18 Fun Things To Do in Hot Springs, AR with Kids

Are you looking to have a fun Hot Springs, Arkansas, family vacation? Aside from visiting Hot Springs National Park, kids will always want to do something fun! I remember when I was a kid, all those touristy things that my parents took me to seemed so boring to me at the time. Remembering how I felt then, I always make sure to include something in our itinerary that’s just for the kids.

If you’re visiting Hot Springs, lucky for you, there are lots of fun things to do with kids! I’ve rounded up a list of the best fun things to do in Hot Springs with kids.

Here’s a map of all the places listed below. Click on the brackets in the upper right hand corner to see a bigger view of the map on a new page.

1. Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden with so many things to see. Your kids can start off with a scavenger hunt that gives them a fun way to start exploring the garden. They can feel a sense of accomplishment by putting a sticker on everything they spot.

Scavenger Hung at Garvan Gardens

George the Peacock

Maybe you’ll get lucky and see George the peacock! He was casually walking by us when we first arrived. We were lucky to get this capture.

Inside Garvan Woodland Gardens, there’s a Children’s Adventure Garden. This is where the Bob & Sunny Evans Tree House is located.

Bob & Sunny Evans Tree House

Constructed in July 2018, The Bob and Sunny Evans Tree House is located within the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden. It’s a beautiful place for children to be more engaged with nature. My kids ran off ahead of me, exploring before I could even catch up!

Evans Children’s Adventure Garden

Other parts of the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden to explore. Kids can walk across the Cedar Bridge, climb rocks, and even see a mini waterfall and cave.

Koi Pond

If you want to feed the koi, be sure to buy koi food at the gift shop before heading to the koi pond. The kids had so much fun feeding the fish!

Anthony Chapel

After hiking around the gardens, head over to the Anthony Chapel before you leave. The Anthony Chapel is a beautiful spot for weddings and events, and you can see why! The architecture is stunning to see, nestled between lots of trees. The chapel is closed if there is an event going on, which is what happened to us, but we were still able to take some photos.

2. Mid-America Science Museum

The Mid-America Science Museum is a fun place to visit for families when in Hot Springs. It is located about 5 miles outside of Hot Springs, with many exhibits to keep you entertained with both indoor and outdoor activities.

There’s an outdoor DinoTrek where you can see dinosaur installations outside, different exhibits to explore, and science shows you can watch. You can see the DinoTrek map and a map of the exhibits here.

3. Magic Springs Theme & Water Park

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is an amusement park and water park to spend a day of fun during your trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas. There’s a theme park with rides and roller coasters, and a water park to cool off. You can see a map of all the attractions.

During summer break (from late May through mid-August), the park is open daily. During the school year, the park is open on weekends. Check their calendar here.

The admission price includes all the rides and attractions in both parks for the entire day. See the current prices here.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
1701 E Grand Ave (map)
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 624-0100

4. T-Rex Fun Spot

If you’re looking for some fun kid activities, head over to T-Rex fun spot, where you can do so many different activities – everything from Jurassic blacklight mini golf, high ropes, arcade, laser tag, go karts, gyroscope, and so much more. Our kids had so much fun there.

5. Adventureworks Ziplines

Looking for some fun outdoor adventure while in Hot Springs? Go on an aerial zipline adventure and a ropes course at Adventureworks!

Prices range from $35-$80 per adventure. A full list of prices can be found here.

6. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

Go on a fun family outing playing mini golf outside with choices from two different 18-hole golf courses, the Captain’s Course or the Blackbeard’s Challenge. Or do both and complete a 36-hole course!

7. Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

If you want to see an alligator, you can visit the Arkansas Alligator Farm. Not only will you see alligators that you can hold, but there is a petting zoo where you can pet other animals such as goats, sheep, and even emu! You might even be able to feed alligators meat on a stick during feeding season, or feed parakeets.

8. Family Fun Park

Have some fun at Family Fun Park on a single or double go-kart, bumper cars, ropes course, kiddie ropes course, VR ride, and giant climbing beanstalk.

