Northwest Arkansas is one of our favorite parts of the state to explore as a family. Emily visits the area frequently with her husband and young daughter, Lyla, and they are always looking for fun things to do with kids in Northwest Arkansas.
They love finding new parks, museums, outdoor adventures and indoor play areas to enjoy together.
This guide includes many of their personal favorites, from walking at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve to hands-on fun at the Scott Family Amazeum.
You will also find free attractions, activities for rainy days, places for toddlers and several options that older kids and teens will enjoy.
For this list of things to do with kids in Northwest Arkansas, we are focusing on the five main cities of Bentonville, Bella Vista, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville. Whether you call the area Northwest Arkansas or NWA, there are plenty of ways to keep the whole family entertained.
Quick Picks for Families
| Best for | Our pick | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Scott Family Amazeum | Bentonville |
| Toddlers and preschoolers | Play Street Museum | Fayetteville |
| Best free attraction | Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art | Bentonville |
| Best outdoor family fun | Coler Mountain Bike Preserve | Bentonville |
| Older kids and teens | K1 Speed | Rogers |
| Best for a rainy day | The Jones Center | Springdale |
| Best for summer fun | Rogers Aquatics Center | Rogers |
| Most unique experience | Arkansas & Missouri Railroad | Springdale |
Things to do with kids in Bentonville
Scott Family Amazeum
This is one of Lyla’s favorites! The Scott Family Amazeum is an excellent place for kids.
It has hands-on science exhibits, a giant climbing structure, and a tinkering studio perfect for curious minds. There is also a playscape outside of the museum for kids to enjoy!
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Although children might not appreciate all of the art at Crystal Bridges there are several interesting exhibits.
The nice thing is that since the museum’s permanent collection is free you can pop in, see a few things that would be of interest to your kids and then head to the wonderful outdoor trails and displays.
The museum also has some engaging family programs year-round that you might want to check out.
Museum of Native American History
At the Museum of Native American History your family can step back in time and explore thousands of years of Indigenous history.
With artifacts ranging from ancient tools to modern Native art, it’s an engaging and educational stop for families. We also have a list of other great Arkansas museums that you or your children might find intriguing.
Bentonville Downtown Square
The Bentonville Square is a fun place to spend a little time with kids. They can run around on the grassy lawn by the fountain while parents admire the flowers and historic downtown surroundings.
Several stores on and near the square sell toys, books and other items children may enjoy.
The seasonal Saturday Bentonville Farmers Market is always a fun family outing, and the square is especially magical when it is covered in Christmas lights during the holidays.
Walmart Museum and Spark Cafe
Walton’s 5 & 10, which is part of the Walmart Museum, is fun for children and nostalgic for parents and grandparents. The store carries a great selection of old-fashioned toys, candy and souvenirs.
Admission to the museum is free, and children may especially enjoy seeing Sam Walton’s old red truck and the famous wall of returned merchandise.
After touring the museum, stop at the Spark Cafe for a treat. This retro soda-fountain-style ice cream shop serves Arkansas-made Yarnell’s ice cream at old-fashioned prices.
Lawrence Plaza
Lawrence Plaza is a fun, family-friendly stop in downtown Bentonville. During the warmer months, children can cool off in the splash pad, while in winter the plaza is transformed into an outdoor ice-skating rink.
Its convenient downtown location makes it easy to combine with a visit to the Bentonville Square, Walmart Museum or nearby shops and restaurants.
Let’s Imagine Indoor Playground
This indoor playground has both a climbing play structure and a soft play area. This is a great place to let kids run off some steam when the weather isn’t nice enough to play outside.
Do note that both adults and children are required to wear grippy socks inside the play area.
There is also a coffee shop for parents at Let’s Imagine!
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
The Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is a huge favorite! It has a little of everything for the family including strolling, bike riding, and playing in creeks.
There are paved paths for pushing strollers or allowing younger children to ride their bikes. There are also bike trails that are family-friendly for beginners in addition to the more difficult trails.
The adorable outpost of Airship Coffee with treats for both kids and their parents is sure to be a hit.
Bentonville Bike Playground
Bentonville is known as the mountain biking capital of the world. This bike playground is for the younger set who aren’t quite ready for the more advanced trails.
There are tunnels, bridges, and a pump track to help riders of all ages develop their cycling skills and their confidence.
Compton Gardens and Arboretum
Compton Gardens is an excellent place to enjoy a peaceful walk or easy bike ride with the kids.
This seven-acre haven features trails lined with native plants, towering trees and seasonal blooms. It is conveniently located just behind downtown Bentonville.
Thaden Field and Louise Cafe
Thaden Field is the Bentonville Municipal Airport. If you have a child who enjoys airplanes you can have lunch or get a snack at The Louise Cafe all while watching aircraft take off and land.
Osage Park
Osage Park is a perfect playground for high-energy families. It is adjacent to Thaden Field so kids can watch airplanes take off and land while exploring the wetland boardwalks. There are also pickleball courts and other family amenities.
Kids will especially enjoy the aviation-themed playground and parents will love the food truck pavilion and the easy access to clean restrooms.
Bella Vista
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
Tanyard Creek Nature trail in Bella Vista is one of our favorite places in Northwest Arkansas. Water flowing over the spillway creates a pretty waterfall which is running most of the year.
This natural area has some easy hiking. There are also a few spots where kids can play in the creek.
If your family enjoys waterfalls you should also check out our list of easy waterfall hikes in Arkansas.
Rogers
Rogers Aquatics Center
Cool off at the Rogers Aquatics Center. This 3-acre water park in Rogers features thrilling slides, a lazy river, splash zones, and pools for all ages.
