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Sara Reeves Photo
Endless summer days are made for memory-making, and there’s no better place for a quick family getaway than right here in Arkansas. Whether your crew loves swimming holes, scenic hikes, hands-on history or just a cozy cabin in the woods, the Natural State is full of summer travel destinations perfect for a short getaway.
Between work, taking care of pets and farm animals and the various summer camps my son is attending, it’s hard to find time for an extended vacation. We’ve become pros at taking short, 2–3 night trips, which allow us to explore some of our favorite destinations around the state a little more in-depth. Here are our top five favorite summer travel escapes. These family-friendly spots are packed with outdoor fun, local flavor and plenty of ways to beat the heat.
Heber Springs / Greers Ferry Lake
What to Do:
Enjoy a refreshing swim or build a sandcastle at Sandy Beach, a family-friendly lakeside spot perfect for an outing on a hot day. Stop by Dam Site Marina to rent a boat and cruise around Greers Ferry Lake. Visit the William Carl Garner Visitors Center to learn about the construction of the dam and the history of the area. Hike out to Collins Creek, then play in the falls or enjoy the playground when you follow the trail down into JFK Campground. Young kids will love visiting the Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery and seeing trout of all sizes up close. Bigger kids might enjoy a guided fishing trip along the Little Red River.
Where to Stay:
- Lindsey’s Resort – Riverside cabins with easy fishing access.
- Lobo Landing – A peaceful spot with cabin rentals right on the river.
- Camping – Heber is home to several Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, including JFK along the Little Red River and Dam Site, which offers waterfront camping with beautiful views.
Where to Eat:
- Jitterbug Coffeehouse – Smoothies, pastries and relaxed vibes.
- Pizza Pie-zazz – Pizza and BBQ plus mixed drinks for the grown-ups.
- Mack’s Fish House – A go-to for crispy catfish and hushpuppies.
- Cafe Klaser – Riverfront dining with a broad, family-friendly menu.
- Red Apple Inn – A higher-end dining experience with views of the lake.
- Summer Thang Tropical Sno – Shaved ice with tons of flavor options.
Looking for more:
- 12 Things to Do in Heber Springs
- Peggy Sue’s – A beloved local diner serving big breakfasts, plate lunches and homemade desserts.
- Hiking Sugar Loaf Mountain – Hike to the summit for rewarding lake views and a great family photo op.
- Ruland Junction Toy Train Museum – A charming stop with vintage toy trains and model railroads kids will love.
Village Creek State Park / Wynne
What to Do:
This quiet, shaded park is ideal for families with kids of all ages. Kids can ride bikes or explore the forest on shaded trails. Lake Dunn and Lake Austell offer calm water for fishing, paddling or renting pedal boats. There’s a large playground and plenty of open space for running and picnics. The Visitor Center offers educational exhibits, a fun scavenger hunt and you can learn all about the history of the Old Military Road and the Trail of Tears.
Where to Stay:
- Village Creek State Park – The park offers cabins and camping sites that are affordable and right in the middle of the action.
Where to Eat:
- Tacker’s Shake Shack – Southern favorites, burgers and handspun milkshakes.
- JB’s Steakhouse – Steak and seafood at it’s finest.
- Paloma’s – A wide range of classic American food.
- Jones Bar-B-Q Diner (Marianna) – Take a short drive for award-winning barbecue.
Looking for More:
- Cogbill Cemetery – A peaceful cemetery with unique tree-shaped gravestones and local legend.
- New Hope School House – Restored one-room school offering a glimpse into early 1900s education.
- Parkin Archeological State Park – Explore Native American history and a former village site with hands-on exhibits.
Mountain View
What to Do:
No trip to Mountain View is complete without a tour of the cool, underground world at Blanchard Springs Caverns. Cast a line at Mirror Lake, take a swim in Sylamore Creek, dance across a swinging bridge. At the Ozark Folk Center, learn to spin wool or watch a blacksmith at work. Evenings are for relaxing on the square with live folk music and an ice cream cone or a trip to the Stone County Drive-In.
Where to Stay:
- Fireside Retreats – A collection of cabins and homes throughout the Mountain View area.
- Ozark Folk Center – The Cabins at Dry Creek are unique, beautiful and close to the Folk Center.
- Jack’s Fishing Resort – Laid-back cabins on the White River.
