Northwest Arkansas is home for us, but it’s also a destination for many families every week of the year. And, rightly so, Northwest Arkansas is a great place for family fun!
Northwest Arkansas is an easy, driveable vacation from many locations in the center of the United States and an excellent staycation location for Arkansans. The weather is typically great for 48 weeks of the year. (minus a couple of weeks of snow and 100-degree temperatures for a quick week in the summer). We have many things to do for kids and families, great places or outside adventures, and rainy day fun.
As I share ideas with friends and visitors to the area, I thought it would be fun to make a list that’s easy to share for Family Fun in Northwest Arkansas.
Family-Friendly Activities in Northwest Arkansas
What can families do in Northwest Arkansas for fun? This is the number one question I answer for friends and friends of family. We love to get out and adventure in the area. It’s one of the main reasons we wanted to move back to this corner of the state. There are activities for those who like to be wild and free and those who like guardrails and to stay closer to home. One of my philosophies is that I threw out the phrase “all the way” when I moved back to NWA. You will hear locals whine about driving 30 minutes to get to an activity.
But I’m here to tell you that, as a city girl and having lived much of my life in rural towns, driving is just part of the adventure. Maybe you don’t drive to far away places every day, but don’t let it hold you back from discovering adventure down the road. And, if you live local, it’s time to live like a tourist—everyone else is coming here to visit!
Arkansas State Parks in Northwest Arkansas:
- Hobbs Conservation Area State Park | Rogers – one of our favorite spots all year long, there are walking trails, bike trails, public art, and the visitor center has many wildlife facts and learning opportunities. We especially love to pull off at the historic Van Winkle Spot and walk. Its an open space once you get past the highway and kids can run freely and safely.
- Devil’s Den State Park | West Fork is an early designated state park highlighting the work of the CCC. Several trails with varying abilities offer access to all parts of the park, including wooded trails, river-edge hiking, and deep-wood mountain biking. Rent a cabin or picnic and visit for the day.
- Witherow Springs State Park | Huntsville – fun walking trails, playgrounds, waterfalls, and picnic spots
- Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park | Prairie Grove marks the Civil War battle that took place here on December 7. Explore the homes and villages in this spot. At the Hindman Hall Visitor Center, you can see artifacts and learn more about the battle and those involved. This does have an audio tour.
- Lake Fort Smith | Mountainburg – a hidden gem state park with kayak rentals, fishing, RV and tent camping, bird watching, and trails.
National Park Areas in Northwest Arkansas
- Pea Ridge Battlefield | Pea Ridge – drive it and listen to the tour. Stop at the Tavern area for a picnic. You can also park at the Visitor Center and walk to the Elkhorn Tavern area.
- Buffalo River was America’s first designated National River for protection, study and preservation in the National Parks System. With kids, you plan many places like Lost Valley Trail or watch elk in the open fields. I love Steel Creek Campground year-round for wading in the water, finding a quiet spot by the water’s edge, or running free in open fields.
- Trail of Tears National Trail might seem like a crazy topic to cover with kids, but it’s essential, and many paths wind through Northwest Arkansas’s common areas. This is an excellent path on a rainy day or during cool months; kids may fall asleep in the car, but you can trace the paths and tell them about the sites you see and the history built in those spaces.
- Fort Smith National Historic Site is one of our favorite day trips. This is where the Trail of Tears ended, but much history is also related to the Western Frontiers and outlaws. For kids who love cowboys or want to be first responders, this is a great place to cultivate that interest.
- National Cemetery and Confederate Cemetery | Fayetteville – a great place to study history, sit for a quiet time, or provoke conversations
Where can we play indoors in Northwest Arkansas?
- Museum of Native American History (MONAH) | Bentonville is the cultural center of Native American heritage. Here, you can dig for arrowheads, view pottery by multiple tribes, and learn more through programs and artifacts in the store.
