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Rainy days often leave us feeling cooped up and bored inside our homes. But what if I told you that your next rainy day could be an exciting adventure for the whole family? Arkansas has a variety of rainy day activities that are not only fun but also educational. From trampoline parks to art museums to virtual reality arcades, there’s something for everyone.
16 Arkansas Rainy-Day Activities
1. Museums
From science and history to culture and technology, museums offer diverse exhibits catering to all interests. Local county museums in towns across Arkansas provide insight and understanding about a former way of life, military history, prehistoric characters and Native American heritage.
Some suggestions to explore – Pine Bluff railroad museum, Firehouse Museum, Country Doctor Museum, Arkansas Arts Center, Delta Cultural Center and these 15 free museums.
2. Science and Discovery Centers
Prepare for mind-bending experiences at Arkansas’ science centers. The Calico Rock Art and Science Center, Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs, the ASU Museum in Jonesboro, and the Amazeum in Bentonville are all great places for children to discover their world.
3. Get scientific
Make a volcano with baking soda and vinegar. Try color mixing or tie-dye with rainwater. Conduct a taste test with rainwater versus sinkwater. Then, gather rainwater to make rain Popsicles, just like you do for snow ice cream. Rain Popsicles are as easy as catching the water in a bowl, adding flavor enhancers, and pouring into a Popsicle mold. They will be ready right after nap time or as a dessert with dinner!
4. Nature Centers
Nine Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Nature Centers across Arkansas provide access to the story of Arkansas’ ecosystems – the people who protect them and the wildlife who inhabit them.
5. Check out the library
Arkansas has a variety of libraries that offer a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reading, studying, or just getting lost in a good book. Check out their schedule; many libraries have events and programs, including book clubs, story time for kids, and new skills courses. BONUS – get out a book you’ve meant to read and start the first chapter!
6. Have a dance party with karaoke
Take it old school for the parents, back to your high school days with the hits you loved. But don’t overlook Kidz Bop or dance party music to keep your kids engaged. Many of them are working on end-of-year programs at school or Preschool. See if they will sing for you what they are learning.
7. Bowling Alley and Arcades
Whether you’re an experienced bowler or haven’t picked up a ball in years, the state’s bowling alleys have something for everyone. Most bowling alleys offer arcade areas and redemption games where you can win tickets and exchange them for prizes. Also, don’t miss a VR arcade if you have one nearby. Places like 6th Dimension VR, VirKade, and Genesis VRcade offer a modern change to old-school arcade experiences.
8. Bounce the Day Away at Trampoline Park and Indoor Play Center
If you’re looking for a way to let your family burn off some energy on a rainy day, look no further than Arkansas’ indoor trampoline parks or race centers. These parks offer a safe and fun environment for kids and adults alike to bounce, jump and play. Altitude and Defy offer activities like jump basketball, foam pits, dodgeball and trapeze.
9. Roller Skating or Ice Skating
For parents of the 90s, going skating seems like a no-brainer. This rainy day activity allows you to show off your middle school skills to your kids while belting out some of the greatest musical hits. Most skating rinks are ready for all skill levels, with handrails and training tips for beginners.
10. Climb the Walls
The Little Rock Climbing Center offers day passes with belay safety lessons for first-timers. Boulder and Brews, in downtown Fayetteville, creates an encouraging atmosphere for building the climbing community in AR with various climbing spaces, obstacles and an in-house coffee shop. Jonesboro offers The Crag at Earl Bell, part of the community recreation center, with climbing access four days a week and private party rental options.
Photo courtesy of Make.Do.
11. Get Artsy
Visiting an art museum can be a great way to inspire creativity and appreciate the beauty of different art forms. Arkansas has a variety of art viewing ranging from contemporary to classic, which celebrates the works of both local and international artists. Spend the day exploring the galleries, admiring the stunning art pieces, and even creating a masterpiece in one of the interactive exhibits.
12. Watch a Movie
Luckily, there are plenty of local cinemas throughout the state where you can catch the latest blockbuster or indie flick. Historical theaters provide unique experiences, while standard cinemas offer comfortable stadium seating and even some IMAX theaters. In addition, the Movie Tavern, Alamo Drafthouse, and Skylight Theater offer dinner and a movie with a full restaurant on-site. Or watch a movie filmed in Arkansas at home.
13. Have an Indoor Picnic
Push back the furniture, find an open spot, and lay down a picnic blanket or quilt. Let everyone pick out or plan a part of the meal.
14. Make a Summer Bucket List
Pull out a poster board or index cards and let everyone offer ideas and suggestions for fun summer activities. What a great time to organize your thoughts around entertaining your kids while they are out of school. Set up theme days, and don’t forget to include things you already know are in your plans, like Vacation Bible School or visiting a grandparent.
15. Family Game Day
Rainy days are a great excuse to put everything aside and dig through the family game cabinet. It’s time to be honest, your kids got a game for Christmas that is still in its packaging. So let’s change that today with a family game day playing a board game or cards.
16. Jump in Mud Puddles and Dance in the Rain
This is the ultimate rainy day activity. With a patio or sidewalk full of mud puddles, throw them off entirely and make it a “yes day.” Suggest everyone grab their raincoats and rainboots, go outside and get soaking wet!
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