There are hundreds of exciting aquatic creatures for you to see. Some you can even touch. Giant sharks and many other marvels and mysteries of the deep await you at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Visit the Karl and Beverly White National Fishing Tackle Museum, featuring a $4 million antique collection of sport fishing's firsts. The Oklahoma Aquarium will make a splash as your family's favorite destination. Be sure and stop in the Gift Shop for a unique selection of clothing, books, toys and gifts. Visit Corkie's Deli for a tasty selection of sandwiches, salads, pizza, desserts, smoothies and other refreshments.

This upscale Native American horse-racing track is located just outside of Tulsa in Claremore. In addition to live racing during the spring and summer months, the facility broadcasts simulcast racing from tracks across the country. You won't miss a second of action, thanks to the 150 televisions, including 10 big screens. This is a great place to meet after work and relax, either in the Cowboy Club or Turf Club Restaurant. The on-site eatery offers everything from finger-food appetizers to beef and seafood entrees, and it can be reserved for private parties.

Numerous tribes of Native Americans call Oklahoma their home, and one of the most prominent of these is the Cherokee. Located just south of Tahlequah, a short drive from the Tulsa metro, this living history exhibit is housed at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Time has stood still since the 1500s; the way of life depicted here is the simple one of the Cherokee people before conquering explorers found their homeland. A trip to the village is a wonderful learning experience for both young and old alike. Guided tours are available.

Located in Henryetta, a short distance south of Tulsa and Okmulgee, this museum houses artifacts and exhibits that detail the local history of the town and its surrounding area. Carrying a variety of interesting displays, this place will be of particular interest to students of local history and those just wanting to learn more about the area. Admission is free, but donations are accepted when offered. This is close to an hour away from Tulsa, so plan to come early enough to enjoy it, and bring a picnic lunch.

Located northwest of Tulsa in nearby Sperry, this museum displays a variety of western and cowboy artifacts, as well as a collection of classic guitars dating back to the early 1900s. This facility is adjacent to a music store, and the museum is run by the music store owners, so viewing of the exhibit is by appointment only at this time. Enthusiasts of western history will enjoy this one. Admission is free.

Housed in an old YWCA building, this museum in nearby Sapulpa encompasses 18 rooms of displays, a fairly large museum for such a small town. Inside you will find artifacts and exhibits detailing the local history, particularly focusing on the various kinds of manufacturing and industry that helped to build Sapulpa: oil, brick, glass and more. Native American artifacts and other historic items are also on display. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. This is worth the short drive west of town.

This six-room museum can be found north of Tulsa in Skiatook. Formerly the home of a local doctor, this place focuses on the local history of Skiatook. Visitors will find a variety of exhibits, including some history of local athletes, Native American artifacts, and even historic items belonging to the doctor who once lived there. Local history enthusiasts will find this museum of particular interest. Viewing hours are limited to afternoons four days per week.

Located on historic Route 66 in nearby Claremore, this museum houses the largest single collection of guns in the world. Over 20,000 historic firearms as well as swords, knives, and Civil War artifacts are on display. Not limited to war and weaponry, this place also exhibits priceless music boxes, instruments, Indian artifacts, and a massive stein collection, among other relics. All this is contained in a 40,000-square-foot facility. Adults and children alike will find this display very educational, and well worth the short drive from Tulsa.

Located west of Sapulpa in Drumright, a short distance from Tulsa, this museum of local history is housed, along with the local Chamber of Commerce, in a 1916 Santa Fe Railroad depot. The tracks are no longer here, but the history remains. Both indoor and outdoor exhibits showcase the oil and railroad history of this town. The museum also hosts various seasonal evening events. Students of local history will be enlightened, and children will love the railroad cars and old machinery. Group tours are offered by appointment.

This facility, located at the Port of Catoosa, emphasizes information and history of the Arkansas River and the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System, a 445-mile waterway that bypasses the non-navigable portion of the river. Exhibits include photographs, Native American artifacts found near the river, and a lock-and-dam model demonstrating the workings of the 17 locks found on the system. This is educational for children and adults; kids especially will enjoy the Indian artifacts and the lock model. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.