25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Hot Springs, AR
The hot springs may be the most well-known place to visit in Hot Springs, but there are many more things to do and see in this southern gem.
There’s a reason why over two million people come every year!
As a nature lover, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain views by camping, quartz mining, or riding a horse through the hills.
People who want to feel pumped up can go to gambling, magic shows, and horse races.
People who like to eat can savor award-winning barbecue; couples on their honeymoon can enjoy lake cruises and botanical parks; and people who like history can discover new things at themed museums.
You can even find strange places in the area, like alligator farms, that you can’t find anywhere else.
Hot Springs is also a great place to go on holiday because it’s not too expensive. If you want to have a great time without spending a lot of money, this is the place for you.
Here are the best things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas that you will never forget.
This cool and funky city has everything you could want, from baseball to zip lines to wax museums.
1. Charlton Recreation Area
The Charlton Recreation Area is another great place for outdoor lovers to visit. It’s only 20 miles from Hot Springs.
You can camp, fish, swim, ride bikes, go hiking, and more.
The scenery is beautiful, and it includes both natural and man-made sights, such as a dam and a stone building that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
You don’t have to pay to get into the grounds, but you will need to bring cash for things like parking and renting gear.
You can enjoy the beauty of the woods whenever you go to Hot Springs because the land is open all year.
Feel the chill in the winter and the splash in the summer; it’s always fun!
Take a trip to the Charlton Recreation Area if you want to get away from it all and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.
It’s one of the best free and cheap things to do near Hot Springs.
Address: 154 Milholen Trl, Royal, AR 71968, United States
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2. Hot Springs Farmers and Artisans Market
Farmers, florists, bakers, artists, and other creative people from the area get together at the Hot Springs Farmers and Artisans Market, which is held in an old train depot every other month or so.
You can find honey jars and quilts made by hand right next to sweet-smelling flowers.
Because the farmer’s market is all about being real, there won’t be any big-name companies here.
There are only local vendors selling things that were made or found in the area.
This way, you can be sure that the items you buy are unique, and every time you buy something, you’ll be helping the Hot Springs community!
The market is also great because it often has events like “health and wellness days” or “shop with a chef” deals that focus on healthy eating and living.
You can learn something new even when you’re away.
There are lots of fun things to see and do at the Hot Springs Farmers and Artisans Market as a whole.
If you’re in the area when the stalls open, don’t miss the chance to check out what’s for sale!
Address: 121 Orange St, Hot Springs, AR 71913, United States
3. Funtrackers Family Fun Park
Have you ever played mini-golf across a volcano spewing lava?
This is just one of the ways that Funtrackers Family Fun Park will delight you and the kids.
It’s called Volcano Falls Miniature Golf, and it includes volcanic “fireballs” as well as cascading waterfalls and other crazy, nature-inspired obstacles.
Further activities at the park include go-karts, bumper boats, and laser tag.
You can play arcade games; you can squirt each other with water guns.
The kids will have a chance to burn off all of their energy while the adults hit up the snack bar and unleash their inner child on some nachos.
Ultimately, a trip to Funtrackers Family Fun Park is one of the most fun things to do in Hot Springs.
Visitors of all ages can find something to entertain them, and as a result, the whole family will have a blast.
Address: 2614 Albert Pike Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, United States
4. Lake Catherine State Park
The “Diamond Lakes” are a group of five lakes in Arkansas that are famous for having clear, sparkling water.
Each of them is a unique Hot Springs draw in its own way, but Lake Catherine and Lake Catherine State Park deserve extra praise.
With its name-giving lake at its center, Lake Catherine State Park is a beautiful place to visit any time of year.
A lot of people like to swim, hike, and fish in the spring and summer. But many people also come in the fall to see the leaves change color.
Mountaineers also come in the winter because Arkansas doesn’t get very cold and the houses and campgrounds on the lake make it nice and cozy.
There are also fields, trails, horseback riding stables, a marina, and a visitor’s center in the park.
Take a trip to Lake Catherine State Park to enjoy the beauty of Arkansas.
It’s not as big as some of its other parks, but it can still be a peaceful, beautiful, and fun place to be.
Address: 1200 Catherine Park Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, United States
5. Hot Springs National Park
You can’t visit Hot Springs without taking a dip in the hot springs.
Formed by deep, high-pressure currents flowing through the rock of the Ouachita Mountains, they date back thousands and thousands of years, and they’re said to have healing properties from both their minerals and their temperatures.
Sliding into the springs is as simple as visiting Bathhouse Row, a series of eight historic bathing houses situated along the hills.
