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31 Best & Fun Things To Do In Little Rock (Arkansas)

As the capital of Arkansas, Little Rock is a lively tourist destination filled with everything from award-winning restaurants to historic homes and landmarks with great significance to the South.

It’s a mix of the old and the new, the classic and the modern.

For every streetcar that toots its way across town, there’s also a glamorous art gallery, a glittering shopping mall, or a neon-lit nightclub.

Outside of the metropolis, you’ll also find stunning natural scenery in the form of woods, lakes, rivers, and mountains.

There’s a reason why Arkansas is called the Natural State, so if you’re a fan of the outdoors, there are plenty of ways to work up a sweat!

Another great thing about Little Rock is that it’s a place that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Kids can run wild at parks and playgrounds; teens can pose for selfies on cliff tops; mom and dad can kick back with a cold beer at the distilleries.

There are also many great destinations for couples, work teams, and solo travelers.

Are you ready to experience the splendor of one of Arkansas’s most iconic cities?

Here are just a few fabulous things to do in Little Rock!

1. Big Dam Bridge

Big Dam Bridge

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An architectural marvel, the Big Dam Bridge is one of the biggest points of interest in Little Rock.

It’s also a history maker: It’s the largest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in all of North America.

Walk, bike, hike, or jog along more than 14 miles of beautiful riverside trails.

You’ll get to experience breathtaking views as you move high above the Arkansas River, and depending on when you’re there, you might also have the opportunity to participate in seasonal community events like marathons, races, and “full moon runs.”

The bridge also serves as an access point to many other tourist attractions, including the River Market and the Clinton Presidential Center.

It’s an excellent place to start your vacation if you’re new to Little Rock and wondering what to do.

Long story short, you won’t want to miss the Big Dam Bridge.

It’s an iconic destination in the city and a place where you can make all kinds of fun, lasting memories.

They’re all the better for being so high in the air!

Address: 4000 Cook’s Landing Rd, North Little Rock, AR 72118, United States

2. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Marti Bug Catcher / Shutterstock

In 1957, the “Little Rock Nine” were among the first African-American teenagers to attend a desegregated high school.

It caused such turmoil in the community that the president had to order the National Guard to safely escort them to and from their classes.

All of this happened at Little Rock Central High School.

Today, the school is no longer a school; it’s been converted into a museum to preserve the legacy of the Little Rock Nine and everything that they accomplished.

However, you can still retrace their steps by taking a tour, reading their testimony about the time, looking at exhibits at the visitor’s center, and watching an educational film.

There’s also a commemorative garden as well as kid-friendly activities designed to promote tolerance and diversity.

Another nice thing about the site is that there’s no admission fee.

Little Rock has deemed it important for kids and adults of all ages to remember their past, so it’s one of the free things to do in the area.

History isn’t always pretty, but at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, it isn’t forgotten.

Sign up for a sobering but highly enlightening tour.

Address: 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States

3. Metro Streetcar

Metro Streetcar

RI-Bill (talk) (Uploads)., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With its yellow-and-red color scheme, the Metro Streetcar is one of the most visible of Little Rock’s attractions, and it’s also one of the most fun.

It started as an authentic railway system back in the 1800s before being shut down, revamped, and reopened as a heritage streetcar system in 2004.

Riders can hop on at any number of points in downtown Little Rock, many of which are situated near tourist attractions.

You could easily use the trolley to go on a sightseeing tour of the city’s best.

Rides are offered every day of the week, and they’re fare-free, so your budget won’t take a hit.

If you’re looking for a unique way to see Little Rock, consider the Metro Streetcar.

Not only will it make for cute and charming selfies, but it will also give you a cool story to tell when you get home!

Address: Little Rock, AR, United States

4. Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

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Nicknamed “The Natural State” for its abundant parks, rivers, mountains, and hot springs, Arkansas is filled with beautiful and natural scenery, and Pinnacle Mountain State Park is one of the best places to see it.

Covering more than 2,000 acres, this park is spread across Pinnacle Mountain and its surrounding Big Maumelle and Little Maumelle rivers.

There are dozens of trails, including walking and biking trails, and the views from the cliff tops are simply breathtaking.

If you aren’t an experienced outdoorsman, that’s okay, too.

