Location: Little Rock
Top Things to do in Little Rock
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR)
The Clintons may have put Little Rock on the map, but this charming and historic capital city offers plenty of reasons to keep it there. The Central High Museum tells the painful, powerful story of the city's racial struggles. Political buffs and Clinton fans will want to check out the State Capitol. Shoppers can spend hours at the River Market, a collection of tasty eateries and eclectic stores. Kids will be more than wowed by attractions such as the Children's Museum, the Museum of Discovery and the Zoo, famous for its eye-popping ape exhibit. Stay at a charming historic abode, an inviting bed and breakfast or a luxury hotel. Eat at fabulous restaurants and enjoy exciting nightlife. Little Rock has all the ingredients of a perfect weekend getaway.
Restaurants in Little Rock
1. Rock Town River Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Rock Town River Outfitters is Little Rock's first and only outdoor recreation outfitter based on the Arkansas River. We offer kayak, SUP, boat and bike rentals and tours of the Arkansas River through downtown Little Rock as well as bike tours of The River Market District and the Arkansas River trails. Come explore Little Rock with us!
2. Maumelle Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Camping area two miles east of Pinnacle.
Reviewed By syedaiyaz - Hoffman Estates, United States
What a wonderful place to spend with your family, either grilling or just hanging around. This is such an amazing place right on the banks of the beautiful Arkansas river. Must go for every family of all sizes for a great outdoor time.
3. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 477 reviews
Opened in 1977, the Pinnacle Mountain State Park serves as a center for education, recreation and preservation.
Reviewed By 782rickw - Little Rock, United States
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a delightful natural oasis 30 mins from Little Rock. The main part of the park has a large flat area where people congregate for all kinds of activities from Frisbee to volleyball to soccer. There is a playground for the wee-ones and restrooms for all. At the same area there is access to the Little Maumelle river for canoes/kayaks. One of the main draws to the whole park is hiking Pinnacle Mountain. One access is from this main parking lot. There is another area to access the hiking trail on the other side the mountain. The east side is the harder side. Both are well marked until the near top. Then you get into large rocks and boulders with the east side being steeper. There is also a trail around the entire called the Base Trail. You can hike up one side, down the other and around the base for about a 3 mile hike. I would rate the trails up the mountain moderate to hard. I see families with small children especially on the west trail but I would not recommend that. The views from the top are stupendous. There is much more in this wonderful park! a Fishing lake which is stocked, mountain bike trails, a visitor center and a delightful short hike that is disabled access to an overlook of the Arkansas River. There is an abundance of huge cypress trees with their "elbows" along the river. Yes, Arkansas is hot and we have lots of bugs, snakes, etc so go in the fall, winter, or spring. Get off your couch, put on some bug spray and enjoy this Natural State Wonder!
4. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,188 reviews
This National Park Service site encompasses the campus, but Central High is still an active high school. Visitors should park and begin their visit at the National Park Visitor Center, located diagonally across from the campus, at 2120 W. Daisy Gatson Bates Drive. Visitor entrance into the school is via free Ranger-led tours reserved in advance to guarantee participation. Interpreting the Civil Rights Movement with an emphasis on school integration, this National Historic Site focuses on the 1957 desegregation crisis that resulted when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered National Guard troops to prevent the first African American students, the "Little Rock Nine," from entering formerly all white Little Rock Central High School, leading to federal intervention by order of President Dwight Eisenhower.
Reviewed By YourHighnessK
This was the highlight of our trip with high school aged Girl Scouts. It is a beautiful high school with reflecting pond in front, and the Visitor Center contains a wealth of information about the integral role that the Little Rock Nine played in the Civil Rights movement after Brown v. Board. My scouts are about the same age as the Little Rock Nine were during that time. Seeing the school and the visitor center was an important lesson for the younger generation and a poignant reminder for the older generations. We definitely recommend for all ages and would visit again if in this area.
5. Old State House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 388 reviews
Built in 1836, this was the state's first capital building.
Reviewed By mariegleerup - Los Angeles, United States
Don't pass this one up -- what a terrific museum! We did not expect to spend more than an hour, but there was plenty to see (museum is free, also!). In May, curator Jo Ellen is opening two new areas: the Rock & Roll history of Little Rock, and The Governors of Arkansas. Both areas are fantastic, so if you're traveling to Little Rock, book yourself a couple hours to visit. We were able to view 28 of the 43 "first lady" inaugural gowns, which are impeccably displayed, with purse, shoes, coat and hat included.
6. Arkansas State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Visitors can tour this government building that sits on a knoll, overlooking downtown to the east and the Arkansas river to the north, and bears a striking resemblance to the U.S. Capitol building.
Reviewed By 908julias - The Woodlands, United States
We loved it, lots to see, free parking around. Be sure to visit the treasury to look rich (for a few mins anyway.
7. William J. Clinton Presidential Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,553 reviews
The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park, located on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock, Arkansas, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to its grounds each year. Opened in 2004, the Center is home to the Little Rock offices of the Clinton Foundation, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
Reviewed By GRANDDADGREENGO - Texas, United States
The Clinton Presidential Library is a bold, modern building near downtown Little Rock, overlooking the Arkansas River, which does a good job of telling the story of the Clinton administration of 1993-2001, a period of relative peace and prosperity in the United States. Unlike some presidential libraries that feature a replica of the oval office, visitors here can have their photo made (for a fee) sitting behind a replica of the Resolute desk, which President Clinton (and other presidents, such as JFK), have used.
8. Museum Of Discovery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By jeancazort
Took my four-year-old grandson here last week. After using up our two-hour public library parking time, we drove to the midtown Pizza Cafe for lunch, then back downtown for another two hours of fun. His favorite parts were the Pet Clinic and the Bed of Nails, which we kept coming back to. Also, the karaoke room (Old MacDonald) and a soft playground surrounded with netting to bounce around on. A few educational parts captured his interest, too--a dinosaur exhibit and anatomy display. A few of the science gizmos weren't working, and the place shows minor wear and tear, which is to be expected. However, it was an engaging place to spend the day. As an added bonus, the Stephens Nature Center is nearby with free admission. Be aware that parking is a challenge since the River Market District is one long congested street, President Clinton Avenue, with no side streets to park on. However, there is indefinite free parking a few blocks away at the Clinton Library on the east side of the district. Also, if you have a public library card, you can park in their lot for two hours without having to pay.
9. Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 602 reviews
Reviewed By LexeeDarien - Darien, United States
Riverside Park Sculpture Garden, a lovely Park and many sculptures. The best part is that it wasn’t flooded! Great views of the river.
10. Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
This is the newest museum in the Little Rock area! It is a museum of African American history and is a member of the Department of Arkansas Heritage. It has such awesome stories to tell and I think you should def include it on your list of things to do in Little Rock.
Reviewed By mstravelrx - North Houston, United States
Amazing facility! The museum is beautifully curated! This is a must-see of African-American history in Arkansas. The event space is very nice and nostalgic...I won’t give away the secrets! The staff is extremely knowledgeable and they also have a great gift shop. Perfect historical tour and event/banquet space for school groups, church groups, family/family reunion groups...definitely make this a stop on the itinerary:-). And if you want oral history, ask for Ms. Annie!!!!
