Thinking about an Arkansas family vacation? The “Natural State” is a great destination for history buffs, outdoor addicts, and the lovers of true Americana. Do you need more proof that there are lots of fun things to do Arkansas with kids?
This gem of a state is home to the only place in the world where you can dig for diamonds and keep what you find! It is a great state to enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozarks, learn about the Civil War, visit a national park, and so much more.
Here are our absolute favorite things to do in Arkansas with kids.
Fun Things to do in Arkansas with Kids on a Family Vacation
Take a Walk on the Big Dam Bridge
Accessible by foot or bicycle, the Big Dam Bridge is the longest pedestrian-only bridge in the United States. The 4,226 ft. long bridge connects not only the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock, but also a 15-mile trail system, known as the Arkansas River Trail.
The bridge is open 365 days a year, so make some time to see the picturesque views during the day or get a different view at night when the bridge lights up with hundreds of L.E.D. lights.
Hunt for Treasure at Crater of Diamonds State Park
Arkansas is home to Crater of Diamonds State Park, one of the only places in the world where the public can hunt for diamonds and keep whatever they find! You can rent all the equipment you will need directly onsite.
Since the park opened in 1972, visitors have found over 35,000 diamonds! Be sure to go early in the day, especially in the summer, and prepare to get dirty. After you have had your fill of digging, head to Diamond Springs Water Park located inside the park to cool off. Keep in mind that the water park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Dig for Quartz Crystals
The novelty of the experience is what brings visitors out to mine for crystals. No wonder, Hemmingway took solace in AR mining for the great American novel -and came up with Farewell to Arms! One day of digging for quartz in Arkansas was enough to make me become a full fledged crystal fanatic!
Avant Mining is located in the Ouachita Mountains which is home to some of the world’s largest deposits of quartz crystals. For just $25 per person you can spend all day digging in the dirt for crystal treasures at their Fisher Mountain location..
At Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines, visitors take a pickaxe and pail to dig through red clay dirt for crystals. Pick up anything that shimmers. The fully formed, mature crystal have sharp edges and angles. Many of the crystals are embedded with limestone.
Visit Historic Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park has been a national park for over 100 years. It protects the springs which have been a source of healing waters for generations. Bathhouse Row has been restored to reflect the way it looked back in the earl 1900s when Hot Springs basically the Southern equivalent of Las Vegas.
Don’t miss touring Bathhouse Row and bathing in the healing hot springs at one of the working historic bathhouses. Fordyce Bathhouse operates as a museum and a ranger-led tour is the best way to experience this fascinating time capsule of early 20th century equivalent of a spa. You can choose from a modern spa experience at Quapaw Baths or a tradional spa experience at the Buckstaff.
We have a great guide to visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas which includes the many other things to do in this national park, including hiking trails and the only brewery in a national park!
Explore America’s First National River
Buffalo National River given protected status in 1972, and flows freely for 135 miles. It is one of the few undammed rivers left in the lower 48 and the nature around the river is marvelous.
Adventurous families will enjoy the Buffalo National River. Flanked by limestone bluffs and beautiful vistas, I couldn’t think of a prettier place in Arkansas to hike, fish, rock climb, explore caves and waterfalls, or just relax and watch the state’s elk herd.
One of the coolest expiences is taking a float trip in a canoes down the river. There are half day, full day, and multi-day trip options available through Dirst Canoe Rental.
Hike Inside A Few Great Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas has a great state park system that offers wonderful opportunities for families wanting to get outside.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock is one of the most popular spots in the state for outdoor recreation. Hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain for panoramic views and some fun rock scrambling along the way.
Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton is not only beautiful, it is also a great place to spend the night in a historic park cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. In addition to bluffs, canyons, lake, and caves, it is also how to Cedar Falls, a 95-foot waterfall that is accessible via a two-mile round trip hike.
On the other-hand if you’re looking for a “glamping” experience, then DeGray Lake Resort State Park is the place for you. Arkansas’s only resort state park has glamorous camping down pat. It is located near Hot Springs and Little Rock, making it an easy weekend getaway.
