Hot Springs, Arkansas is a beautiful city with a rich history, natural hot springs, and many exciting things to do. If you’re looking for activities to do with your children between the ages of 5 to 16, you’re in the right place. Here are some great ideas for family fun in Hot Springs.
Visit the Hot Springs National Park
The Hot Springs National Park is the oldest park maintained by the National Park Service, and it’s a must-visit destination in Hot Springs. Take a scenic drive, enjoy a picnic, or take a hike on one of the many trails. Be sure to stop by the visitor center and learn about the history and geology of the area.
Explore the Mid-America Science Museum
The Mid-America Science Museum is a great place for children to learn about science through interactive exhibits and activities. The museum has over 100 exhibits covering topics such as physics, energy, and health. It also has an outdoor area with a treehouse and a zip line.
Have Fun at Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is a popular attraction for families in Hot Springs. With over 20 rides, including roller coasters, water slides, and a wave pool, there’s something for everyone. The park also hosts concerts and special events throughout the year.
Visit the Garvan Woodland Gardens
The Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden with over 5 miles of trails. Children will love exploring the various gardens, including the Children’s Adventure Garden, which features interactive exhibits and a play area. The gardens also host seasonal events, such as the Holiday Lights display.
Learn About the History of Hot Springs at the Gangster Museum of America
The Gangster Museum of America is a unique museum that explores the city’s history as a popular destination for gangsters in the 1920s and 1930s. Children can learn about the lives of notorious gangsters such as Al Capone and Lucky Luciano and see artifacts from the era.
Go Fishing at Lake Hamilton
Lake Hamilton is a beautiful lake that offers great fishing opportunities for families with children. The lake is home to various fish species, including bass, catfish, crappie, and bream. Children can learn the basics of fishing, including casting and baiting, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake.
Rent a Pontoon Boat and Explore Lake Hamilton
If you’re looking for a fun family activity on the water, consider renting a pontoon boat and exploring Lake Hamilton. The lake is a popular destination for boating, and renting a pontoon boat is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Pontoon boats can be rented from several marinas around the lake, and they typically come equipped with life jackets, a cooler, and a sound system. You can pack a picnic and spend the day on the lake, stopping at various coves and beaches for swimming and exploring.
Play Mini Golf and Visit Arcades
Hot Springs has several mini golf courses and arcades that are perfect for families with children. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, for example, offers two 18-hole mini golf courses with pirate-themed obstacles and decorations. There are also several arcades around the city, including Funtrackers Family Fun Park, which offer arcade games, go-karts, bumper boats and mini golf.
Visit the Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo
If you and your children love animals, you won’t want to miss the Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo in Hot Springs. The farm is home to over 200 alligators of all sizes, including a rare leucistic alligator named Snowball. You can watch the alligators being fed, learn about their habitat and behavior, and even hold a baby alligator.
In addition to the alligators, the petting zoo is home to a variety of animals such as goats, deer, llamas, and more. You and your children can interact with the animals, feed them, and even ride a pony.
Try an Escape Room
Escape rooms have become a popular family activity in recent years, and Hot Springs has several options to choose from. Escape rooms are essentially interactive puzzles that require you to use your problem-solving skills to solve clues and escape a themed room within a certain amount of time. Some of the popular escape rooms in Hot Springs include Escape Hot Springs and A Narrow Escape.
Enjoy a Magic Show with Maxwell Blade
Maxwell Blade is a local celebrity in Hot Springs, known for his mind-boggling magic shows that are sure to entertain the whole family. His theater, the Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic, is located in the historic downtown district and offers regular shows throughout the year. Maxwell Blade’s shows are a mix of magic, comedy, and illusion, and are suitable for all ages. He even invites children from the audience to participate in his tricks, making it a memorable experience for everyone.
Hot Springs, Arkansas is a great destination for families with children of all ages. Whether you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, learn about its history, or have fun on the water, there are plenty of activities to choose from. So pack your bags, gather the family, and head to Hot Springs for an unforgettable family vacation.