- Amazeum | Bentonville – kid-friendly science and discovery center
- New exhibits at Crystal Bridges | Bentonville – space and “exquisite Creatures”
- Best Friends Pet Resource Center | Bentonville – a one of a kind place for animals. It’s a public place for people to bring their pet for care, but kids can crawl in the spaces and meet others’ pets.
- Louise at Thaden Field | Bentonville – eat lunch and watch airplanes!
- Blue Zoo Aquarium | Rogers – not an all-day destination like many vacation spots, but it’s a fun way to explore underwater sealife, pet a stingray, maybe meet a mermaid or pirate, and sensory play at a grand water table
- Let’s Imagine | Bentonville – indoor climbing and playspace for children under 5.
- Play Street Museum | Fayettevile – new in 2024, this interactive kid musuem is great for ages up to 8, with a key focus on 3-5.
- Crafting Centers – Imagine Arts Studio | Rogers, Art & Soul Studio | Rogers, Crock a Doodle| Bentonville, Fifth Street Studio | Bentonville, Paper & Thread | Fayetteville, Community Creative Center | Fayetteville
- Trampoline Parks – Altitude | Fayetteville, Defy | Rogers, Spartan Adventure Park | Fort Smith, Flipside Ninja Park | Rogers
- Hunt Nature Center | Springdale is one of our absolute favorite places to go on a rainy or cold day. In fact, we hosted our son’s birthday party here this year. Nature Centers in Arkansas are great places for kids to explore and learn.
- Climbing Centers – Ozark Climbing | Springdale, Climb Bentonville | Bentonville
- Bowling and Gaming Fun at Fast Lanes | Lowell, Ozark Lanes | Fayetteville, Rogers Bowling Center, Springdale Bowling Center, Locomotion Family Fun Park | Fayetteville
- Skating at Starlight Skatium | Fayetteville or Great Day Skate | Bentonville
- Arkadia Retrograde | Fayetteville – retro video gaming space
- Can Do Hardware and Pet Pop Shop | Gravette is a fun outing to a candy store and pet shop resembling a movie set. It’s a fun outing for littles; just set a budget and check out the cave or parks while in the area.
- Terra Studios | Fayetteville – a creative arts space for anyone
- Modern Mission | Fayetteville – indoor laser tag and playspace for older elementary kids and up
Outdoor Trails and Kid Spaces in Northwest Arkansas:
Check out this list of great places for outdoor family fun in Northwest Arkansas, including rails, bike paths. parks, and chasing waterfalls!
- “Habitat” Smithsonian Exhibit at Cane Hill | Cane Hill – walking around Cane Hill, in general, is a history lesson in a quiet space. It’s a haul for most of us, but I usually combine this with Prairie Grove State Park or going over to experiences in Lincoln.
- Lake Fayetteville | Fayetteville – walking trail and playground areas – is a great place to ride bikes and walk. Just know where you are meeting up if connecting with people; the trail is long. And you may not tackle it all in one experience.
- Trolley Museum | Fort Smith – if you have a kid who loves Daniel Tiger, this is a must outing. Yes, it’s dusty, and there are old things, but when my kiddo sat in an old trolley, he thought he was Daniel Tiger. Go on a warm day so you can enjoy everything outside and not feel cramped in the inside space. Combine this with a picnic, walking around the Fort Smith Historic Site, or playing in the splashpads nearby.
- Fayetteville Public Art tour – mural walking tour and interact with public art displays
- Bentonville Public Art Tour – map out the murals and public art by local and national artists
- Art walk at Crystal Bridges and Bike in Compton Gardens | Bentonville – don’t be afraid that you will disturb others. Watching kids interact with art is part of the experience in these spaces.
- Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is one of the most incredible places in Bentonville, the Mountain Bike capital of the World. Kids can ride their bikes, share the trails, play in the creek, or walk and discover insects and wildlife. Moms love this stop because there is always a reward of Airship coffee hidden in the woods.
