Beat the Winter Blues With a Splashy Escape to a New Resort in Oklahoma

Winter in North Texas can be a bit of a drag. One week has you sweating in short sleeves instead of snuggling in sweaters, only to have you turn the heat back on again just a few days later. Seriously, we might as well already start daydreaming of summer escapes instead of a white winter.

Fortunately for us, there’s a place just a few hours north of Dallas where you can trade the unseasonable heat for a taste of tropical escape — complete with water slides, lazy rivers and enough dining options to last you to spring. OKANA Resort is Oklahoma City’s newest $400 million getaway, brought to life by the Chickasaw Nation and named after the Chickasaw words “oka” (water) and “inkana” (friend). It’s part water park, part entertainment hub, and it’s just a short drive from Dallas.

If you’ve been scrolling through social media or rifling through your mail lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen OKANA’s glossy ads. This is a mini-vacation universe designed to make you forget that the weather has been flirting with 80 degrees in January and your neighbor is mowing their lawn in shorts. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic weekend or a friend group getaway, OKANA is a worthy destination — it’s all wrapped up in a vibe that feels like a cross between an all-inclusive resort and a high-end shopping mall, minus the wristbands and buffet lines.

Let’s start with the indoor water park lagoon. Imagine stepping into a massive, climate-controlled oasis where it’s always summer. The air is warm and humid, the water is crystal clear, and the slides? There’s one that feels like a roller coaster, complete with water jets that shoot you back uphill for a gravity-defying thrill. Prefer something more laid-back? Float your worries away on the lazy river, catch some waves in the wave pool or soak in the hot tub while pretending you’re on a beach in the Bahamas. And if you’re bringing kids (or just channeling your inner child), the water park’s variety of slides and splash zones could keep anyone entertained for hours.

But OKANA isn’t just about water. The resort is a self-contained playground with enough activities to fill an entire weekend. There’s an arcade that feels a little bit like it was designed by Hollywood set designers, complete with a mirror maze that’s equal parts cinematic and slightly creepy. Like, John Wick and Pennywise would absolutely shoot a scene here. There’s also a lineup of family-friendly events with offerings like arts and crafts, so you can bond over more than just who gets the last slice of pizza.

OKANA’s dining options include multiple restaurants within walking distance of your room, and you can indulge in everything from casual bites to upscale cuisine. If you crave something sweet, the on-site ice cream parlor has you covered. And if you’re the type who likes to shop while you snack, the resort’s merch shops are perfect for picking up a souvenir or two.

The resort isn’t even a year old yet, so everything still has that new-hotel smell. The décor is cozy yet modern, and the lounge areas with fireplaces are perfect for unwinding after a day of water park adventures. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa with your family or sharing a bottle of wine with your partner, the ambiance is equal parts romantic and relaxing.

One of the best things about visiting OKANA in the winter is the lack of crowds. Sure, summer brings outdoor movie nights and expanded activities, but there’s something magical about having more of the resort to yourself. It’s like discovering a secret hideaway before everyone else catches on. Plus, with fewer people around, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.