Family Fun

Children laughing by a pond with trees in the background.

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Family-friendly Fun Awaits in Arkansas

From the littlest adventurers to the young at heart, Arkansas is full of family-friendly ways to connect, explore and enjoy time together.

In Arkansas, you don’t have to choose between kid joy and grown-up wonder, they happen side by side. Spend a day at the Little Rock Zoo or Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and watch kids light up during close encounters with wildlife. Dig for real diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, splash down water slides at Magic Springs or ride the rails through the Ozarks on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, the kind of train trip where grandparents and little ones can sit together and share the view.

Beyond the big attractions, Arkansas is full of simple pleasures that make the best family memories. Explore caves where underground wonders captivate every age and pack a picnic for a family road trip across rolling hills or Delta backroads.

Fuel young curiosity at the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs, the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, the Ozark Natural Science Center near Huntsville or the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville. Also in Bentonville, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art inspires creativity in every visitor.

From gem hunting to waterfall hikes to scenic train rides, Arkansas is a place where families can unplug, explore and connect–indoors or out.

Experiences

Two tigers resting on a platform in an enclosure.

Aquariums & Zoos

Child splashing in a water park, smiling with sunlit trees in the background.

Amusement & Water Parks

Children climbing rocks under a bright blue sky with clouds.

Gem Hunting

Red train crossing a tall bridge on a sunny day.

Railroads & Trains

Kids laughing near a tube of colorful balls indoors.

Nature & Science Centers

Curving road through vibrant autumnal hills with distant mountains.

Road Trips

Family biking toward the colorful museum entrance on a sunny day.

60+ Family-Friendly Things to Do in Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas is full of lakes, rivers, parks and recreation areas for families to play in. Mountain bike trails, bike parks and skate parks are plentiful too. You’ll also find other traditional kid and family activities at indoor and outdoor malls, bowling alleys, mini golf courses, escape rooms, trampoline parks, ice cream shops, skating rinks and movie theaters. In addition to all that fun, here are 63 family-friendly things to do in Northwest Arkansas that are unique to this area.

Family walking along a lakeside beach with trees in the background.

Best Parks for a Family Getaway

Arkansas State Parks are perfect for your family getaway. With activities for everyone and every age, you’ll have plenty to do at any one of our state parks. Check out our list for some ideas on parks you should visit.