- Lost Valley Trail | Ponca – part of the Buffalo River National Park area, this kid-friendly trail is easy to access and goes as far as you can, whether just walking the path, observing in the steps outs, or climbing on rocks.
- Mount Kessler Trails and Regional Park | Fayetteville
- Illinois Watershed Project | Cave Springs
- Blowing Springs Park | Bella Vista – bike and walking trail
- Tanyard Creek Nature Trail | Bella Vista – easy walk to a waterfall and other side trips like a creek, bridges, butterfly gardens, and more. Please hold on if you go with littles; they like to run, but rocks and uneven paths can be a little nerve-wracking for me.
- Kayak Park | Siloam Springs is a downstream water park created by natural flowing water and springs. It has a few smaller swimming holes but is also known as a rapid kayak playground. It’s a fun outing. And it can easily be combined with a picnic and play at the city parks closer to downtown.
What else can we do in Northwest Arkansas for family fun?
- Blue Springs Heritage Center | Eureka Springs – is a unique historical and cultural experience. Explore the garden, learn about the Cherokee people who lived here, visit the historic bluff, and don’t miss the giant Blue Springs natural site.
- Natural Dam Falls | Natural Dam – this is a great outing on a day or week after its been raining. You really just drive right up to it. We took a picnic and found a rock to sit on and eat our sandwiches. You kids can get wet in the water and theres a little trail that crosses along the path of the water. Its not a big play area, and the road drives through the falls, but it was a fun drive over on a sunny day and play in the water and listen to the water, then we drove back through Mountainburg and the Boston Mountain Scenic Loop.
- Garden at Peel Mansion | Bentonville – all seasons of the year, this historical garden sets a scene similar to what its inhabitants experienced in the late 1800s. Plus, you are surrounded by corporate Walmart and get to show your kids something people worldwide want to see.
- Botanical Garden of the Ozarks | Fayetteville – check out their programs listings or take a day to explore on your own in the gardens, bird-watching area, train playset, or butterfly gardens
- Putt Putt at Gator Golf | Fayetteville or Golf Mountain | Rogers
- Weekday Farmer’s Market | Most towns – I love to give my kiddo a budget of a couple of dollars and encourage him to spend it on something new we can try. He is not a great food explorer, but giving him some ownership helps. This same process can happen at Whole Foods or an ethnic grocery store. We get a new fruit or vegetable or buy an ingredient for a new recipe.
- Watch a game – whether it’s the Hogs, Naturals, or a high school team. If your kid loves sports, there are many options!
- Prairie Grove waterpark | Prairie Grove – I’m almost scared to tell you about this because it was quaint and we loved spending time there on occasion last summer.
- Eureka Springs is full of quirky spots kids will love. Quigley’s Castle and Turpentine Creek are at the top of the list.
- War Eagle Cavern | Rogers – a guided tour helps visitors learn about migrating bats and the history of the cave. Kids also love buying a bag of sand and panning for treasures.
- War Eagle Mill | Rogers – a historic mill with a restaurant and gift shop. This is a fun swimming hole in the warmer months and home to a large craft fair each fall.
- Arkansas Missouri Train Rides | Springdale – themed and seasonal rides with excursions to Van Buren
- Old Spanish Treasure Cave | Sulphur Springs – we loved this hidden gem last summer and made a day of exploring Gravette
- Aquatic Centers – Rogers, Siloam Springs, Springdale, Bella Vista, Alma, Clarksville
Kid friendly restaurants in Northwest Arkansas
- Village Inn | Fayetteville, Bentonville, Fort Smith – kids eat free some nights and free pie on Wednesday nights, breakfast served all day
- Pedaler’s Pub | Bentonville – great atmostphere, kids eat free, games at tables
- Smitty’s Garage | Fayetteville and Rogers – burgers and bar food
- Hammontrees | Rogers, Fayeteville – gourmet grilled cheese
- Shogun | Fayetteville, Bentonville – typical hibachi show with dinner
- Marketplace Grill | Springdale – kids eat free on Tuesday’s
- Chuy’s | Rogers and Fayetteville – inside decorations are fun to look at and most kids can find an option on a texmex menu
- Wright’s BBQ | Rogers, Johnson – its just so good, even if they only eac the mac and cheese
- JJ’s Grill | one in every town – each store has a little different feel, but its easy and conformtable for kids to be kids
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers | Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers – kids love the food, hot dogs, chicken strips, or bugers and usually want that little sunday with the gummy worms.
