11 Best Family Vacations in Arkansas
Arkansas, a state full of fascinating historical sites, kid-friendly attractions, and countless more natural beauties, provides a never-ending supply of family entertainment.
Your family will undoubtedly find happiness in Arkansas, whether you’re itching for an outdoor adventure or an educational excursion.
However, with so many exciting family vacation options in Arkansas, some people can find it challenging to decide on the location for their clan.
Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of the top family getaways in Arkansas.
- Eureka Springs
Everyone in your group will find something to do in Eureka Springs, from educational museums to wildlife excursions.
Who Should Vacation Here
The entire family will enjoy the natural beauty and interesting activities that Eureka Springs has to offer.
Outdoor enthusiasts can go horseback riding, biking on more than 20 kilometers of trails, or fishing.
There are also several educational attractions in this area, such as the Great Passion Play, Ozark National Science center, and Sacred Arts Museum.
Expert Tip
Families traveling to Eureka Springs should consider staying at Sugar Ridge Resort.
In my opinion, it’s one of the best family resorts in Arkansas, especially considering the tranquil setting and abundance of family-friendly activities.
If you’re looking for a low-cost vacation spot for your family, it’s also a fantastic choice.
- Little Rock
Little Rock must be included on any list of the top weekend destinations in Arkansas for families.
The city provides families with a ton of enjoyable activities thanks to its numerous outstanding attractions.
Who Should Vacation Here
The state capital of Arkansas is a fantastic family vacation spot with a diverse selection of attractions for visitors of all ages and tastes.
The Museum of Discovery is a fantastic place to go where both adults and children can learn about science, math, and history via hands-on exhibits.
The Little Rock Zoo, which is home to over 500 animals, will appeal to animal enthusiasts.
Parks and walking, and bike trails can be found around the city.
Expert Tip
I advise you to go to Sims Bar-B-Que if you want to enjoy the best BBQ in town.
This BBQ restaurant has been drawing customers since 1937 with its sweet, tangy sauce and succulent, juicy pork.
- Hot Springs
Are you looking for ideas for entertaining things to do with kids in Arkansas?
There are a ton of fascinating activities in Hot Springs, whether you’re traveling with adventurous teens or young children.
Who Should Vacation Here
A variety of wonders and attractions might satiate your entire clan in Hot Springs.
For example, the Magic Springs Water and Theme Park provide families with hours of nonstop entertainment.
Water sports in Lake Ouachita State Park will be a blast for nature enthusiasts.
We also love the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat Tours, National Park Duck Tours, and National Park Aquarium in Hot Springs.
Expert Tip
Don’t overlook the Hot Springs National Park, which is free for families to explore.
The park features hiking trails and an overlook with breathtaking views of the surroundings.
When you come here, you and your kids renowned springs that earned this place its unusual name.
- 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa
The Crescent Hotel and Spa helps you create a ton of wonderful vacation memories by fusing elegance and hospitality with family entertainment.
Who Should Vacation Here
Look no further than Crescent Hotel and Spa for a luxurious getaway in Arkansas.
It provides families that need to get away from the daily grind a soothing holiday with its unmatched service, exquisite lodging, and opulent amenities.
Expert Tip
The rejuvenating services provided by the on-site New Moon Spa & Salon are just irresistible.
Moms and dads need their Stress-Fix Body Treatment, with its enticing oils, to revive their worn-out spirits.
- Fort Smith
Numerous breathtaking historical sites and family-friendly tours may be found in Fort Smith.
Who Should Vacation Here
Families with school-aged children and history buffs should consider visiting Fort Smith.
Families can spend days exploring historical locations like Miss Laura’s Visitor’s Center and the Fort Smith Museum of History to learn more about the city’s past.
Did I also mention that it provides simple access to some fantastic family vacation spots around Arkansas, such as Tahlequah, Oklahoma?
Expert Tip
Want to take a short break from the historical lectures and tours?
I advise you to travel to Devil’s Den State and go hiking on its lovely paths.
