What started out as one family’s visit to OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark turned into our mini family reunion with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins of all ages.
I can describe the experience in just one word … AMAZING!
More Than Just a Waterpark and Definitely NOT just for kids
If you had asked me earlier, I would have told you that I had no interest in visiting a waterpark in the state of Oklahoma. However, with the prodding of a few fun family members and my sentimental heart yearning for a family reunion, I booked my flights to Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City.
I will tell you right up front that the OKANA Resort is not just about the waterpark. Yes, there is a lot of water but there is so much more. I will also tell you that the adults had a blast all day, every day, during our 3-night stay. This place is a unique destination where you can find adventure, activities, and much-appreciated relaxation.
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is loaded:
:: 404 rooms and suites
:: 100,000 square feet of indoor waterpark
:: 200,000 sq. ft. of outdoor waterpark
:: 11 pools (indoor and outdoor)
:: 13 places to eat and drink from quick bites to upscale experiences
:: Full-service spa
Interesting Fact: This isn’t a corporate hotel chain. OKANA is owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, bringing authentic Indigenous elements of Chickasaw heritage throughout the resort, from carpet patterns to artwork in the lobby and guest rooms. The First Americans Museum, located next door, is a 10,000 square foot gallery featuring artwork from Native American tribes.
Lots of Things to Do For Every Age Group, In the Water and Out
When we started planning our visit to OKANA Resort, I made it very clear to my family members that I was tagging along on their waterpark adventure mostly to enjoy the family camaraderie. And, as far as the waterpark, I planned to ride the lazy river ride, glide above the water ripples in the wave pool, and read my book while relaxing on a lounge. Well, I am happy to report that once I stepped into the waterpark, I became a kid again. Before I knew it, I was hopping aboard multi-person raft rides, racing others down slides, and hopping on lily pads to complete a water obstacle course. And while the kids were busy, the adults snuck away to Soothing Springs, the 21+ hot tub area that offered the ultimate relaxation.
And it gets better. The land activities and entertainment options far surpassed my expectations as well. There was live music in bar areas, outdoor firepits, an arcade with what seemed like endless games. And that’s just a bit of what we adults enjoyed the most. There were so many dining options that we had to plan out a food strategy so we could taste as many options as possible.
OKANA Splash Indoor Waterpark
Before I tell you more about the land activities, let me tell you about the most incredible indoor waterpark that I’ve ever travelled to. The OKANA Resort offers a massive 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark that provides year-round fun no matter the Oklahoma weather. From 15 exciting slides and a kids’ splash zone, to a lazy river and adults-only swim area – fun for guests of all ages. Towels are available so you don’t need to bring your own. Hotel guests can also rent lockers (fee).
List of indoor water activities:
Splash Falls – A haven for kids and adults alike, an interactive play structure packed with water slides, splash zones, and tipping buckets.
Racing Rapids – Race others on this multi-lane slide speeding through dips, drops, and turns for fast-paced thrills.
Low Tide – Kids pool offers a gentle water slide and a lazy river experience, a playful, interactive environment for little ones.
Okana Crossing – Test your balance and agility as you hop across floating lily pads, a fun water-based obstacle course for all ages,
Wild Rapids – Experience the thrill of a water slide with speed as you’re propelled uphill before launching into crazy drops and twists.
Aqua Duel – Hop on a 2-person tube to race down a fast-paced slide.
Whipsplash – A multi-directional adventure! Whipsplash takes you on a fast, one-of-a-kind twisting journey, including an exciting backward section that’s perfect for adventure junkies.
Tidal Twist – Water slide speeds you through twists and turns before swirling around in giant bowls.
High Tide – Catch ocean-like waves in an expansive wave pool, with gentle swells for relaxation or dive into the action.
Flowrider – Experience the thrill of surfing with the FlowRider surf simulator, fun for all skill levels.
Enchanted River – Takes riders on twists, turns, and surges as waves keep the river in constant motion.
Soothing Springs – Adults-only warming pool featuring calming waters and built-in seating.
Okana Beach Outdoor Waterpark
The nearly 200,000 sq. ft. outdoor waterpark is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Enjoy an expansive sandy beach, water slides, zipline area, diving boards, and an obstacle course. The outdoor lagoon pool is both beautiful and huge. You can upgrade your waterpark experience by renting a cabana or premium seating in the indoor and outdoor areas. This gives you special plush furniture, private TVs, cabana staff, plus food and beverage delivery right to your seat.
