Ozark Folk Center State Park
Ozark Folk Center State Park

Family, Fun and Folk Music

This four-day family getaway blends hands-on museums, kid-friendly hikes, local eats and a deep dive into Arkansas’ folk traditions. Kick things off in Little Rock with lunch in the River Market District — whether it's wood-fired pizza, spicy curry or slow-smoked barbecue, there's something for every appetite. Hop aboard a free trolley, stroll to scenic overlooks, and don’t miss a stop at Loblolly Creamery for a scoop (or two) of small-batch ice cream.

Then it's off to the Ozarks, where trails lead to caves, music fills the air, and artisans still shape the culture by hand. It’s the kind of trip where everyone gets to discover something — and no one wants to leave early.

DAY 1 - A Day of Discovery in Little Rock

Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden Downtown Little Rock

 

12:00 PM: Lunch - Iriana's Pizza

1:00 PM: Play - Sculpture Garden & Riverfront Park

3:00 PM: Children's Museum – Museum of Discovery

5:00 PM: Check into Hotel – DoubleTree Hotel

6:30 PM: Dinner – Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro

8:00 PM: Ride free – Little Rock Trolley 

OVERNIGHT: Return to Hotel

DAY 2 - Local Food and History with the Family

Biking in South Main District

 

9:00 AM: Breakfast – At The Corner

10:00 AM: Museum – Clinton Presidential Center

12:30 PM: Lunch – Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe

1:30 PM: Explore SoMa – South Main Historic District

2:30 PM: Ice cream – Loblolly Creamery

5:00 PM: Dinner – The Root Cafe

7:30 PM: Sightseeing – Junction Bridge

OVERNIGHT Return to Hotel – DoubleTree Hotel

DAY 3 - Road Trip to Ozark Folk Center State Park

Fairfield Bay Indian Rock Cave

 

9:00 AM: Breakfast – Big Bad Breakfast Downtown

10:00 AM: Drive to Fairfield Bay (1.5 hours)

11:30 AM: Hiking – Indian Rock Cave and Trail

12:30 PM: Lunch – Little Red Restaurant

1:30 PM: Drive to Mountain View (1 hour) 

2:30 PM: Check In & Explore Craft Village

5:30 PM: Dinner – Skillet Restaurant

7:00 PM: Concert – OFC Concert Hall

OVERNIGHT: Return to Cabin – Ozark Folk Center State Park

DAY 4 - Experience Caverns and Music

Mountain View Music Scene

 

9:00 AM: Breakfast – Skillet Restaurant

10:00 AM: Explore – Blanchard Springs Caverns

12:30 PM: Lunch – Tommy's Famous ... A Pizzeria, Inc.

1:30 PM: Music – Mountain View Music

Evening: Return Home

Budget-Friendly Tips

One of the easiest ways to save money on the road? Pack a lunch. Bring your family’s go-to sandwiches or snacks from home, or build your meal as you go by stopping at seasonal farmers markets along your route. Stock up on fresh produce, homemade breads and small-batch treats that reflect the flavor of wherever you are.

A cooler packed with local sausages, just-picked veggies and a few s’mores fixings can turn a simple campsite cookout into the kind of meal your kids will talk about later. Affordable, yes—but also an experience in itself.