
The park is alive with events.
Big concerts: OKC Philharmonic, Indigo Girls, Wilderado, and more.
Festivals: India Food & Arts Festival, Hispanic Festival, Night Market events, Poochella (dog-centric), etc.
Regular happenings: Saturday Farmers Market (9 a.m. – 1 p.m., April–October), free yoga & Zumba, walking clubs, Monarch tagging, HIIT classes, and more.
8. Roller Skate at Sky Rink Pavilion
On weekend evenings, the Sky Rink Pavilion becomes a roller rink, often themed (“Boot Skatin’ Boogie,” etc.). It’s a fun, nostalgic date or night-out option.
9. Pet-Friendly Spaces & Dog Park
Yes, you can bring your pup. The dog park is located at the southwest corner of the park, near Scissortail Lake. It’s a place for dogs to roam, socialize, and enjoy fresh air.
10. Picnic Groves, Shaded Retreats & Relaxation Spots
There are many sheltered groves, shaded benches, picnic pavilions, trellises, and quiet nooks throughout the park. Many visitors bring blankets, good books, or simply sit and soak it in.
11. Tours & Accessibility
Silver Flyer Tours: For guests with limited mobility, the park offers free golf cart tours.
Park Ambassador & Ranger support: Walk clubs, guided tours, educational programs are offered throughout the year.
Recurring favorites include:
Saturday Farmers Market (Apr–Oct)
Free Yoga & Zumba classes
Walking Club, Monarch Tagging, HIIT classes, etc.
These events bring the park to life, and there's always something to plan for or look forward to.
❤️ Why Scissortail Is More Than Pretty: The Heart of Community
It unites urban and natural—you feel like you're in nature while surrounded by the skyline.
It supports health and wellness through free fitness, walking clubs, and open spaces.
It cultivates culture and connection—concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
It’s inclusive: accessible tours, playgrounds, pet-friendly, and open to all.
It’s evolving: expansions, new programming, and responsive planning keep it fresh.
📝 Tips & Moments to Experience
Go early or late: to avoid crowds and experience serene light.
Pack a blanket & snacks: find your own quiet grove.
Time a bridge walk: walk across Skydance at dusk or early evening.
Bring a lock: attach a love lock to nearby railings or fences (always check park rules).
Join a class or event: yoga, concerts, festivals — they add magic.
Use scooters/bikes: arrive via scooter, ride through, stop often, enjoy spontaneity.
Check the calendar: months are full of events—plan to time your visit around one.
Capture moments: sunrise, sunset, fountains, fireworks — so many photo ops.
📍 Getting There & Practical Info
Address: 300 SW 7th, between Hudson & Robinson.
Parking: Metered spots around the perimeter and just south of the park. Parking may be limited during big events.
Alternate access: scooters, bikes, walking, or the OKC streetcar (the park has a stop).
Hours: Park is open 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Children’s areas close at dusk.
Accessibility: Tours for those with limited mobility; ADA boat rentals; walking paths accommodate many mobility levels.
✨ Final Thoughts
Scissortail Park is a crown jewel in OKC’s landscape. It’s a place where nature, community, art, and recreation blend together. Whether you're out for a romantic stroll, spending time with family, attending a concert, or simply riding scooters across the skyline, there’s something there for everyone.
Thinking about moving to Oklahoma City? Reach out, I would to be your guide.