Other tourist attractions include more than 26 miles of nature trails that cover beautiful forest scenery such as creeks, cliffs, and gorges.
If you don’t want to hike it, take a scenic drive. If you want to see it all at once, ascend the mountain tower and its 1,250-foot observation deck.
Hot Springs National Park is the most well-known of Hot Springs attractions, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Enjoy a luxurious soak in the “Valley of the Vapors” just like everyone from Native American tribes to Spanish explorers and European settlers.
Who knows?
You might even cure a few ailments while you’re there!
Address: Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
6. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
A playground for adults, the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is a place where you can find endless entertainment day and night.
It’s ideal for insomniacs and late-night travelers as well as daytime visitors just looking for a little fun.
The casino offers everything from table games and slot machines to sportsbook areas for betting.
The racetrack offers you the chance to watch the Arkansas Derby live; otherwise, the bars and grills are outfitted with plenty of TVs to keep track of the horses.
The hotel is a luxurious one, and its amenities include swimming pools and full-service spas.
The event center always has a new musician or comedian on stage.
If you’re wondering what to see in Hot Springs, how about the dazzling lights and chimes of someone hitting a jackpot?
Court Lady Luck with a trip to the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort today.
Address: 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
7. Gangster Museum of America
The Gangster Museum of America is one of the major points of interest in Hot Springs.
Not only does it cover the exploits of famous names like Al Capone, but it also showcases the unique role that Hot Springs played in early 20th century gambling and bootlegging.
Historically, Hot Springs was a “den of sin” for the south.
People came from all over the country to drink, soak in the springs, visit the local ladies, and try their luck at everything from cards to craps.
The revenue went to funding various gangster operations.
Today, the gangsters have fled, but their legacy lives on.
You’d never expect such a quiet, charming town to be a hotbed of illegal activity, but that’s exactly what makes the Gangster Museum of America so fascinating.
It’s one of the top things to do in Hot Springs if you like cool and unusual tourist attractions!
Address: 510 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
8. Hot Springs Trolleys
The Hot Springs Trolleys are cute, old-fashioned trolley cars that take riders around the city.
They’re a must do for anyone hoping to hit all of the local hot spots, but they’re also great for first-time visitors who want to orient themselves in the area before touring or sightseeing at length.
You’ll be taken through the historic district with its 1800s and 1900s homes, the mountainous regions with their breathtaking views of nature, and downtown Hot Springs with its many shops, restaurants, and attractions.
All the while, your tour guide will share fun facts about the neighborhood’s interests and landmarks.
There are ample places to go in Hot Springs, so it pays to have an idea of where you’re headed before you set out.
Hop aboard a Hot Springs Trolley to experience a quaint and charming ride that’s also quite useful for making vacation plans.
Address: 706 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
9. Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Located within Hot Springs National Park, the Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the first brewery to be built inside of a national park.
It has another distinction, too: It uses thermal spring water in its drinks and dishes.
The taste is crisp, delicious, and utterly unlike anything that you’ve had before.
Alcoholic beverages range from beers and wines to hard ciders and cocktails, so you’ll have plenty to choose from when you have a thirst.
The menu includes classic pub fare like soft pretzels and chili cheese dogs as well as more exotic favorites such as banh mi.
For a touch of southern charm, ask for a side of pork rinds!
Hot Springs has plenty of cool and unique stuff to do, but it’s hard to top drinking a lager made from its namesake.
If you want a cool story when you get home, this is the place to live it.
Address: 329 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, United States
10. World Championship Running of the Tubs
Held every summer, the World Championship Running of the Tubs is something that you have to see to believe.
It’s an annual competition where participants race down Bathhouse Row pushing gigantic, water-filled bathtubs on wheels, allowing spectators to spray them with water guns as they go.
Does that sound crazy? It gets even wilder.
When racers make it to the end, judges in bathrobes will decide who wins based on completely arbitrary rules that they make up on the spot.
Additionally, everyone is in costume, and teams often come up with themes for their get-ups.
You might see a Harry Potter team pushing a bathtub with wands and brooms tucked beside their loofahs and shampoo bottles.
The icing on the cake is the yearly one-on-one race between the police department and fire department.
If you’re in Hot Springs and wondering what to do that’ll give you an epic story when you get home, make sure that you visit during the World Championship Running of the Tubs.
They take the city motto, “We Bathe the World,” extremely seriously.
Address: Hot Springs, AR, United States
11. Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
If you’re looking for unique things to do while visiting Arkansas, how about feeding a slab of meat to an alligator from the end of a 10-foot pole?
