Things to do in Little Rock Arkansas with Kids
What to Do
History buffs will want to check out the Historic Arkansas Museum, which has several impressive exhibits. Tiny tots will want to spend all of their time in the Sturgis Children’s Gallery, which has a play log cabin perfect for big imaginations. An important exhibit is We Walk in Two Worlds: The Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw People of Arkansas, found in the Native American gallery. There are 158 objects on display ranging from tools to clothing and pottery, all of which tell the story and the journey of the Native American people of Arkansas.
If you love nature and the outdoors, visit the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center. This 3.4-acre center on the Arkansas river focuses on the outdoor adventure opportunities in Arkansas. There are learning exhibits indoors and plenty of wildlife viewing (in an urban setting) outdoors.
It will be hard to hang out in the River Market District without paying a visit to the William J. Clinton Library and Museum. The state of Arkansas is home to former President Bill Clinton, and in his library, you’ll view almost 100,000 objects and works of art, many of which the Clintons received from dignitaries and world leaders during his time in office.
An afternoon at the Museum of Discovery is a must for curious kids. A fun exhibit for older kids is Tornado Alley. It does a great job of re-telling the story of the tornadoes that devastated parts of downtown Little Rock in 1999. Another fun area to explore is the exhibit with experiments on the human body. Discover your resting heart rate and reaction time, and challenge someone in your group to a battle of the minds. Strap on a headband that reads brain waves, then, using only your mind, move a ball towards your opponent.
There is so much to do in Riverfront Park. Kids will love the Margaret Clark Adventure Playground. It offers a two-story slide, climbing webs, a boulder climbing wall, and other attractions. The Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden puts art on display for everyone to enjoy, and the Peabody Splash Park is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
Drive or ride the METRO street car a short distance over the river to watch an Arkansas Travelers game. There isn’t a bad seat in the house at this minor league baseball stadium, and with themed days and lots of ballpark snacks, it’s an affordable way to enjoy America’s pastime.
