Play and Stay: This Waterpark Resort in Oklahoma City Is Making Waves

This Indigenous heritage site perfectly blends Chickasaw artwork and culture with modern, state-of-the-art amenities. The inclusive and educational attention to detail by Chickasaw leaders is evident and beautifully entwined to foster an environment that makes OKANA’s guests feel that they are part of something special.

The waterparks at OKANA Resort

There’s an outdoor lagoon…

Consciously designed with a soft slope, OKANA’s Outdoor Waterpark begins shallow enough for young swimmers to wade in safely, deepening to six feet near the center, and gradually returning to a safe standing depth near a few waterfalls that create a picturesque backdrop for holiday photos.

This pool is beloved for its versatility, featuring a generous supply of lounge chairs. Be sure to arrive early at the lagoon to secure a shaded spot, as the areas under oversized umbrellas fill up quickly. Cabanas premium seating are available for rent and feature wondrous amenities, including an overhead fan that instantly cools in the hot Oklahoma sun, as well as a small television to entertain little ones. Each cabana comes with a personal waitstaff member who’s there to attend to your every need — the ultimate way to elevate your day at the pool.

…an adults-only oasis…

Those 21 and over can use the adults-only pool area, Cabana Cove, located at the far end of the lagoon. Set with multiple lounge chairs built into the water, guests can wander and explore the Swim-Up Bar, which serves as a quiet retreat for enjoying cocktails while keeping an eye on their families in the central lagoon.

…and a place to splash indoors all year long.

If you’re looking for aquatic fun that just won’t stop, look no further than SPLASH, the indoor waterpark at OKANA. SPLASH is maintained at a gorgeous 84 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, ensuring a tropical paradise regardless of the weather outside.

Upon entry, the first thing you’ll see is the gigantic wave pool, which activates every 10 minutes, making it the perfect place to start for the whole family. Located just behind the wave pool is a second adults-only location, an indoor sauna and hot tub. With its proximity to Dive Bar, this hidden spot is a hit for parents to unwind away from all the indoor splash zones.

Thrillseekers can enjoy the signature waterslide roller coaster, Wild Rapids. This one-of-a-kind watercoaster begins with a dramatic drop that propels you upwards through twisting loops and winding turns with the aid of water. Heart-stoppingly fast, this is a must-try for all those 48 inches and up.

The indoor park offers multiple other coasters for thrill seekers of all ages. There’s Racing Rapids, where you rush headlong on a multi-lane slide to find out who can coast the fastest. Whip Splash is a multi-directional journey with a backward section that’s perfect for teens. And lastly, Tidal Twist sends your group of five swirling to new heights in an oversized bowl.

SPLASH has something for everyone: a water sports zone complete with basketball hoops, a tidal surfing area called Flowrider for wannabe surfers, and an Enchanted (lazy) River for those who want to zen out and relax. At the center of it all is Splash Falls, an interactive play structure with mini water slides, interactive water features, and a tipping bucket that gushes water over you every 3.5 minutes.

For families with children two years old and under, the Low Tide Zone, located under the entrance to the indoor water park, features only a few inches of water and swings designed for little ones.

Accommodations and amenities at OKANA Resort

With 404 suites, OKANA Resort has lodging for every type of traveler, from cozy Junior Suites that are perfect for couples to spacious Multi-Room Suites that are ideal for families and larger groups, including options like the Family River Suite, Oka’ Suite, and Inkana’ Suite. If you’re traveling with young kids, Bunk Suites come with built-in bunk beds. All accommodations come with modern amenities; views of the Oklahoma River, lagoon, or city skyline; and include access to the resort’s indoor waterpark.

When you’re not enjoying your suite or tearing it up at the waterpark, The Spa at OKANA provides a range of services, including facials, body wraps, massages, and nail care. Be sure to carve out an hour to rest and rejuvenate after your time in the sun, guaranteeing a perfect ending to your time away from home.

The resort also has an indoor arcade called Okanarama, with a two-story laser tag floor, a mini mirror maze, and an immersive escape room that’s both enjoyable and challenging. This entertainment zone combines all your favorite games, including Skeeball, Bean Bag Toss, a VR Zombie Game, and Jurassic Park. Additionally, you can use your prize points at the photo booth to capture family memories.

Dining at OKANA Resort

With 13 restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual quick bites to signature dining, the food is one of the best parts of OKANA. Here are my top picks:

Jack Rabbit Gastropub

The best way to start your day is with the Jack Rabbit breakfast buffet, which costs $29 per person and has it all. You’ve got your early morning classics like bacon, eggs, pancakes, waffles, made-to-order omelets, and more. And, of course, a curated fruit and yogurt section, as well as overnight oats. There’s also a build-your-own-bagel station where you can enjoy butter and jam, or go nuts with lox and capers.

Then there’s the dessert bar, complete with a donut wall and a variety of sweet breads and cakes to enjoy before heading off to get your feet wet. They pair perfectly with the riverside view, ensuring a tasty and peaceful way to begin your day.

Smokehouse Social

Meat lovers rejoice in Smokehouse Social, which serves everything from smoked pork and grilled steaks to juicy chicken, and high-quality mac and cheese. Larger parties can enjoy the flaming tableside tomahawk steak, which isn’t just food; it’s a performance you and your kids won’t forget.

Sports enthusiasts will be enthralled with the virtual game bay — enjoy golf, archery, or perhaps save humanity from an alien attack. Sure, that last one might be less of a sport, but if you had fun, that’s all that matters.

Curveball Kitchen

Newly opened in July, Curveball Kitchen is making baseball more than a meal. Hot dogs inspired by various ballparks are as delicious as they are massive, plus an oversized pretzel makes the perfect starter dish. Salads, quesadillas, and multiple options of mac and cheese make this stop an outing with extra innings.

Don’t forget to save room for the Grand Slam Ice Cream Sundae, featuring vanilla ice cream with warm brownie chunks, accompanied by a souvenir baseball helmet that’s large enough for the whole family to share.

Wanna swing away and imagine yourself in the big leagues? Here, they have HD baseball simulators that allow you to “play ball” in the historic field of your choice. Channel that rookie luck, and try not to strike out before heading back to the room for the night.

OKANA Candy Co.

Before heading to bed, make sure to swing by the OKANA Candy Co. for an after-hours snack at the ice cream parlor and candy shop, where cotton candy and waffle cones are made fresh all day long.

Getting to and around OKANA Resort

OKANA Resort is only a 15-minute drive from Will Rogers Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City. Snagging a Lyft or Uber is the easiest way to get to the resort. Once you’ve arrived, the resort is quite walkable, with all restaurants and pools within a five-minute travel time from your room.

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