Little Rock Family's Top 6 Ideas for Family Fun in Central Arkansas
1. Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre and Museum School — The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre has been recognized as one of the best regional theater companies in America. It is the only professional theater company in Arkansas dedicated to children’s works for the stage. Performances are at 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for children; group rates are available. The Museum School offers age-appropriate art and drama classes that change every season. 501 E. Ninth St., Little Rock, (501) 372-4000.
2. Little Rock Zoo — Experience the majesty of elephants and rhinos and marvel at the strength and beauty of lions, tigers and jaguars in the Big Cat Habitat. Don’t miss the Over the Jumps Carousel, Café Africa, old-fashioned train rides and Zoofari classes every summer. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children and free for kids under 1. The zoo is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week. 1 Jonesboro Drive, Little Rock, (501) 666-2406.
3. Museum of Discovery — Located in the River Market District, the Museum of Discovery is a hands-on museum for children of all ages, with permanent and traveling exhibits that offer a fun way for kids to learn about science. Each Wednesday, Wiggle Worm Discoveries entertains preschoolers with a different topic each week. Saturday Discoveries are held the first Saturday of the month from 1-4 p.m. and offer classes, activities and more for children in grades K-5. The museum also offers summer camps and classes. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children under 12 and free for children under 1. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 396-7050.
4. Peabody Park — Located in Little Rock’s Riverfront Park, this park-like representation of Arkansas’ natural beauty includes tons of green space, underground tunnels, a tube slide, a climbing wall, a space net and a “tree room” that encourages imagination, exploration and discovery. Be forewarned: The splash fountain is irresistible! Bring towels and a change of clothes if you plan to go anywhere afterward.
5. Riverfest — Families have been flocking this three-day music and crafts festival on the banks of the Arkansas River every Memorial Day for more than 20 years. The Kids Zone features crafts tents, face painting, donut dipping and lots of live entertainment just right for young ones. The music lineup always includes the most popular touring acts in rock, country, pop and R&B. The phenomenal fireworks display on Sunday evening is set to the tunes of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
6. The Wonder Place — Located in west Little Rock, The Wonder Place is a creative play space that focuses on facilitating imaginative play. This 5,700-square-foot center for children 8 and younger includes water tables, a play store and café, a tree house, building blocks, a drama stage, a puppet theater and more. Admission is $7 per person. The second adult gets in free. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 10301 N. Rodney Parham, Little Rock, (501) 225-4050.