There are summits for people of all skill levels, so whether you’re looking for a leisurely dog walk or a clambering trek across boulders and streams, you can find a suitable trail.

One thing to note about the park is that it’s located a few minutes outside of Little Rock, but it’s worth the drive.

You’ll be able to escape the bright lights of the city in favor of glittering blankets of stars rising over mountaintops.

Just plan accordingly.

Address: 11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd, Roland, AR 72135, United States

5. River Market

River Market

STEPHEN B. THORNTON / Shutterstock

With food, drink, music, theater, and more shopping opportunities than your poor wallet can handle, the River Market is one of the best things to do in Little Rock.

Despite the name, it isn’t just a market.

It’s actually an entire district filled with everything from historic riverside homes to bars, boutiques, and bistros.

You can dine at restaurants, explore nature trails, and take public artwork tours all within a few blocks.

The River Market is also home to a number of special events throughout the year.

Some are recurring, including the local farmer’s market, while others are more time- and location-specific like spring jazz festivals and holiday caroling events.

Whether you’re headed to Little Rock this weekend, this summer, or next year, you’ll definitely want to check out the River Market District.

The good news is that it isn’t going anywhere.

It’s been a staple of the city since the 1990s, and even today, it stands as a shining beacon of ingenuity and city planning in the South.

Check it out!

Address: E. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

Planning to visit other parts of Arkansas? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Eureka Springs?

6. Little Rock Zoo

Little Rock Zoo

Little Rock Zoo

As the largest zoo in Arkansas, it’s hard to believe that the Little Rock Zoo started with just two animals: an abandoned wolf and a former circus bear.

Over the years, however, it’s grown to a large, clean, and colorful place where animal lovers of all ages can enjoy a diverse range of wildlife.

Some “animal encounters” will even let you get up close and personal with nature’s coolest critters!

The animal roster includes everything from tiny lizards to gigantic tigers and bears, so every habitat will have something new.

Activities range from feedings and other demonstrations to educational tours and meet-and-greets with the zookeepers.

If you get tired of walking around, you can hop on the train, grab a bite to eat at the cafe, or let the kids take a ride on the old-fashioned carousel.

There’s also a gift shop to buy plenty of souvenirs.

All in all, the Little Rock Zoo is one of the top places to see in Little Rock.

It’ll educate, impress, and inspire all at once, and since it’s a conservation site just as much as an entertainment venue, your ticket price will go towards a good cause as well.

Address: 1 Zoo Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States

7. Clinton Presidential Center

Clinton Presidential Center

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Formally known as the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the Clinton Presidential Center is a standing tribute to Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States.

It’s also an impressive landmark in its own right!

Even if you aren’t interested in politics, it’ll be hard not to gawk at its size, scale, and unique architectural features.

The building, for example, is constructed primarily of steel and laminated glass that gleams in the sunlight.

It’s also raised off the ground, allowing visitors a stunning bird’s eye view of the river and greenery below.

Inside, there are all of the galleries and archives that you’d expect from a presidential museum, but there’s also a theater, cafe, great hall, and restaurant.

You can explore all kinds of novelties, including full-sized replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room from the Clinton era.

If you’re at all interested in history, politics, or just cool architecture, you’ll want to make time for the Clinton Presidential Center.

Not only is it a fun attraction, but it’s one that you can only find in Little Rock, so it’ll be a unique vacation experience as well.

Address: 1200 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

8. Whole Hog Cafe

Whole Hog Cafe

Whole Hog Cafe

You can’t visit the South without trying some traditional Southern cuisine, and Whole Hog Cafe is one of the best places to get it.

They’re world champions of barbecue, and they don’t skimp on the servings, so you’ll have to roll yourself out of your seat after stuffing yourself silly.

Menu items include all kinds of Southern staples, including pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, green beans, and rolls.

You can order ribs by the slab or as part of various dinner plates.

If you’re really hungry, you might consider the “Hog Platter” that offers a little bit of everything for a truly gargantuan feast.

You’ll also enjoy the atmosphere of the cafe.

There are no white tablecloths here!

It’s relaxed, comfortable, and utterly unpretentious.

Everyone loosens their belt after the first plate or two.

When you’re feeling hungry in Little Rock, find the nearest Whole Hog Cafe.

They have multiple locations in the city, so you’ll never be far from one.

