Visiting Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is located about one hour west of Little Rock, Arkansas. Many park visitors come by way of the state capital. There's also a small airport in Hot Springs with direct flights from a few cities including Dallas and Memphis. 

The climate in Hot Springs is temperate year-round, though August can get hot and sticky. Our family visited the national park in mid-March, and the weather was glorious with temperatures in the 70s. Park rangers say spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summer is the busiest. The outdoor areas of the national park are open every day from 5am-10pm (though the visitor center hours vary by season).       

Things to Do in Hot Springs National Park with Kids

1. Bathhouse Row

Right in the middle of downtown Hot Springs is this one-block stretch of eight beautiful buildings. Constructed between 1892 and 1923, these bathhouses were once a booming industry for Victorian-era Americans who came to soak in the mineral-rich water, believing it could cure all their ailments. It's fun (and free) to stroll past them, reading the historical markers that describe this bygone era. 

Today only two of the bathhouses operate as spas, and both have age requirements. The Buckstaff Bathhouse offers a traditional experience where men and women go to separate facilities and each guest receives a personal attendant. Service includes bathing in your own tub and a short massage. Kids have to be 10 or older to visit. 

Guests at the Quapaw Bathhouse wear swimsuits to soak in the four public pools, each of varying degrees of warmth (there are private baths offered as well). Guests have to be 14 to visit Quapaw. 

While these age requirements will shut out some families, if you visit Hot Springs with older kids and teens, I recommend trying a bathhouse experience. The 4,000 year-old natural spring water is rich in silica, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals known for their therapeutic benefits. After a soak at the Quapaw Bathhouse, my husband said he had never slept so well!     

2. Visitor Center (Fordyce Bathhouse)

A great place to start your Hot Springs adventure is at the national park's visitor center, located inside the historic Fordyce Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row. The three-story building is basically a free Hot Springs museum, with fascinating artifacts and displays. You can walk through the historic changing rooms and massage parlours to see how they looked in their heyday before the Fordyce closed in 1962. 

Our family got a kick out of the gymnasium, with equipment unrecognizable by today's standards. There are also exhibits on the battles over which groups had access to the spring water, the famous (and infamous) people who visited these bathhouses, and the medical professionals who claimed the water was a magic elixir.

If your children like participating in the Junior Ranger program, this is where they can pick up their booklet. In this national park program, kids are given a workbook with educational and age-appropriate material (think coloring pages for little ones and more writing and games for older kids). After completing the book, participants are "sworn in" as junior rangers and given a one-of-a-kind badge pin. It's a great way to bring home a free souvenir from Hot Springs National Park.

3. Grand Promenade

This half-mile trail just behind Bathhouse Row is a great walking spot for families, especially those with strollers, as it is the park's only fully paved path. Markers along the trail tell more of the area's fascinating history, and visitors can observe the spring water flowing into pools from the hillside. The water's temperature is 143 degrees, though it cools down a bit before reaching the surface. We dipped our fingers into it momentarily, but you may want to deter little kids from touching it. There are also benches! 

Hike the Peak Trail to the top of Hot Springs Mountain for some stunning views. 

4. Peak Trail and Observation Tower

If your family likes to hike and is feeling energetic, I highly recommend the Peak Trail, which is accessible from the Grand Promenade. A steep climb up to the top of Hot Springs Mountain, you will be feeling the burn—in the best way, of course!—after this 0.6-mile hike. With an elevation gain of 400 feet, the trail takes about 40 minutes to complete and starts out paved before turning to gravel. We saw some pretty wildflowers and birds, but the real reward was the stunning view from the top, where there are picnic tables, restrooms, and more trail heads. 

Still have some gas in the tank? The Hot Springs Mountain Trail is an easy 1.7-mile hike around the top of the mountain.

The Hot Springs Observation Tower transports guests another 216 feet into the sky for more panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains, the Diamond Lakes area, and the city of Hot Springs. There's a small museum and a gift shop on the observation deck. If you want to visit the observation tower but don't want to hike the Peak Trail, there is a small—and free—parking lot. 

5. Public Water Fountains

No trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas is complete without a sip of its namesake 4,000-year-old thermal water. While there are a few public water fountains throughout the town, the most famous location for "quaffing the elixir" is at the Hot Springs Jug Fountain, located in the parking lot of the Hot Springs Visitor Center. (FYI: This center is operated by the city and is separate from the national park system. It's a great resource for learning about local restaurants, hotels, and attractions). 

Imagine our family's surprise when we rolled up to see lines of people filling up their bottles, and in many cases giant containers, from the spigots at this public fountain.  The water is accessible for free all day every day, and though it comes out hot, the quality is exceptional.  City officials proclaim that the water is very clean and encourage visitors to try it. My kids and I agree that it may be the best water we've ever had!             

More Kid-Friendly Attractions in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Note: Some of these attractions are only open seasonally, so be sure to check their websites before visiting!

Kids will love the fairy garden at Garvan Woodland Gardens. 

6. Garvan Woodland Gardens

Roam the 210 acres of this gorgeous botanical garden run by the University of Arkansas. Highlights include a fairy garden, a model train display, and plenty of stunning flowers and fauna. The garden also sits on the picturesque Lake Hamilton. Plus, there's a terrific children's garden with a multi-level tree house. Don't be surprised if it's hard to pull your kids away from this interactive place to play! 