The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is a privately run menagerie.
Like its name suggests, its biggest draw is its gators; you can watch them, feed them, and even hold their tiny hatchlings in your hand.
Other animal encounters range from emus to Pygmy goats.
You can get up close and personal with all kinds of wildlife, including species that you wouldn’t expect to find in a petting zoo.
Guides are available to bring a little education to your excursion, so don’t be surprised if the kiddos absorb animal facts that get repeated even after you’re home.
The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is among the quirkiest of Hot Springs attractions, but that’s exactly why it’s memorable.
You and the kids will never forget the time that you cradled a baby alligator in your hands!
Address: 847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
12. Mid-America Science Museum
The Mid-America Science Museum is a must see for any kid interested in STEM.
It offers literally hundreds of exhibits, many of them hands-on, and it covers a broad range of topics relating to space, engineering, zoology, and natural history.
Maybe your child is interested in dinosaurs.
If so, they’ll love the life-sized skeletons that tower over the corridors.
Or do they prefer playing with toys?
Maybe they’ll like the “motion gallery” with its pendulums and wave machines that showcase the laws of physics.
Other fun exhibitions include light bridges, star shows, art stations, water tanks, and general science labs.
The Mid-America Science Museum is entertaining for all ages, but it’s especially wondrous for kids who are just beginning to explore, discover, and question their worlds.
It’ll be a fantastic outlet for their curiosity, and it might even teach mom and dad a thing or two to boot!
Address: 500 Mid America Blvd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, United States
13. Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
Known to the locals as Magic Springs, this amusement park has been a favorite among facilities for generations.
It dates back to the 1970s when it featured rides like the Plummet Summit, a sky-high splash drop, and the Arkansas Twister, a wooden roller coaster that snakes through the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains.
Today, many of its vintage rides remain, including the Arkansas Twister.
There are also new and updated rides, games, and concessions.
An amphitheater holds outdoor concerts.
Stands are available with all kinds of souvenirs and other merch.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is Arkansas’s only theme and water park, making it a rare find as well as a fun and exciting day trip for the whole family.
If you’re wondering where to go this weekend with the kids, the answer is the thrill rides of Magic Springs!
Address: 1701 E Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
14. Bombers & BBQ
Held at the Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport, Bombers & BBQ is an annual event that celebrates aircraft, music, community, and finger-lickin’ barbecue.
The most prominent places to go at the festival are the food stalls.
You can enjoy round-the-clock ribs in addition to specialty events like cookoffs and eating competitions.
The other big draw of the festival is its celebration of aviation.
You can admire the landed planes, explore the vintage aircraft displays, and gape at the close-formation flyovers in the sky.
All things considered, Bombers & BBQ is one of the most fun things to do in Hot Springs.
You don’t even have to be a geek for planes to enjoy it.
If you like southern food, live music, and happy crowds “ooh”ing and “ahh”ing at plane formations, this is the festival for you.
Address: 525 Airport Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, United States
15. Riley Art Glass Studio
With free glassblowing demonstrations every day, the Riley Art Glass Studio makes this uncommon art form very accessible to the public.
You’ll be amazed at how the artisans turn molten glass into pots, jars, bowls, vases, figurines, and candle holders.
They’re beautiful, multicolored, and utterly unique to the hand that shapes them.
If you want to take some of the artwork home, that’s possible, too.
New pieces are always on sale.
You can also windowshop if you’d prefer to just silently take them in.
The artisans stay close by if you have questions or want to talk technique.
Visit the Riley Art Glass Studio if you’re looking for fun, unique, or cheap things to do this weekend.
It isn’t the usual tourist experience, but going off the beaten path can result in the best Hot Springs memories.
Address: 710 W Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
16. Ouachita National Forest
Stretching for 1.8 million acres between Arkansas and Oklahoma, Ouachita National Forest is a paragon of beauty and tranquility.
You’ll be dazzled by hills, lakes, streams, and more.
Sightseeing is the most popular activity in the park, but it’ll be up to you to decide how to go exploring.
Trek on foot; hop on a mountain bike; put the pedal to the metal on an ATV.
You can even rent a saddle for a horseback ride along the hills!
There are many outdoor adventures to be had, too, including camping, boating, fishing, and even hunting.
Arkansas might not be the first state that springs to mind when you’re thinking about the most beautiful vacation spots in the US, but once you’re surrounded by the deep, lush landscapes of Ouachita National Forest, you’ll realize what you’ve been missing.