Let your ears lead you to the sizzling of some fantastic, award-winning barbecue.

Address: 2516 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States

9. Arkansas Repertory Theatre

Once you’ve cleared a platter of ribs and wiped all of the barbecue sauce from your fingers, you might be wondering about the other side of Little Rock.

Where can you go to get a little class and culture?

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre is one of the finest venues in Little Rock.

Dedicated to the arts in all forms, it’s a place where you can enjoy everything from classical music to contemporary plays and stand-up comedy.

You can watch Macbeth and Les Miserables; you can watch Monty Python’s Spamalot.

There’s always something different on the schedule.

The cozy and intimate nature of the theatre also makes for a great date night.

Seeing a show together can be one of the most romantic things to do for couples in Little Rock, and that includes locals and tourists alike.

Take a break from sightseeing and go and see something up close.

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre is an elegant, old-school establishment even when it’s headlining Monty Python, so it’ll be a nice way to feel fancy in Little Rock.

Address: 601 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

10. Funland Amusement Park

Funland Amusement Park

Funland Amusement Park

Located in North Little Rock, Funland is a small, family-oriented amusement park where everyone can have a good time.

It’s known for its quaint and charming attractions as well as its cheap tickets: They only cost $2 a pop.

As the owners say on their website, “Spend a day, not a fortune!”

Rides at Funland include a train, carousel, space shuttle, and Ferris wheel.

Other games and activities range from carnival-style contests to special seasonal events like meeting Santa, hunting for Easter eggs, or riding the Holiday Express.

All-day passes are available if you want to try everything, and you can also buy a cheap seasonal pass for your entire family if you’ll be staying in town for awhile.

Funland isn’t the biggest or flashiest of Little Rock attractions, but it’s a place where the kids can burn off some of their energy while you indulgently stroll behind them with an old-fashioned ice cream cone.

If you’re looking for family fun that won’t break the bank, this is the place to get it.

Address: 25 Funland Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72114, United States

Exploring other areas of Arkansas? Why not check out some of the things to do in Hot Springs, AR?

11. Arkansas State Capitol

Arkansas State Capitol

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

With its bright white dome, the Arkansas State Capitol is one of the most iconic places to visit in the state.

It also has a fun and fascinating history: Originally built in the late 1800s, it was constructed on the site of a state penitentiary, and prisoners helped to raise it.

Today, you’re more likely to see folks in business suits rather than orange jumpsuits, but it’s still a bustling location filled with motion, activity, and purpose.

Politicians use the offices.

Tourists check out exhibitions like the Civil Rights Memorial and the Confederate War Prisoners Memorial.

People interested in government work can even watch legislators from a public gallery!

If you’re headed to Little Rock, it’s worth checking out the Arkansas State Capitol.

Not only is it an impressive architectural feat, but it’s a place where you can learn a little history and celebrate the legacy of the Natural State.

Address: 500 Woodlane St, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

12. The Arkansas River Trail

Arkansas River Trail

Barbara Kalbfleisch / Shutterstock

What covers 88 miles and costs less than 88 cents?

The answer: a trip across the Arkansas River Trail.

Spanning the entire breadth of Little Rock as well as surrounding areas like Maumelle and Conway, the Arkansas River Trail is a gigantic pedestrian pathway that’s used by walkers, joggers, cyclists, and more.

It connects dozens of landmarks and attractions, including almost 40 different parks and recreation areas, so you can spend all day in nature while also appreciating the convenience of a clean, tidy path with lots of signage.

Additionally, the trail doesn’t cost anything to use!

It’s one of the many free things to do within Little Rock, so you can have fun without spending a dime.

The Arkansas River Trail will offer multi-day, multipurpose excitement for visitors from all walks of life.

Whether you’re taking an easy stroll by the river or undergoing an epic quest to conquer the entire 88 miles, it should offer a great vacation experience for you.

Address: Little Rock, AR, United States

13. Historic Arkansas Museum

Historic Arkansas Museum

Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock

Some of the oldest buildings in Little Rock can be found at the Historic Arkansas Museum.

The name is a bit of a misnomer: Rather than being a single museum, it’s an entire city block dedicated to old, authentic, and carefully-preserved homes and homesteads.

Different buildings hold different artifacts.

At some, for example, you can see paintings, pottery, and additional works of art.

