9 Things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas with Kids
Things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas with Kids
In addition to be a foodie’s paradise, Little Rock is rich in beauty, nature, and history. From hiking and canoeing in state parks to learning about the Clinton Administration and the 1957 desegregation of Little Rock Central High School, there is so much to do in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
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Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a great place for hiking and bike riding. Some hikes are quite challenging and might be too difficult for smaller children. There are more than eight miles of bike trails on the east side of the park. The park also offers guided boat and canoe tours where the whole family can learn about the local habitat. There are also picnic sites, two pavilions (with restrooms), and launch ramps.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park // 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road – Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock Central High School
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Little Rock Central High School is an iconic site of the Central Rights movement. On this tour, you can learn all about the Little Rock Nine and the history behind the 1957 desegregation. Guided tours are offered weekdays twice a day (excluding holidays, spring break, and winter break). Read more about tours HERE. Tour includes the school and the vintage gas station across the street. The tour is a about 2 hours or more so wear comfy shoes.
Little Rock Central High School // 1500 South Park Street – Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 // 501.374.1957
The Old Mill
You may recognize the mill itself because it is in the opening scenes of the classic movie “Gone With The Wind” (it is believed to be the only remaining structure from the movie). It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The park itself sits on three acres, and is open to the public. Parking and admission to the park and mill are FREE. Open 6 a.m. until 30 minutes after Sunset. See more photos from our visit HERE.
The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park // 3800 Lakeshore Dr. (Lakeshore Dr. and Fairway Ave.) – North Little Rock, AR 72116 // 501.758.1424
WEBSITE
Friends of the Old Mill WEBSITE
Museum of Discovery
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This hands-on museum is a great place to keep the kiddos entertained for hours. You don’t even have to tell them that they are learning while they are playing!
Museum of Discovery // 500 President Clinton Avenue – Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 // 501.396.7050
River Rail Electric Streetcar
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The whole family will enjoy this informative tour on this historic street car. All-day passes are $2 or less.
The Arkansas River Trail
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The Arkansas River Trail is 88 miles of paved paths for the whole family to enjoy. Walk, run, or bike – bring your own or rent one. You can stop as often as you like to see the sites along the embankment. Things to do at The Arkansas River Trail include:
- Biking
- Walking/Running/Jogging
- Trails
- Dog Parks
- Horseback Riding
- Nature Centers
- Little Rock River Market
- Museums
- Bird Watching
- Campgrounds and RV Parks
The Arkansas River Trail // 400 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock River Market – Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Clinton Presidential Library
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This is a fascinating museum/library that is filled with interesting facts about the Clinton administration. Exhibits include historical items such as the Clinton’s childhood memorabilia as well as replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room.
Clinton Presidential Library // River Market Street, 1200 President Clinton Avenue – Little Rock, Arkansas // 501.748.0419
Little Rock Zoo
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From the huge python to the black leopard to the gorillas, your kiddos will find many fascinating animals and exhibits at the Little Rock Zoo. The zoo is not too big so it is perfect for a morning or afternoon visit and you can spend a few fun hours here with your family.
WEBSITE
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
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The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is the only place (on the planet!) where you can see two Naval vessels from WWII. Visitors can step aboard and tour the USS Razorback – the submarine that was in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered and WWII ended. You can also see the tugboat Hoga (not currently available for tours because it is undergoing safety inspections – but keep checking back with their website for updates on upcoming tours) is a National Historic Landmark and is recognized for it’s efforts at Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Musuem // 120 Riverfront Park Drive – North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114 // 501.371.8320
Have you been to Little Rock, Arkansas? What is your favorite thing to do while there?
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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The Old Mill looks so picturesque! I will definitely have to visit next time I’m in Arkansas.
So many fun and interesting things to do in Arkansas! Thanks for the share 🙂
What a wonderful post! I’d love to go to the “Old Mill.” Thanks for sharing! 🙂
You would love the Old Mill, Lavanda!
Everything sounds amazing. But that little rock high school is just awesome!
Yes! It’s a very eye-opening experience.
I’ve never been to Little Rock, but this makes me want to go! I’d really love to explore –– the zoo looks amazing!
You would love the zoo, Megan!
