Things To Do In Broken Bow With Kids

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Planning a family vacation & looking for things to do in Broken Bow, Oklahoma? There are so many fun family-friendly activities in the Broken Bow/Hochatown area!

We’ve been to this area several times and it’s such a beautiful place. With Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend State Park, and Mountain Fork River nearby, there are plenty of options for getting out and enjoying nature (both on and off the water).

Let’s dive in and explore the things to do in Broken Bow, OK!

What are the best things to do in Broken Bow with kids?

Some of the most popular things families enjoy doing in Broken Bow are:

  • Fishing
  • Renting a Kayak or Canoe
  • Swimming
  • Renting A Boat
  • Renting an ATV
  • Horseback riding
  • Zip Lining
  • Golfing
  • Hiking

Broken Bow – Things To Do On The Water

Fishing

There is no shortage of fishing near Broken Bow. Between Broken Bow Lake, Gloria River, and Mountain Fork River, you’ll have tons of fishing options! You'll find all types of fish including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Walleye, Trout, and Crappie, just to name a few!

PRO TIP: You will need to have a fishing license before you make that first cast. Typically, a license is required for Oklahoma residents age 16 or older and for non-residents age 14 and older. Get your fishing license HERE.

You can fish from the bank for free, of course, but there are many guided options as well. You can also rent a boat to fish the deeper water (see boat rental information below). Here are a few of the best Broken Bow fishing guides:

  • Want to do some Broken Bow fly fishing or trout fishing? Broken Bow’s highly recommended guide Steve Branson can help!
  • Would you rather take the whole family out for some Crappie fishing? Broken Bow Lake Family Crappie Guide Service accommodates groups of up to 7 people. They are also a great option if you want to catch the various types of Bass the area has to offer.
fly fishing broken bow ok

Broken Bow Lake Boat Rentals

Considering a boat rental? Broken Bow Lake is perfect. Pontoon boats are so much fun for families! There is plenty of room to hang out, it’s easy to keep toddlers corralled, and there’s even a bit of shade.

Older kids? Try skiing, knee boarding, or tubing! BB Outdoor Rentals is one of the best places for boat rentals in Broken Bow, OK. They have several boats to choose from and you can add on fun things like skis, tubes, etc.

PRO TIP: It is important that you know Oklahoma’s boating rules & laws – find that information HERE.

Need a place to stay? Check out our recommendations of the best 5-bedroom cabins here or relax in one of these cozy hot tub cabins for groups of all sizes.

Broken Bow Lake Cruise

The Broken Tiki offers a relaxing hands-off way to enjoy cruising on Broken Bow Lake with their one-hour lake cruise (formerly Broken Bow Duck Boat). Arrive a little early and enjoy a cocktail on the deck before riding the shuttle bus to the boat. FYI – There are no longer Duck tours in Broken Bow.

Canoeing & Kayaking in Broken Bow, Oklahoma

If your kids are a bit older, check into renting a canoe, kayak, or tandem kayak and taking a trip down part of Mountain Fork River. Wild Goose Canoe & Kayak Rentals is the perfect place to begin. They have great rates and excellent reviews.

Choose from either the 8-mile float (more challenging and includes a 3-foot drop over Presbyterian Falls) or the 5-mile float (a more peaceful float with a few rushing rapids). You’ll park at the take out and they’ll take you to the beginning of your chosen float.

Pro Packing Tips

Swimming At Broken Bow Lake

One of the top family friendly Broken Bow “things to do” is swimming! Of course, if you rent a boat or choose to float the river, you’ll likely fit in some swimming also. But there are many other places to go for a dip to cool off.

