9 Best Small Towns In Oklahoma To Raise A Family
Oklahoma, often called "The Sooner State," is a place of diverse landscapes and rich history. It is widely family-oriented, with several towns offering unique educational opportunities and family-friendly experiences. From Piedmont to Poteau, small towns in Oklahoma provide the perfect setting for families to come together, learn, and create lasting memories. Each town carries its own unique history and offers recreational activities, educational landmarks, and more that are perfect for raising a family.
Piedmont
Piedmont, Oklahoma, provides a plethora of educational opportunities and learning experiences for parents and children. The Piedmont School District is dedicated to its student's success. Families also have a plethora of educational opportunities outside of school. Chester's Party Barn & Farm, for instance, is a unique petting zoo that also offers pony rides and learning opportunities for children. In October, the barn becomes a fall haven with pumpkin patches and events catered to the youth. The barn also has an intricate playground available for children. The town often hosts parades for Independence Day and Founder's Day that the entire family can enjoy. Piedmont Community Park is the perfect place to unwind with the family. It is a haven for walks and relaxation, providing long-term benefits for community bonding.
Blanchard
In Blanchard, Oklahoma, families will likely gravitate to Blanchard Schools, which provides schooling for elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school grade classes. They also have several activities for children to participate in, including band programs, choir, athletics, and more. Historic sites like the Blanchard Depot Museum lie outside the school, allowing families to delve into the town's history. This particular museum details the history of the early African-American citizens in Charlotte County. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History allows visitors an up close and personal experience with dinosaur skeletons. Parks and playgrounds, like Lions Park, provide recreational outlets for kids. Additionally, kid-friendly restaurants in the area offer diverse and tasty dining experiences for families.
Tuttle
Tuttle, Oklahoma, is filled with learning opportunities for the entire family, making it an ideal destination for those looking to start or build their family. Tuttle Public Schools encompasses the Tuttle Early Childhood Center, Tuttle Elementary, Tuttle Intermediate, along with Tuttle Middle School and High School. This town carries the essence of a small town and is filled with beautiful neighborhoods that encompass parks, walking trails, and more. The Tiger Safari Zoological Park provides visitors an intimate, up close, and personal experience with tigers, hyenas, and bears. It is Oklahoma's only overnight safari park zoo, meaning visitors can stay overnight and sleep amongst animals at the zoo. The town's parks and playgrounds, including Schrock Park, are perfect for kids to spend their energy. When it's time to dine out, kid-friendly restaurants are readily available to cater to your family's culinary needs.
Bethany
Bethany harmoniously blends modern comfort with historical charm, excellent schools, and kid-friendly activities. Bethany Public Schools provides opportunities for excellence for each student enrolled in their school system. Students can participate in basketball, school clubs, swimming, and more. Their online portal allows parents to keep up with their children's grades, new activity offerings, and more information about the schools in the district. Families can explore historic sites like the 39th Street District, showcasing detailed architecture and vibrant arts. The town offers various parks and playgrounds, such as Eldon Lyon Park, the largest park owned and operated by the city. The park is located on 60 acres of land with nine baseball/softball fields, four basketball goals, and a soccer field. There are also several antique shops where visitors can find treasures from the town's rich history.
Grove
Grove is a great place to raise a family. Grove Public Schools offers an intensive learning experience for students. They highlight outstanding students for excellent grades, helping others, and their overall work in school. One of the unique experiences in Grove, Oklahoma, is the Mar-Ber Village Museum and Nature Trails, which boasts nature trails lined with cabins, antiques, and collectibles. The self-guided tour allows visitors to stroll into the past, with structures and displays representing the area's mid-1800s to early 1900s. The trail is nearly two miles long and is one of the many activities perfect for families looking to move to the area. Recreational areas such as Wolf Creek Park provide a thrilling educational experience to parents and children. It is deemed the number one fishing facility in the United States, attracting anglers from around the country. While camping isn't allowed, families will enjoy this scenic display that gives an up-close experience with aquatic life in the area. The town's kid-friendly restaurants, such as Pistol Pat's Family Diner on Honey Creek, offer diverse dining options with a cozy feeling of home.
Newcastle
Located just 20 minutes south of Oklahoma City, Newcastle, Oklahoma, is well known for the Magnolia Blossom Ranch, where the ranch raises alpacas to ultimately harvest their fleece – shearing once per year in the spring. Visitors are invited to pet the alpacas and attend painting workshops, which is great for families. Students enrolled in Newcastle Public Schools can participate in several athletics and school activities. They have an Early Childhood Learning Center in addition to elementary, middle, and high school to transition children into the school system. Veterans Park is the largest park in Newcastle and is perfect for a weekly getaway with the family. Located just minutes from the Newcastle Elementary School, Newcastle Public Library and Multi-Purpose Center, the park is a convenient way to spend time with family and participate in activities such as soccer, volleyball, and more.
Elk City
Elk City, situated along the iconic Route 66, is a town rooted in its rich history. It is taught through Elk City Public Schools. The extensive campus includes a football field, track field, and several activities for children of all ages to enjoy. The district frequently recognizes outstanding students on their website and has a mobile app where students and parents can stay updated with the latest events, news, and grades. The Old Town Museum, which features artifacts from the cowboy, pioneer, and rodeo days, is a great learning opportunity for children, and parents can take a trip to the historic site as many times as they please. It gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in Western Oklahoma and aims to celebrate Oklahoma's agricultural heritage. Its highlights include the Rock Bluff School, the Pioneer Chapel, the Pioneer Doctor's Office and the Cowtown Watering Hole. The Red Carpet Community Theater is a great place for parents and children to engage in the performing arts.
Weatherford
Weatherford is a family-friendly town that is full of learning opportunities for the entire family. Houses are moderately priced, and the residents provide a welcoming environment. Weatherford Public Schools will be the point of education for students moving to the area and even provide a virtual academy to students in grades 7-12. It is also known for its rich educational experiences outside of school. The Heartland of America Museum offers enriching experiences for the family. Visitors can observe artifacts from the late 1800s through the 1950s while strolling through the museum's exterior, which features a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse, and a diner. With over 12,000 square feet of space, the inside of the museum features fashion from the 1920s to the 1940s with military displays and more. The Stafford Air & Space Museum is also extremely popular amongst families. It highlights the work of engineers, astronauts, and leaders during the Space Race Era, making it a great learning opportunity for children and parents alike.
Poteau
Poteau, nestled in the picturesque eastern part of Oklahoma, offers natural beauty, historical sites, quality schools, and family-friendly dining options. Poteau Public Schools provides education from elementary to high school and adult classes. Families can explore the natural wonders and scenic beauty of Twyman Park and Cavanal Hill each week. Historic sites, including the LeFlore County Museum, offer insight into the area's past. Located inside the Hotel Lowrey, the LeFlore County Museum features 25 rooms of artifacts that vary by era. It's a great learning experience for children. Lake Wister State Park offers learning experiences immersed in nature with over 3,000 acres of land. The park is a gateway to the Ouachita National Forest, perfect for a hiking or camping trip.
From Piedmont to Poteau, small towns in Oklahoma offer diverse educational opportunities and family-friendly experiences that make it ideal for those looking for a place to raise a family. Whether it's exploring history, enjoying wildlife, or immersing in nature, these communities have something for everyone. Each town has its unique charm, making them perfect destinations for families looking to learn, play, and create lasting memories together.