- Blanchard Springs Campground – Shady and close to the caverns.
Where to Eat:
- Tommy’s Famous A Pizzeria – Handmade pizza and ribs in a quirky spot.
- PJ’s Rainbow Cafe – A local diner serving big breakfasts and lunch specials.
- Anglers Restaurant – River views and a full menu the whole family will enjoy.
- The Music Box – Ice cream, floats, shakes and espresso drinks within steps of Pickin’ Park.
Looking for More:
- Weekend in Mountain View
- Stone County Museum – Local history and artifacts are displayed inside a historic 1920s school building.
- OK Trading Post – Horseback rides through scenic trails and a petting zoo for younger kids.
- JoJo’s Catfish Wharf – Family-friendly catfish joint overlooking the river.
- The Dulcimer Shoppe – Watch artisans craft handmade instruments and listen to dulcimer demos.
- Stone Amphitheater – A beautiful outdoor venue for summer concerts and afternoon hikes.
- Mountain View Music – Browse instruments, vinyl, and local music in this fun, family-run shop.
Jasper / Ponca / Buffalo River
What to Do:
For families that really want to connect with nature and each other, a trip to Jasper and Ponca is the perfect getaway. Float, swim or hike along the Buffalo River, hike to Lost Valley or Hawksbill Crag, and spot elk in Boxley Valley. Kids love the caves and waterfalls along the trails, and the Ponca Nature Center offers interactive wildlife exhibits. There’s adventure around every corner, from wading in the creek to roasting marshmallows under the stars.
Where to Stay:
- Buffalo Outdoor Center – Scenic, modern cabins with hot tubs and big porches.
- Kyle’s Landing Campground – Rustic camping right on the river.
- Arkansas Grand Canyon View Cabins – Spacious and close to all the major trailheads.
- The Arkansas House – A landmark hotel since 1933.
- Little Switzerland – Mini-motel and cabins on an old homestead.
Where to Eat:
- Ozark Cafe – Classic diner in the heart of Jasper with a great kids’ menu.
- Low Gap Cafe – Comfort food with a gourmet twist in a relaxed setting.
Looking for More:
- Bubba’s Buffalo River Store – Grab local souvenirs, clothing, tees and trail gear.
- Scenic Point Gift Shop – Take in sweeping Ozark views and shop for quirky gifts and Arkansas-made goods.
- Arkansas Grand Canyon – This roadside overlook offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains, making it perfect for a family photo stop.
- Villines Homestead Trail – A short, easy hike to a preserved pioneer homestead tucked into the Buffalo River valley.
Lake Ouachita
What to Do:
Swim, paddle, or boat in the sparkling waters of Lake Ouachita, one of the cleanest lakes in the country and the largest lake in Arkansas. Families can rent pontoons, go tubing, or explore quiet coves perfect for snorkeling. At Mountain Harbor Resort, enjoy horseback rides, a lakeside pool and even guided nature programs. Hike part of the LOViT Trail, or simply relax and stargaze on the dock.
Where to Stay:
- Mountain Harbor Resort – Lakeside cabins and lodge rooms with tons of amenities.
- Lake Ouachita State Park – Affordable cabins and shaded campgrounds for those who like to get closer to nature.
- Denby Point Campground – Peaceful lakefront camping.
Where to Eat:
- The Lodge Restaurant at Mountain Harbor – Family-friendly with classic meals.
- Shangri-La Resort Restaurant – A charming stop for burgers, home-cooked meals and incredible slices of homemade pie.
- The Dairyette – Classic drive-in serving burgers, shakes and old-fashioned summertime favorites since 1958.
Looking for More:
- Geo-Float Trail – A water-based trail with fascinating geology markers you can explore by boat.
- Ouachita National Forest – Endless trails, creeks, and picnic spots tucked under shady pines.
- Mount Ida (Quartz Capital of the World) – Dig for crystals at local mines and shop glittering rock shops downtown.
- Hot Springs National Park – Walk Bathhouse Row, visit the mountain tower and explore scenic park trails.
You don’t have to leave the state to have a summer travel adventure your family will remember. Whether you’re cooling off in a cave, floating a river or watching the sun set over a mountain lake, Arkansas has no shortage of spots to explore together. So, pack the swimsuits, grab some snacks and hit the road—your next favorite family memory might be just a short drive away.
Photos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
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