Whether you’re looking to sleep under the stars or picnic among the wildflowers, this is one of the best places to really connect with nature.
Address: Hot Springs, AR 71902, United States
17. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
What do Jesus Christ, the Seven Dwarves, and the Queen of England have in common?
They’re all ready to pose for a selfie at the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum!
The Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum is one of the most unique things to see in the Hot Springs area.
As you’ve probably guessed from the name, all of its famous figures are made of wax, and they range from the weird and misshapen to the stunningly lifelike.
They include celebrities, politicians, athletes, fictional characters, and more.
Other places to go include a casino-themed hall and an amusement room with a couple of small rides for children.
If you visit during holidays, the museum often hosts themed events such as haunted house nights for Halloween.
If you’ve always wanted to meet Abraham Lincoln, this is your chance to do it.
He might not be the real deal, but with the help of the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum, you can take a photo anyway!
Address: 250 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
18. Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail
Hot Springs has a long association with baseball.
Babe Ruth, for example, was reported to love the baths, and he once hit a 573-foot home run that flew entirely past the stadium and into the Arkansas Alligator Farm.
The ball was never seen again!
This is just one of the tidbits of trivia that you’ll learn along the Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail.
Available via app, it’s a free, self-guided tour that you can take at your leisure, allowing you to geek out about your favorite sport while exploring the city at the same time.
Landmarks include baseball fields and training grounds where famous players once honed their skills.
Unique attractions include the Playing Cards Mural, a colorful piece of artwork dedicated to baseball Hall of Famers, as well as hotels, bathhouses, and gambling dens where the athletes once indulged themselves.
The best vacations have free things to do that are still genuinely interesting.
For fun that doesn’t cost a dime, hit up the Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail!
Address: Hot Springs, AR, United States
19. Garvan Woodland Gardens
Owned by the University of Arkansas and hosted near Hot Springs National Park, the Garvan Woodland Gardens are a mesmerizing sight.
The fields bloom with flowers of every color.
The trees form sun-dappled canopies over pavilions and promenades.
In the distance, the Ouachita Mountains rise like something out of a misty movie.
Visitors can enjoy a diverse mix of flora and fauna through hikes, tours, and nature camps.
You’ll pass by bridges and cottages; you’ll get lost in moments of quiet contemplation in zen gardens.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head to the on-site cafe for meals made with fresh and organic ingredients.
If you’re in love, the chapel is a popular spot for weddings; it has a vaulted glass ceiling and picturesque outdoor courtyard that gives it a real storybook setting.
It’s considered one of the best places to visit for couples in Hot Springs!
The only thing prettier than a garden is a garden in the middle of a mountain.
To see the sights for yourself, visit the Garvan Woodland Gardens!
Address: 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, United States
20. Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
If you’ve ever enjoyed the cool, refreshing taste of Mountain Valley Spring Water, you might be interested in this attraction.
It’s the bottling center for the brand, and it’s open to visitors for tours, tastings, and more.
The architecture will immediately catch your eye: With towering white columns flanked by boxy windows, it’s a model example of the Classical Revival style that dominated the early 1900s.
It’s no surprise that the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Another fun thing about the visitor center is that it’s steeped in real history.
For example, Elvis Presley was a dedicated fan of the Mountain Valley brand, and you can learn all about him during your tour.
If you’re a person with daily water drinking goals, you won’t want to miss the Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center.
It’s one of the top things to do in Hot Springs if you’re looking to stay hydrated during a hot Arkansas summer!
Address: 150 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, United States
21. Ron Coleman Mining
Mining. Camping. Ziplining.
These are just a few of the activities that are available at Ron Coleman Mining, a rock quarry brimming with beautiful crystals that you can dig up and take home.
This isn’t a kitschy, touristy place where they bury gems for visitors to “discover.”
It’s a genuinely rugged mining site filled with quartz, and you can tour it, dig it, and even camp within it.
RV stations are available with electricity.
A zipline stretches over the mining pit if you’d like to whizz by with a bird’s eye view.
Did we mention that kids under seven dig free?
The price is also affordable for older children and adults.
If you’re on a budget, this is a place to enjoy a little adventure without hurting your wallet.
The land beneath Hot Springs has been around for awhile, and at Ron Coleman Mining, you can unearth literal hidden gems that have been buried beneath the mountains for millennia.
It’s easily among the top 10 places to visit for tourists, especially if you’re looking for free things to do.