7. Mid-America Science Museum

We spent the whole day exploring this science museum that boasts more than 100 exhibits including an outdoor dinosaur trek, a motion gallery with hands-on turntables and pendulums, a giant water table, and a 180-foot skywalk through the museum's woods. There's also a planetarium and a theater where you can observe the world's most powerful conical Tesla coil. Seeing it was a real thrill!  

8. Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

Founded in 1902, this farm is considered Hot Springs' oldest attraction. Young animal lovers will enjoy feeding emus, snuggling with bunnies, and viewing animals like lemurs and wolves in the small zoo. Of course the big draw is the farm's collection of gators—reportedly around 200 of them! Visitors can hold a baby alligator as part of their experience.

9. Magic Springs Theme & Water Park

Planning a summer trip to Hot Springs? Take your thrill seekers to Arkansas' only amusement and water park, open May through October. There are rides and slides for the tall and the small, as well as live shows. Little ones will enjoy the carousel and mini train, while big kids can brave it out on the Brain Drain (a 120-foot-drop ride) and the X-Coaster, known for its inversion and hang time. 

10. Tiny Town

Housed in a caboose-red building, this sweet roadside attraction features a miniature village with a model railroad that kids can operate themselves. There are hundreds of moving parts, from a spinning Ferris wheel to tiny farmers plowing a field. Familiar American scenes include Mount Rushmore and Niagara Falls. Admission is very reasonable, too!

Every Duck Tour guest gets a duck whistle, so you may want to pack some earplugs!

11. National Park Duck Tours 

Get to know greater Hot Springs aboard an amphibious World War II DUKW (pronounced "duck").  The adventure begins with a ride around Bathhouse Row and other historical sites like President Clinton's high school (our guide made plenty of funny PG jokes along the way). Then splash down in Lake Hamilton for a scenic spin along the waterfront. The tour is approximately 75 minutes long, and all guests receive a fun duck whistle.

12. Mountain Valley Visitor Center

Ever seen Mountain Valley Spring Water in tall, green glass bottles at the grocery store? If so, you may already know that Hot Springs, Arkansas is the source of it. This free museum on Central Avenue traces the company's story from its origins in 1871. There are cool photos on display, as well as plenty of bottles of water for sale. Mountain Valley is cited as America's most award-winning spring water, FYI.   

13. Mini Golf

With such a temperate climate, it's no surprise that Hot Springs is a mini-golf mecca. Our family had a blast playing at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, where there are two 18-hole courses and a full-scale pirate ship on display. Along with its go-kart track and arcade, families love the volcano-themed course at FunTrackers Fun Center. And T-Rex Fun Spot offers a dino-themed, glow-in-the-dark course, plus attractions like laser tag and a ropes course. 

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Hot Springs, Arkansas

14. DeLuca's Pizza

This award-winning pizza joint with an additional location in Little Rock may be best known for its delicious brick-oven pies, but we thoroughly enjoyed our salads as well (all dressings are house-made). The atmosphere is kid-friendly and casual, too. Due to its popularity, I highly recommend making a dinner reservation.  

15. Superior Bathhouse Brewery

This bathhouse turned brewery has the distinction of selling the world’s only beer brewed with thermal spring water. And while that may mean nothing to your kids, watch their eyes light up as they sip a spring water root beer (my daughters say it's the best they've ever had). Aside from libations, the restaurant offers up eats like burgers, chicken tenders, and nachos. There are even menu options for pets.

16. 420eats Hot Springs

Can't make up your mind on dinner? Take the family to this food truck court so everyone can each choose their own meal. The pet-friendly, outdoor space has plenty of picnic-table seating, lawn games, and even live concerts. 420eats has a diverse, rotating assortment of food trucks. Check their website to see the current line-up.  

17. Taco Mama

Quick and casual, this Mexican restaurant has classic dishes like quesadillas, tortas, and tacos on the menu. We enjoyed eating al fresco on the spacious patio. Prices are also very reasonable.  

Hot Springs, Arkansas Hotels for Families

18. Arlington Hotel Resort & Spa

This grand hotel in the heart of Hot Springs has been a major presence in the city since it opened in 1875. Several US presidents have stayed here, and mobster Al Capone even had his own suite (yes, you can book it). Visitors love the elegant lobby, the resort's size (about 500 rooms), and of course its enchanting history. 

19. The Waters Hot Springs 

Our family was pleased with our stay at this Hilton hotel. Though somewhat no frills, the location was ideal—just across the street from Bathhouse Row and the entrance to the national park. Amenities include an on-site restaurant and a cute boutique. FYI: pets are not allowed.

20. Starlight Haven 

How cool is this? Just outside of downtown Hot Springs is this nature lover's resort where families can literally stay in a treehouse or a geodesic dome. Set on 26 acres in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, this glamping site is a great place to unplug and enjoy the outdoors.

Read More: Little Rock with Kids: 25 Things To Do in Little Rock, Arkansas

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you click through our link and make a purchase. This revenue helps us maintain this site, so thank you for supporting us.

All photos by the author