The World Championship Junior Rodeo might bring you to Guthrie, Oklahoma for the competition—but your off-hours can be just as fun. Whether you’ve got downtime between rounds or need a break from arena dust, this guide has you covered with food stops, family-friendly activities, and a list of go-to hotels.
Where to Stay
While many families camp on-site at the Lazy E, there are solid hotel options nearby for those looking for a comfy bed and hot shower at day’s end. Head to WCJR Rodeo for more info and specific hotel offers.
Top Picks in Edmond (30 mins south):
- Hilton Garden Inn Edmond / OKC North
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Edmond
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
- Hampton Inn Edmond
In Guthrie (closer, limited options):
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Guthrie North
- Sleep Inn & Suites Guthrie
- Territorial Inn
Make sure to book early—July fills up fast with rodeo families and tourists alike. Full list here at Visit Edmond.
“Edmond has 13 hotels, 140 vacation homes, 327 public art pieces, 47 miles of trails, 313 restaurants, 40 attractions and 33 parks. Edmond is made for family fun!”
– visit Edmond OKC
Where to Eat
Need to feed a crew after slack or grab a bite between runs? Edmond and Guthrie offer everything from quick snacks to sit-down dinners.
In Edmond:
- The Mule – creative sandwiches and comfort food
- Hideaway Pizza – local fave with gluten-free crusts
- The Heat Pizza – wood-fired, casual
- Tequilas Mexican Grill – crowd-pleaser for families
- Ted’s Café Escondido – for chips, queso, and big portions
Sweet Stops:
- Roxy’s Ice Cream Social – small-batch scoops
- Ellis Island Coffee & Wine Lounge – coffee for mom, smoothies for the kids
Quick Bites:
- Chick-fil-A, Whataburger, Braum’s, Sonic and all your road trip standbys.
Things To Do
Have a break between rounds? Here’s where to explore.
In Edmond:
- Arcadia Lake – swim, kayak, or picnic
- Pelican Bay Aquatic Center – waterslides and splash zones
- Downtown Edmond – boutiques, bookstores, and cafés
- ShowBiz Cinema Edmond – recliners, popcorn, and air conditioning
In Oklahoma City (about 40 mins):
- RIVERSPORT Adventures – ziplines, whitewater rafting
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – family favorite
- Bricktown – restaurants, riverwalk, and fun shops
- Oklahoma City Zoo – top-rated, shaded walking
What To Do (When You’re Not Running)
- Done with WCJR slack for the day? Head into Edmond for pizza at Hideaway, then cool off at Pelican Bay before heading back to the trailer to rinse off boots.
- Have a full free day between events? Make the trip to OKC—start at the zoo in the morning, grab lunch in Bricktown, then spend the afternoon exploring the Cowboy Museum or watching a movie in air-conditioned bliss.
- Need to make a quick town run? Guthrie has gas, fast food, Tractor Supply, and groceries. Edmond has Target, Walmart, and just about everything else.
- Looking to treat the crew? Try Tequilas or The Mule, then wrap up the night with Roxy’s Ice Cream—or head back to the arena for jackpot sidepots and late-night trailer hangs.
