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Little Rock, Arkansas, is known for its role in the civil rights movement, deep military history and was home of former U.S. President Clinton when he was Governor of Arkansas.
Little Rock is the state capital and most populated city in Arkansas. This big city has its charms, including its amazingly diverse and deep-rooted arts and culture.
20 + Things To Do In Little Rock, Arkansas With or Without Kids
From early spring to late fall, the weather is perfect for taking advantage of your trip to Little Rock, Arkansas. The summer can get hot and busy. Either way, you’ll have fun doing these 20+ things to do in Little Rock when you visit.
We visited Little Rock, Arkansas in June and although it was quite hot, we really enjoyed our time here.
Where To Stay In Little Rock, Arkansas
We stayed in downtown Little Rock at the AC Hotel Little Rock Downtown. It was right in the middle of everything and also walking distance to several restaurants.
Other Hotels In Little Rock
- Little Rock Marriott
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Little Rock
- Hilton Garden Inn Little Rock Downtown
- Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock (Located in North Little Rock)
RV Parks In Little Rock
- Cherokee Lakes RV Park
- Downtown Riverside RV Park
- Little Rock North KOA Journey
- Burns Park RV Park and Campground
Things To Do In Little Rock, Arkansas
Testament: The Little Rock Nine Monument
Little Rock, Arkansas, has an amazing history in the civil rights movement. Stop by the Testament: The Little Rock Nine Monument to learn about these amazing and brave students paved the way for desegregating the city’s schools, opening up equal education for everyone.
This is a great opportunity to open up the discussion on how far we have come and how far we have left to go to truly see an end to racism. If you find yourself with some spare time for a little more exploring, take the Little Rock Civil Rights Tour.
Little Rock Murals Tour
Little Rock is bursting with culture and art. Exploring the beautiful murals of the city is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty and art that only the streets of a bustling city can offer.
Take your camera with you to capture the beauty and experience. Use the map to plan your self-guided tour to match up with activities you already have planned for your trip to get the most of your stay.
Arkansas Museum Of Fine Arts
If you have a passion for art, you will want to swing by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts once it reopens with a stunning new architectural design in 2022. Formerly known as The Arkansas Arts Center this art museum will offer a wide range of exhibits that are sure to capture our imagination. They will even begin offering performing arts, including live music, dance, and theater.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is a great opportunity to explore ships up close and personal. Explore real Navy ships and the memorial for a chance to get up close and personal with history with a live tour. This tour is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the Navy or ships in general.
William J Clinton Presidential Center
This presidential center in honor of former President Bill Clinton who was the 42nd president of the United States is also home to The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
This beautiful state park offers a variety of recreational opportunities from hiking to fishing. The views here are breathtaking. You can even go on a guided hike to learn about this beautiful state park during your visit.
With over 15 miles of trails, you have plenty of options. We did the West Summit Trail and it took us about 3 hours round trip. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, and keep in mind that you’ll be climbing rocks and boulders. It also gets steeper closer to the top.
Firehouse Hostel & Museum
The Firehouse Hostel & Museum was the first hostel in Central Arkansas, is housed inside the firehouse museum. Swing by to explore this historical firehouse, or book a stay for your vacation to really explore this historic site. This is a great activity for exploring history in a quick stop leaving plenty of time for other activities during your day.
Museum of Discovery – Donald W. Reynolds Science Center
This science center is the perfect stop with the kids to explore and learn during your vacation to Little Rock, Arkansas. This museum is packed with exhibits that allow your child to explore tornadoes in tornado alley as they learn about the historical 1999 tornadoes that struck the area.
Visit the Tesla Theater for more than 90 hands-on science exhibits for interactive learning that your children will remember for a lifetime.
The museum is currently closed, but hoping to reopen late summer.
Visitor Center at Historic Curran Hall and the Quapaw Quarter Association
Swing by the visitor center located inside the historic Curran Hall run by the Quapaw Quarter Association. This is one of the most intact historical homes in the area with the least interior renovation.
If you would like to explore the homes and architecture of the city, this is a stop you want to make. The knowledgeable staff can assist you in helping to make the most of your trip to Little Rock, Arkansas making it the perfect place to stop by for local recommendations.
Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area
Grab your comfortable shoes and slide on down to Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area, a preserve dedicated to the preservation of local flora and fauna. This hot spot has over 5 miles of trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
Download the plant app on your phone so you can look up different plants that catch your eye while you explore to learn about local and endangered plants that are native to Arkansas.
Big Dam Bridge
Big Dam Bridge is the longest pedestrian and cycling bridge in the United States, built specifically for that use. High above the Murray Lock and Dam you can stroll and enjoy the cool evening air and stunning visual scenes.
This trail will take you along to several of the biggest attractions in Little Rock Arkansas from the Clinton Presidential Center to the River Market.
Little Rock Sculpture Tour
Little Rock, Arkansas is packed with sculptures and street art. This interactive map will help you find and explore hundreds of sculptures and street art as you explore Little Rock.
This self-guided tour is a great activity that you can work into your day simply by checking what statues are in the area you plan to explore so you can make the most of your time in Little Rock.
Rock Town Distillery
If you are traveling to Little Rock Arkansas without kids, the Rock Town Distillery is a must. Go on a tour or reserve yourself a spot in one of their drink mixing classes for a fun date night idea.
If you are short on time you can slip into the tasting room for a full-service bar. The full tour is a great certainty for exploring the behind-the-scenes of a distillery.
River Market District
If shopping is in your plans for your faction be sure to stop by the River Market District. The River Market District offers a full farmers market packed with amazing local produce and a wide range of annual festivals and events.
This location is never boring and you are sure to find a little something for everyone when you stop by for a visit.
Movies In The Park
In the summer you can swing by the River Market as evening closes in for a free outdoor movie on Wednesday nights.
This is a great chance to get to know the locals and relax with your family. Bring a blanket and a picnic to make the most of the night. These movies are family-friendly and open to everyone.
Esse Purse Museum & Store
Love fashion? don’t forget to take a moment to visit by the Esse Purse Museum to explore the history of purses in fashion. Along with exploring the history of purses, you can check out one of the rotating exhibits from new and up-and-coming designers and even shop for a new purse while you are there.
Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock Zoo offers over 500 animals spanning over 200 species. This zoo has a passion for conservation and strives to help protect animals while providing visitors an amazing experience that allows them to observe animals in their habitats.
With everything from Alpacas to Zebras and even farm animals, this zoo offers many amazing learning opportunities. You can even feed the fish and Lorikeets.
Riverfront Park
There are plenty of things to do to keep you busy at Riverfront Park. You can easily spend several hours here and not even notice it. Start off with the splash pad when it’s hot, and then find a grassy spot and have a picnic while the kids run around.
- Splash pad
- Sculpture Garden
- Tunnels playground
- Adventure Park Playground
H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden
This historical location has a stunning garden open to the public that is well worth stopping by for a visit. This location was built as a symbol of our alliance with South Korea.
Along with the beautiful gardens, you will find a nine-foot-tall fountain and reflective pool, a bust of Eternal Grand Master Lee, a nine-foot-tall wall of vision, and numerous statues and educational artifacts explaining martial arts.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Although this is an active high school that kids attend, the nearby visitor center is managed by the National Park system. This high school is home to the famous Little Rock Nine which teaches an important lesson about segregation. Make sure to listen to the audio tour as it’s very helpful.
DEFY Trampoline Park
If your kids love trampoline parks, then they’ll be sure to love this one. There are lots of different areas to keep kids engaged for hours. It’s perfect for when it’s too hot or too cold to explore the city.
Arkansas Skatium
Need an indoor activity to keep everyone busy on a rainy day or when it is just too hot to explore? Swing by the Arkansas Skatium where you can enjoy roller skating, ice skating, hockey, figure skating, and broomball in a climate-controlled environment.
Old State House Museum
This is the original state capitol building of the state of Arkansas. It is home to the Arkansas history museum as well as being known for being a National Historic Landmark because it’s one of the oldest standing statehouses.
Where To Eat In Little Rock, Arkansas
RadUno
The Corner
Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co
The Root Cafe
The Big Orange in MidTown
Other Places To Eat In Little Rock
- Rock City Taco
- Loblolly Creamery
Overall Thoughts On Little Rock, Arkansas
We really enjoyed our time in Little Rock. There’s a good mix of indoor and outdoor things to do as well as lots of history which is a great learning opportunity for kids and adults too.
This visit was sponsored by Arkansas Tourism, however all opinions are my own.