- Cicis Pizza | several locations – pizza buffet, dessert pizza included
- Beef O’Bradys | Bentonville
- Tiny Tim’s Pizza/Us Pizza/Tim’s Pizza East | Fayetteville, Springdale – all the great pizza
- Grubbs | Fayetteville, Rogers
- First Watch | Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville – seasonal, healthy options and chocolate chip pancakes for kids
- Mellow Mushroom | Fayetteville – psydecelic local pizza option
- Whole Hog Cafe | Bentonville, Fayetteville
- Jason’s Deli | Fayetteville – free ice cream, easy meals kids like, healthy side options
- Slim Chickens | all over – macaroni and chicken strips, $1.99 kids meal on Sundays
- Chicken Salad Chick | Fayetteville – fruit and macaroni and cheese, and most meals come with a flower cookie
- Red Robin | Fayetteville, Rogers
- Old Chicago Pizza | Rogers
- Pickleman’s | Fayetteville, Rogers – kids and usually share a pizza, they also love the cookies
- Newk’s | Fayetteville, Rogers for some reason this is always a yes, usually because they can get a sandwich and cheetos!
- McAlister’s Deli | Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville – sndwich shop, easy sides, usually a yes.
The kids eat free list from NWA Kid’s Directory is also and easy way to make a dinner or lunch choice!
Other links you may find helpful in planning a Northwest Arkansas family fun adventures
- Spots for Family Fun in NWA
- Northwest Arkansas experiences for the Total Solar Eclipse
- Ultimate NWA Park Guide
- Homeschool Adventures in Northwest Arkansas
- Riding the Razorback Greenway
- 8 pools that offer Day Passes
- Where kids eat free in Northwest Arkansas
- Seasonal Guides for Northwest Arkansas
- Northwest Arkansas Moms Business Directory
- NWA Moms in the Know
- NWA Daily – a daily newsletter about all things NWA
- Follow @NWArkansasMamas on all the socials
Museums in Northwest Arkansas
- Crystal Bridges and The Momentary | Bentonville
- Scott Family Amazeum | Bentonville
- Walmart Museum | Bentonville – in a temporary location right now in the Ledger
- Peel Mansion and Botanical Gardens | Bentonville
- Bentonville History Museum | Bentonville
- Bella Vista Historical Museum | Bella Vista
- Rogers Historical Museum | Rogers
- Daisy Airgun Museum | Rogers
- Lowell History Museum | Lowell
- Shiloh Museum | Springdale
- Transportation Museum | Springdale
- Siloam Springs Museum | Siloam Springs
- Tontitown Historical Museum | Tontitown
- Arkansas Air and Military Museum at Drake Field | Fayetteville
- Arkansas Country Doctors Museum | Lincoln
- Headquarters House | Fayetteville
- Clinton House Museum | Fayetteville
- University of Arkansas Museum | Fayetteville
- Eureka Springs Historical Museum | Eureka Springs
Don’t miss this inclusive list of more than 50 museum experiences in Northwest Arkansas for family fun.
Great Parks in Northwest Arkansas
I wrote an article about this for OnlyinArk.com (you should sign up for their newsletter). When we moved to Northwest Arkansas, I couldn’t find a comprehensive list of parks, so I created it. Since I first created this list, a handful of new parks have been added to the area. So, I’m offering you a list of favorites below. Make it a mission to check out new parks and note why you love them. As my son ages, meeting at a park is a great way to build community and offer solace for another mom. When you know where you can go, meeting up is much easier!
