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There’s something special about the last few weekends before school starts. For many families, a final summer weekend getaway has become a yearly tradition, marking the end of summer with a memorable experience. Whether it’s a celebration trip for a kindergartener preparing to start school, a rite-of-passage weekend between middle and high school or a nostalgic send-off for a rising senior, these short trips serve as the final punctuation on a summer well spent.
Sometimes, they include back-to-school shopping. Other times, it’s just a chance to create one last summer memory before schedules change and alarm clocks start ringing again. No matter your reason, Bentonville is an ideal destination for a last-minute weekend trip. The city is constantly evolving with new shops and restaurants to explore, a town square that feels like a movie set and world-class art that continues to inspire.
This summer, take a quick weekend to explore an art adventure in Arkansas. It might not be your usual idea of “family fun,” but don’t overlook it yet. Stepping outside your comfort zone, especially with parents and children, can lead to meaningful conversations, unexpected bonding and lasting inspiration. Art has that power. And Bentonville is full of it.
Explore the Momentary
I don’t always recommend the Momentary for families because some exhibits are often more avant-garde or abstract, but right now, it’s definitely worth a visit. (Yes, even for music-loving Dad or Grandpa who will love that it’s FREE!) The Prison Concerts exhibit, featuring Johnny Cash, offers a raw and intimate look at Arkansas’s golden boy during some of his most famous performances at Folsom Prison and San Quentin Prison. These behind-the-scenes photos capture the emotion of a man whose music touched the nation’s soul, revealing a side of Johnny Cash that most people have never seen.
Then, walk through the Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul photography exhibit. You’ll recognize familiar faces from your record collection and may also introduce your children to some new legends. If you have a little more time and curiosity, pay the $20 admission for The Machine Behind the Art, an exhibit that explores the work of JR, a contemporary artist known for large-scale photo installations. The exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes look at how JR’s custom-built printing press and team bring his big ideas to life. And watch an image of yourself fly through the ceiling on his larger-than-life printing press.
Inspired by this hands-on creativity, we left the Momentary energized with ideas and ended up making a collage at home, something we plan to submit to our county fair. That’s the kind of unexpected result these weekends often produce.
Bonus: My son loved that this museum building used to be a Kraft cheese products factory, which meant he could still see pipes and dairy chambers where his favorite food was made. I know it’s cheesy, but it makes an easy idea for dinner!
If art isn’t your thing, there are plenty of places to still explore in Northwest Arkansas or around the state!
Expand the Experience: Become Art-Makers
One of the best parts of an art-focused getaway is realizing you don’t just have to look at art; you can create it too. (You know it’s your kind of thing!)
Sit with a sketchpad in the lobby of Crystal Bridges or take your creativity outside onto the trails. Currently, the Studio at Crystal Bridges features a family-friendly watercolor station inspired by nature and the museum’s changing collections. It’s simple, accessible and completely relaxing, making it perfect for both children and adults.
If you’re staying in an Airbnb or rental home, take some time to draw or journal on the patio in the early morning. Or sit at the splash pad while the kids play and sketch what you see. Walk on the trail at Coler and sit with a cup of coffee to take in the scenery. Art doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Inspiration is everywhere: murals, trails, museum walls and even coffee shop tabletops.
More to Explore in Bentonville
While the Momentary and Crystal Bridges serve as your creative anchors for the weekend, Bentonville offers many other ways to make memories.
- Walton’s 5 & 10: The original store and museum recently reopened, offering an immersive experience that takes you back to the early days of Walmart with engaging displays that children will love.
- The Spark Café: Grab a smoothie, coffee, or pastry from this stylish spot that offers Mr. Sam’s favorite Yarnell’s ice cream every day!
- Compton Gardens Trails: A tranquil, shaded spot perfect for nature walks or peaceful reflection.
- Stay Local: Book a cozy Airbnb or bed-and-breakfast near the square; Dave and Jenny Marrs have even renovated some from HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous.
- Marrs on Main: A new general store experience by the Marrs family, filled with thoughtful gifts and cozy décor.
- Skylight Cinema + Trash Creamery: Finish your evening with a movie and craft a crazy ice cream creation.
- Neon Art Tour: explore downtown and enjoy the Todd Sanders artwork decorating restaurants and alleyways.
- Bentonville Boutiques: Back-to-school shopping becomes more fun when it includes locally curated fashion and accessories.
- Bentonville Square: a constantly evolving place that feels like a movie set. Stand in the middle and soak it all in, or visit Saturday for the farmers’ market.
Other Places for an Art-Tastic Arkansas Weekend
If heading to Bentonville isn’t part of your summer plans, there are many other places in Arkansas where you can enjoy art. Plan a long weekend in Little Rock, El Dorado, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Helena or Pine Bluff; these towns offer a variety of family-friendly art experiences year-round.
- Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts – Little Rock: Just reopened with galleries, kids’ workshops and a beautiful theater space. The outdoor art garden is also a perfect spot to explore together.
- South Arkansas Arts Center – El Dorado: This venue hosts exhibits, performances, and community events in a beautiful location near downtown El Dorado.
- Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM): A family-friendly museum with local and traveling exhibits, kids’ art activities, and interactive displays for young learners.
- Delta Cultural Center – Helena: Discover Delta art and music history through rotating exhibitions, audio storytelling, and art connected to local heritage.
- ARTSpace on Main – Pine Bluff: This lively downtown studio and gallery hosts hands-on workshops, exhibitions, and community events that welcome artists of all ages and skill levels.
- Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas – Pine Bluff: Featuring interactive exhibits, visual arts programming and live performances, this family-friendly center combines creativity and curiosity in a lively space.
- Bradbury Art Museum – Jonesboro: Situated on the Arkansas State University campus, this contemporary art museum showcases thought-provoking exhibits by regional and national artists in a sleek space perfect for a quiet afternoon of inspiration.
Check out these Hidden Gem Art Galleries in Arkansas.
One More Weekend to Make It Count
Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip or a carefully planned weekend, an Arkansas art getaway is a fun and refreshing way to bond as a family. Even if art isn’t your usual choice, trying something new with your children can spark meaningful conversations and ignite a shared creative spirit.
From rock ‘n’ roll photography and Arkansas legends to nature trails and watercolor sketches, Bentonville and its surrounding areas offer opportunities to inspire one another. It’s not just about the art on the walls; it’s about the memories you create while walking through galleries, discussing historical topics, encouraging your kid as their creativity blossoms, and working side by side while letting them watch you learn something new.
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