We’ve always taken dating our kids very seriously, especially as our family has grown. I’ve even written before about why I think it’s so important! Now I want to give you some ideas for family dates in OKC so you can get out there and enjoy time with all of your kids together! We went on a family date to Factory Obscura and Parlor and had such a great time I knew I needed to share it with y’all! If you’re looking for more ideas for family dates, the OKC Selfie Scavenger Hunt is a ton of fun!
Factory Obscura
This gem in downtown OKC is such a great place to take the family. We heard about it shortly before we moved here, but didn’t visit until February of 2022. Other than a brief glance at their website and Instagram page, we didn’t do much research. I had very little idea of what to expect, but wow! I was impressed with what they had to offer!
The kids were SO excited to see a giant ear when they entered. We didn’t tell them anything about Factory Obscura before we arrived, so they were so surprised at what they found. Each area had a different theme and all sorts of nooks to explore. Encouraging them to touch everything was so fun – we didn’t know what the next piece would do! From a button on the wall starting an ice cream truck that drove around a track to opening a book that could be pulled from a giant arch to reveal hidden secrets, this place was a blast.
Climbing up stairs through tunnels that led to some amazing surprises was the highlight of our visit. Make sure you grab a clipboard with a scavenger hunt while you’re there! It helps you really get a good look at everything when you’re trying to find the items on the sheet. Plus, you get a fun sticker at the end!
We loved this quirky, unexpected, and hands-on museum. It made me feel like a kid, exploring a different world. I can’t recommend this place enough! Words and photos can’t do it justice. If you’re thinking of visiting and want to see more of what it’s like, check out my reel on Instagram!
Parlor OKC
After we left Factory Obscura, we walked a couple blocks away to have lunch at Parlor OKC. Jon and I have eaten there before and we knew a food hall-style restaurant would be a perfect place to take the family. Everyone can get something they like!
Jon and I enjoyed trying some Detroit-style pizza from Providence Pizza and the kids shared an enormous basket of chicken tenders and fries from Ray’s Chicken Kitchen. We love that Parlor has several different seating options and is very family friendly.
Pro Tips
- There is street parking available in throughout Automobile Alley if no parking is available in the lot next door to Factory Obscura or outside of Parlor. The area does get busy, though, so I would recommend going early if you can!
- I would recommend skipping the stroller for this adventure. The museum is very hands-on and they won’t want to be sitting down for it! If you’ve got young babies, consider wearing them so you can have your hands free to enjoy the fun too!
- Buy your Factory Obscura tickets online ahead of time to make checking in quick!
- Check the menus at Parlor ahead of time on their website so you can make a game plan of who goes to which restaurant to order.
Have you visited Factory Obscura or Parlor OKC with your family yet? I’d love to know what you thought of them in the comments!
