See a full-scale replica of the Oval Office at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum.

Top Family Attractions in Little Rock, Arkansas

1. William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum

See a replica Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and presidential limousine at this state-of-the-art museum. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, it's fascinating to walk down memory lane and look back on Bill Clinton's time in power during the 1990s. There are a ton of photos and videos on display, as well as funny memorabilia, like Clinton's infamous saxophone and gifts for his pet cat Socks. A visit is bound to spark curiosity from even the youngest children.

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The Arkansas State Capitol offers a self-guided tour for families with children. 

2. Arkansas State Capitol

Looking for a free and educational thing to do with the kids? Take a self-guided tour of the majestic state capitol. My family loved seeing the grand marble staircases, the gold leaf-covered dome, and the legislative chambers where big state decisions are made. (If you visit while the legislature is in session, you may even see politicians at work.) The building is also somewhat of a museum, with exhibits on famous Arkansans and facts about the local culture.

3. Riverfront Park

On a nice day there is no better place to be than this public park spanning 11 blocks along the Arkansas River. There are walkways with ample room for strollers, several playgrounds, a splash pad, and a sculpture garden with more than 100 works of art. My kids especially enjoyed the park's giant tube slide and play tunnels. At the eastern end of the site, visitors can spot the famous "little rock" from which the city got its name from French explorers.

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From lying on a bed of nails to generating electricity, kids will love the hands-on science at the Museum of Discovery.

4. Museum of Discovery

Kids of all ages love this downtown museum that's full of interactive STEM exhibits. In the Discovery Cove, kids can see inside a real human body or test their courage lying on a bed of nails. In the Animal Care Facility, they can meet reptiles and birds. The Curiosity Spot boasts a 15-foot kaleidoscope tunnel and a place to make silly digital portraits. Don't be surprised, though, if your kid's favorite thing is the playground at the center of the museum—a three-story, colorful climber with tunnels and nets.

5. Little Rock Zoo

We spent the whole day at this 33-acre zoo that's home to more than 400 animals, including some rare species (I'd never seen a secretarybird before; what a funny-looking creature!) Highlights include sloth bears, an African Savannah featuring zebras and ostriches, and a walkway of great apes, where guests can see gorillas on one side and chimpanzees and orangutans on the other. The zoo has a train ride aboard a miniature replica 1863 locomotive, as well as a specialty carousel that's more of a thrill ride.

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Conquer the mountain at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. 

More Outdoor Fun for Kids in Little Rock, Arkansas

6. Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Up for a physical challenge? Take the kids to hike Pinnacle Mountain, an iconic local landmark that rises 1,000 feet into the sky. Both the West Summit and the East Summit trails will take you to the top in about two hours. The East Summit is considered to be more challenging, though both have steep inclines. The park has other trails too, including the paved half-mile Kingfisher Trail which passes by the Little Maumelle River. Pinnacle Mountain State Park also has a playground, picnic tables, and a cute visitors center.

7. Go for a Bike Ride

Unbeknownst to many, Little Rock is considered one of the top biking destinations in the US. In fact, there are more than 1,200 miles of cycling trails in the city for a variety of levels, whether your kid is a seasoned rider or still using training wheels. A local favorite is the Arkansas River Trail, a 15.6-mile downtown loop. Also, check out these six trails, which are perfect for families with beginning cyclists.

8. Big Rock Fun Park

This one-stop amusement shop has so many features kids love—a mini golf course, a go-kart track, an aerial ropes course, bumper boat rides, and an arcade, to name a few. Situated on 7.5 acres just south of the city, the only question is... what to do first? The park is open seven days a week, and there is a small snack shop on campus.

9. MacArthur Park

Visit Little Rock's oldest public park. The 36-acre site is lovely, with memorials, grassy space to spread out, and a fish pond where you're likely to spot ducks and geese. The big draw for kids, though, is the MacArthur Unlimited Playground. This ADA-accessible play space has climbers, slides, swings and other kid favorites. Plus, the park is home to both the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History.

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The Clinton Bridge offers scenic views of the river, park, and downtown Little Rock. 

10. Walk a Downtown Bridge

Go for a scenic stroll and take in the skyline on one of Little Rock's five downtown bridges open to pedestrians. Most famous is the Big Dam Bridge, rising 90 feet above the Arkansas River and spanning 4,226 feet in length (it's the longest bridge intended for pedestrians and cyclists in North America). Another favorite is the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge adjacent to the museum. The Junction Bridge brightens the sky every night with thousands of LED lights as part of an art installation.

