Arkansas is one of the most popular destinations to visit for families who are in need of a great time in a wholesome, friendly place. The great state of Arkansas is one of the best places to visit if you have kids, and visitors flock from outside the state in their thousands to see more of what Arkansas has to offer every year.
Going to Arkansas with kids and want to make sure that they have the best experience possible?
Here are some of the best things to do in Arkansas with kids.
What does Arkansas have to offer?
Arkansas is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, and there are thousands of attractions, restaurants, museums, and more.
It turns out there’s a lot more to know about the state of Arkansas than just how you should pronounce it — that’s Arkansaw, which was the original spelling of the state’s name before it was standardized to Arkansas!
The official web portal for the state of Arkansas lists only some of the great attractions that you can get to see if you move through the state.
According to Arkansas.com, some of the notable points of interest that you can get to see in the state includes restaurants, roadside attractions, and historic sites. Arkansas also has plenty of monuments, and there’s even a whole list of filming locations from series and movies that have been to Arkansas and which visitors can tour.
If you’re going to plan a visit to Arkansas, keep in mind that you should plan for everything there is you might want to do. Arkansas has a whole lot of things to offer, and you might want to plan for a longer trip so that you can get to see as much of it as possible on the way.
Is there anything fun to do in Arkansas with kids?
Of course, there is!
If you plan on going to Arkansas with kids, there’s everything from the great Funtrackers Family Fun Park where you can have some fun, to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art if your kids want to see some incredible artistic sights instead.
Here are some of the best kid-friendly, fun, and interesting attractions you’ll find throughout Arkansas.
Arkansas and Missouri Railroad
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Arkansas and Missouri Railroad is one of the most important transportation milestones in the whole United States. With affordable guided tours, you and your kids can learn everything about United States history from an up close and personal perspective.
Arkansas Filming Locations
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
According to Arkansas.com, one of the best things you can do in the state of Arkansas is to visit any number of the great filming locations from your favorite movies and television shows.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is home to one of the largest (and possibly greatest) art collections in the United States. See some of the best sculptures, paintings, and more right here in Arkansas.
Eureka Springs
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
If you want to see more of nature while you’re in Arkansas, then Eureka Springs has to be right at the top of the list. With hiking trails and guided tours, you’ll almost never get closer to nature than this.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Photo source: Flickr.com via Nicolas Henderson
If you and the kids would rather just spend a quiet day in the park, there’s Garvan Woodland Gardens. Huge, impressive, and as close to the natural world as you can get in Arkansas.
Funtrackers Family Fun Park
Funtrackers Family Fun Park tells you exactly what to expect, and it’s right there in the name. Visit Funtrackers Family Fun Park for a more physically intensive day out, with rides and planned activities that can be a lot of fun for the whole family.
Loco Ropes Adventure Park
Photo source: Flickr.com via Loco Ropes
Need an attraction to tire out a group of busy kids on vacation? Loco Ropes Adventure Park is your perfect day out, with great guided tours and rope-based rides for everyone in the family.
Unique Places to Visit in Arkansas with Kids
Want to see attractions that you can only visit in Arkansas? Take a look at some of the best, unique places to visit in Arkansas with kids.
Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo
Arkansas is gator territory, and if you have kids who are interested in getting up close to nature, the Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo is a great stop to add to your list of things to do.
Rush Ghost Town
Ghost towns can be a lot of fun to visit. While you’re in Arkansas, make a stop at Rush Ghost Town to see one of the oldest (and certainly quietest) ghost towns to visit in the United States.
Tiny Town
Tiny Town is a museum can locate at 374 Whittington Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Almost everything there is a miniature version of something else. You’ll get to feel like a giant!
Thorncrown Chapel
photo source: Flickr.com via GPA Photo Archive
According to Atlas Obscure, Thorncrown Chapel is one of the greatest unique attractions in Arkansas. A must for anyone who loves cool, weird architecture.
Things to Do in Arkansas This Weekend with Kids
If you need a weekend getaway with a few activities around Arkansas, here are some of the best great weekend attractions for families with children.
Crater of Diamonds Park
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Crater of Diamonds Park is one of the many natural parks that can be found in Arkansas. Great for fans of nature, or any groups who would like to take on an easy-to-moderate hiking trail.
Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Arkansas, meant for the preservation and study of some of the world’s most beautiful creatures. Look for special events that can be fun for everyone.
Fort Smith Museum of History
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Fort Smith Museum of History is a great attraction for any kid who loves history — or historical fiction. See some United States history first-hand right here.
Museum of Discovery
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Discovery is located at 500 President Clinton Avenue in Little Rock. Visit here if your kids are interested in science, technology, and how the world works.
Lokomotion Fun Park
Got busy, younger kids? Lokomotion Fun Park is one of the best places to go, with kid-friendly activities that can keep the whole family busy for as long as you would like to stay.
Free things to Do in Hot Springs, AR with Kids
Limited budget? Having fun doesn’t always have to cost a whole lot of money. Here are some of the best free things to do in Hot Springs, AR with kids.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Visit the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for an affordable day out, with a view that will astonish you. It’s Arkansas like you’ve never seen it before.
Magic Springs
See Magic Springs if you have kids who want to be closer to the great Arkansas nature. Look out for special events, many of which have reduced or free admission fees for kids who want a great time out.
Mid-America Science Museum
The Mid-America Science Museum is fun, engaging, and cheap if you would like to have a more affordable day out instead of a spending spree with the kids. Look out for special events, guided tours, and reduced-fee or free days.
Things to Do With Toddlers in Arkansas
Traveling with toddlers — or a combination of younger and older kids? Here are some of the best things you can get to do with toddlers in Arkansas, including trips to the Arkansas Museum of Discovery or a trip to the great Arkansas Air Museum.
Arkansas Air Museum
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
If you have kids or toddlers, the Arkansas Air Museum is one of the most fun and impressive places you can visit. Guided tours will show you some of the best bits of air-based history, including an inside look at how a cockpit works.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art isn’t just a great attraction for adults but also happens to be a place where kids can have more than enough to look at. Who said toddlers can’t be fans of fine art too?
Kindness and Joy Toys
If you’re cruising through Fayetteville, then Kindness and Joy Toys is one of the places where it’s definitely recommended you stop if you have younger kids. Even older kids might appreciate some of the great selection of toys, many unique and hand-crafted.
Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink & Splash Park
Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink & Splash Park is a great place for kids — and they happen to have activity programs for younger kids too. Look for special events, or just stick to the splash park for the most fun you can have in the water.
Can Kids Fish Free in Arkansas?
During one of the first weekends in June every year, the answer is yes!
According to the official AGFC.com guide, anyone who is 16 years or older must carry a valid Arkansas fishing license if they will “take or attempt to take fish and frogs in Arkansas.”
During Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend, applications for a valid fishing license happen at no charge. It’s one of the most popular attractions that you can find in Arkansas!
