If you’re looking for the best things to do in Hot Springs with kids, you’re in the right place. Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a resort town nestled in the Ouachita Mountains. The center of this town is the oldest federal reserve in the United States. The city gets its name from several natural hot springs that run through the city.
For more inspiration, browse my full list of the best family vacation spots in the United States, and keep reading for our favorite things to do in Hot Springs with kids.
Most people get excited when they hear about hot springs, but don’t realize that due to the temperature of the springs, swimming isn’t allowed. The springs have to be funneled through a cooling system first!
Although the hot springs are the main attraction, there are also lots of things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas. From activities and learning opportunities for the kids to the perfect date night activities for couples, Hot Springs, Arkansas offers a wide range of activities for everyone.
Our Top Picks of Best Things to Do in Hot Springs With Kids?
- Ride roller coasters at Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
- Stroll the historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row
- Pet an alligator at Arkansas Alligator Farm
- Explore hands-on exhibits at Mid-America Science Museum
- Soak in mountain views from Hot Springs Mountain Tower
We visited Arkansas for the first time in November, but it was too cold to do anything. This time we visited in June and the weather, although much hotter, was better. Make sure to check the weather when planning your trip to Arkansas so that you can pack accordingly.
Where To Stay In Hot Springs, Arkansas
We stayed at Catherine’s Landing and really enjoyed our stay there. The RV sites are paved, as well as have a grassy area and a fire pit. The sites are also well-spaced for children and families, so we weren’t too close to our neighbors.
You can rent out a kayak or boat, and take it out on Lake Catherine. PS, the water is very cold!
There’s also a splash pad, pool, and playground. I had more fun on the splash pad than the kids.
Other RV Parks in Hot Springs
- J & J RV Park
- Treasure Isle RV Park
- Young’s Lakeshore RV Resort
- Hot Springs National Park KOA
Best Hotels In Hot Springs Arkansas
- Home2 Suites by Hilton
- The Waters Hot Springs
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
- The Cottage on the Creek (Cabins)
How Many Days Do You Need in Hot Springs With Kids?
- Plan for at least 3 days
- Ideally, budget 4 to 5 days
- Day 1: bathhouses, Grand Promenade, and downtown exploring
- Day 2: Magic Springs and Lake Catherine State Park
- Extra day: Garvan Woodland Gardens and the alligator farm
19 Things To Do In Hot Springs With Kids
Grand Promenade
The Grand Promenade in Hot Springs, Arkansas is a great spot for families to enjoy a scenic walk together. This is one of the easiest free things to do in Hot Springs with kids, plus it offers gorgeous mountain views. You can take in the beautiful views of the city and the mountains, and stop to take photos along the way. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal with a view!
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is located in the heart of Downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is the number one reason why most people visit. It is well known for hot springs and bathhouses, which have been transformed into many different things such as restaurants and spas. The Sunset Trail is the most popular, so make sure to check it out when you visit.
The Quapaw Bathhouse Spa
Swing by The Quapaw Bathhouse Spa, which has been renovated into a modern spa with all of your favorite luxuries, making it a great stop to just get away. This is the perfect spot for a girls’ day or even a couples retreat.
From hair and make-up to a variety of massages, this full-service spa is everything you have ever dreamed of. If you came to Hot Springs looking to relax in actual hot springs, you can enjoy the public thermal pool at The Quapaw for those 14 and older.
Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center
Want to take a look at the culture and history of Hot Springs? Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center hosts great events to explore the history and culture of the area and its surrounding communities. Check the calendar when planning your trip, so you do not miss any great events happening during your stay.
Mid-America Science Museum
Swing by Mid-America Science Museum with the kids to add some educational fun to your trip. At the Mid-America Science Museum, you can explore seasonal exhibits that change along with some amazing permanent ones like the skywalk and workshops gallery.
Explore the light bridge or the marvelous motion gallery. This is a great place to take a break and explore geography and geology as you take a closer look at what is under the surface of Arkansas, including dinosaurs, minerals, and gemstones.
Lake Catherine State Park
Lake Catherine State Park is a fantastic destination for families who love the outdoors. This state park ranks among the best outdoor things to do in Hot Springs with kids who love hiking and swimming. You can swim, boat, and fish in the lake, or go hiking on one of the park’s many trails. And if you want to make a weekend of it, you can even camp overnight in one of the park’s campsites. There are plenty of fun activities to keep the whole family entertained!
The Yoga Place
The Yoga Place is a beautiful yoga studio that offers Vinyasa Yoga classes that combine flowing movement with breath to help you relax and center. If you are visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas, to relax and unwind in an escape from life, then these classes are just what you need to make the most of your vacation.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
At Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, you can go for a ride on thrilling roller coasters or lounge poolside in a cabana. Magic Springs is one of the most popular things to do in Hot Springs with kids who love thrill rides. There is something for everyone at this family-friendly park.
They offer a rainy-day replay option so you can feel confident with purchasing a ticket even in the rainy season, provided you have the time for a makeup day during your visit.
The Winery of Hot Springs
If you want a more grown-up version of visiting the old-fashioned candy store, you will want to take a stop by the Winery of Hot Springs. This winery is a branch of the Arkansas Historic Wine Museum.
After your tour, you can sit down for a wine tasting of the amazing selection of wines Arkansas has to offer. When you are done, you can swing by the gift shop for a souvenir or grab yourself a bottle of your new favorite Arkansas wine.
Gangster Museum of America
The Gangster Museum of America in Hot Springs, Arkansas might not sound like a kid-friendly destination, but don’t worry – there are plenty of measures in place to protect kids from any inappropriate content. You can learn about the city’s criminal history together, and see exhibits and artifacts related to famous gangsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, all while feeling confident that your kids are safe. It’s a unique and educational experience that’s sure to spark some interesting conversations!