One of the things I try to keep in mind with parks is what I will have to say “no” to, vs. what I can say “yes” to. If you don’t want to do a splash pad, then avoid a play park that has a splash pad they may see…they will see it. If you don’t want to be super hands-on and talk to a friend, then know that and if a certain park requires more of your attention.
- Osage Park and OZ Art Walk | Bentonville – we love this spot because it’s a place to explore – it’s not what I would call your traditional park, and I find I have to explain to friends when we meet here. But I like to talk about the boardwalks, look at wildlife, and let my son run around. It connects to nearby Lake Bentonville Park – which is mostly ropes and hard to navigate for littles, but many people love it for its “ninja” style of play. Don’t forget to check out the new aviation-themed playground at Osage.
- Citizen Park | Bentonville – this is top 3 favorite parks in the area, hours and hours of fun to be had. And, its all fenced in which is always helpful for safety. In general, Bentonville has great parks in many locations.
- Rotary Adventure Park | Springdale – we call this one the “blue and yellow” park, it’s right off the highway at the Don Tyson exit, and great to meet up if you have people coming from north and south. We like that it’s open for all abilities, but it does have a big opening in one area facing the parking lot.
- Wilson Park | Fayetteville – a fun spot for playing in multiple playgrounds, with a walking trail nearby. And, the castle is a magical fairytale playspace for kids.
- Charlie and Willie George Park | Springdale – we also love the splash pad here. A bigger fenced-in area makes this a great spot, the concrete path that bigs can ride bikes or scooters on, and two big pavilions!
- Shaw Family Park | Springdale is a great place for a meet-up. The park isn’t big, but the splash pad is nearby, and there’s a great covered area.
- KJ Memorial Park | Lowell—We love this park, but it’s kind of small. We love that it has a fence around it and that kids of different abilities can play in one space. We love the walking trail, which is great and flat for riding bikes!
- Ward Nail Park | Lowell – we like the one with the basketball goals, play area, and splash pad, but in off time, the playgrounds near the schools can be a good spot, too.
- Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park | Prairie Grove – I love this park. It’s rarely busy. We will play at the park, then move over and ride a bike on the trail near the orchard house. It’s one mile and an easy path for walking and riding.
- Gulley Park | Fayetteville—We especially love this area in the spring, when we can play in the creek, catch frogs, and play on the playground. Bring a blanket to sit under the trees, and decide early to ban your kids from the sand pit! (Or they will end up there quickly!)
- Mount Kessler Regional Park | Fayetteville—This is new, padded ground. It’s way south of Fayetteville, but it’s a great park for meetups. There is not much shade.
- Bob Henry Park | Siloam Springs offers varying abilities for kids to play in all kinds of ways and even a fun dog park.
- Bella Vista Lake Park and Kingsdale Recreation Park | Bella Vista – great quest spaces for kids to play.
- Creekside Park and Splashpad | Bentonville—This opened in the summer of 2023 and was a hit for families. It is definitely worth the drive; it just gets busy. But I love the big pavilion, which makes it easy for parents to sit close and watch. Or, bring a baseball chair and sit near the edge of the play space.
- Dave Peel Park | Bentonville—This pocket park right off Bentonville Square is a fun destination because you are in the center of everything. If you don’t like loud noises, you may hold off on this one, but if kids love watching construction, this is a great spot and something we always walk over to from the Bentonville farmer’s market.
- Austin Baggett Park | Bentonville—We love the shaded area of this park. There is not a lot of parking because it is intentionally a neighborhood park, and right now, there is a lot of construction in this area. I will say the mosquitos and gnats are bad in this area because of the foliage, but it’s still a fun space for kids. You can easily walk over to the grounds of the momentary and explore more or walk to 8th Street Market for lunch.