There are several designated beachy swim areas around Broken Bow Lake. Some of the most popular areas for swimming at Broken Bow Lake are:

  • Beavers Bend Land and Water Park has a nice swim beach that is open to the public free of charge. Located at: 8 Beavers Bend Rd, Broken Bow. Phone: 580-494-6512
  • Beavers Bend State Park & Nature Center offers another sandy beach with roped off swim areas. Located at 4350 S Hwy 259A, Broken Bow. Phone: 580-494-6300
  • The Stevens Gap Area of Beavers Bend State Park has a nice swimming area as well, but water can be deep so make sure you wear life jackets and keep an eye on your little ones. Located at: 4350 S Hwy 259A the end of Stevens Gap Road, Broken Bow.
canoeing in broken bow ok

Other Outdoor Things to Do Near Broken Bow, OK

Hiking

Hiking is one the best activities you can do on any vacation (in my opinion). Not only is it one of the free things to do in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, you can also choose long, short, easy, or hard hiking trails to fit any skill level and enjoy beautiful scenery and views along the way!

I always recommend getting the All Trails app for hiking. If you get the pro version, ($29.99 per year) you can download the maps in advance and use the navigation feature while you are off-line to help make sure you never get lost! You can also get driving directions to the trail head and track your hikes.

PRO TIP: Check out My 14 Hiking Essentials for a list of day hiking must-haves!

Let’s explore some of the best family friendly hiking near Broken Bow, OK.

Short & Easy Hiking Trails

I understand that a long hike may not be in the cards for little travelers. Here are a few fun trails that are rated as easy and are 3 miles or less in length.

  • Tree Trail in Beavers Bend State Park – 1.2 miles. This is a loop trail that begins/ends at the Forest Heritage Center Museum. A nice easy walk with very little change in elevation. The trail is well maintained and shaded. Dogs on leash are welcome.
  • Mountain Fork River Trail – 2.6 miles. This out & back trail begins in the back of the Cypress and Acorn RV area of Beavers Bend State Park. Trail runs right along the river with very little change in elevation. It is mostly shaded. Dogs on leash are welcome. Parking is $10.
  • Pine Ridge Trail at Beavers Bend – 0.7 miles. Very short easy loop trail through the woods (long pants recommended). Trail begins/ends at Beavers Bend State Park. Dogs on leash are welcome.
broken bow train ride

Longer & More Difficult Hiking Trails

If your kids are a bit older, more experienced, or just full of energy, try one of these trails. These are all moderately difficult, are 3-6 miles in length, and are highly rated.

  • Lakeview Lodge Trail – 3.5 miles (it’s actually closer to 4 miles). This loop trail begins/ends near Beavers Bend Lakeview Lodge. Rocky and, at times, muddy so hiking shoes are recommended. Some nice inclines. Good chance of seeing some wildlife. Dogs on leash are welcome.
  • Deer Crossing Trail – 3.9 miles. This out and back trail begins in Beavers Bend State Park off 259A. This one has some steep sections. At the end, take a left at the Cedar Bluff sign and go about 1/3 mile more to get a great view! Many say this is one of the best hiking trails in Broken Bow.
  • Spill Way Loop – 4.0 miles. This loop trail begins/ends in Beavers Bend State Park near Stevens Gap. A more difficult trail. Hiking shoes are recommended. Trail gets tricky when wet so use caution. Beautiful views of the river and waterfall. The trail has a small paved section, but most is not. Trail is not well marked, so use your All Trails app for sure! Dogs on leash are welcome.

Zip Lining In Broken Bow

Another one of the top things to do in Broken Bow is zip lining. This can be a great outdoor adventure for the whole family! The most talked about company for ziplining in Broken Bow is Rugaru Adventures. Zipline over 6 different lines while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Kids (and adults) of all ages can participate (between 70 up to 250 lbs. in weight, no taller than 6’6”). Their trained guides will walk you through the entire process during orientation. Expect the entire experience to last a little over 2 hours. 

Reservations are recommended. Check out their website for more information, to watch videos, and read their FAQ’s.

broken bow zip lining

Horseback Riding & Train Rides

Beavers Bend Depot & Train Rides offers you the chance to go on a horseback ride through 2 1/2 miles of scenic Beavers Bend State Park Game Reserve or take a relaxing ride on their 1/3 size replica of the C.P. Huntington S.P. Train through the forest in Beavers Bend State Park. 