9. FunTracker’s Family Fun Park

At FunTracker’s Family Fun Park, race on go-karts, play games in the arcade, try a round of mini-golf, play a game of laser tag, or ride in bumper boats outdoors!

See a video of Funtrackers Family Fun Park here.

10. Go Horseback Riding

Interested in taking your family on a horseback ride in the woods? You can go horseback riding fairly close to Hot Springs.

Arkansas Riding Stables

Go on a horseback ride through a shaded trail in the woods! Horses are calm and great with kids, too. It’s best to call before you go.

11. Tiny Town

Tiny Town is a miniature train town that was created by a man and woman, Frank and Louise Moshinski, over 50 years ago. He started creating this tiny train when he was just 13 years old. It is now run by his sons and daughter-in-law. This tiny town was created mostly from scraps and household items. It’s amazing to see what one man’s creativity can create.

12. Try an Escape Room

Ever wanted to try an escape room? You can do one at Escape Hot Springs or A Narrow Escape. Spend an hour or two solving puzzles and plan your escape. This activity is great for families. Kids must be ages 6 and up. You’ll just be using your brain and feel the accomplishment of escaping the room!

Prices range from $22-$27 per person for different escape room adventures. There is a minimum of 2-4 people required, depending on the case.

13. Retroverse Museum

Are you a Star Wars fan or interested in vintage characters from the past? If so, this is the place for you to visit! Retroverse Museum (formerly The Galaxy Connection) is a small museum of all things Star Wars and all things retro. Located in a residential area, reservations are required, but you’ll experience a guided tour of all your childhood memories from the 80s and 90s — toys, figures, costumes, movies, and cars — there’s a lot to see!

14. Central Bowling Lanes

Go bowling at Central Bowling Lanes, which has been recently upgraded with new lanes and mini kid lanes. They also serve food and drinks.

15. Eat at Grateful Head Pizza Oven

Grateful Head Pizza Oven is a popular pizza spot in downtown Hot Springs. It has the most unique puffed up pizza crust that makes this pizza place extra special. Because it’s a popular spot, there may be a line, so be sure to put your name in before you’re ready to eat. You’ll get a call when they’re ready for you. We were filling up some hot springs water down the street when they were ready for us!

16. Hamilton Hangout

Hamilton Hangout is a place you can bowl and play arcade games. There are 16 lanes with the newest bowling technology and over 40 arcade games. There’s also a bar and grill to order food while you hang out and have some fun.

17. Order the signature purple milkshake at Purple Cow Restaurant

A restaurant designed for family dining, the purple milkshake is a signature at Purple Cow Restaurant, made from purple vanilla ice cream. It’s a fun treat when you want to take a break from all the sightseeing!

Watch a video about the history of Purple Cow.

18. Ron Coleman Mining

Located 30 mintues away from Hot Springs, you can dig for crystals at Ron Colehead Mining. They also have zip-lining where you can get a birds-eye view of the active quartz mine. There is an unlimited day pass where you can take as many zip line trips as you want along with an all day crystal digging pass. You get to keep what you find!

If you’re short on time and want to skip the digging, but take home a crystal souvenir, they have a gift shop with all sorts of gems and more.

Rental tools are not provided, so come prepared with a small hand shovel and gloves. Safety glasses are also recommended. Tools can also be purchased in the gift shop.

If it’s your birthday, you get to dig for free!

I hope this gives you some ideas of what you can do on your trip to Hot Springs with your family!

Happy travels!

Related Posts:

• If you’re looking for more things to do in Hot Springs, check out our full list of things to do in Hot Springs.

• Read about our Arkansas weekend getaway to Hot Springs to help plan your itinerary.

• Interested in digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas?

• Learn about the Hot Springs Bathhouses on Bathhouse Row

• Find the best places to stay in Hot Springs

For a visitor’s guide on Hot Springs and Diamond Lakes, visit diamondlakes.org.

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