Adrenaline junkies should head up to the highest point in Arkansas in Mount Magazine State Park. Hang gliding, rappelling, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, biking, and hiking are its big draws.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
The animal lovers won’t want to miss Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs. The 459-acre wildlife refuge allows its big cats to roam large outdoor habitats.
The refuge’s mission statement “to provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected ‘Big Cats’ with emphasis on tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars” speaks for itself.
Visit Historic Arkansas Battlefields
Arkansas’s soil is rich in history, including several battles fought during the Civil War. Pea Ridge National Military Park is the best preserved battlefield in Arkansas, and includes a seven-mile self-guided auto tour with ten stops.
At Prairie Grove Battlefield Historic State Park, choose from a self-guided walking or driving tour of the land that in 1862 hosted the battle that kept Arkansas in federal hands.
The Fort Smith National Historical Site is best known for its long-standing relationship with the Indian Territory, which was seized by rebel troops and then recaptured by federal forces. Bringing your family to a place that is right out of the history books is a great way to pay tribute to the lives that were lost.
Check out these 33 things to do in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Take a Scenic Drive or Ride on Your Arkansas Family Vacation
One of the most scenic drives in the nation, Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway runs from Louisiana to the Missouri State line. Passing through both the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains, it is one of the top driving experiences in the United States.
In the fall, Talimena Scenic Drive/Ark. 88 Scenic Byway becomes a visual masterpiece when the foliage turns rich in color and the mountain area sits above the clouds with fog in the lower valleys. The byway climb’s to 2,681 feet to reach the top of Arkansas’s second highest peak, Rich Mountain, in the Ouachita National Forest.
The Winslow Crowley’s Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway is perfect for the family that wants to spend time devouring Arkansas history. The 198 mile road takes you from Piggott to Helena and passes by five state parks, a national forest, Civil War sites, the former home of Ernest Hemingway, historic homes, museums, rich agricultural areas, and the Delta Cultural Center.
One of the fun things to do in Arkansas with kids is take trip on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. Ride in class in a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century car and choose from a 134 mile round trip from Springdale to Van Buren or a 70 mile excursion from Van Buren to Winslow.
Visit the Clinton Presidential Center
There are only 14 presidential libraries in the United States, which makes the Clinton Presidential Center and Park a national and statewide treasure. The center’s mission is to educate both adults and children on government and history.
With the largest collection of presidential papers and artifacts as well as a replica of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, the history books are sure to come alive for kids!
An easy five-minute stroll from the library lies the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center. It is a surprisingly engaging nature center that features regional creatures of the sea and air.
Be sure to ask for the Nature Search Scavenger Hunt at the front desk. Kids earn a nice prize upon completion.
Crystal Bridges Museum of Art
Deemed by art lovers as one of the top attractions in the south, if not the whole country, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is a premier art institution dedicated to American art and artists. I’m sure once you see its displays of masterworks, spectacular architecture, as well as its serene setting, you will agree.
There are free art activities availlable at the museum’s studios and special events throuoghout the year like Summer Family Days and Fall Fest.
Mid-America Science Museum
The Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs has over 100 interactive science exhibits. Tucked in the forest, indoor highlights of this musem include Tesla coils, interactive water exhibits, an underground cave maze and a giant kinetic culpture.
Outiside there is Dino Trek, a walking trail with life-size dinosaurs along the forest path and The Skywalk, a suspended steel-and-wood bridge that weaves through the treetops outside the museum.
The Walmart Museum
The Walmart Museum in Bentonville is housed in Sam Walton’s original 5 & 10 store on the town square. It tells the origin story and growth of this global retail giant. Kids should get a kick out of seeing the old time cash registers and products.
There is a retro general store where kids can check out old-fashioned candy, toys, and other nifty souvenirs. There is also a soda fountain attached to the museum where you can order floats, milkshakes, ice cream, and pie.
