Chickasaw Country Adventure for Families

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting your family off their devices and into a real-life outdoor adventure (without having to bribe them with unlimited screen time after), allow me to introduce you to Chickasaw Country in southern Oklahoma. Just a few hours’ drive from Dallas or Oklahoma City, this hidden gem is packed with natural beauty, quirky food finds, epic hiking, and enough water activities to exhaust even the most high-energy tween.

This is your go-to itinerary for an unforgettable Chickasaw adventure with kids and teens—approved by a family who actually did it.

Day 1: Lake Life, Trails, and Tasty Bites

Lake Murray State Park – Ardmore, OK

We started our adventure at Lake Murray State Park, which is the oldest and largest state park in Oklahoma. Translation: it’s kind of a big deal. With 5,700 surface acres of water and miles of hiking trails, Lake Murray is paradise for nature-loving families.

Next up: water fun. We headed to Lake Murray Water Sports and Mini Golf, which was basically a playground for all ages. Think paddleboarding, jet skis, water trampolines, kayaks, and classic mini golf. The kids loved bouncing around on the floating obstacles and said that this was their favorite activity out of all the things we did. They especially loved the educational boat ride we took around the lake where we learned the history of the area. What I loved was how affordable all of the activities were. Hello, single mom budget friendly!

Another thing to do here is visit the Lake Murray Nature Center, where interactive exhibits gave the kids some much-needed context for all the trees, critters, and rocks they were about to see. From there, you can hike to Tucker Tower, a historic lookout point perched above the lake. The views were stunning, and even your teen might grudgingly admit it was “pretty cool”.

Dinner with a View

After a full afternoon of sun and splashing, we were ready for some serious food. Enter The Lookout Kitchen, conveniently located right in the park. The menu had something for everyone—burgers, wings, steak sandwiches, salads—and the lake view made it feel like a mini-vacation within a vacation.

Stay: Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center

After dinner, we drove about 45 minutes to check in at the secluded Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center in Sulphur. Nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains, this place was stunning and peaceful. Spacious rooms, panoramic views, and just enough luxury to make it feel like a retreat for the adults too. There’s even a spa if you want to sneak in some “me time” later in the trip. Hopefully the next time we visit they are done renovating. Currently the hot tub and pool are closed for a re-do.

Day 2: Rivers, Recreation & Ridiculously Good Enchiladas

Breakfast at Boomarang Diner

We started our morning with breakfast at Boomarang Diner in Davis. An adorable retro-style diner with red vinyl booths and a menu full of comfort food. My nieces were in heaven. Pancakes, bacon, biscuits and gravy, eggs cooked to order—you name it. I had a biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, which should probably come with a warning label for how addictive it is. They also have a location in Sulphur.

Float the Washita River

Show up in swimsuits because there is nowhere to change at Washita River Floats. They are also cash only. After they drive you up the river in their bus this is a self-guided float trip. This four-mile journey along the Washita River is perfect for families. The river is calm, the views are stunning, and the float itself is relaxing and just adventurous enough to keep teens interested. They said it could take up to four hours, but we were done in 2.5.

We packed a cooler with drinks and snacks and opted for an ice chest raft to keep everything dry. Along the way, we could have stopped at sandbars for snack breaks and water fights, but the girls had never floated before, so we chose to keep things moving along.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and water shoes—you’ll need them. And if you’re not a fan of surprises, bring a dry bag for phones and valuables. It’s a laid-back, unplugged experience that everyone loved.

Explore Downtown Sulphur

Post-float, we dried off and went back to the hotel to change. Afterwards we made our way to downtown Sulphur for some exploring and lunch. It’s a charming area with plenty of local flavor. We checked out:

• The ARTesian Gallery & Studios for a peek at local art and a few kid-friendly crafts
• The Chickasaw Visitor Center for history and maps
• Okie Twister Co. for Oklahoma souvenirs and gifts

Lunch at Centenario Mexican Grill

We were ravenous after the float and exploring, so we grabbed a late lunch at Centenario Mexican Grill. Let me just say this: their Centenario bean enchiladas are the best I’ve ever had. I know that’s a bold claim, but trust me. They were smothered in just the right amount of sauce, chicken fajita meat, perfectly cheesy, and full of flavor. The chips and salsa were fresh, and the service was quick and friendly.