At others, you can examine collections of vintage guns and hunting horns.

Some have antique jewelry and fashion.

Some have sepia-toned photographs and old furniture so fragile that you can’t touch it.

Outside tends to be just as beautiful as inside, too.

You can wander the grounds with their gardens and sculptures and take in the beautiful, old-fashioned architecture of another era.

One of the top things to do in Arkansas is to check out the many museums that the city has to offer, and the Historic Arkansas Museum is among the best.

If you’re looking for something that’s simultaneously educational and entertaining, this is the place to go!

Address: 200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

14. The Old Mill

The Old Mill

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You might recognize the Old Mill even if you’ve never been there before.

Featured in the opening scene of Gone With the Wind, a Southern classic, it has all of the beauty, charm, and grace of a truly historic destination.

Though not an original structure, the Old Mill has been painstakingly replicated to look like an authentic, water-powered grist mill from the 1880s.

Its gentle wheels turn in time with the blooming of its flowers and the mini-waterfalls streaming over its rocks.

It even boasts a wooden footbridge that serves as a passageway for pedestrians to enjoy all of the sights and sounds of nature.

The Old Mill is one of the coolest things to do in Little Rock if you enjoy historic places.

It’s also a treat if you have an eye for rustic or country-style architecture in general.

It’s quite literally cinematic, so whenever you feel ready to channel Rhett or Scarlett, grab your camera and go!

Address: 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116, United States

15. Electric Cowboy

https://youtu.be/289HaTbMgM0

With a name like “Electric Cowboy,” you might expect this venue to be amazing, and you’d be right.

It’s one of the most happening nightlife spots in Little Rock, and thanks to its unique combination of country charm and contemporary chic, it can make for an unforgettable evening.

The drinks are cheap but potent.

The music includes everything from classic country to the latest in rap and hip-hop.

Special events include dance lessons, pool and cornhole tournaments, and themed gatherings with costumes and half-off liquor.

Are you looking for some fun in Little Rock tonight? Swing by the Electric Cowboy.

The doors are always open to those who know how to have a good time.

Address: 9515 I-30, Little Rock, AR 72209, United States

16. The Bernice Garden

The Bernice Garden

The Bernice Garden

Tourist attractions like The Bernice Garden are why Arkansas is one of the most underrated places in the US.

It’s small, and it isn’t always featured in travel magazines, but it’s an absolutely gorgeous destination for nature lovers.

The garden is the main attraction, of course, and it features everything from roses to zinnias under a canopy of moths, butterflies, and dragonflies.

But the flora isn’t the only reason to give it a visit.

Art is also front and center at Bernice, and from sculptures to mosaics to rock formations, your eyes will be just as delighted by the sights as your nose is delighted by the scents.

Other activities include a weekly farmer’s market as well as regular live music events under the high wooden arches of the pavilion.

If you time your trip right, you might even be able to catch the Arkansas Cornbread Festival!

A trip to The Bernice Garden can be one of the most fun experiences that you have in Little Rock.

It might be something of a hidden gem within the city, but that just adds to its charm as a secret and beautiful garden.

Address: 1401 S Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States

17. Park Plaza Mall

Park Plaza Mall

Park Plaza Mall

Shop ’til you drop at Park Plaza Mall.

Covering more than 125,000 square feet, it’s the largest shopping venue for miles, and it boasts everything that you could want in a retail therapy experience.

There are high-end boutiques if you’d like to splurge; there are cheap kiosks and souvenir stands if you just want to pick up some kitschy vacation knickknacks for your friends back home.

You might also want to simply window shop.

There are hundreds of stores to whittle away the time, and you can get in your daily steps just by walking around.

You might even find yourself appreciating the architecture.

With multiple levels covered by a gigantic, V-shaped glass ceiling, it’s a beautiful building that can show off sunlight and storm clouds alike.

You don’t have to spend big bucks at the Park Plaza Mall.

You’re welcome to, of course, but you can also enjoy the ambiance without being laden down by shopping bags.

Address: 6000 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States

18. Burns Park

Burns Park

Burns Park

Burns Park is a large and lively park in North Little Rock.

Not only does it offer the usual amenities like nature trails, picnic tables, and athletic courts, but it’s also dotted with attractions as diverse as a World War II tank and a full-scale archery range.