Okanarama!: The Ultimate Game Room
Now, for one of the pleasant surprises at the OKANA Resort. The impressive 17,000-square-foot OKANARAMA Arcade offers unlimited entertainment from laser tag to escape rooms, a neon mirror maze, virtual reality type adventures, sports simulators, LED-lit air hockey tables, 80+ arcade games, and my longtime favorite, claw machines filled with plush toys. There are even exciting prizes awarded to gamers of all ages. Some of the activities are part of dining options so you can enjoy food and squeeze in some activities at the same time.
Dining and Drinks at OKANA Resort
OKANA Resort offers an outstanding dining variety, 13 different dining outlets, from quick bites, comfort foods, and fancier meals to coffee and pastries, to candy, ice cream, and other sweet treats. Of course, there are lounge type places to enjoy a cocktail, beer, or other alcoholic beverages.
Curveball Kitchen – Step up to the plate where you can enjoy comfort food while enjoying baseball simulators to swing a bat or pitch a few baseballs.
Kaya – Located in the indoor waterpark, enjoy casual Asian street food.
Pie Lab – Located in the indoor waterpark, the go-to place for pizza and other Italian specialties.
Sliders – Located in the indoor waterpark, enjoy quick-serve sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.
Smokehouse Social – Serves hand-crafted BBQ, cold drinks, and fun with 25 sports and games on high-definition simulators.
Waterbyrd – Located in the outdoor waterpark, serves main dishes and quick snacks with great views of the lagoon.
Jack Rabbit – Vibrant pub offers expertly crafted cocktails and elevated comfort food with spectacular views of the Oklahoma City skyline and the Oklahoma River.
Market 56 offers quick bites and expertly brewed coffee. Named in honor of Chickasaw Nation’s 1856 establishment of tribal government, enjoy house-made pastries, salads, sandwiches, and Starbucks drinks.
Dive Bar – Located on the second floor of the indoor waterpark, adults can enjoy cocktails without ever leaving the splash zone.
OKASIS – Swim-up bar located in the outdoor waterpark and nestled by the lagoon.
Frosty Flamingo – Enjoy unique, Hawaiian-style shaved ice, refreshing, tropical treats in a variety of flavors and unique toppings.
OKANA Candy Co. – Mix and match a variety of eclectic candies or enjoy ice cream and milk shakes.
The Spa at OKANA
The Spa at OKANA offers individual spa services, combination treatments, and even packaged experiences for groups. Select from skincare treatments and facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures, available by appointment only. The Spa at OKANA features seven treatment rooms including a couples treatment room, men’s and women’s locker rooms with saunas, a relaxation area, and a special product line.
OKANA Resort Luxurious Rooms and Suites
I was very impressed with the accommodations. The room was immaculately clean, bed was comfortable, and the bathroom was spacious. Our Junior Suite was elegant, beautifully decorated, spacious, and featured an incredibly comfortable king-sized bed, large television, coffee maker, fridge, in-room safe, and other amenities. I should point out that all room reservations come with waterpark passes and access to the fitness center. Depending on the number of people you travel with, there are a variety of room types including Junior Suites, Multi-Room Suites, and Bunk Suites.
Nice Perk: Children two and under stay free.
Super Handy: The wristband you wear to enter the waterparks is also the key to open your suite door. Even better, the wristband is programmed to serve as payment for your dining, drinking, and shopping during your stay. That means you can leave your wallet and money in your hotel room.
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark: You can NEVER BE BORED!
This isn’t just any hotel in Oklahoma. OKANA resort offers everything you need to stay for at least three days, without ever having to leave. I loved having dining options right at the resort, so we didn’t have to leave. In fact, we spent the majority of our visit wearing bathing suits, cover-ups, and flip flops. Speaking of food, it’s not included in the room rate … so factor the cost of meals in your travel budget.
The OKANA resort gives off a happy vibe, featuring bright, fun colors throughout the resort. There’s so much to do for every age. It even offers fine dining for adults, spa services, and multiple adults-only areas in the water and out.
The OKANA staff were friendly and helpful. OKANA resort is spotless and well maintained. The beds were super comfortable. An indoor and outdoor waterpark, huge arcade, delicious food, a fun place for children and adults – everything you’d want in a resort. It was a great family getaway!