Daisy Airgun Museum
Kids and adults will enjoy the Daisy Airgun Museum. This is a quirky little museum in downtown Rogers, where you can learn all about the history of the Daisy BB gun.
K1 Speed
This indoor go-kart track will get your adrenaline going. Older kids and teens, as well as competitive adults will enjoy K1 Speed.
Rogers Historical Museum
Families can discover the rich heritage of Northwest Arkansas together at the Rogers Historical Museum. There is even a gallery geared for younger children where kids can play pretend in historic shops and bakeries.
War Eagle Mill
On the outskirts of Rogers is the beautiful War Eagle Mill which has a picturesque setting on War Eagle Creek.
This is a historic water-powered mill that has a cafe and a gift shop. Visitors may see the mill’s traditional grinding process during scheduled demonstrations.
War Eagle Cavern
Not too far from War Eagle Mill is War Eagle Cavern which is located on Beaver Lake. This is a great adventure for families.
In addition to the cavern tours there are other activities for kids such as panning for gemstones, a maze and more.
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
At Hobbs State Park you can camp, hike scenic trails, watch for wildlife, and join educational programs at the visitor center.
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is on our list of the 10 best state parks in Arkansas.
Lake Atalanta Park
Lake Atalanta Park has playgrounds for the kids, a really nice paved walk around the lake, picnic spaces, fishing spots, a stream to play in, and more, all in this lovely, revitalized park.
Railyard Park
This park is located right in the heart of downtown Rogers. It features play and climbing structures as well as a splash area in the summer. It has train-themed climbing structures and giant tunnels.
When we took Lyla as a 2-year old we discovered that it is a better park for older children due to the height of some of the climbing areas.
It is also near lots of restaurants and shops in downtown Rogers.
Springdale
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
At the Shiloh Museum you and your family will learn about historic life in the Ozark Mountains with kid-friendly exhibits and historic buildings to explore.
Jones Center
The Jones Center has the only indoor ice rink in the region!
You will also find swimming pools, a fitness center, and more family-friendly amenities. It is also a park and ride location for the Razorback Greenway.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Excursion
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad has various excursions through the beautiful Boston Mountains. You can ride from Springdale to Van Buren, AR or Springdale to Winslow, AR.
There are also seasonal and specialty rides. We have done Holiday Express with Lyla and her cousins! Always check the schedule to find the most kid-friendly rides.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball Team
A trip to see the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale offers an unbeatable spring or summer outing for all ages.
A Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball game at Arvest Ballpark makes a fun spring or summer outing for the whole family.
The Naturals are the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Younger fans will especially enjoy the Kids Zone, which includes inflatables, mini-golf, a children’s train and a small baseball field.
There is also a free playground in the outfield, and select games feature special promotions or postgame fireworks.
Gerald Harp Treehouse Park
One of the things we really enjoyed about this park with Lyla is the fact that it is suitable for younger children. It features a fenced perimeter with a series of interconnected, elevated treehouses with railings.
It also has plenty of shade and some nearby bathrooms.
Fayetteville
Lokomotion Family Fun Park
At Lokomotion Family Fun Park you will find go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, laser tag, and arcade games. This is all-around family fun and would be good for a group with mixed ages.
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
There are themed gardens at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks where you can watch butterflies, learn about herbs and let kids explore and play.
They also have plenty of planned activities for kids so be sure to look at their schedule of events.
If your child is interested in plants and flowers then you might want to see our list of more beautiful gardens in Arkansas!
We also have a list of more beautiful gardens in Arkansas!
Arkadia Retrocade
This place is a “blast from the past!” Here parents can let their kids play the video games that they remember from when they were young! Think Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.
You pay an admission fee and then the games are free to play.
Wilson Park
Wilson Park is a historic 22‑acre park with a whimsical and artistic castle playground, a spring-fed pond, wonderfully landscaped and manicured gardens, a swimming pool, trails, and sports courts.
This park is such a gem!
We highly recommend a visit to this amazing green park in the middle of Fayetteville.
Lake Fayetteville Park
Lake Fayetteville Park offers two playgrounds, scenic trails including a 5-mile loop around the lake, sand volleyball, fishing, water views, and so much more.
This provides a perfect place for family picnics and outdoor adventures.
Play Street Museum
We visited Play Street Museum on our last trip to Northwest Arkansas. They offer immersive city-themed interactive exhibits for ages 0-8. Lyla loved it!
One thing that is important to know is that play sessions are timed so you will want to make a reservation.
Arkansas Air & Military Museum
The Arkansas Air & Military Museum is located at Drake Field. They have vintage aircraft and displays of military history with an Arkansas bent. There are also several hand-on exhibits.
Lyla was young when we visited but she still enjoyed being able to sit inside some of the old aircraft.
Across Northwest Arkansas
Bike the Razorback Greenway
The Razorback Greenway is a walking and biking trail that travels through several communities and connects parks, restaurants and downtown areas.
If you are visiting without your own bikes there are multiple bike rental shops in the area that also provide child carriers and helmets.
With hands-on museums, beautiful parks, bike trails, indoor play spaces and plenty of seasonal fun, Northwest Arkansas has something for children of almost every age.
Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures, educational attractions or a relaxed afternoon in one of the downtown areas, it is easy to build a full day, or an entire weekend, around these family-friendly activities.
We visit Northwest Arkansas often with Lyla, and we are always discovering new places to explore together.
We hope this list helps you find a few favorites of your own and create some wonderful family memories in NWA.
