NWA Family Day/Weekend trip ideas (Little Rock, Fort Smith: rentals, amusement park, college)

[Nennster]

Hello,

New to the area and I was wondering if anyone had any additional ideas for day or weekend trips that weren't too far away for a family. So far we have loved what we have done: Animal Safari in Gentry, Branson Show & Duck Tour, Talking Rocks Cavern, War Eagle Mill & Caverns (the BEST), Hobbs Park trails, & Devils Den. All such awesome awesome experiences. Actually, we did go to Eureka Springs and that drive got us soooo car sick. When we got there late Sunday afternoon, we didn't see much going on, except for lots of places advertising hot tubs in the rooms. We'll try again on a Saturday, as soon as I get the stomach for that windy road. I know as it gets warmer, a lot more festivals and things to do will start picking up, but in the mean time, any ideas? Nothing too crazy or dangerous, but still fun, interesting, and 4 hrs tops driving distance (I'll start another thread on best vacations from XNA). I have 2 kids (4 & 6). Next on our radar is to check out elk and the canoeing on the Buffalo National River by Ponca. We've done the local stuff like Fast Lane, Crystal Bridges, so I don't need that kind of advice. We love more of the nature adventure stuff, which is perfect in the "Natural State!" Right? Thanks in advance

[Rock Climber]

Tulsa has a pretty good zoo. Hot Springs has Mid America Museum (as well as an amusement park and water park) and Little Rock has the Museum of Discovery in the River Market. The new Amazeum in Bentonville will be something similar.

Alma's water park might be worth checking out, as well as Silver Dollar City and Whitewater in Branson.

Roaring River State Park in southern Missouri has an old fashioned water slide that is a lot of fun, as well as a HUGE spring that comes up out of the ground and a cold stream for swimming (in hot weather!) and stocked with trout.


Kids can enjoy some of the activities that take place at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. Its at least a great place for family photos, especially in the spring and early summer.

ETA: the Hucakabee Nature Center in Fort Smith is also fun for kids.

[Nennster]

Thank you Rock Climber!

[DC at the Ridge]

Given that you have children, you might also consider a float trip on the Elk River. There are numerous canoe and tube rentals in Noel, MO, just north of Bella Vista, and the Elk tends to be a gentler float trip than the Buffalo.

But seeing the elk in Ponca is definitely worth the drive. Boxley is beautiful.

[DC at the Ridge]

Also, Withrow Springs doesn't get mentioned enough.

Withrow Springs State Park - Huntsville - Reviews of Withrow Springs State Park - TripAdvisor

And driving up to Eureka Springs through Huntsville may be a better route given your car sickness.

[Rock Climber]

Be advised that the Elk can be a bit of a "party float" river for the local college-aged crowd.

[DC at the Ridge]

You might also take a day and visit Siloam Springs. The downtown area is very nice. And you could check out Natural Falls/Dripping Springs.

Natural Falls State Park of Oklahoma | Explore the Ozarks

[Nennster]

Oh my goodness Thank you all so much! This is exactly what I was looking for!

[Luvvarkansas]

You live in an absolutely wonderful place for finding things to do on weekends.

[Nennster]

Yes! We've already been blown away by the preserved beauty of everything and the ease of getting around. Can't wait to see everything as the weather gets warmer.