United States Oklahoma 10 Top Things to Do in Norman, Oklahoma By Adam Knapp Adam Knapp Adam Knapp is a former writer for TripSavvy who wrote dozens of articles about Oklahoma City, tourist attractions in Oklahoma, and local events. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 11/04/21 SunChan / Getty Images Just 20 miles south of Oklahoma City is the town of Norman, most well-known as the home of the University of Oklahoma and its formidable football team, the Oklahoma Sooners. College football fans travel to Norman just to see a game, but the charming college town has a lot more going on than just sports. The thriving student population means there are all kinds of events and trendy bars for young adults, plus top-notch museums, parks, play areas, and casinos for visitors of all ages. 01 of 10 Fun for All Ages at HeyDay HeyDay Entertainment View Map Address 3201 Market Pl, Norman, OK 73072, USA Get directions Phone +1 405-310-3500 Web Visit website Whether you're a family with young kids or a group of 20-somethings wanting to spend an evening out, HeyDay is the place to go in Norman for indoor fun. The massive complex has a bowling alley, two floors of laser tag, a ropes course, and mini golf, plus a sprawling arcade that can keep kids entertained for hours. While HeyDay definitely appeals to kids and teens, the on-site bar and grill also brings in a young adult crowd and local students. There are often deals throughout the week on games, food, or drinks, so check out the calendar to see what's coming up. 02 of 10 Explore the Local Art Scene Every Second Friday 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk View Map Address 122 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA Get directions Phone +1 405-360-1162 Web Visit website The 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk takes place—as the name implies—on the second Friday of each month all year long. Downtown Norman always has a small-town charm but during this monthly event, the city turns out and fills the streets. Art is the focus of the event and you can stroll through local galleries to get a sense of the local creative scene, but there are also music performances, food trucks, shopping, and more. While it's free to attend, bring some money to enjoy snacks or pick up a locally-made handicraft. 03 of 10 Experience a Sooners Game Brett Deering / Getty Images View Map Address 1185 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73019, USA Get directions Phone +1 405-325-2424 Web Visit website The Sooners aren't just the local football team but a deeply ingrained part of Norman and Oklahoma culture. The successful team has been playing since 1895 and on game days the excitement across the city is palpable as locals don crimson and cream colors. If you're visiting Norman, there's a good chance you're already in town with the intention to see a game, so take in the full experience by tailgating before and celebrating after. While the football team is by far the biggest draw, don't overlook other Sooners sporting events, including men's and women's basketball, women's soccer, gymnastics, and baseball. 04 of 10 Visit the Natural History Museum John Elk / Getty Images View Map Address 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, OK 73072-7029, USA Get directions Phone +1 405-325-7977 Web Visit website The Sam Noble Museum, also known as the the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, is not just one of the top things to do in Norman, it's one of the best in all of the Oklahoma City area. One of the world's largest university-based natural history museums, The Sam Noble Museum is located on the University of Oklahoma campus and features interactive displays and fossils from the state and around the world, as well as seven galleries of artifacts and displays. It also boasts over 6 million items in 12 collection divisions. The museum offers lectures, presentations, adult field trips, family nights out, children's programs, and adult workshops. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Try Your Luck at the Casinos Brandon Watts / Flickr If you want to try your hand with lady luck, make a stop at one of the local casinos. Operated by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Thunderbird Casino is one of the oldest Native American casinos in the state. Another local option is the Riverwind Casino, operated by the Chickasaw Nation, which is newer and larger. Not only do both feature Vegas-style slots, restaurants, and table games, but Riverwind, in particular, is a great place to go for live music as well. The Showplace Theatre on the Riverwind premises often features well-known bands, comedians, and more. 06 of 10 Get Some Exercise at Lake Thunderbird raksyBH / Getty Images View Map Address Lake Thunderbird, Norman, OK 73026, USA Get directions Located east of Norman just off Highway 9, Lake Thunderbird State Park offers a variety of enjoyable outdoor things to do, including everything from boating to swimming at two beaches to camping and hiking. You can also go kayaking or horseback riding, use the archery range, or just have a relaxing picnic. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds and adults may want to visit the two marinas and the Lake Thunderbird State Park Discovery Cove Nature Center. 07 of 10 Peruse the Art at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Wolterk / Getty Images View Map Address 555 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019-3008, USA Get directions Phone +1 405-325-3272 Web Visit website Art Galleries & Museums 4.3 Founded in 1936, the University of Oklahoma's Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is a beautiful facility that features several large collections of works in American, Native American, Asian, Contemporary, and European art, as well as photography. The museum boasts over 20,000 objects in its permanent collections, as well as educational tours and programs for students and non-students alike. As an extra perk, admission is always free at the museum for all visitors. 08 of 10 Play Golf, Tennis, and More at Westwood Park Westwood Water Park View Map Address 2400 Westport Dr, Norman, OK 73069-6336, USA Get directions Phone +1 405-366-5472 Web Visit website The largest and likely most popular of Norman's city parks, Westwood Park is located on the southeast corner of 24th NW and Robinson. It features an 18-hole golf course, a tennis center, areas to have a picnic, playgrounds for the little ones, and more. The family-friendly Westwood Water Park features a lazy river, a kid's splash zone, big spiral and family slides, and a dedicated area for toddlers aged 4 and under. The water park features an "Outdoor Movie Pool Series" and fun adults-only nights at the pool, among other events. Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Learn About the Weather Chris Kridler/ Getty Images View Map Address 1200 Westheimer Dr, Norman, OK 73069-7902, USA Get directions Phone +1 405-573-8800 Web Visit website Science Museums & Attractions Oklahoma has always been known as a hotspot for some of the country's most dramatic weather (the local NBA team was named the Thunder, after all), and Norman has fast become a national leader in meteorology. So if you're fascinated by the weather, head to the National Weather Center. A unique and fun thing to do in Norman is to take one of the center's free tours which last about 60 to 90 minutes, where you'll visit the observation deck and the weather labs. Schedule the tour at least one to two weeks in advance and review the website to be familiar with what items are allowed or prohibited in the building, holiday closures, and other important information. 10 of 10 Shop the Sooner Mall Sooner Mall View Map Address 3301 W Main St, Norman, OK 73072, USA Get directions Phone +1 405-360-0341 Web Visit website One of Oklahoma City's best indoor shopping malls, Sooner Mall is a Norman attraction in itself. There are plenty of shops, from specialty to big names such as JC Penney, Dillards, and Old Navy. The food court has many restaurants with all of your favorite mall-type foods. Sooner Mall also has a play area for kids and special events planned throughout the year—especially during the holidays when the entire complex is decked to the halls in Christmas decorations. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email