More Indoor Attractions for Families in Little Rock, Arkansas

11. Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Admission and parking are free at this recently renovated, lofty museum that houses beautiful works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Degas. More than 14,000 items spanning eight centuries are on display. The AMFA offers plenty of programs for families, from Art Start—a toddler program that pairs books with art activities—to Creative Saturdays, when kids of all ages can get busy crafting. FYI: Park Grill is an on-site restaurant known for its great food!

12. Esse Purse Museum

Got a budding fashionista? Take them to see this only-in-Little-Rock museum celebrating vintage handbags, specifically those carried by women in the early 20th century. Exhibits include purse contents, too, providing a look into how fashion—and women's life experiences—have changed over time. Note: The facility is somewhat small. Kids 5 and under are free. And in case you are wondering, there is a gift shop!

13. Historic Arkansas Museum

Step back in time at this outdoor space featuring a block of historic structures that includes the oldest building in Little Rock, an 1850s farmstead. It's free to walk around the village, imagining what life must have been like for early settlers. Highlights include a blacksmith shop and a print shop that housed the state's first lending library. An indoor museum showcases historic artwork and photographs, and there's an area just for kids. The Sturgis Children’s Gallery has hands-on displays like an old-timey playhouse and garden.

14. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Pivotal moments in the American civil rights movement happened in Little Rock, most notably the 1957 Little Rock Crisis. That was when nine black students were barred from entering this formerly segregated school. Though the high school is still in use today, a free visitors center just across the street honors those involved in that struggle for integration. Older kids with knowledge of the civil rights movement will likely find the displays inside very moving.

15. Old State House Museum

Brush up on more Arkansas history at this museum inside the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River (it served as the capitol until 1912). There's a ton of information on Arkansas' role in the US Civil War and its most famous governors and legislators.The museum is known for its collection of first ladies' gowns, the largest exhibition of this kind outside of the Smithsonian.

16. Arkansas Skatium

Hit the rink at the only dual ice and roller skating facility in Arkansas. The Skatium has been a Little Rock family favorite since it opened in 1979. Public sessions are held throughout the year, and kids can take "learn to skate" classes, whether it be on the ice or on the hardwood. Skates and skate aids are available for rent. Get your snack fix at the concession stand.

17. Trampoline Parks

Bounce off some energy at a local trampoline park. Attractions at Sky Zone Little Rock include a ninja warrior course, a drop zone, and an area for toddlers. Urban Air Little Rock boasts a ropes course, climbing walls, and my daughters' personal favorite, the sky rider zip line. And families can find wall-to-wall bouncy houses at Jump-N-Stuff, which has open jump times on Thursdays through Sundays.

18. Little Rock Climbing Center

Children as young as five can get harnessed up for ascension at this indoor rock climbing gym. There are several colorful bouldering walls for everyone from climbing pros to beginners (staff are eager to help first-timers and can answer any safety questions). If you've never tried this activity before, it's a real workout. My kids love it; then they are wiped out and sleep very well at night!

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Le Pops offers handmade, gourmet ice pops using all local produce for ingredients.

Restaurants for Families in Little Rock, Arkansas

20. ZAZA

I'm a big fan of the Neapolitan pizzas and hand-tossed salads at this eatery in the neighborhood called the Heights (a charming pocket with many great shops and restaurants). Everything tastes really fresh and the atmosphere is casual, perfect for parents and kids. No wonder the pizzeria regularly picks up local awards.

21. The Root Cafe

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Root Cafe prides itself on offering local ingredients from Arkansas farms. Menu favorites include meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, vegan chili, and plenty of burgers and brats. For the kids, the cafe has a killer grilled cheese.

22. Boulevard Bread Company

This artisan bakery, with three locations around Little Rock, has great everything—soups, salads, sandwiches, and, of course, fresh-baked bread and pastries. Our family loves hitting up Boulevard's deli for specialty meats, cheeses, olives, and hummus before heading out for a picnic.

Great Little Rock Hotels for Families

23. Capital Hotel

We really enjoyed our stay at this downtown hotel that's been a fixture in Little Rock for more than a century. The lobby is elegant and grand, the rooms are spacious and clean, and the location is within walking distance of attractions like the Clinton Library and the Museum of Discovery. Plus, despite all of this southern charm and luxury, we found the accommodation rates to be modestly priced.

24. The Burgundy Hotel

This boutique hotel in West Little Rock gets high marks for details like its outdoor pool and stylish patio (open seasonally), free parking, bathroom amenities from Bath & Body Works, and an on-site fine-dining restaurant. Table 28 is open every day for dinner, FYI.

25. Comfort Suites Little Rock West

Sometimes you can't go wrong with a hotel that has an indoor pool and a splash pad (at least kids see it that way)! Amenities at this Comfort Suites also include free breakfast, coffee, and parking. The hotel is conveniently located just off of Interstate 430, for those visiting Little Rock on a road trip.

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Photos by the author