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There is no better time than the present to get out, enjoy the weather and explore. School is nearly out for the summer, and the kids and grandkids will soon be asking the question, “So, what are we going to do today?” Here are some of our top picks to help you keep them busy.
The Little Rock Zoo has been a capital city destination since its creation in 1926, when it housed only two animals. Today, the zoo provides educational opportunities to its visitors of all ages with more than 725 animals representing at least 200 species, many of which are on the endangered list. In addition to the most popular attractions, including the Asian elephants, Mary and Ellen, and the big cat exhibit, the zoo offers train rides, carousel rides, a gift shop, refreshments at CafÉ Africa, fish feeding and special events throughout the year. (501) 666-2406 or littlerockzoo.com.
Silver Dollar City, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is a great theme park dedicated to the colorful culture of the South. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Branson Mo., this park offers adventure for children and adults alike. Experience more than 30 rides from relaxing to high-speed. Don’t miss riding the rails of the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train, which reaches 53 mph in 2.8 seconds. New to the park this year is the RiverBlast – America’s Biggest Water Battle! Travel with Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn for a real adventure on the river complete with water guns for a fun-filled water war. In addition to rides, experience more than 40 live shows each day and 100 craftsmen performing their trades on the “streets” for your entertainment. (800) 475-9370 or bransonsilverdollarcity.com.
Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Ark., unveiled a new addition, the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden, to its grounds which are located on a 210-acre peninsula on the beautiful Lake Hamilton. Take the family for a walk through the meandering pathways that lead throughout the masterfully-landscaped gardens that change month-to-month, depending what is in bloom. This month look for beautiful roses, azaleas, iris, spring perennials, wildflowers and more. Children love the new addition of the Evans garden, which is a fun garden designed specifically for children; it features a maze created with 300 tons of native Arkansas stone; a waterfall; manmade cave; a stream that leads to a crawdad hole; and an elevated walkway for parents and guardians to supervise. (800) 366-4664 or garvangardens.org.
Magic Springs and Crystal Falls has a great central location, right in the heart of central Arkansas’ Spa City. Make a day of it with the kids, and visit both the amusement park and water park areas of the facility. There is a ride for everyone at this theme park, ranging from fun family rides for the kids to whirlwind roller coasters for the stronger in spirit. Don’t miss the famous Arkansas Twister, newly re-tracked and ready to roll on a 50 mph ride over 3,300 feet of track — including a 92-foot drop. Crystal Falls Water Park opens May 15 for ultimate water fun. Enjoy fast-paced, winding slides or float leisurely in pools. (501) 624-0100 or magicsprings.com.
The World Championship Cardboard Boat Races in Heber Springs, Ark., is fun for boaters and spectators alike. You still have time to get your homemade boat in shape for this fun event happening July 31 at Sandy Beach. This competition began in 1987, with a simple idea of challenging people to create boats made from corrugated cardboard and little else that was able to complete four heats around a 200-yard semicircle course. Today, boat builders and racers from around the country come to compete with boats that are truly unbelievable. Other activities include tug-of-war, a volleyball tournament, sand sculpting and watermelon-eating contests. Food vendors will also be on hand. (501) 362-2444 or heber-springs.com.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Ark., is the perfect place — right in your own backyard — to experience the wild. This big cat sanctuary is the home to more than 100 cats including cougars, bobcats, Siberian tigers, lions, white Bengal tigers and many more. Spend a day at the facility, and take a guided half-mile walking tour through the compound, then explore more in a self-guided tour where you can see animals in their habitats and read their stories. Many of the animals are rescued from around the country from private owners who can no longer care for them. Stick around for the 5 p.m. nightly feeding, and watch the frenzy unfold. Even stay the night in the facility’s lodging that ranges from a tree house above the grounds to the swanky Safari Lodge with separate bungalows, private decks and a spacious hot tub and fire pit to share with friends. (479) 253-5841 or turpentinecreek.org.
The Museum of Discovery in the River Market district of Little Rock, Ark., is adored by child and adult alike. They are known for their elaborate and educational hands-on exhibits aimed to enhance the minds of the young. Exercise your mind and body at the annual Dino Dash Family Fun Run on May 22. The whole family can participate in this run/walk then stick around for the street festival. Come back for the May 31 opening of the visiting exhibit, “Alice’s Wonderland,” which explores the wonders of Alice’s adventures in wonderland based on the novel by Lewis Carroll, with 2,500 square feet of exhibit space. (501) 396-7050 or amod.org.
Wild Wilderness Drive through Safari located on more than 180 acres in Gentry, Ark., provides adventures with the feeling of driving through an African safari. You see animals like tigers, leopards, lions, bears, Cape buffalo, American bison, longhorn cattle, wildebeests, camels and so much more. For a more up-close-and-personal experience, enjoy the walking tour with plenty of baby animals and a petting and feeding area with pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, goats and more. Pack a picnic, and make a day of it. (479) 736-8383 or wildwildernessdrivethroughsafari.com.
Park at West End is an oasis of fun in the middle of historic downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas. After a day of exploring all the museums, attractions, restaurants and shopping the city has to offer, take a break and unwind as the kids cut loose at this miniature amusement park. The crown jewel is the antique Ferris wheel built by the Eli Bridge Company for the 1935 World's Fair in San Diego, California. The Ferris wheel is 56 feet tall, holds up to 32 passengers and gives a great birds-eye view of the whole city. Take a spin on the beautiful, hand-painted carousel built by the Bertazzon Company in Treviso, Italy. Refreshments are available at the 1960s-style Leland double decker bus-turned vendor booth, and a full meal can be enjoyed inside the Nickle and Dime Diner — a 1950s refurbished pullman rail car-turned-cafÉ. An arcade is also available for a little virtual fun. fortsmithparks.com.
There is so much to do and see at The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and Old Mill Theatre in Branson. Choose from the outdoor theater production, the Chuckwagon Dinner Show, a homestead tour, trip to Old Matt’s Cabin, horseback rides, a trip up to the top of Inspiration Tower, and — beginning Memorial Day weekend — a thrilling ride on the Vigilante ZipRider. The ride’s opening is in celebration of the outdoor theater’s 50th anniversary. The ride will launch from the top of the 230-foot Inspiration Tower and take passengers on an adrenaline-fueled ride over the 160-acre homestead reaching 50 mph. Guests are seated for the descent with their hands free. (800) 653-6288 or oldmatt.com.
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