Broken Bow, Oklahoma is the perfect place for a family getaway. Offering plenty of opportunities for adventure as well as relaxation, families will love their time in this lakeside community. Most visitors book their Broken Bow vacation rentals in Hochatown, as this is where most of the businesses are found. Both Broken Bow and Hochatown provide easy access to Beavers Bend and Hochatown State Parks. If you are traveling with children, these are some of the best things to do in Broken Bow with kids.
15 Fun Things to Do in Broken Bow with Kids
Whether you are spending the weekend in Broken Bow or staying for awhile, the kids will never complain of boredom. Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy these fun activities.
Hike the trails in Beavers Bend State Park
If your kids love being out in nature, there is no better spot than Beavers Bend. This is where you will find Broken Bow Lake and hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Most families head for the Friends Trail Loop, a 1.5 mile trail that runs along the river for a bit. From the parking lot, the entrance will be marked on the right, but head to the left for an easier hike with young kids. Following the trail under the sign, expect there to be an uphill climb for the first 10 to 15 minutes. Heading in the opposite direction will avoid this.
Other fun and easy trails in Broken Bow include: the Tree Trail, Beaver Lodge Nature Trail, and Pine Ridge Trail. You can find maps for all of these on the AllTrails.com app.
Rugaru Adventures Zipline
Across the road from PaddleSUP is Rugaru Adventures Zipline, where families experience 6 different zip lines high above the tree tops! Kids must be accompanied by an adult over 18 and weigh at least 70 pounds.
Horseback riding in Broken Bow
Beavers Bend Depot and Trail Rides is a one stop shop for horseback riding and taking a train through the state park game reserve. Children ages 5 and above can have their own horse, but younger ones will need to double ride with an adult. Either way, the kids will love seeing Broken Bow from a new perspective. There are several other horseback riding outfits in the area, but most require a reservation.
Wild Goose Canoe
Families can take a canoe on the lower Mountain Fork River, which has rapids up to Class II rating, depending on the water level. Wild Goose Canoe offers this thrilling adventure, and children must be 7 to ride.
Fishing in Broken Bow
There are plenty of places in Broken Bow to fish, but for a fun adventure, why not try fly fishing? There are several tour operators: Beavers Bend Fly Fishing, Beavers Bend Fly Shop, and On the Rivers all get great reviews. Be sure to book ahead during the busy season and get a fishing license ahead of time.
Floating on the Mountain Fork river
If your kids want to get up close to the water and out of the kayaks/canoes, consider heading to Lucky Dog River Floats. This tubing trip lasts about two hours when the water level of the river is normal. There are plenty of shallow spots for kids to swim around, and children must be five years old to float the Mt. Fork river.
Beavers Bend Mining Company
If your kids love digging in the dirt, this is the place to be. Kids can hunt for hidden treasure with the gem mining (they keep what they find) or try their hand at the Dino Dig. Don’t miss the Pirate’s Cove Adventure, a full sized pirate ship and themed playground.
Kayak, paddleboard, swim at Broken Bow Lake
At PaddleSUP kids can rent kayaks and/or paddle boards, or simply swim and hang out on the beach. The water is fairly calm and this makes for a fun afternoon.
Satisfy their sweet tooth
When kids need a sugar rush, head to one of the fun dessert shops in Broken Bow for a treat. We like The 3 Cupkateers with their cupcakes, pies, and candies, Okie Girls Coffee & Ice Cream, and We Fudge A Little and Coffee a Lot because who doesn’t love a fudge shop?
Go Karts and Mini Golf
Hochatown Amusements offers Go Karts, mini golf, and arcade games. Kids of all ages love this place (and adults too)!
Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo
This is the town’s local animal rescue center, but it’s also a petting zoo. A great way to see some animals, learn about them, and play with them too!
Rent a boat at Broken Bow Lake
For a fun day on Broken Bow lake, head to Beavers Bend Marina and rent a boat. You can rent them straight from the marina and sign the paperwork there. Bandits ATVs and boat rentals and Tangled Webb Adventures have boats as well. Tangled Webb is also great for renting jet skis.
Off road adventures
For off-roading adventures, head to Captain’s Hideaway where you can rent Jeeps, ATVs, and UTVs. Those aged 25 and older are the only ones permitted to operate the vehicles, and riders must be 21 and up to drive the ATV or UTV. Everyone must wear helmets and seatbelts at all times. This is a great way to see parts of Broken Bow most people never see!
Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum
This museum brings animals to life with its collection of life-like exhibits. Different wildlife dioramas teach kids about animals and the great outdoors.
Jet Boat Joe’s
This high speed boat ride on Broken Bow Lake is an adventure like no other. Children should be at least 40″ tall and 50 lbs to participate. The entire family will love this!