Escape Hot Springs
Want to try your hand at an escape room? Hot Springs has its own Escape room, making for a great activity to keep everyone busy during your trip. Escape Hot Springs is fun but not scary and open to those 6 and up,p though they recommend 10 and up to really enjoy the activity. They even offer a Hot Springs-themed room.
Bathhouse Row
In Hot Springs, Arkansas, bathhouses are a big deal, and you can take a stroll on Bathhouse Row.
This historical landmark consists of 8 original bathhouses, all lined up with naturally heated springs. This is a great opportunity to explore the area’s rich history and learn about traditional bathhouses and simply explore the quiet little mountain town.
Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
Ever wanted to pet an alligator? Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to face your fears and dive in for a new and bone-chilling experience at the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo.
Haunted Tours
Like any old town, Hot Springs, Arkansas has its share of ghost stories. If you like to explore the paranormal, the haunted tours at Hot Springs are bound to capture your imagination. Explore several haunted buildings dating back to the 1800s and immerse yourself in captivating stories of hauntings, mysteries, murders, deaths, and suicides.
Tiny Town
This interactive miniature train museum is stunning. The entire thing was hand-built with excruciating detail. This animated model railroad takes you through scenes of 22 states, including Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, and the Colorado Rockies. The amount of detail in this exhibit is sure to inspire and trigger an itch to get creative and crafty.
4D Adventure
Head on over to 4D Adventure and hop on one of their captivating 4D rides. These bring the motion of an indoor roller coaster to life with 3D video to create a life-like experience you will never forget.
From dinosaurs to steam trains and scary horrors sure to get your heart pumping, there is a little bit of everything here, making it easy to find something for the whole family.
Murals
There are murals all over the city, especially in parking lots, that also make for the perfect backdrop for photos.
National Park Aquarium
Want something fun and low-key to do with the kids? The National Park Aquarium is a low-key pick among things to do in Hot Springs with kids who want an air-conditioned break. It has a wide range of freshwater fish, saltwater fish, frogs, turtles, tortoises, and lizards on display for you to explore. This is a great way to get a fun educational activity during your vacation.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Put on your comfortable shoes and go explore the Garvan Woodland Gardens. This botanical garden spans 210 acres. Exploring the gardens is one of the more peaceful things to do in Hot Springs with kids who need a slower-paced afternoon. Bring along your camera to make the most of this stunning botanical garden. Download the Plant App on your phone to make it easy to identify new plants you encounter as you explore.
Ouachita National Forest
The Ouachita National Forest is a great place for families to get outside and enjoy nature together. You can go hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting, depending on your interests. And if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, you can always pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in one of the forest’s many scenic spots. There’s something for everyone in this beautiful wilderness area!
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center
The bathhouses are the true gem of Hot Springs. The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center is a great stop to explore the history of the bathhouses. This visitor center is a great opportunity to take a look at the past, including the stunning architecture and breathtaking stained glass. Take a look at the gym for a look at just how far modern health and fitness have come.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Visit Hot Springs Mountain Tower to get a breathtaking aerial view of Hot Springs Mountain. If visiting in the fall, this comes with an amazing colorful view of the trees in all of their fall splendor. You will also find a stunning view of the Ouachita Mountains and the Diamond Lakes area from the 1,256 feet above sea level observation deck.
Where To Eat In Hot Springs, Arkansas
Every single meal we ate in Hot Springs was sooo good! If anything, we’ll be back to eat! Here are some restaurant recommendations below:
The Pancake Shop
Bubba Brew’s on the Lake
Back Porch Grill on Lake Hamilton
Deluca’s
Other Restaurants in Hot Springs
- Red Light Roastery
- Burgers and More
- Smokin’ in Style BBQ
- Superior Bathhouse Brewery
- McClard’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant
Before diving into the FAQs, don’t forget to check out my family travel bucket list for more destination ideas beyond Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do in Hot Spring with Kids
1. Is Hot Springs safe for families with kids?
Yes, Hot Springs is a safe, family-friendly destination with well-maintained parks, walkable streets, and plenty of kid-focused attractions. Like any tourist town, keep an eye on children near the hot springs themselves since swimming is not allowed, and always supervise younger kids around Bathhouse Row’s busy sidewalks and water features.
2. When is the best time to visit Hot Springs with kids?
Spring and fall offer the mildest weather for things to do in Hot Springs with kids, with comfortable temperatures for hiking, splash pads, and outdoor exploring. Summer works well for water parks and lake activities, though it gets hot and crowded. Winter is quieter but too cold for many outdoor attractions.
3. How expensive is Hot Springs for a family?
Hot Springs can fit almost any budget. Many attractions like the Grand Promenade, murals, and hiking trails are free, while paid stops like Magic Springs or the Alligator Farm run $15 to $50 per person. RV camping and budget hotels help families save on lodging costs too.
4. What age is best for visiting Hot Springs?
Hot Springs works well for nearly every age. Toddlers enjoy splash pads and the aquarium, while older kids love escape rooms, roller coasters, and haunted tours. Just note some attractions, like the Quapaw’s thermal pool, require guests to be at least 14 years old.
Overall Thoughts On Hot Springs
We really enjoyed our time there and plan to visit again. It is such a fun little town, and we had so much more fun than we expected. We hope this list of things to do in Hot Springs with kids helps you plan an unforgettable family trip.
This blog post was sponsored by Arkansas Tourism; however, as always, all opinions are my own.
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