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Exploring northeast Arkansas with your toddler can be a delightful adventure! Getting out and about with your little one isn’t just about burning off that endless energy—they’re learning and growing with every step they take. From discovering new sights and sounds to interacting with other kids, these experiences are crucial for their development. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories and strengthen your bond as you watch them marvel at the world around them.
Living in the country is a dream come true for a socially awkward adult like me. However, for an only child who has never known a stranger and craves connection with other humans, it can sometimes feel like a prison sentence. Finding activities that are fun, educational, and age-appropriate has been a priority since George could walk.
Venturing outside the home allows toddlers to build their motor skills, social skills, and curiosity about their surroundings. It’s amazing to see their eyes light up with excitement as they encounter something new or master a new skill. And let’s face it, a change of scenery can be just as refreshing for you as it is for them.
Finding places that meet a toddler’s needs can be challenging. Now that he’s a little older, we have more options, but the toddler years were tough, so I’ve put together this list of locations that toddlers will love. I’ve included stops from Searcy to Jonesboro to Piggot and everywhere in between. So, pack some snacks, grab your toddler’s hand, and prepare for fun-filled days that will leave you both smiling from ear to ear.
Searcy
Sunny Day Inflatables | Nothing sparks excitement in kids quite like a bouncy house. Sunny Day’s indoor playspace offers several bounce houses, slides, an obstacle course, and arcade games. Toddler-only times are available every week.
Pioneer Village | This museum in Searcy features a collection of 19th-century buildings, including a log house, schoolhouse, and barn, all filled with farm equipment and artifacts. It’s a great place for toddlers to learn about local history hands-on. There are several special event weekends with living history demonstrations.
Splash Pad | The seasonally operated splash pad is a favorite for kids and their parents. Located at the Searcy Swim Center, the splash pad has several slides, climbing areas, water guns, and a section that is slightly deeper for those looking for more of a swim.
GymStars | Gym Stars is a hub for learning about gymnastics and cheerleading. Gym Stars offers recreational classes for toddlers, allowing them to develop essential skills and a love for movement in a fun and safe environment.
Newport
Jacksonport State Park | Jacksonport State Park offers a glimpse into Arkansas’s past through its restored 1872 courthouse museum. Toddlers can have a blast at the park’s playground, sandy beach along the White River, embark on a nature scavenger hunt or explore the museum’s hands-on exhibits. Try your hand at fishing with the tackle loaner station or participate in a variety of programs for all ages led by park interpreters.
Walnut Ridge
Lawrence County Library | From story hour to special programming, the Lawrence Country Library has a variety of activities geared towards toddlers and young children. Reading to young children is an activity that will benefit them well beyond their toddler years. Learn more about Raising Reading Skills in Arkansas.
Wings of Honor Museum | The aviation museum located at the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, preserves the history of the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School, the Marine Corps Air Facility at Walnut Ridge, the War Assets Administration’s Warbird Storage, Sales and Scrapping Facility, and the USAF 725th Radar Squadron. If you have a little that loves planes, they will love this museum.
Jonesboro
Ultimate Air Trampoline Park | Kids love to bounce, and Ultimate Air provides a fun and safe indoor environment for kids of all ages. They put a special emphasis on toddlers with regular activities and times devoted solely to toddlers.
Hijinx: The Funtivity Spot | With bowling, arcade games, laser tag and a host of indoor attractions, Hijinx is an excellent spot for the whole family. Toddlers will love the soft, contained play and foam factory area. When George was a toddler, he could spend hours in the foam factory. Parents can play, too, but there is plenty of seating for those who would rather take a break and zone out for a few minutes.
Jonesboro Music—Kindermusik | Kindermusik classes are specifically designed for young children and can be a great way to introduce them to music in a fun and interactive way. Kindermusik uses songs, games, and movement to help toddlers develop their musicality, language, social skills, and motor skills.
Little Lattes Play Cafe | This play cafe is designed for children but is the perfect place for parents to grab a coffee and meet with other parents. It’s safe for kids and relaxing for moms and dads.
Craighead Forest Park | This large multi-area park has a variety of amenities perfect for toddlers, including three playgrounds, a lake for fishing, picnic areas, and walking trails. The Rotary Park playground is designed like a westward expansion-style fort, while the Rotary Centennial playground is ADA-accessible and has a seasonal splash pad.
Forrest L Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center | The Arkansas Game and Fish Nature Center is the perfect outing for toddlers. There is an interactive film. Museum, hands-on experience, nature trails and programs designed to get kids of all ages excited about nature.
ASU Museum | The ASU Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Arkansas. It’s free and has displays, learning areas and play spaces that kids of all ages will love. Plus, it’s home to a life-size mastodon replica that will fascinate toddlers.
Corning
Arkansas Welcome Center | George has always loved visiting welcome centers. When he was a toddler, he loved to pick out travel brochures and look at the pictures. Now that he’s older and can read, he likes to plan family trips and outings. Plus, the workers at the welcome centers are full of knowledge and often have fun little goodies for the kids.
Still looking for more activities in Northeast Arkansas for a toddler? Check out these spots:
Paragould
Champions Gymnastics Center
Greene County Museum
Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Lake Frierson State Park
Genesis’ Swim Lessons
Paragould Community Center
Piggott
Hemingway-Pfieffer Museum
Pumpkin Hollow
Heritage Park
Pocahontas
Pocahontas Aquatics Center
Randolph County Heritage Museum
Thomas O. Marr City Park
Eddie Mae Herron Museum
Did we miss a great location to explore Northeast Arkansas with your toddler? Share it in the comments so others can check it out, too.
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