The Ultimate Guide to a Family-Friendly Staycation in Northwest Arkansas

Summertime (or Spring Break!) is the perfect time to explore everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer without having to leave town, and this Ultimate Guide to planning the perfect family-friendly Northwest Arkansas Staycation is your all-in-one landing place.

If you find yourself local and not wanting ot travel, there are many options for great family adventures and experiences that your kid will love. And, frankly speaking, the rest of the world is coming to Northwest Arkansas for their family adventures, so we should join them! 

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, hands-on activities, or local history, there’s something for every family to enjoy. This guide highlights the best family-friendly activities and day trips in the region, all while keeping your budget in check.

Perhaps you’ve come to find homeschool adventures or summer day trips; this is the perfect place for a variety of activities. The possibilities really are endless. 

• Let me challenge you to see what you want to do – learn, play, connect, explore – knowing this will help you know where to look for activities.
• The libraries in Northwest Arkansas are great places to look for free fun, and things that recur weekly. 
• Several of them will be listed below, but our city parks and state parks in the area offer programming for a variety of interests. See what’s coming! 

Outdoor Adventures in Northwest Arkansas

Osage Park & Lake Bentonville Park | Bentonville
Enjoy a beautiful day outdoors at Osage Park or Lake Bentonville Park. Pack a picnic or grab lunch at Louise at Thaden Field, where kids can watch small planes take off and land.

Kessler Mountain & Briar Rose | Fayetteville
Take a hike on Kessler Mountain for stunning views or visit Briar Rose, a hidden gem offering picturesque trails. The nearby City Park offers a great way to burn off the sugar from lunch.

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks | Fayetteville
Stroll through vibrant gardens, discover butterfly habitats, and enjoy educational exhibits that kids will love.

Lake Fort Smith State Park | Mountainburg
Spend the day hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing at this stunning state park, perfect for a quick nature getaway.

Natural Dam Falls | Natural Dam
Located in the Ozark National Forest, this scenic waterfall is easily accessible and makes for a fun, family-friendly nature outing.

Blowing Springs | Bella Vista
Bike or hike through tree-lined trails and rocky bluffs at Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista, known for its cool rock formations and shaded picnic spots.

Tanyard Creek | Bella Vista
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the creek, explore the swinging bridge, and cool off by the small waterfall—this nature area is a favorite for families and photographers.

Moonshiner’s Cave | Winslow
Tucked away near Devil’s Den State Park, this short trail leads to a cave with a legendary past, offering a unique hike for adventurous explorers.

Hands-On Fun & Interactive Learning

Scott Family Amazeum | Bentonville
This hands-on children’s museum in Bentonville offers interactive exhibits, a tinkering hub, and creative play areas for kids of all ages.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art | Bentonville
Explore world-class art exhibits and walk along beautiful nature trails surrounding the museum.

Arkansas Air & Military Museum at Drake Field | Bentonville
Discover historic aircraft and aviation history at this family-friendly museum.

MONAH (Museum of Native American History) \ Bentonville
Discover Native American culture through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Arkadia Retrocade | Fayetteville
Step back in time with unlimited play on classic arcade games from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s—perfect for family fun or nostalgic grown-up getaways.

History & Museums in Northwest Arkansas

Shiloh Museum of Ozark History | Springdale
A must-visit for history buffs, this museum offers an engaging experience showcasing life in the Ozarks through interactive exhibits.

Tontitown Museum | Tontitown
Explore the rich Italian heritage of Tontitown with exhibits that showcase the town’s history and traditions.

Benton County Museum | Bentonville
Explore the local history of Benton County through engaging displays and artifacts.

Siloam Springs Museum | Siloam Springs
Visit the local museum, then cool off at the water park or grab a treat at Pure Joy Ice Cream or a nearby bakery.

Lowell City Museum | Lowell
A hidden gem with fascinating exhibits about the history of Lowell and Northwest Arkansas.

Headquarters House | Fayetteville
Step back in time at this historic Civil War home in Fayetteville.

Historic Cane Hill | Cane Hill
Explore the beautifully preserved historic community of Cane Hill, featuring restored buildings, scenic walking trails, and a rich connection to Arkansas’s early history.

Arkansas Rural Doctor Museum | Lincoln
Located in Lincoln, this unique museum showcases the lives and practices of rural doctors in the early 20th century, offering a glimpse into the region’s medical history.

Sarah Ridge House | Fayetteville
Tour one of the oldest homes in Fayetteville, once belonging to a prominent Cherokee leader. This site offers a powerful perspective on Indigenous history and early Arkansas settlement.

Action-Packed Indoor Fun in Northwest Arkansas

Hunt Nature Center | Springdale
An excellent spot for hands-on nature exhibits and wildlife education.

Trampoline Parks
Bounce the day away at Altitude Trampoline Park in Fayetteville or DEFY Rogers.

Fast Lanes | Lowell
Perfect for a rainy day, Fast Lanes in Lowell offers bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and go-karts.

Terrace Studio | Fayetteville
Let your kids get creative with art classes and workshops at this fun-filled studio.

Modern Mission | Fayetteville
Let the kids burn off energy with an exciting laser tag adventure at Modern Mission in Fayetteville.

Spartan Adventure Park | Fort Smith
Challenge yourself with ninja obstacles, bounce zones, and climbing walls—this high-energy indoor park is fun for all ages.

