Trip Ideas & Itineraries

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.

Whether you’re looking to hike a trail, journey through history, muddy up your mountain bike, or just get away for the weekend, there is an Arkansas State Park waiting for you.

Located in Newton County, Jasper is surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor opportunities like hiking, canoeing, caving, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, mountain biking and horseback riding. It’s also near the renowned Buffalo National River, the nation’s first national river and hotspot destination for floating and hiking. The town itself is small but packed with great restaurants and charm.

Little Rock is known for having one of the south’s best food scenes, but locals know that more than anything, Little Rock has a sweet tooth. From small-batch ice creams to decadent cakes and pies, Little Rock is a city that does dessert right, and here are just a few of the best dessert places in town.

These five family-friendly hikes in Arkansas are perfect for beginners and those more experienced alike. See waterfalls, views and more.

Summer isn’t just a season — it’s a state of mind. And Arkansas is the perfect place to explore that sun-kissed bliss of nights around a campfire, hair drying from a jump in the lake, making gooey s’mores feel. Explore 5 state parks to find where you should kick your heels up for the warm months.

You probably already know there are tons of fun activities to do with your family and friends while visiting the State Parks of Arkansas – things like hiking scenic trails, kayaking on lakes and streams, fishing, birdwatching, touring historic sites, visiting museums, geocaching, and so much more.

Rogers, Arkansas provides the perfect opportunity to make unforgettable adventures in the Ozarks.

While each sunset is unique in hue and texture, where you see the sun go down adds to the experience as well. Arkansas has mountains, valleys, waterways and even city sites that make the perfect setting to watch the setting sun. Here are 12 great spots to watch an Arkansas sunset.

Northwest Arkansas is a mountain biker’s mecca. Beautiful weather, miles of well-kept trails and diverse areas keep riders busy throughout the year.

Camping is a great way to enjoy the state's natural beauty. Many opportunities to pitch a tent or pull up a camping trailer can be found throughout the wide range of geographic environments found here.

Whether you're casting a line, spotting bald eagles or hiking the shoreline, Lake Maumelle offers something for every kind of explorer.

Trout are not native to The Natural State, yet Arkansas is famous beyond its borders for its outstanding trout fisheries.

Magnolia is about 2.5 hours from Little Rock and is known for its courthouse square.