First things first: What kind of outdoor activities do you enjoy?

The park offers it all, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and water skiing.

Everyone in the family can find fun stuff to do that will let them enjoy the summer sun or the fall foliage.

Other attractions include amusement parks, golf courses, RV campgrounds, and a number of historic homes and landmarks.

You could spend your entire vacation here and not see everything.

Fun things to do in Little Rock can be found around every corner, especially when those corners are located within Burns Park.

From catching your own dinner to sinking a hole-in-one, you’ll never run out of entertainment at a place like this!

Address: North Little Rock, AR 72118, United States

19. The Library Kitchen + Lounge

The Library Kitchen + Lounge

The Library Kitchen + Lounge

Despite its name, there’s nothing quiet about The Library Kitchen + Lounge.

It’s a venue for adults that offers everything from live music stages to a dozen flat-screen TVs surrounding a bar where the libations never stop flowing.

In other words, it isn’t a place to curl up with Anne of Green Gables.

It’s a place to get your Great Gatsby on!

The menu ranges from simple finger foods like “chicken onna stick” to elaborate, elbow-deep dishes like pulled pork barbecue nachos.

Drinks include beer, wine, and all kinds of cocktails.

You can sit at a table, restaurant-style, or you can chat up folks at the bar or get your groove on when the live music starts.

Another great thing about the venue is that it’s open late, so the party doesn’t have to stop until the wee hours of the morning.

All things considered, The Library Kitchen + Lounge is one of the premiere nightlife destinations in Little Rock.

Whether you’re looking for company or just craving some Southern-style fried green tomatoes, this is the place to experience it all.

Address: 313 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

20. ESSE Purse Museum

ESSE Purse Museum

ESSE Purse Museum

Though it’s best known for its grand and regal destinations, Little Rock is also full of quirky, charming, and off-beat tourist attractions.

One such example is the ESSE Purse Museum.

Like its name suggests, the ESSE Purse Museum is all about purses.

It is, in fact, the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to handbags.

Exhibitions usually cover both the fashion and the craftsmanship of their purses as well as the history and legacy of the women who carried them.

Its central exhibit, for example, is called “A Century of Women and Handbags 1900 – 1999,” and it follows the changing trends of the industry in the broader context of women’s rights, struggles, and contemporary attitudes.

If you’re looking for unusual destinations in and near Little Rock, consider a tour of the ESSE Purse Museum.

It’s fun enough to be compelling but also serious enough to be genuinely engaging, so you can consider it one of the most fun places to visit in the city.

Address: 1510 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States

Going on a road trip around Arkansas? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Bentonville, AR?

21. Riverfront Park

The Arkansas River is one of the major points of interest in the state, and there’s no better place to see it than Riverfront Park.

It’s located right off downtown Little Rock, and it offers 33 acres of flowers, trees, bridges, pavilions, sculpture gardens, and more.

Best of all, everything has a gorgeous view of the water!

Its main attractions are things like its amphitheater where fairs and festivals are held. However, there are many other things to see that aren’t as well-known, including its war memorials, junction bridges, splash parks, and nature centers.

Did we mention that there’s no admission fee to Riverfront Park?

While some special events might cost you, including its fairs, there’s no charge for the overall park.

Maybe you’re a fan of trails and parks.

Maybe you’re just looking for free things to do within the city.

Whatever your reasons for seeking out Riverfront Park, it’s definitely a top 10 destination in Little Rock!

Address: 400 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

22. Allsopp Park

Allsopp Park

Allsopp Park

If you’re packing your itinerary with the best places to vacation, you might find yourself in need of a little R&R after awhile.

Nonstop adventure can take its toll!

Fortunately, Allsopp Park is here to offer you a respite.

It’s both beautiful and peaceful, so it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries when you need a little rest.

You can walk among the trees, picnic among the flowers, or go for a stroll among the creeks and streams.

You can even look upwards and spot some of Arkansas’s rarer bird species!

Another noteworthy thing about the park is that it’s centrally located in the heart of downtown Little Rock, so it’s easily accessible even when you’re in the middle of eating, drinking, dancing, and touring.

It’ll be a green oasis in the midst of a metropolis.

Not all Little Rock attractions are big and bold.