Address: 211 Crystal Ridge Ln, Jessieville, AR 71949, United States
22. The Galaxy Connection
The Galaxy Connection is the museum of a self-proclaimed geek, and his collection is both extensive and awe-inspiring for fans of Marvel, DC, Barbie, Star Wars, and beyond.
Memorabilia ranges from vintage toys to authentic props and set pieces from fictional universes.
You can admire a custom-made light saber; you can tour a gallery filled with superhero capes and cowls.
There’s even an arcade with working games if you have a few quarters to spare for a nostalgic round of Mortal Kombat!
Tours can be either self-guided or booked in advance with the museum’s owner.
Special events include trivia nights, birthday parties, and holiday specials with refreshments and other freebies.
There are so many things to see at The Galaxy Connection that you won’t even know where to look.
Like all journeys, however, it begins with a single step.
Venture inside and greet a whole new world of geekdom.
Address: 536 Ouachita Ave, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, United States
23. Adventureworks Hot Springs
Fly across Hot Springs by strapping into a zipline at Adventureworks.
You’ll have a blast, and you’ll experience the area like few tourists ever do!
While technically located outside of the city and within the old-growth forests of Garland County, Adventureworks is only a short drive away, and its scenery is part of its appeal.
You’ll love the landscapes surrounding you as you partake in your outdoor adventure.
When you’re done ziplining, there are other fun activities at the park as well, including hanging vines, rope bridges that sway in the wind, and mesh and cargo nets for jumps.
Specials include couples ziplining “for sweethearts” and once-per-month “moonlight” ziplines that take place at night.
If you’ve been contemplating what to do in Hot Springs, consider visiting Adventureworks.
It’s one of the major points of interest of the region, and it’ll give you the chance to cross off bucket list items like ziplining.
It’s a win-win!
Address: 1700 Shady Grove Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
24. Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic
The Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic is a multipurpose entertainment venue that includes a stage and a curiosity museum that keeps the fun going even after the show has ended.
The main draw, of course, is the magic, and Maxwell Blade will make you doubt your own eyes as he performs stunts beyond imagining.
Everything is family-friendly, so Hogwarts hopefuls of all ages can attend.
Once the curtain falls, it’s time to hit up the curiosity and oddity museum.
With objects from around the world, it’s one of the more unusual things to do in a place like Hot Springs, and it’s the perfect nightcap to a night of wonder.
Come one, come all to the Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic.
It’s a must see for fans of card tricks, optical illusions, feats of mentalism, and other things that amuse and amaze.
Address: 817 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
25. Lake Ouachita
One of the best Hot Springs sites for nature lovers, Lake Ouachita is so beautiful that it doesn’t even look real.
Its bright blue waters are like something out of Photoshop in real life.
The best thing about the lake, however, isn’t something that can be caught in a photograph.
It’s the sheer possibility packed within its outdoor sports and games.
Do you like to be on the water?
Rent some tools and go angling, sailing, or scuba diving.
Would you rather stay on the shore?
Take a bathhouse trip with your sweetheart or a hike on one of the nearby nature trails with your kids.
Another popular thing to do at the lake is camp, but there are places to stay if you don’t want to sleep in a tent.
When all the cabins are booked, you can enjoy a luxurious stay with trees and waves right outside your door.
At Lake Ouachita, you can go hiking, biking, camping, or swimming. It’s one of the best places to go on vacation in the area.
It will be a great spot to enjoy Arkansas’s beautiful scenery while making memories of an unforgettable outdoor journey.
Address: Hot Springs, AR, United States
26. Hot Springs Bike Fest
The Hot Springs Bike Fest is a celebration of motorbikes, just like the name says.
For car fans, it’s one of the coolest things to do in Arkansas. It’s also fun for regular people who like big wheels, shiny chrome, and leather coats that go on forever.
The big event is for the bikers; they take to the streets in a long line with their engines revving and growling.
When the ride is over, though, they go to the main venue, where you can also join as a witness.
There will be live music, food, drinks, car shows, poker runs, and a lot of sellers selling their goods.
The Hot Springs Bike Fest should be one of your top five places to visit if you like bikes.
You can get your Harley-Davidson fix no where else.
Plus, the Arkansas Veteran Support Services is putting it on, and the money raised goes straight to helping area veterans.
This weekend’s fun will help a good cause!
Address: Hot Springs, AR, United States
Start Planning Your Trip To Hot Springs, AR
These are just a few of the best and most memorable things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
As you can see, it’s a fun-filled city where you can indulge in everything from gambling to mountain climbing to petting baby alligators.
If you’re wondering what to do during your vacation, the sky is truly the limit!