We recently took the family for a long weekend getaway in the Hot Springs area. Most people probably think of horse races when they think of Hot Springs, but that’s not really our speed. Here are three family-friendly things you shouldn’t miss if you decide to visit the area.
Yes, this post has way more photos than is typical for a Life on a Dime. Enjoy. Consider this a photo tour of the Hot Springs area.
LET’S GO VISIT STATE PARKS
There are a few state parks in the area you don’t want to miss. We spent two nights in a cabin at Lake Catherine and were not disappointed with our accommodations. We also made sure to visit the Lake Ouachita and the Lake De Gray Resort state parks.
This is the trip that kick-started our Arkansas State Park passport adventures. We set out to visit all fifty-two parks in three years.
Here are some images of our cabin at Lake Catherine, as well as other areas of the park. Since our children are still small, we saved money by reserving a one-bedroom cabin with a sleeper sofa.
If you’ve followed the blog, you know we like going for a walk in the park. We explored a couple of the trails at Lake Catherine as well. They weren’t too difficult to navigate with kids. The waterfall was dry but still worth the walk. Slunger Creek Nature Trail is a shorter, paved loop. It was great for stretching the kids’ legs after the drive to Lake De Gray.
The longer trail we went on was actually one of three that branch out from the same trailhead. It included a suspension bridge (pictured below) as well as several smaller wood bridges and stone steps leading to the waterfall.
If you’re in Arkansas be sure to pick up a State Park Passport; there’s information on every state park as well as a place to stamp where you’ve been and write about the experience. The kids love keeping up with their passports.
Our great experience staying at Lake Catherine inspired us to book a cabin at another state park over Spring break.
Lake DeGray Resort has a lodge as well as a beach and swimming area. There are no cabins, but we did see signs for yurts.
Lake Ouachita is the home of 3 Sisters Springs. People once flocked to the area to partake of the health benefits offered of the springs. The land was privately held and people could stay in cottages nearby (some of which are still in use) while they recuperated and drank from the spring that was believed to cure what ailed them.
Laboratory tests later revealed that all three springs contain the same minerals, just in slightly different ratios, but in the area’s heyday, all three springs were touted to heal different ailments. It was also noted that while waiting for the water to take effect people spent more time in nature, enjoyed a slower pace, and took long walks as well as swam for exercise. No doubt some of those factors helped improve patients’ symptoms more than the actual spring water!
It is also worth noting that there are a few other state parks within an afternoon’s drive away from the Hot Springs area, but our kids didn’t have the patience to drive farther than Arkadelphia to visit the hubby’s alma mater.
THE HOT SPRINGS HISTORIC DISTRICT
Spend an afternoon walking through the historic district, which includes the Hot Springs National Park. You’ll get a taste of the history of the area as well as a taste of the local fare! We enjoyed pizza at the eclectic SQZBOX for lunch after walking up our appetite.
The historic district is a photographer’s dream with lots of murals and signs painted on buildings. I am not that great with my camera phone, but here are just a few examples.
The Hot Springs National Park encompasses a few of the old bathhouses, which are open to the public. We didn’t go in this time around, but the tours were interesting in the past. The bathhouses are all beautifully designed and maintained, and each one is so different in its architectural style.
If you want to check out the hot springs, there is a promenade and park area across from the Arlington Hotel. You can also walk along the Promenade and travel the district on foot above street level.
THE MID-AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM
This place is a literal playground of learning. We spent an afternoon exploring both inside and out. It was one of the kids’ favorite parts of the trip. And it has a dinosaur theme, so our five-year-old was instantly a fan.
There are two levels both inside and out to explore. Inside there were plenty of activities with themed rooms, all interspersed with dinosaur exhibits.
There is just so much to see and do. It unleashed the kid in my husband as well. At some points I couldn’t tell who was having more fun; the hubby or the kids!
Outside was the patio area, skywalk, and nature walk complete with dinosaurs and information along the way.
