Listed below are some of the best things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with your family. Whether you’re looking for a day of outdoor fun or a family-friendly theme park, this Arkansas city has something to offer everyone. From a decent aquarium to a local gift shop, there’s something for everyone! Read on to discover what makes Hot Springs, Arkansas, such a fun place to visit.
Bathhouse Row
A stroll down historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs will take you back in time. The first buildings on Bathhouse Row were once frequented by slick gangsters and dashing gals, but these days they are family-friendly and have a lot to offer. Many bathhouses have become restaurants, and some even feature escape rooms. You can also check out the Gangster Museum of America, which highlights the town’s notorious criminals.
A free parking structure is available near Bathhouse Row. Look for the signs indicating “free” parking, then cross the road using a crosswalk. A museum and visitor center are close by. After you’re done, you can take a stroll along the Grand Promenade, a paved walking trail that overlooks the city and the mountains in the background.
If you are looking for something more active, try a hike on the Grand Promenade. The 0.5-mile-long walk way runs alongside Bathhouse Row, offering a stunning view of downtown Hot Springs and its famous hot springs. It is also designated a National Recreation Trail, and several hiking trails begin here. Take your kids to Bathhouse Row for a stroll and enjoy the views!
Another family-friendly activity in Hot Springs is a visit to Hot Spring National Park. This park is free to visit and includes eight historic bathhouses. There are also hiking trails in the area, and they vary in difficulty. You can choose between the West Mountain Trail and the North Mountain Trail. If you don’t want to hike, you can take your dog along, but you should make sure they are leashed.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
If you’re looking for a day of fun with the family, consider the Magic Spring Theme and Water Park in Hot Springs, near Little Rock, Arkansas. The park’s single admission fee covers admission to the entire park, allowing visitors to ride all the attractions and rides for the day. There are a number of different attractions to choose from, including thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and a lazy river.
At Magic Spring’s Theme and Water Park, thrill seekers will find thrilling rides and kiddie attractions that are sure to entertain all ages. You can ride the famous pirate ship, or experience the old-fashioned log flume. Or, if your kids are more daring, take them on the X-Coaster, which takes them 150 feet in the air, including backwards. Or try the Sky Shark, which combines the excitement of bungee jumping and hang-gliding.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is located 50 miles from Little Rock and is a great destination for a family vacation. It’s also close to other major attractions in the area, including the Blade Theatre. During the summer, Magic Springs is open on weekends only. The park also hosts several concerts and other special events, including the famous Summer Concert Series. If you’re visiting with children, you’ll want to check out the concert amphitheater as well.
Lake Ouachita
If you’re looking for some fun family activities, there are plenty of activities that your entire family can enjoy in Hot Springs, AR. This small town has a long history surrounding hot springs, and today it’s home to many attractions and spas. There’s a water park with a water slide and a zip line adventure, and there’s even a full-size pirate ship that you can climb inside!
For a day of adventure, consider visiting the Three Sisters Springs, located in Lake Ouachita State Park. The water here is supposedly healing, so don’t be shy about dipping your feet into it. If you want to explore the area, you can hike the park’s two hiking trails, which range from half a mile to four miles long. If you want to do some more hiking, try the Ouachita National Forest, where you can find hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
Another fun activity is to head to the Ouachita bathhouse, where you can relax in a beautiful atmosphere. The first floor is full of stained glass, and there’s a separate bath for men. There’s also a music room and bowling alley, and you can take your pick of activities that will keep your family entertained for days. Another fun activity is fishing on Lake Ouachita, which is the largest lake in the state. It is home to many types of fish, making it a great place to catch a fish or two.
Fordyce Bathhouse
While you are in Hot Springs, Arkansas, make sure to check out the Fordyce Bathhouse. This former spa was a hot spot for wealthy residents, and it still has some of its original splendor. You can visit the bathhouse’s museum and orientation film, or go for a self-guided tour. If you have a group, make sure to contact the Fordyce Bathhouse in advance to arrange a private tour.
The Fordyce Bathhouse is the main Visitors Center at Hot Springs National Park. The Fordyce Bathhouse is four stories tall and contains artifacts that tell the history of Hot Springs’ baths. You can take a tour of the bathhouse and chat with the rangers. Whether you have kids or want to explore the bathhouse’s history, you won’t be disappointed.
If you want to know more about the history of the area, consider taking a tour of the historic Fordyce Bathhouse. The bathhouse was originally open in 1915 and closed until 1962, when it was renovated and used as a visitor center. It still has stained glass ceilings, marble floors, and elaborate tile work. You can also get your Park Passport stamped here if you want to learn more about the bathhouse.
The hot springs are located right across the Arlington Hotel on Central. Walking trails lead up to the springs, which are located at the base of the Ouachita Mountains. The bathhouse is open from 9 am to 5 pm and is best suited for older children. It’s worth a visit to the Bathhouse Row, where you can visit a variety of historic bathhouses. You can also check out local restaurants and shops.
Lake Catherine State Park
If you’re in the area for a day of fun, check out Lake Catherine State Park. This 2,180-acre park is located on the southern shore of Lake Catherine, eight miles southeast of Hot Springs. It was created during the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. In addition to its beautiful natural setting, it’s also home to several popular attractions, including a zoo, playground, and hiking trails.
If you’re looking for a day out with your family, check out Lake Catherine State Park. This state park is located on Lake Catherine, a natural highlight of the Ouchatica mountain range. You can camp or visit on a day trip. Camping and hiking are great options, and you can stay in a rustic cabin if you’d rather stay on site. The state park also offers water sports and boat rentals, as well as the Adventureworks zipline park.
The state park is a perfect spot for hiking or boating, and is also great for bird watching. During the covid pandemic, kayak rentals were restricted, but this restriction should be lifted by summer 2021. You can also go for a hike around the lake. Afterward, visit the Arkansas Walk of Fame, and don’t forget to check out the museum and art galleries. If you haven’t done so already, make sure to plan a visit to the Arkansas Walk of Fame.
Alligator farm
Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo is a privately owned zoo located on Whittington Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Families will love this zoo’s exotic animals and educational programs. The family-friendly farm is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm. Admission is free. However, reservations are required. Admission is limited to one per family. Families should visit the farm at least once before planning to visit again.
Feeding the alligators is the highlight of the farm and is a great way to get up close and personal with the animals. There are several ways to interact with the alligators, including hand-feeding them. Visitors can hold or feed the alligators, and some even get to hold them. One of Jamie Bridges’ favorite parts of the farm is feeding the alligators by hand. However, he nearly got bit by one of the gators when he reached for a piece of chicken on the ground. The alligator tried to “death roll,” which means spinning and tearing off the food. Bridges had to get 36 stitches in his forearm to repair the damage.
When visiting Hot Springs, make sure to include an alligator farm in your itinerary. The privately owned Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo has been enthralling families since 1902. There is a petting zoo and alligator feeding, and the entire family can interact with the animals. There are plenty of other attractions for families in the area, so make sure to add these to your list of things to do.