If your kids like tacos, quesadillas, or chicken fingers (because of course), they’ll be happy too. Sadly my nieces aren’t as passionate as I am about eating Mexican food.

Hiking + Swimming in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Fueled by enchilada energy, we headed to Chickasaw National Recreation Area for some afternoon hiking and swimming. This park is a lush mix of forests, creeks, and natural springs. We explored trails near Travertine Creek and visited the Travertine Nature Center, which had interactive exhibits for the kids and helpful rangers. After getting the Junior Park Ranger program materials, so both girls could participate (it’s free), we hiked the Antelope Spring Trail.

Then came the highlight: swimming in Panther Springs and Little Niagara Springs. These spring-fed pools are shockingly cold (like, gasp-out-loud cold), but also incredibly refreshing after a hot hike. The water is crystal clear and surrounded by rocks and shade trees. It’s like nature’s perfect swimming hole. I preferred swimming in Panther Springs because there were way less people there.

We swam, sunbathed, and repeated the cycle until everyone was waterlogged and happy. This is the kind of place where you make core memories without even trying.

On our way back and forth from the hotel and Chickasaw National Recreation Area, we passed by the bison area which is a fenced off area of the park. One morning, we got lucky and ended up seeing 10 – 12 bison, including two baby bison!

Dinner at Fat Bully’s by the Lake

Dinner that night was at Fat Bully’s by the Lake, a casual spot with hearty food and a local vibe. Think giant burgers, loaded fries, and cold drinks. It’s kid-friendly, laid-back, and the perfect way to wrap up a long day of exploring.

We sat on the patio and recapped our day while I enjoyed a spicy margarita.

Day 3: Off-Roading Adventures

Cross Bar Off-Road Park

We checked out of the retreat center but left our bags with the front desk so we could head to Cross Bar Off-Road Park for one last adrenaline rush. If you’ve never been off-roading, this is the place to try it. The park has 6,500 acres of untamed Arbuckle Mountain terrain, and you can bring your own ATV/UTV or rent one on-site.

We signed waivers and hit the trails. Some paths were easy enough for beginners, while others were bumpy, twisty, and downright thrilling. The kids were giddy, and I was totally in my element.

If off-roading isn’t your thing, there’s also 3,000 acres of mountain biking trails, or you can just relax and watch the more adventurous members of your crew kick up dust.

Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies

Now, what’s a trip to Chickasaw Country without a stop at Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies on our way back home? This place is legendary, and for good reason. We picked up both savory pies (pepperoni, chicken and cheese) and sweet pies (cherry, apple, chocolate). They’re handheld, flaky, and perfect for eating in the car or taking back to your hotel.

My personal favorite? The pecan and the Tex-Mex.

Final Thoughts: Why Chickasaw Country Is Perfect for Families

Chickasaw Country hits that magical vacation trifecta:

• Outdoor adventure that doesn’t require camping in a tent or carrying bear spray
• Unforgettable experiences that don’t involve screens, crowds, or long lines
• Actual quality time

From swimming in natural springs and floating a lazy river to off-roading through mountain terrain and chowing down on fried pies, this trip delivered the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, Chickasaw Country should be at the top of your list.

We came home tired, sun-kissed, and already planning our return. Next time, we plan to camp inside the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. They have a lot of campgrounds!

Plan Your Own Chickasaw Adventure

Here’s a quick recap of the must-do spots on your itinerary:

Cross Bar Off-Road Park – off-road thrills and biking

Lake Murray State Park – hiking, nature center, water sports, mini golf

The Lookout Kitchen – dinner with lake views

Boomerang Diner – retro breakfast joint

Washita River Float – scenic, lazy river float trip

Downtown Sulphur – shopping, art, visitor center

Chickasaw National Recreation Area – hiking, swimming, springs

Centenario Mexican Grill – incredible bean enchiladas

Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies – sweet and savory pie heaven

Fat Bully’s by the Lake – burgers and good vibes