Reservations are highly recommended for horse trail rides, but not for train rides. Make reservations by calling: 580-494-6613. There are many options for food & drinks (including cotton candy & funnel cakes), as well as a gift shop on-site.

Pssssst…when you are done here, be sure to check out our list of the best cabins with pools in the area!

Petting Zoo

If you are looking for fun things to do in Broken Bow, OK with toddlers, look no further than Hochatown Petting Zoo & Rescue Center. Your little ones will love seeing their barnyard animals, birds, reptiles, and even a few exotic animals! Located at 9177 US-259 North, Broken Bow. They are open daily from 10-7 in the summer.

ATV Rentals

If you’d like to take it off road and enjoy the forest, renting an ATV can be a super-fun option! Check out Captains Hideaway Rental to rent your ATV (they rent street legal jeeps also). Drivers must be 25 years old and you must be able to tow a trailer to the start of the trail.

Your little ones can enjoy the fun as well…car seats are even allowed! You’ll be provided with helmets. They will get you set up with maps of where you can drive and you’ll get to go explore the national forest on your own!

horseback riding broken bow

Go Karts

How about letting everyone in your party get behind the wheel? Speeding around the go kart track is fun for the whole family and it an inexpensive option as well.

Bigfoot Speedway is the best track in the area (according to reviews and ratings). Get there as they open to beat the crowds. They open at noon Tuesday – Saturday.

Golf in Broken Bow, OK

If you have a family that loves to golf, try a round at Cedar Creek Golf Course at Beavers Bend State Park. Located in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains, you’ll be able to enjoy pine-lined fairways and beautiful views of the lake while practicing your swing.  It’s one of the prettiest courses in McCurtain County.

As you can see, whether your kids are young or older, there is no shortage of things to do in Broken Bow with kids!

kayaking broken bow ok

FAQ’s For Families Visiting Broken Bow

1. Is Broken Bow and Beavers Bend the same? What about Hochatown?

The entire area is often referred to simply as ‘Broken Bow.’ Broken Bow, the city, is actually about 15 minutes south of Broken Bow Lake.

Hochatown is a smaller town on the southwestern tip of Broken Bow Lake.

Beavers Bend is the name of the state park which contains Broken Bow Lake. You can easily access all of the fun area activities by staying in Broken Bow and Hochatown.

2. Where is the best place to stay when visiting Broken Bow?

The Broken Bow area has some of the cutest cabins you will find anywhere in the United States (and there are thousands to choose from). Check out my top recommendations for luxury cabins, cabins that allow pets, & family-friendly cabins in Broken Bow (or plan a romantic getaway in one of these cozy cabins😉)

I’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best! Each cabin on the list comes highly recommended by previous guests, offer amazing views, and includes fun family extras you’ll love!

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3. Where is the best place to eat with kids in Broken Bow?

There are many places to choose from, but here are the some of the most talked about eateries that are good for kids:

  • Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Tap Room – This is my personal favorite! The pizza is delicious, they have an awesome outdoor patio area if the weather is nice, and they have vegan & gluten free options too!
  •  Shady Oaks Restaurant – If you’re in the mood for down-home cooking, this is the place. Their burgers are a crowd favorite.
  • Papa Pablanos – How about a margarita and some TexMex after a day on the water? Papa Pablanos serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner!

4. Is there anything specific I need to pack for our trip to Broken Bow?

You will definitely want to pack swimsuits, goggles, water shoes, life jackets, sunscreen, bug spray, hat/cap, and hiking clothes.

To grab my complete travel packing checklist for families, click HERE. It’s a complete checklist of everything you need for any trip & it comes as a pdf printable so you can use it over and over again!

My family chose Broken Bow as the location of one of our BIG extended family vacations. Read all about that HERE.

Until next time…

About The Author

Jody Phifer has been a travel blogger & travel planner since 2019. With her husband and son by her side, she takes on incredible adventures all over the world. She especially loves hiking through the mountains & soaking in breathtaking views. Jody is passionate about sharing her experiences and love of travel, by offering valuable information and inspiration! Learn more about Jody here.

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