Back

Facts for Kids

Oklahoma City is a vibrant cultural and economic hub in the heart of the United States, known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and thriving arts community.

Overview

Sports

Economy

History

Education

Geography

Government

Notable People

Transportation

Culture And Entertainment

main image

Inside this Article

Oklahoma City Thunder

Local Government

Great Depression

Canadian River

United States

Entertainment

Country Music

Metropolitan

Did you know?

๐ŸŒ† Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city in Oklahoma.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ The city is home to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, celebrating Western culture.

๐ŸŒช๏ธ Oklahoma City experiences an average of 62 tornadoes each year.

๐ŸŽจ The city has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and venues, including the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

๐ŸŸ๏ธ The Chesapeake Energy Arena is the home ground of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder.

๐ŸŒณ The Myriad Botanical Gardens offer a beautiful urban green space and are a popular spot for locals and visitors.

๐Ÿš‰ The city boasts a rich history in the oil industry, playing a pivotal role in the early 20th-century oil boom.

๐Ÿ” Oklahoma City is famous for its culinary scene, particularly its barbecue and chicken-fried steak.

๐ŸŽ‰ The annual Red Earth Festival celebrates Native American culture with art, dance, and music.

๐Ÿฆ… The city is located along the historic Route 66, known as the 'Main Street of America'.

Introduction

Oklahoma City is the capital of the state of Oklahoma in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ. It is the largest city in the state and has about 650,000 people living there, making it a bustling place! The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and rich history. Oklahoma City has many exciting attractions, like the Oklahoma City Zoo ๐Ÿฆ’ and the Science Museum Oklahoma! Kids and families love to explore its beautiful parks and museums, making it a great place for fun and learning.
Read Less

Sports

Sports are a big part of life in Oklahoma City! ๐Ÿˆ

The city is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder, an NBA basketball team that gets fans cheering. The team plays in the Paycom Center, where families often enjoy exciting games together. There are also minor league baseball teams like the Oklahoma City Dodgers โšพ. Additionally, people like to play football, soccer, and even rodeo! Kids can join sports teams at schools and local recreation centers to stay active and have fun!
Read Less

Economy

Oklahoma City's economy is diverse ๐Ÿ’ผ, which means it has many different businesses! Key industries include energy, aviation, and healthcare. The city has a lot of oil and natural gas, which helps it grow economically. Large companies, like Devon Energy, are based here, providing jobs for many residents. In addition to this, the city has a lively tourist industry with attractions like the Bricktown Entertainment District, which brings visitors and supports local businesses ๐Ÿ”. People work in various jobs, including teaching, medicine, and retail!
Read Less

History

Oklahoma City was founded on April 22, 1889, during a land rush where settlers raced to claim land ๐Ÿก. The city's name comes from the Choctaw words "okla" meaning red and "humma" meaning people, which translates to "red people." The city grew fast and became a major spot for cattle and oil ๐Ÿ›ข๏ธ. In the 20th century, it faced tough times like the Great Depression but bounced back and developed into a vibrant city. Key events include the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, a tragic incident that led to a strong community rebuilding.
Read Less

Education

Oklahoma City has many schools for kids of all ages ๐Ÿซ! The Oklahoma City Public Schools system is the largest, offering various programs for students. There are also many private and charter schools in the area. Libraries, like the Metropolitan Library System, provide great resources for learning ๐Ÿ“š. For higher education, the University of Oklahoma is located nearby and offers college degrees. Teachers in Oklahoma City are dedicated to helping students become smart and curious learnings!
Read Less

Geography

Oklahoma City lies in the central part of the state of Oklahoma ๐ŸŒณ. The city has a flat landscape with many parks like Myriad Botanical Gardens ๐ŸŒบ. The North Canadian River flows through the city, offering beautiful views! Oklahoma City is also close to the Great Plains, known for its wildflowers and grassy fields. The weather in this area varies from cold winters โ„๏ธ to hot summers โ˜€๏ธ. Kids can enjoy swimming and boating in nearby lakes during summer, making nature fun to explore!
Read Less

Government

Oklahoma City's government is organized to help its citizens live better lives. ๐ŸŒ†

The city is led by a mayor and a city council, who make decisions about rules and services we need. The current mayor is David Holt. They work to keep the sidewalks clean, roads safe, and parks beautiful! Kids can learn about local government by visiting public meetings or participating in community events. Itโ€™s important for everyone to know their leaders and have a say in their city!
Read Less

Notable People

Oklahoma City is home to many famous people! ๐ŸŽ‰

One well-known person is actor and filmmaker Brad Pitt, who grew up in Oklahoma. Another is former basketball star, Blake Griffin, who played for the Oklahoma City Thunder. There's also Toby Keith, a famous country music singer born in Clinton, Oklahoma, who loves his hometown. These individuals show how talent can come from anywhere, inspiring kids to dream big ๐ŸŒŸ and follow their passions!
Read Less

Transportation

Getting around Oklahoma City is easy! ๐Ÿš—

The city has buses operated by the metro transit system, which helps people travel without a car. Families can use the Embark bus service to reach their destinations safely. There are many roads and highways connecting different parts of the city. Kids can also bike or walk to nearby parks and schools for fresh air ๐ŸŒณ. Oklahoma City also has Will Rogers World Airport, which allows families to travel long distances.
Read Less

Culture And Entertainment

Oklahoma City has a rich cultural scene ๐ŸŽจ! Residents enjoy music, art, and delicious food. The annual Oklahoma State Fair draws thousands, with rides, games, and tasty treats like corndogs ๐ŸŒญ. Kids can visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to learn about cowboy history and Native American culture. There are many parks for outdoor fun, and the city's sports teams include the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) ๐Ÿ€. Concerts and festivals happen regularly, making the city a fun place for families.
Read Less

Oklahoma City Quiz

Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!

How do I reactivate my account?

How do I sign up?

Are the android and iOS apps coming back?

What is DIY?

What is a โ€œChallengeโ€ on DIY?

What is a โ€œCourseโ€ on DIY?

What are โ€œSkillsโ€ on DIY?

What if I'm new to all thisโ€”where do I begin?

Do I need special materials or equipment?

Is DIY safe for kids?

Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?

How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?

What is DIY?

What's the recommended age for DIY?