I love that there are plenty of spots for the kids to learn and just enjoy! I think the museums are perfect. Also I wouldn’t mind spending the entire day by that Old Mill!
Yes, Alison, there are plenty of museums and learning experiences in Little Rock and The Old Mill is wonderful!
The Old Mill looks so cute! I love it all. Also, am I the only one slightly bothered about the difference in pronunciation of Arkansas and Kansas? LOL
I know! I had to explain to my kids that the two are pronounced differently. They want to call it Arkansasss…
I would love to see The Old Mill in person! My son will definitely enjoy the zoo and the museums. 🙂
Your son would love the museums and zoo, and I know you would enjoy The Old Mill, Czjai!
If I ever visit Little Rock, I would especially like to see the zoo because I like animals. Thank you for posting about things you can do with kids in Little Rock.
You would love the zoo, Pat!
Ooh, the Old Mill is absolutely something I would love to see! I may be living in MO soon so if I do I may make a drive down one day to see that. It would be worth it to me.
Yes! You’ll be close enough for a fun weekend trip, Ashley!
What a great list, that has something for everyone! I love the sound of biking the river trail and hiking in the Pinnacle state park- that view is so gorgeous!
Yes! Little Rock is great for people who love adventuring outdoors, Kelley!
The River Trail looks so nice! So many fun things to do with the kids in Little Rock. Pinnacle Mountain looks beautiful.
Yes, and I love that many of the fun things in Little Rock gets the kids outside and getting some sunshine and exercise.
Wow. Lots of interesting places to see. The mountain and zoo will surely be a hit with the whole family!
Yes, those are great choices for family outings!
What great tips, especially the Old Mill. My daughter would love all the flowers and natural beauty.
We loved The Old Mill, Lesley. We could have stayed there all day!
I have never been to Little Rock before but I would really love to go there! I want to visit the old mill, the zoo, and the museums! There are so many wonderful things to do and visit in Little Rock
You would love Little Rock, Regine!
I have never been to Little Rock, Arkansas but after reading this and seeing all the pictures I need to go! There are so many beautiful places, I would have a heyday with my camera and taking pictures. The museum looks really cool too.
I had been about 20 years ago, but I wanted to take the kiddos this trip. It is a great city for families and foodies, Kirsten!
I was just looking at things to do in Little Rock last night. Wow, I never knew there were all these things, it looks like a great place to visit.
What a great post of things to do in Little Rock. This will sure help people out who want to visit.
I love going to museums – I am going to a ton this summer with my kids. I would love to go to the one you list here – its is very interesting to me
We love museums too, Danielle! They are perfect for hot or rainy days and we learn so much!
Out of the 9 things, one really interest me to find out more is little rock central high school. I also like to see the vintage gas station across the street.
Yes, touring the Little Rock High School is very interesting. You really get to see what those nine students endured to attend there.
I’m sure we would hit up the zoo. We have zoo passes here and my girls LOVE it! But the Old Mill…I would HAVE to go there, too!
We love zoos too, Kristen! My kiddos love seeing all of the animals.
I love your list as always. Anywhere we visit we’ll just pull up your post for that city. I’d have to go to the Old Mill, my new found love of history, the Little Rock school tour, the Little Rock zoo, the pinnacle Mountain State Park and the 2 museums are musts.
Thank you, Gladys! You’re so sweet. Honestly, that’s why I started this blog – to help others plan their family travels. I honestly pull up my own posts sometimes to remember information!
I had no idea that there was so much to do in Little Rock!!! What a great resource! And that tiger picture is amazing!
Thanks, Reesa! Yes, there are so many fun things to do in Little Rock. I actually borrowed the pic of the tiger from the zoo website. You can click the link below the pic and you’ll be taken directly to the page.
Fun! I have family that lives just outside of Little Rock, and i recognize a few of these places from their facebook photos!
Oh man! You will have lots to do with them the next time you visit!
Arkansas is one state that I have never been to. Something to add to my list! These spots look like so much fun for the family.
It really is a fun city, Athena! I could stay there all week just to eat all the yummy food.
Oh wow what an amazing looking place to go and explore, I would love to see the mill and the zoo myself.
I know right, Sarah?! I could stay in Little Rock for days and just explore and eat all of the yummy food!