Flip Side Ninja Park | Rogers
Train like a ninja on obstacle courses inspired by the hit TV show, complete with warped walls, ropes, and agility challenges for kids and adults.

Let’s Imagine | Bentonville
Designed for younger kids, this imaginative play space features pretend shops, costumes, and interactive exhibits perfect for hands-on exploration.

Play Street Museum | Fayetteville
This museum-meets-play space is ideal for preschoolers and early elementary kids, offering themed exhibits that spark creativity and curiosity.

Unique Day Trips for Families from Northwest Arkansas

Gravette Adventure
Spend the day exploring Spanish Treasure Cave, grab lunch at a local food truck, visit the hardware store with the secret candy shop and pet shop, and let the kids run free at the city park featuring a historic airplane. Its a close-up, best kind of adventure day. 

Springdale Airport Lunch & Plane Watching
Enjoy a meal at the Springdale Airport while watching planes take off and land—an unforgettable experience for little aviation enthusiasts.

Cane Hill, Lincoln, Prairie Grove
Step into Arkansas history with a scenic drive through these small towns. Tour the historic buildings of Cane Hill, visit the Arkansas Rural Doctor Museum in Lincoln, and explore the Civil War battlefield at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park.

Saunders Museum | Berryville, AR
Home to a fascinating gun collection and Wild West memorabilia, this small-town museum is filled with surprises and stories from the American frontier days.

HarBer Village Museum | Grove, OK
Travel back in time at this outdoor pioneer village featuring over 100 historical buildings and exhibits overlooking Grand Lake.

George Washington Carver National Monument | Diamond, MO
Visit the birthplace of George Washington Carver and explore interactive exhibits, walking trails, and educational displays honoring his scientific legacy.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum | Mansfield, MO
Tour the beloved author’s home and museum where she wrote the Little House books. We stopped on the way at the original Stean ‘n Shake along historic Route 66 and grabbed a classic milkshake or burger for a fun retro lunch stop.

Creation Truth Foundation Dinosaur Museum & Fossil Safari | Noble, OK
Get hands-on with fossils and life-sized dino models at this engaging museum that explores paleontology through a unique lens. Kids can even dig for fossils on site!

Natural Falls State Park | West Siloam Springs, OK
Just across the border, this picturesque park features a 77-foot waterfall, nature trails, picnic spots, and peaceful scenery perfect for a relaxing outdoor day.

Branson, MO
Make it a full day (or weekend!) of family fun with thrilling rides at Silver Dollar City, live shows at the Sight & Sound Theater, go-karts and indoor play at Fritz’s Adventure, car exhibits, and dinner with flair at Dolly Parton’s Stampede.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants & Arkansas Classics

After a day of adventures, enjoy a meal at one of these family-friendly restaurants known for their delicious food and welcoming atmosphere:

• Flashback Pizza & Milkshakes | Downtown Rogers
  A retro-style eatery offering classic pizzas and creamy milkshakes. Kid Favorite: Build-your-own pizza.
• Mellow Mushroom
  A fun, funky pizzeria serving up hand-tossed pizzas with unique toppings. Kid Favorite: Cheese pizza and pretzel bites.
• Penguin Ed’s BBQ
  A local barbecue staple with flavorful smoked meats and a casual vibe. Kid Favorite: Mac & cheese with pulled pork.
• Sassy’s Red House
  Known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious barbecue. Kid Favorite: Chicken tenders and fries.
• Wright’s Barbecue
  A must-visit for top-notch smoked meats in a relaxed setting. Kid Favorite: Brisket sliders.
• Food Truck Park at Lake Fayetteville
  An assortment of food trucks offering a variety of cuisines, with a great outdoor seating area. Kid Favorite: Street tacos and gourmet grilled cheese.
• Wood Stone Pizza
  Artisan pizzas made with fresh, local ingredients. Kid Favorite: Classic cheese pizza.
• Hammontrees Grilled Cheese
  A gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Kid Favorite: The “Cheese Louise” sandwich.
• Rolling Pin Café
  A cozy breakfast spot with homestyle cooking. Kid Favorite: Pancakes with syrup or chocolate gravy and biscuits.
• Feltner Brothers
  An excellent place for burgers, fries, and shakes in a family-friendly atmosphere. Kid Favorite: Classic cheeseburger.
• Whole Hog Café
  Enjoy a delicious barbecue with a variety of sauces to choose from. Kid Favorite: Pulled pork sandwich.
• Tim’s Pizza East
  A Fayetteville classic serving hand-tossed pizzas with fresh ingredients. Kid Favorite: Pepperoni pizza.
• Gusano’s or Guido’s Pizza
  Both are excellent spots for deep-dish and traditional pizzas. Kid Favorite: Deep-dish cheese pizza.
• Pig Trail Bypass Café | Elkins
  A small-town gem serving up classic diner favorites with a Southern twist. Kid Favorite: Pancakes for breakfast or chicken tenders with fries.
• Tacos 4 Life
  A mission-driven taco spot known for flavorful options and generous portions. Kid Favorite: $1.99 kids meal with tacos or quesadillas and chips.

Other spots Kids will love

• Jersey Mike’s
• Newks
• Tacos for Life
• Smitty’s Garage
• Loafin Joe’s – sandwiches and homemade chips, always a fun lunch spot when we leave the library or downtown Fayetteville
• Jason’s Deli
• Red Robin
• Slim Chickens
• Chick-fil-A – great options across the area and some play spaces