Historic Arkansas Museum
The Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock is part museum, part historic village showcasing life during Arkansas frontier life. Tour log houses from the 1800s, a tavern, and a blacksmith shop while interacting with interpreters in traditional pioneer clothing, often showcasing tradition activities like weaving or cooking over an open fire.
The museum galleries include Native American artifacts, Arkansas-made handicrafts, and the history of the region.
Arkansas Air and Miltary Museum
Avaiation and history lovers will not want to miss the Arkansas Air and Military Museum in Fayetteville. It is houses in an all-wooden hanger from the 1940s and features vintage planes including biplanes, military trainers, helicopters and jets from as early as World War I.
Kids will love the flight simulators and the chance to sit inside some of the plane cockpits. There are also jeeps, uniforms, military medals, and weapons to check out.
Trekaroo tip: The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
Want to see something you really don’t see every day? The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, located in North Little Rock, showcases the USS Razorback, a 311-foot submarine that was present in Tokyo Bay at the signing of the Peace Treaty that ended World War II. It is docked on the Arkansas River, right across from downtown!
You can tour the submarine and see what life was like for sailors during WWII and the Cold War. There is also a museum with exhibits about Arkansas’s maritime history, including shipbuilding and river navigation. There are also a couple other military vessels docked alongside the submarine.
Discover Interesting Little Rock Neighborhoods
Once an abandoned warehouse district, River Market District in Little Rock is now a booming hot spot with assorted restaurants, shops, art galleries, bars, a library, a museum, and seasonal farmers market.
The area boasts other family friendly attractions including the River Rail Trolley, Heifer International Headquarters and Heifer Village, Junction Bridge Pedestrian and Bicycling Walkway, and the Clinton Presidential Center and Library.
It is also home to the Museum of Discovery which is a STEM-focused museum with cool exhibits such as a tornado simulator, earthquake simulator, marble mazes, puzzle stations and so much more!
The Van Buren Downtown Historic District is another interesting neighborhood and the perfect place to pick up that special memento or gift.
The beautifully restored Victorian Main Street showcases six blocks of shops, eats, and treats. You will find one-of-a-kind gifts, hard to find collectibles, original art, and local Ozark crafts.
Little Rock Zoo
Imagine starting a zoo with just two animals. Well, that is the story of the Little Rock Zoo. This nationally accredited 40-acre zoo is worth a visit. It is home to an abandoned timber wolf, a circus-trained brown bear, and over 500 animals representing 200 species.
If your family is like mine you won’t want to just look at animals, you want to touch them! Get up close and personal at Heifer Ranch where docile animals such as water buffalo, camels, pigs, and goats can be your friends for the day. In addition there is a carousel, train rides, and playground.
Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo
If you want to get the heart pumping check out the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo. This small, hands-on, privately owned zoo is home to over 150 alligators, raccoon, lemurs, deer, monkeys, llamas, and loggerhead turtles. You can participate in alligator feedings and pet goats, sheep, pigs, and deer.
Experience Eureka Springs
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains is the funky yet hip town of Eureka Springs. It echoes back to the Victorian Era with its magnificent architecture. In Eureka Springs, enjoy fine dining, shopping, antiquing, spas, historic hotels, art galleries, and museums.
It is also home to The Great Passion Play, America’s #1 outdoor drama. It is performed in 4,000-seat amphitheater and has live animals and special effects as it tells the story of Jesus Christ’s last days and resurrection.
Besides the play, there is a recreated biblical village with live actors and locations such as the Tabernacle, a shepherd’s field, a tomb, and a market place. There is also a 67-foot-tall white statue of Jesus overlooking Eureka Springs which happens to be one of the most photographed attractions in the state.
Eureka Springs is also home to the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway. It offers train rides on restored 1900s-era passenger car on a narrated, one hour journey through the Ozark countryside. Lunch and dinner options are available.
