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Day Tripping: Discover Norman, Oklahoma SOONER rather than later

Who doesn't love a college town? There is something about the combination of education, creativity and mass quantities of youthful energy that practically infuses the streets around town with fun. And Norman Oklahoma is no exception.

The Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, on the OU campus is a family-friendly adventure that features 4 billion years of Oklahoma history as well as traveling exhibits, science programs, a children's discovery room and family programming fun enough to have your kids requesting a movie night at the museum.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, also at OU is home to some of the most beautiful collections in the world. There's always something exciting going on in the exhibits hall. Older youth would appreciate the art, and it's a great place to visit as a couple or with friends.

Andy Alligator's Fun Park includes eight acres of top attractions for the whole family including bumper boats, miniature golf, batting cages, go-karts, a climbing wall, an arcade and more. Getting hungry? Fortunately, Andy has a Café & Pizzeria on site.

The Firehouse Art Center is the state's largest non-profit regional art center, housed in a former fire station and devoted exclusively to the visual arts. Check out a special exhibit in the gallery, attend a class in the studio or visit the gift shop for really unique gift items.

Ready to get moving? Make your next stop the HeyDay Entertainment Center where you can play miniature golf, test your nerves on the ropes course and prove you are to be feared in the 7,000 square foot, two-level laser tag course.

The Oklahoma Motor Sports Complex is the top sprint track in the nation and the site of several national race events. Whether you are there simply to watch or are adventurous enough to rent a kart, your entire family is sure to have a revving good time.

For those who prefer their transportation to be of the four-legged variety rather than four-wheeled variety, Norman offers the Thunderbird Riding Stable on the shores of beautiful Lake Thunderbird. The stable offers non-escorted horseback riding and hayrides on 500 acres of trails in the Clear Bay area of Lake Thunderbird State Park.

With all of these exciting options, Norman, Oklahoma could end up being your day tripping destination of choice for several excursions this year.