Explore the Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a massive adventure playground where you could spend a full day.
It has climbing structures, towers, 120 feet of suspension bridges, and a water play area with a water lab. These are just a few of the fun things you can do there.
The park covers 66 acres near the Arkansas River, just south of downtown Tulsa. It opened on September 8, 2018, and cost $465 million, making it the largest private gift ever given to a community park in the U.S.
My family and I visited three national parks in West Texas and southern New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park (for a quick stop), and White Sands National Park. Then, on our way back home, we stopped in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for some playground fun.
OUR TIME HERE
Finding Parking
We parked in the large lot east of Riverside Drive. The lot is along John Williams Way. If, at the start of the park drive, you are having trouble finding parking, continue along the road toward the park. The road encircles the park, so there is no really bad parking for it.
You can also find more parking next to Riverside Drive on both the northbound and southbound sides, and at the 33rd Place lot just north of the 33rd Place intersection. I made a mistake and thought there was another entrance from 30th Street, but there isn’t.
Chapman Adventure Playground
We spent most of our visit at Chapman Adventure Playground. It has towers, slides, climbing areas, play gardens, a sand lot, and water features.
The playground is shaded by big trees, so kids can play safely and stay cool even in the summer. There’s also plenty of seating and easy access to parking and restrooms.
Slide Vale
Next, we walked through the woods to Slide Vale. It has four exciting slides, including a unique one called the Rabbit Hole that goes underground.
Swing Hill
You can swing from the highest point in the park and enjoy a clear view of downtown Tulsa. There are several types of swings here, and it’s close to the ONEOK Boathouse.
The Patio
After checking out the swings, my son was thirsty, so we headed to The Patio for drinks. There is plenty of seating in this area to take a break. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday- Sunday.
Final Thoughts
This place is fantastic for play. We wished we had more time, since we only got to explore for about an hour. You could easily spend the whole day here.
MORE ATTRACTIONS
ONEOK Boathouse
The ONEOK Boathouse has an Overlook Deck with great views of the Arkansas River and downtown Tulsa. You can also rent pedal boats and canoes from the lower level.
Energy Transfer Sports Courts
The sports courts are in the southernmost part of the park. You can play basketball, volleyball, street soccer, or pickleball here.
Skate Park
The skate park is in the far south part of the park, right by the river. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting.
Four Seasons Garden
This special garden has tall rock formations that look like those in Chandler Park. It connects the Sky Garden bridge to 31st Street.
Sky Garden
Sky Garden features Ginkgo trees, colorful flowers, and shrubs along unique walkways.
Nature Trail
A path from the Skate Bowl winds down into the rocky landscape by the river’s edge.
Pine Valley
Pine Valley connects to the Midland Valley Trail, which links downtown Tulsa to the Gathering Place. It also offers some of the best views in the park.
Willow Beach
Willow Beach has a soft sandbank that leads right into Peggy’s Pond. You can build sandcastles, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the sand. Check out the Willow Beach Activity Guide for more ways to play.
Mist Mountain
Mist Mountain has lots of water features, like mist areas, interactive fountains, and koi ponds. It’s open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.
Charlie’s Water Mountain
Next to Picnic Grove and the Adventure Playground, this play area has a spray zone, mist area, tunnels, dams and streams, a water lab, and a water plaza. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.
DETAILS
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on the main pathways every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Leashed pets are allowed daily on the Tuckabache Trail (formerly Midland Valley) and riverfront trails. Only service animals are allowed inside park buildings.
Admission: Free
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. For specific hours for attractions and events, check the website.
Address: 2650 S John Williams Way, Tulsa, OK 74114
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