Celebrate Bluegrass at the Ozark Folk Center State Park
Preserving the music of the mountains, the Ozark Folk Center State Park is dedicated to keeping Bluegrass and Folk music alive. There are evening concerts throughout the year as well as morning concerts during the summer.
The Ozark Folk Center is also the place to go if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to throw a bowl, forge iron, quilt, or witness over 15 other old-time craft demonstrations. Many artisans will chat with you and explain their techniques. You can buy many different handmade items to take home.
Take a Guided Tour of Blanchard Springs Caverns
Ranked among the most beautiful underground discoveries of the 20th century, the massive limestone caverns at Blanchard Springs Caverns have tours for all skill levels, including wild caves tours for the most adventurous in your group. The caves stay 58 degrees year round, making this a popular attraction in the summer months.
It is managed by the US Forest Service and there are hiking trails, waterfalls, and places to recreate above ground after you are done marveling the stalagmites and stalactities below ground. Take time to visit Blanchard Springs, a spring which pours out from the hillside into a crystal-clear stream.
Love the Ozarks? Here are the top 10 things to do in Branson with kids.
Ride the NWA Razorback Regional Greenway
The Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway is a 37-mile paved trail perfect for family biking between towns like Fayetteville, Rogers, and Bentonville. It runs through nature perserves, urban centers, parks and neighborhoods along the way.
If you would rather walk or jog the trail, pick a section and go for it! There are bathrooms, rest stops, and even cafes along the way. You can rent bikes from shops in all three cities, or bring your own. If you choose to bike in the summer, make it an early day before things get too hot.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is located on the shore of Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs. It was donated by Verna Cook Garvan to the University of Arkansas system in order to preserve and enhance the Ouachita Mountain environment.
Run through the woods to discover waterfalls, a cave in the Children’s Garden, the model train garden, and an enchanting Fairy Village. The scenic wildflower overlook of Lake Hamilton tucked behind the sylvan setting will take your breathe away. Sit and rest a while inside the stunning Anthony Chapel, built by students of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Kids won’t want to miss the Bob and Sunny Evans Treehouse which is a an architectural gem. It is a oomerang-shaped structure is surrounded by pine and oak trees and gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the surrounding scenery that is fun to climb around in.
See Mammoth Springs
One of the great natural wonders of mid-America, Mammoth Springs, is an incredible sight in itself with an immense water-flow (9 million gallons an hour). Where does all this water go? The flow creates a 10-acre lake and continues into Spring River, an area perfect for year around canoeing and fishing.
There is a walking trail that encircles the lake, as well as pedal boats and kayak rentals if you want to get out on the water. You can also enjoy trout fishing here. A playgorund, ball field, and picnic tables make this spot a lovely place to spend the afternoon.
Find More of the Best Things to do in Southern States
- Florida
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- West Virginia
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I was first attracted to the world of blogging because I was a mother of infant twins and I wanted to show others that if I could travel with two young kids and expose them to many adventures that would shape their lives, then so could they! I received my degree in Communications from UC Davis in 2000 and have had a passion for writing since I learned to use a #2 pencil many moons ago.
I am proud to have been featured as a top family travel writer by USA Today and have been featured in the Orange County Register, Huffington Post, CBS LA, MSNBC, Backpacker Magazine, and countless other publications over the years. I have also had the joy of working as a writer for some of my local tourism bureaus, Destination Irvine and Visit Anaheim, as well as providing my expertise on many projects including building family travel tourism in Peru and family-focused articles for Vail Resorts.
I have worked with the biggest players in the family travel industry including Disney Resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Marriott, Hilton, Adventures by Disney, KOA, Visit Britain, Visit Norway, Visit California, Visit Florida, and so many more amazing organizations than I have space to list.
I currently live in Orange County, CA with my husband, twin son and daughter (who are now Seniors in high school!), three rescue dogs, and one rescue cat. My favorite things (besides travel) are the San Francisco 49ers, animal rescue, Mexican food, being outside, being crafty, and my ridiculously large crystal and mineral collection.
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