- Railyard Bike Park | Rogers—it’s a park loved by many. It’s just not my favorite, mostly for safety. But in the early mornings, it can be a fun spot before big kids get there and it gets busy.
- Lake Atalanta | Rogers—I love the park’s play area and walking path. Just know it’s long and up and down, so if kids aren’t completely comfortable riding toys, it can be very frustrating for moms. I usually say we will walk, look at birds, and talk about the nature around us. Half of the path is shaded, and half is in full sun; know what kind of weather day it is and which part of the path you want to tackle.
- McKissic Park | Centerton – fun play spaces and newer splash pad for kids
- Mount Hebron Park | Rogers – we call this the rainbow park because of the colored pavilion. This is not my favorite park as a mom because I must pay close attention to keep my eye on my kid. There are lots of hiding spots and no fence, so easy access to parking lots, but the kids love it, so it’s a treat I use as a dangling carrot.
- Orchards Park | Bentonville – has a great new playground space for kids of all ages, but wide open sunlight
- Johnson City Park | Johnson is newly renovated and has great playground equipment, but parking is very limited. You can park across the street at the city office parking; hold on to kids as you cross the street; it’s a busy intersection.
- Cave Springs City Park | Cave Springs – a hidden forest in the city.
- Elm Springs City Park | Elm Springs – small but very enjoyable because it’s not busy.
- Gravette City Parks | Gravette – several parks with shady spots, wartime airplanes, and even a skate park for the big kids.
- Gentry City Park and Splash Pad | Gentry is an easy park to pop into when we take care of errands in the area. The splash pad is wide open, and part of the park is in the shade. We love to come play here after lunch at the Wooden Spoon.
- Creekside Park | Farmington
Easy Day Trips from Northwest Arkansas
No matter the make up of your family, there is fun to be had in every big and small city in Northwest Arkansas. From hidden trails to National and State Parks, quirky stops, and petting zoos,s this corner of Arkansas has a special adventure for everyone!
Here are some articles and tips I’ve shared that you may find helpful in planning advenures in Northwest Arkansas and beyond:
- Arkansas Nature Centers – 9 locations across Arkansas
- Parrot Island Waterpark | Fort Smith – while Fort Smith is in Northwest Arkansas, for many its considered the River Valley, but it makes and easy drive, especially when a waterpark feels like a big outing for kids.
- Ocean Adventures | Joplin, MO
- Precious Moments Chapel | Carthage, MO
- Alma Aquatic Center | Alma
- The Gathering Place | Tulsa – A riverfront park with all kinds of adventures and cultural experiences. My recommendation, go when its not a school holiday and take a friend so you can divide and conquer taking care of your kids and watching everyone.
- Tulsa Zoo | Tulsa – two hour drive and lot os kid discovery and animal interaction.
- Discovery Lab | Tulsa – sister museum to Amazeum – a kids science and STEM exploration center
- Harbor Village Museum | Grove, OK – a living history pioneer village with interactive village buildings and live demonstrations. Just a few minutes past Siloam Springs
- Museum of Discovery | Little Rock
- Mid America Science Museum | Hot Springs
- Petit Jean State Park | Morrilton
- Mount Magazine State Park | Paris
- Mount Nebo State Park or Lake Dardanelle | Dardanelle
As you can see, the sky is the limit for family fun in Northwest Arkansas. But it’s up to you to set the tone or determine how much you can handle it. If you spend the summer creating community and cleaning out, it will still be a summer they remember.
How do we survive the summer in Northwest Arkansas?
Oh, I’m so glad you asked this question! Its honestly oour favorite time of the year together. Now that my Little Man is in school, its the only time we get all day together, so we try to milk it for all the fun we can. Check out my Surviving Summer in Northwest Arkansas plan!
Travel articles you may find helpful:
