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Amidst the cold and rain that is winter in Arkansas, you may have all but forgotten the sun. Seems like those winter blues kept us all cooped up for ages, hibernating with hot cocoa and movie marathons. Whoops! Maybe screen time snuck up on us a bit, and those good intentions of getting outside flew out the window with every dip in the mercury. But guess what? The days are getting longer, the sun is peeking out more often, and it’s the perfect time to kick those indoor habits to the curb! Here’s how to trade screen time for sunshine and transform your kids into Arkansas outdoor adventurers.
Sunshine is like magic for your body and brain. It helps you grow strong bones, boosts your mood (bye-bye, grumpies!), and even makes you smarter! Plus, fresh air fills your lungs with happy juice, giving you the energy to conquer anything, from climbing trees to catching crawdads!
Ready to level up your outdoor game? Buckle up, because Arkansas has outdoor adventures for every explorer!
- Become a Junior Ranger: Explore amazing national parks like Hot Springs National Park or the Buffalo National River and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Visit any of the 52 Arkansas State Parks and get your passport stamped. Learn about cool animals, discover hidden trails, and maybe even find a real diamond!
- Bug Out (But Not Really): Turn over rocks and logs and see what creepy crawlies you can find (don’t worry, most are harmless!). Learn about different insects and their role in the environment, and catch a cool lightning bug at night! While you’re out in the woods, you may also want to brush up on your Arkansas snakes.
- Go Geocaching: Turn your phone into a treasure map with geocaching! Search for hidden containers all over Arkansas using GPS coordinates. It’s like a real-life scavenger hunt with hidden prizes!
- Hike Like a Hero: Arkansas boasts tons of kid-friendly hiking trails. Explore the Lost Valley Trail in Ponca or conquer the Cedar Falls Trail at Petit Jean State Park to see stunning waterfalls and even a natural cave! Remember, comfy shoes and a backpack with snacks and water are your besties on the trail. Check out these tips for hiking with kids and these family-friendly hiking spots.
- Swimming Hole Splashdown: Beat the heat with a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear lake or take a mini Arkansas-style beach vacation. Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle your way through stunning scenery. Don’t forget your swimsuit while you check out one of Arkansas’s top swimming holes, waterfalls, splash pads or swimming pools.
- Dig Up Some Treasure: Feeling lucky? Head to Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only place in the world where you can search for real diamonds! Imagine bragging rights if you unearth a sparkling gem! There are also plenty of opportunities for digging quartz and crystals in Arkansas that kids will love.
- Playground Power: Sometimes, an old-fashioned playground is just the ticket. Pack a picnic lunch and hit the swings, slides, and monkey bars at your local park. Don’t forget to make some new friends while you’re there!
- Get Out By Going In: Especially during the dog days of summer, one of our favorite ways to get out is to go inside one of Arkansas’s caves. The Crystal River Cave in Cave City was one of our favorite recent finds.
So, ditch the screens, grab sunglasses and a hat and get ready for an unforgettable Arkansas outdoor adventure! Arkansas’s wild side is waiting for you!
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[…] another one. I found the eggs but opted to buy a sand bucket that we can use this summer for outdoor adventures at waterfalls and creeks and maybe even a beach trip if I can pull that […]