12 Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Arkansas
It’s unsurprising that Arkansas, the “Natural State,” draws hordes of outdoor enthusiasts to its magnificent trails and verdant national parks.
However, there are more activities besides hiking and kayaking here.
This state offers everything your family may desire in a luxurious holiday, from gratifying history enthusiasts’ irrational curiosity to finding thrills for explorers.
So be sure to schedule a trip down to the Natural State if you’re searching for a location that can accommodate your kids’ varied interests.
Hold onto your seats and look at the list of enjoyable things to do with kids in Arkansas below!
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art — Bentonville
What You’ll Experience
The Crystal Bridges Museum is renowned for its amazing facade, combining the Ozark woodlands’ natural feel with contemporary urban design and diversified art displays.
While learning about almost five centuries of American art, you and your children will enjoy shooting pictures everywhere.
It’s simple to go to and from the museum.
The closest hotel is only a 6-minute drive away and is among the top family hotels in Arkansas.
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Recommended Ages
Crystal Bridges Museum is suitable for all ages.
Teenagers can enjoy the many installations in the neighborhood, while children as young as three can enjoy making their art.
- Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge — Eureka Springs
What You’ll Experience
The Natural State’s Turpentine Creek is one of the most thrilling family-friendly destinations and is ideal for children who enjoy the outdoors and adventure.
Your kids will enjoy getting up close and personal with the “big cats” the wildlife preserve is home to.
There are more than 100 animals, such as tigers, lions, bears, and others.
Additionally, Turpentine Creek provides day camps and other activities for young children that educate them about biodiversity, animal conservation, and the wild.
Recommended Ages
Young toddlers to teenagers can all have fun at Turpentine Creek.
- Loco Ropes Adventure Park — Mountain View
What You’ll Experience
Spend one of your best family holidays in Arkansas at Loco Ropes, where you can bond over exhilarating rope courses.
Select one of three high-wire rope courses and take on 30+ thrilling challenges.
Your family’s adrenaline junkies will be ecstatic!
This is unquestionably a unique and energetic way to take in the splendor of the Ozark Mountains.
So enjoy zip-lining, rappelling, and other adventure sports!
Recommended Ages
Children who are at least 48 inches tall can perform some Loco Lines.
Children under 12 and a height of 58 inches must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult for every two kids).
- Peabody Splash Pod — Little Rock
What You’ll Experience
In Riverfront Park, next to the Arkansas River, is where you’ll find the Peabody Splash Pad.
It’s the ideal method to stay cool on hot summer days.
These public splash pads will be a big hit with your kids as far as free kid activities go!
Check out the park’s numerous offerings for you and your family, such as visiting the Ozark Pavilion or scaling over natural stones.
Recommended Ages
The Peabody Splash Pad is a great spot to cool off your kids—and even adults who still have a sense of wonder.
- Lake Ouachita State Park — Hot Springs
What You’ll Experience
The most scenic swimming hole in Arkansas is Lake Ouachita, the biggest lake in the state. There are also a few beaches there.
It is one of Arkansas’s best family beaches and has over 40,000 acres of perfectly pure water.
Everyone in the family may enjoy participating in various fun water sports.
Take a refreshing dip or unwind while striper and catfish fishing.
The older children can also test out boating and kayaking.
You have access to approximately a hundred campsites, some of which are directly on the lake!
And if you don’t feel like sleeping outdoors, you can rent a cabin.
Recommended Ages
Everyone—from your infant to your grandmother—can take advantage of the great outdoors in Lake Ouachita State Park. Also welcome is your dog.
- Arkansas Air and Military Museum — Fayetteville
What You’ll Experience
The Arkansas Air & Military Museum can keep you and your children engaged if you wish to brush up on your history.
It’s one of the top family-friendly educational sites in Arkansas.
Enjoy many fascinating displays, including Army helicopters from the Vietnam War and a former WWII aviator training hangar.
You’re in for a treat because the museum’s aircraft models are unlike most others.
Even now, some of them can fly!
You and your children might even see some of the last US aircraft models.
Recommended Ages
Participation in the Fayetteville aviation history is encouraged for everyone.
So take your little children and teenagers with you to the museum!
- Hawksbill Crag — Ponca
What You’ll Experience
A 4.7-kilometer back trail in the Ozark National Forest, the Whitaker Point Trail is easily navigable by hikers of any experience level, even young children.
Except for the initial incline, the 2-hour hike is quite even.
It comes to a finish at the well-known Hawksbill Crag rock formation, which is one of Arkansas’s most popular photo locations.
You’ll pass a few waterfalls along the route and arrive at a breathtaking viewpoint of Whitaker Creek.
Recommended Ages
Children 3 and older can trek the Whitaker Point Trail because it is a simple hike.
Always watch your children and keep them within the bluff lines for their safety.
- Magic Springs Theme & Water Park — Hot Springs
What You’ll Experience
One of the nicest parks in Arkansas to visit if you want to unwind is Magic Springs.
They include thrilling rides for teenagers and adults and an intriguing water park that children of all ages will enjoy.
Many family resorts are close, so you won’t have to drive far to view the park.
Recommended Ages
Most rides require children to be at least 32 inches tall to ride.
An adult must also accompany children under a specific height on some rides.
- Museum of Discovery — Little Rock
What You’ll Experience
One of the kid-friendly destinations that will keep children delighted and informed at the same time is the Museum of Discovery.
Permanent displays like the Discovery Hall and Tinkering Studio can teach your kids many new skills.
At the Discovery Pet Clinic, where they learn how to take care of their stuffed animal pals, kids under the age of six will also enjoy dressing up and playing pretend.
Recommended Ages
The Museum of Discovery is suited for all kids.
- Anthony Chapel — Hot Springs
What You’ll Experience
Visit the Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, another inexpensive family activity.
You can explore the park’s many picturesque bridges, snap more photos of flora and fauna, and even stop to gaze at the waterfall.
But the lovely Anthony Chapel is the main attraction of Garvan Gardens.
Anthony Chapel is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the state due to its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, stunning skylights, and wooded pillars.
Recommended Ages
At Garvan Gardens, anyone can go around and take lovely pictures.
Except when it is reserved for a wedding or other function, Anthony Chapel is accessible to the general public.
- Blanchard Springs Cavern — Mountain View
What You’ll Experience
You wouldn’t want to miss Blanchard Springs Cavern in the Natural State, which is situated in Ozark National Forest.
The whole family will love exploring its many amazing caves with water-carved tunnels and amazing rock formations.
Along with exploring the caves, you can sleep on the property and engage in various enjoyable activities such as swimming, bird viewing, biking, and hiking.
Recommended Ages
If you enjoy being in nature, Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the best family-friendly locations to visit nearby.
The recreation area is open to children of all ages.
Children must be at least ten years old and under adult supervision for several trips and trails.
- Scott Family Amazeum — Bentonville
What You’ll Experience
Make sure to include the Amazeum in your list of rainy-day activities for kids.
This indoor museum has numerous diverse exhibits that challenge young, curious minds.
Children can act out jobs at Walmart Market and Hershey’s Lab, test their courage on the Canopy Climber, and play with water in Nature Valley Water Amazements.
The Amazeum will unquestionably keep your kids engaged all day long, whether they’re pretending to conduct grown-up jobs or learning new Science and Art techniques.
Gaining new knowledge?
That’s an extra perk!
Recommended Ages
Kids of all ages enjoy the Scott Family Amazeum.
Some activities could be better suited for kids five and older.
Under-5s may require adult supervision.