Some are quieter and humbler, and they’re exactly what you need during a stressful vacation.

Sit on a bench in Allsopp Park to soothe your spirit before charging off on your next adventure.

Address: 3700 Cedar Hill Rd, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States

23. Mystery Mansion Escape Room

Mystery Mansion Escape Room

Jerome.Romme / Shutterstock

The first of its kind in Little Rock, the Mystery Mansion Escape Room offers you the chance to test your bravery and your sleuthing skills with a variety of escape-based challenges.

Maybe you’re an amnesiac waking up in a locked room.

Maybe you’re a treasure hunter looking for gold coins hidden in a mansion.

Maybe you’re a spy, a high school student, or a potion master’s apprentice.

These are just a few of the scenarios that you might face as you look for clues and solve riddles and puzzles to complete your objectives.

All rooms are family-friendly, so feel free to bring your little ones along.

Escape challenges are also great for dates, parties, and corporate team-building events.

If you think that you have what it takes to master the mystery and earn your freedom, check out one of the coolest things to do in Little Rock by heading over to the Mystery Mansion Escape Room!

Address: 2122 Broadway St, Little Rock, AR 72206, United States

24. Rock Town Distillery

Rock Town Distillery

Rock Town Distillery

Famous for its “grain to glass” approach, Rock Town Distillery will allow you to see every single step of the alcohol-making process.

If you’ve ever been curious about how corn, wheat, rye, and other types of grain are turned into gin, bourbon, and vodka, this is the place to learn.

Tours will take you among the aged wooden barrels of the back rooms; tastings will let you sample the spirits after they’ve been transformed.

You can also sign up for everything from cocktail-making classes to “the history of whiskey” workshops.

As you sip, you can take comfort in the knowledge that your money is supporting local businesses: Rock Town Distillery never buys from farmers or vendors more than 120 miles away from Little Rock.

One thing to note is that you’ll need to make tour reservations in advance, so this might not be an ideal destination for last-minute plans this weekend.

If you have the time, however, you should pencil in a trip to Rock Town Distillery.

A “grain to glass” experience is one for the books!

Address: 1201 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States

25. Museum Of Discovery

Museum Of Discovery

K I Photography / Shutterstock

Going on a family vacation?

Looking for something that can entertain the tots and the teens?

Consider a trip to the Museum Of Discovery.

With almost 100 different interactive exhibits, the Museum Of Discovery is a place where kids can take science into their own hands.

Whether it’s petting live animals, controlling switches and circuits, digging for fossils, or walking through a “tornado alley” filled with rumbles and shakes, they’ll find lots of exciting things to see and do.

Thanks to its wide variety of exhibits, the museum is also a place where the whole family can find something to interest them.

From babies to grandparents, science is made fun, accessible, and memorable.

If you’re wondering what to do with kids as you make your way through Little Rock, consider the Museum Of Discovery.

It’ll provide all-ages entertainment for all kinds of hearts and minds.

Address: 500 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

26. Lake Ouachita State Park

Lake Ouachita State Park

Kat Byrd I / Shutterstock

Located a few miles west of Little Rock, Lake Ouachita State Park is a stunningly beautiful destination that dates back centuries.

It used to be known for its hot springs that were said to have near-mythical restorative properties.

Today, it’s just a fun state park, but it’s a lot of fun.

Available activities include camping, swimming, hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and more.

There’s inline skiing in the winter and jet skiing in the summer; there’s fishing in the daytime and stargazing at night.

No matter how you like to experience the great outdoors, this park is a must do for outdoor enthusiasts.

There are a number of accommodation options, too, depending on your fancy.

From open campgrounds where you pitch a tent to fully-stocked cabins with electricity, you’ll be able to travel at your own level of comfort.

If you don’t want to haul a lot of equipment with you on vacation, just rent what you need from the marina or the local shops.

Lake Ouachita State Park is one of the shining gems of Arkansas, and it isn’t that far from Little Rock.

To appreciate some of the best sights south of the Mason-Dixon line, this is the place to go.

Address: 5451 Mountain Pine Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956, United States

27. South On Main

South on Main

South on Main

Another great place for Southern cuisine, South On Main goes the extra mile by offering more than just collared greens and black-eyed peas.

It’s also a place to experience live music!

Every weekend, local musicians come to the restaurant and perform for the dining crowds.

