Affordable Arkansas

Searching for Inexpensive Vacation Ideas? The Natural State is the Perfect Destination for Inexpensive Getaways and Affordable Vacations!

Arkansas is the perfect place for fun, affordable family vacations and inexpensive getaways. From high atop the Ozarks to the green vistas of the Delta, it's easy to see why we are called The Natural State.

We have 52 state parks that offer numerous outdoor options, everything from hiking trails to world-class fishing. Many state parks offer budget friendly cabins and lodges. Bed-and-breakfasts can also be found across the state.

Looking for more to explore? Arkansas has six national parks, 2.6 million acres of national forest lands, two mountain ranges, and 13 major lakes. So there is plenty of space to take the family on an affordable outing.

What's your favorite season? We are a year-round destination. Spring paints roadsides and gardens with vibrant blooms, while autumn sets the forests ablaze with spectacular color. Winter is usually mild here with an occasional snowfall, while summer days are long and lazy.

A tank of gas goes a long way here. Farmers' markets, U-pick farms, farm tours, eco-tourism ventures, winery tours, hayrides and trail rides across the state are an interesting and economical way to explore our countryside.

There are hundreds of fun family festivals held here every year too. Our festivals are as varied as our landscape and we are home to everything from Cardboard Boat Races in Heber Springs to Duck Calling Contests in Stuttgart to World Championship Quartz Crystal Digs in Mount Ida.

We host a world of diverse attractions that can satisfy a wide range of family interests. Historical civil war sites, horse racing, baseball games, art and children's museums, live music, theatrical productions, waterfalls, spas, eagle watching, diamond mines are just a few. (We have the one and only diamond mine, Crater of Diamonds, open to the public, where diamonds are found and kept by visitors on a regular basis.) All of these things make Arkansas a great spot for fun, affordable family vacations.

The Natural State not only provides a great vacation for little money, it also has many attractions that are free. Visit The Old Mill in North Little Rock, which appears in the opening scene of "Gone with the Wind," catch a view of a wild elk herd near the Buffalo National River, see the infamous Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park, learn about our blues music heritage at the Delta Cultural Center, or watch art being made at Terra Studios in the Ozark Mountains. And that's just the beginning. If you're still searching for inexpensive vacation ideas for your trip to The Natural State, here are 101 free fun things to do in Arkansas!