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When looking for the ideal Arkansas family trip, Hot Springs should be your top pick. Just hours from anywhere in the state, this historic spa city offers a bit of everything—outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, local restaurants and plenty of sweet treats. Fall break is an excellent time to visit (well outside of the cherry blossoms blooming in April!), but this plan works just as well during spring break staycations, a short couples weekend, or a summer weekend at the lake.
Hot Springs makes it easy to fill your days with fun activities or to slow down and simply enjoy being together. Here’s how to plan a long weekend that your kids will remember long after you’ve gone home.
Why Visit Hot Springs in the Fall?
What makes Hot Springs a popular choice for families during fall break is its variety. You can hike in a national park in the morning, enjoy roller coasters in the afternoon and relax with pizza, cupcakes and outdoor play in the evening. The cooler weather makes outdoor activities more comfortable and the mix of history, nature, and kid-friendly fun keeps everyone happy. But let’s not miss the opportunity for lakeside, fireside evenings and morning coffee views.
So, if you’re looking for a fall break destination that combines adventure with relaxation, consider adding Hot Springs to your list. Whether your kids love pancakes, are budding scientists or mini-golf enthusiasts, you’ll find plenty of ways to make memories in Arkansas’s most famous spa city.
Day One: Get Here, Get Outside
Part of the joy of a Hot Springs trip is the drive. Winding through the Ouachitas, you’ll start to feel the pace of life slow down. If you’re hungry when you arrive, stop for lunch at McClard’s Bar-B-Q or Stubby’s BBQ, two legendary South Arkansas BBQ legends.
Spend your afternoon exploring Garvan Woodland Gardens, a stunning location in any season. Kids enjoy climbing through the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden and the whimsical treehouse, while parents can appreciate the fall colors or spring blooms.
For dinner, enjoy a meal overlooking the lake. Fisherman’s Wharf, Back Porch Grill, and Sunset Grill are all situated on Lake Hamilton, offering the kind of views found only in Hot Springs. After dinner, keep the fun going with mini-golf, go-karts, or laser tag at one of the local family amusement parks. Or, head back to your accommodations and enjoy some games and cards.
Day Two: Downtown and Day Around
Start your day with breakfast at The Pancake Shop, a Hot Springs tradition where generous pancakes and friendly service are always a welcome treat. From there, you’re right in the heart of Hot Springs National Park. Take a short drive to Hot Springs Mountain Tower for stunning views, then stretch your legs on Goat Rock Trail or enjoy a walk along the Grand Promenade and Bathhouse Row.
Lunch is simple downtown. Try Rolando’s Restaurante for vibrant Latin flavors or visit Superior Bathhouse Brewery, the only brewery located inside a national park in the United States. Afterward, add some history with a trip to the Gangster Museum of America, then browse shops and galleries before heading back to rest.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the chance to take the water home with you. Bring a jug or buy one while you’re here and fill it with the healing waters from the hot springs to enjoy later. Public spigots are available along Central Avenue.
Evening is a “choose your own adventure.” Families can:
- Pizza & Play: go casual with pizza at Rocky’s Corner or Grateful Head Pizza Oven, then add laser tag or a movie.
- Munch & Magic: enjoy a dinner at Brick House Grill or the Ohio Club (both require reservations), followed by a magic show for a night full of laughs and wonder.
- BBQ & Bowling/Blades: try local BBQ followed by bowling or skating for a classic family night out.
Day Three: Play All Day
Start your morning leisurely with coffee and giant cinnamon rolls at Will’s Cinnamon Shop. Then, it’s time for hands-on fun at the Mid-America Science Museum, where interactive exhibits, the DinoTrek trail, and the world’s largest conical Tesla coil entertain both kids and parents. A slow morning is an ideal opportunity for moms to visit the spa and dads to keep the kids occupied.
For lunch, consider a table at Taco Mama or Cafe 1217, two popular local dining options. In the afternoon, visit Magic Springs for roller coasters, family rides and during the fall, enjoy the seasonal Magic Screams event that mixes Halloween fun with theme park thrills.
If amusement parks aren’t your thing, take a drive through and pick up an iced coffee or an ice cream cone, then check out the historic Hot Springs Baseball Trail or this scavenger hunt to learn about the history around town!
Day Four: Jaws, Java and Jet
If you’ve extended your long weekend by an extra day, start with breakfast at the Colonial Pancake & Waffle House or the Oaklawn Track Kitchen. Then, visit the quirky Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, a Hot Springs favorite since 1902.
Pick up picnic supplies from Cafe Mi Amor, Java Primo or a local pizza place, then head to Lake Catherine State Park. Enjoy your meal at a picnic table overlooking the water before taking one last hike, or simply relax and soak in the view. The drive home will be especially scenic, especially in the fall when the leaves change color.
Other Family Fun in Hot Springs
If you have extra time, there’s no shortage of options:
- Hot Springs Off-Road Park for ATV adventures.
- Ron Coleman Crystal Mining in nearby Jessieville.
- Escape rooms, bowling alleys and skating rinks.
- Downtown shopping and art galleries.
- Hiking and biking on the Northwoods Trails.
- In Spring, enjoy the Hot Springs Baseball Weekend.
- Hot Springs Scavenger Hunt
Beyond the restaurants listed in the itinerary, families will find plenty of local favorites:
- Rod’s Pizza Cellar and Deluca’s Pizzeria for hearty pies.
- The Purple Cow for burgers and purple milkshakes.
- Bubba’s Catfish for fried seafood baskets.
- Copper Penny Pub for a casual meal downtown.
- Mama’s Little Italy for pasta night.
- SQZBX Brewery & Pizza for a vibe everyone will enjoy.
And don’t skip dessert! Kids (and parents) love:
- Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe
- Scoops Ice Cream
- Will’s Cinnamon Shop
- MaMoo’s Creamery and Kilwins for fudge and caramel apples.
- Golden Raised Donuts for a sweet start to the day.
Where to Stay in Hot Springs
Hot Springs offers a wide variety of accommodations, from historic hotels to modern vacation rentals. The Arlington Hotel, The Waters Hotel and The Embassy Suites are located downtown. Several family-friendly suites are available at chain hotels like Baymont on the Lake, Staybridge Suites, and Home2 Suites.
For something unique, try Starlight Haven, a treehouse and glamping property, or explore one of the many vacation rentals on Lake Hamilton, where you can wake up to water views. Other options include downtown bungalows, coffee cottages, lake escapes and an oasis. Alternatively, find a room at a historic motor court reminiscent of the early days when travelers drove miles to visit the healing waters.
For those who enjoy camping, Hot Springs offers a great opportunity with options like the Gulpha Gorge Campground at the National Park, Lake Catherine Camping, KOA Holiday landing, and Catherine’s Landing, which features tent pads and cottages.
Whether you visit during fall break, spring break or summer vacation, Hot Springs provides a family adventure packed with Arkansas fun!
Images in the story were provided by Visit Hot Springs.
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