After finishing, go enjoy some refreshments at the nearby wineries or farmers’ market.
- Fayetteville
There is much more to Fayetteville than merely being a college town.
It’s, without a doubt, among the top attractions in Arkansas for families.
Who Should Vacation Here
Fayetteville is famous for hosting college sporting events, but it also offers lots of kid-friendly activities.
You’ll have a great time with your friends at the Terra Studios, Clinton House Museum, and Arkadia Retrocade.
Expert Tip
Wilson Park may be worth a visit while you’re on vacation in Fayetteville.
Wilson is home to great activities, including a kid’s castle area, 6 tennis courts, a softball field, and even a swimming pool, in addition to providing traditional park entertainment.
- Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Bay
With a trip to this resort, you can indulge in a world of leisurely enjoyment while being fairly comfortable.
Who Should Vacation Here
Over 9,000 acres of enjoyable recreational spaces make up Club Wyndham, a vacation for all ages.
The resort has a lot of boating, skiing, fishing, hiking, and hiking options.
The cove also has child playgrounds, tennis courts, restaurants, pools, and golf courses.
Expert Tip
Their 2-bedroom deluxe is a good option for parents who need to get some relaxation.
This option provides parents with some privacy on their trip with neighboring rooms.
Additionally, it has ample room for a family with four kids and six adults.
- Bentonville
Being home to a large number of interesting museums, Bentonville is undoubtedly one of the greatest family vacation spots in Arkansas.
Who Should Vacation Here
Bentonville is a cute, tiny town with lots of family-friendly activities.
Visit the Walmart Museum, which features fascinating displays and charts the development of this renowned retail giant.
The Museum of Native American History, Bella Vista Historic Museum, and Peel Mansion Museum are a few other family-friendly Bentonville attractions.
Expert Tip
For families visiting Bentonville, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a must-see attraction, in my opinion.
The museum will dazzle everyone in your group, especially the art enthusiasts and potential Instagram stars, with its eye-catching art installations.
- Petit Jean State Park
For families who enjoy the outdoors, Petit Jean State Park is a refuge of enjoyable leisure and adventures.
Who Should Vacation Here
Families interested in the environment, history, and outdoor adventures are drawn to Petit Jean State Park.
Hit the paths that will take you through streams, mountains, canyons, and meadows for a tour you won’t soon forget.
Spend some time discovering its natural beauties, such as Cedar Falls, Bear Cave, and Seven Hollows.
Expert Tip
Go to Lake Roosevelt and Lake Bailey when you’ve had your fill of hiking.
These areas include playgrounds, picnic areas, and swimming pools.
While there, you can go boating and fishing.
- Jacksonville
Jacksonville offers a variety of attractions and kid-friendly hangouts to keep the whole family entertained.
Who Should Vacation Here
Jacksonville has enough attractions to keep your family amused for the duration of your trip while being somewhat underappreciated.
The Splash Zone Water Park and Rail & Sprue Hobbies are perfect for kids, and adults will adore Holland Bottoms Wildlife Area.
We also recommend that you go to Reed’s Bridge Battlefield and the Jacksonville Museum of Military History.
Expert Tip
During your trip to Jacksonville, be sure to visit Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
It provides year-round educational kid-friendly programming in addition to outdoor recreational activities.
- Mountain Home
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Mountain home is one of the top family-friendly destinations in Arkansas.
Who Should Vacation Here
You will have many wonderful memories here if your family enjoys the outdoors.
Families typically travel to Mountain Home to partake in the thrilling water sports available on the Twin Lakes and nearby rivers.
You and your friends can go tubing, fishing, boating, and water skiing all day long.
Expert Tip
Visit the Mountain Village, a historical model of an Ozark Mountain Village, to take a break from the loud entertainment.
Visit the underground river in the fascinating Bull Shoals Caverns.
Additionally, take a tour of the Norfolk National Fish Hatchery or go hiking on one of its 20 beautiful paths.