There might be a band; there might be folk dancing; there might just be a single girl in a sundress with a guitar.

Regardless, you’ll have entertainment while you eat.

As for the eating itself, you’ll have your choice of both traditional Southern cuisine and gourmet options like duck, catfish, or chicken liver.

The menu makes sure to cater to all types.

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend?

Or maybe you’re just wondering what to do on a hot day in Little Rock.

Either way, South On Main is here for you.

As they say on their website, pull up a chair and stay awhile!

Address: 1304 S Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States

28. Two Rivers Park

Two Rivers Park

Two Rivers Park

Located at the intersection of the Arkansas River and the Little Maumelle River, Two Rivers Park is a dazzling destination where you can walk, bike, hike, kayak, and otherwise enjoy the great outdoors.

On land, you can explore a number of gardens, pathways, and nature trails.

One of them even crosses the bridge leading to the Arkansas River Trail, so you can keep on adventuring even after you’ve seen all of the park.

If you prefer to make a splash, consider renting a kayak and paddling around the waters of one or both rivers.

The park is the joint property of its neighboring counties, so visitors are allowed to move around at their leisure.

If you’re wondering what to do in Little Rock that doesn’t require a reservation, Two Rivers Park is always open, and it’s considered one of the top destinations in the city.

Address: 6900 Two Rivers Park Road, Little Rock, AR 72223, United States

29. Old State House Museum

Old State House Museum

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock

You’ve seen the Arkansas State Capitol with its brilliant white marble.

But have you ever considered where government business was conducted before the late 1800s?

The answer is the Old State House.

Formerly known as the Arkansas State House, it was the center of Arkansas politics in the early 1800s, and it saw many landmark decisions and debates as the original state capitol building.

For example, politicians met here when talking about matters of succession during the Civil War, and it was here that they decided to abolish slavery and establish state-wide education.

There are also many colorful stories in its legacy: On December 4, 1837, a speaker killed a representative in a knife fight during a general assembly!

Today, visitors can tour the old building, see the many exhibits on display, and learn more about both Little Rock and Arkansas’s history.

Artifacts on display include everything from battle flags to the inaugural gowns of various First Ladies.

All in all, the Old State House is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Little Rock.

You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate it.

After all, how many times can you stand in the place of a genuine knife fight?

Address: 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

30. Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts / Studio Gang and SCAPE

As the capital of the state, Little Rock is considered a hot spot for arts and culture, and many Little Rock attractions are focused on the arts.

This is why places like the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts have chosen to call it home.

Filled with well-known names like Picasso, Degas, and Rembrandt, the museum is a gallery to the greats.

It features both permanent collections and temporary exhibits designed to showcase everything from up-and-coming talent to explorations into classic and antique art.

As a visitor, you can tour the museum, visit the research library, or sign up for any number of art classes and workshops.

If you plan on using Little Rock for a big occasion like a wedding, you can even rent out the atrium for the ceremony.

Ultimately, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is a must see while you’re in the Natural State.

Not all of the area’s natural wonders are outdoors: Some have been captured on canvas for everyone to enjoy!

Address: 2510 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States

31. La Petite Roche Plaza

La Petite Roche Plaza

La Petite Roche Plaza

Located by the riverfront, La Petite Roche Plaza is where the entire capital started, so it’s also a great way to say goodbye.

In 1722, a French explorer named Jean-Baptiste Benard de la Harpe was crossing the Arkansas River when he noticed an outcropping of rocks along the banks.

One was particularly memorable, and he named it La Petite Roche or “Little Rock.”

For years, La Petite Roche served as a landmark for travelers, so much so that even after an entire city grew around it, people ignored its government-issued name Arkopolis and continued to call it Little Rock.

La Petite Roche is still standing today, and you can see it from a beautiful, flower-filled plaza that also bears it name.

When your Little Rock vacation is coming to an end, why not say farewell by visiting the place where it all began?

Visit La Petite Roche Plaza, snap a few pictures for your scrapbook, and hold the memories close forever.

Address: Rock Street Riverfront Park, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Little Rock

These are just a few things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Whether you’re interested in climbing a mountain, catching a Broadway show, or digging into a platter of ribs, this is a city that has a little something for everyone.

You just have to plan accordingly.

Happy travels!