How to Spend The Perfect Weekend in Hot Springs, Arkansas with Kids

If you’re looking for a family getaway that combines outdoor adventure, fascinating history, and a little bit of unexpected fun, let me introduce you to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Tucked into the Ouachita Mountains in central Arkansas, Hot Springs is one of those places that will absolutely surprise you in the best way.

One minute you’re filling your water bottle from a natural hot spring in the national park, and the next you’re digging for quartz crystals, hiking to waterfalls, or watching your kids disappear into an underground cave exhibit at one of the coolest science museums.

We spent a long weekend exploring everything from historic Bathhouse Row to hidden hiking trails, and quickly realized this charming mountain town has something for every member of the family. Here’s exactly how I’d recommend spending a weekend in Hot Springs with kids.

Where to Stay in Hot Springs Arkansas with Kids

One of the things we loved most about visiting Hot Springs was how many great lodging options there are for families. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin in the woods, a lakeside resort, or a hotel right in the heart of downtown, there’s something for every travel style and budget.

For our visit, we stayed at the Marriott Townplace Suites, which had plenty of room for our family to spread out, yet was close to many of the spots we wanted to explore.

If you’d rather stay downtown, you’ll find several historic hotels within walking distance of Bathhouse Row, making it easy to explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions without needing to drive.

Or, if you’re planning to spend more time on the water, consider one of the many vacation rentals along Lake Hamilton, where you’ll have beautiful lake views and easy access to boating and swimming during the warmer months.

My other recommendations for where to stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas:

• Holiday Inn Express Hot Springs – budget friendly + free breakfast
• Arlington Resort – iconic and located on Bathhouse Row
• The Hamilton – a waterfront property just minutes from downtown Hot Springs

No matter where you stay, I recommend spending at least two nights in Hot Springs. There are so many unique things to do that a quick day trip simply doesn’t do this charming mountain town justice.

The Perfect Weekend Itinerary in Hot Springs

Friday: Discover Historic Hot Springs National Park 

Start your time in this historic city by heading straight to downtown Hot Springs to begin exploring the city’s most iconic attraction—Hot Springs National Park. Unlike most national parks, this one is woven right into the heart of downtown, making it one of the most unique national parks you will ever visited.

Start at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center, where your kids can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet and learn about the fascinating history behind the city’s famous thermal springs.

Make sure to spend some time exploring the beautifully restored bathhouse to get a glimpse into what life was like during the peak of Hot Springs.

From there, take a stroll down Bathhouse Row. Make sure to bring an extra water bottle and stop to fill it at one of the thermal spring fountains along the way.

Stop for lunch at Superior Bathhouse Brewery, where you can order a beer brewed from the spring water.

Spend your afternoon walking along the Grand Promenade, or take a drive up Hot Springs Mountain for sweeping views of the city below. We loved the easy hike to Goat Rock Lookout.

For more information on what to do during your visit, check out this post on How to spend a day at Hot Springs National Park

Saturday: Crystal digging & Waterfalls

Mid America Science Center

Start your morning at the Mid-America Science Museum, which quickly became another family favorite. This isn’t the kind of museum where you just quietly walk through exhibits—it’s designed for hands-on exploration.

Our kids loved experimenting with all the interactive displays, exploring the Underground Arkansas exhibit – where you crawl through a maze that takes you underneath the state of Arkansas – and walking along the most incredible outdoor Skywalk.

There is a cafe for lunch, or pack a lunch and use one of the picnic tables located near the front of the building. And if you have enough time, make sure to check out one of the Dome shows.

This science center participates in the ASTC Passport program, which means you can get free admission if you hold a reciprocal membership.

Ron Coleman Crystal Mining

In the afternoon, make the short drive to Ron Coleman Mining, located about 40 minutes north of Hot Springs.

By far, this epic adventure won the top spot for our family’s favorite activity in Hot Springs. It’s such a unique and fun experience, and perfect for families with kids of any age.

When you arrive, you will start in the Visitor’s Center and pay for your admission. You can bring your own shovels from home, or they are available to purchase in the gift shop.

Then, you will head to the dig site to start your search for quartz crystals.

We spent about 2.5 hours digging, and found so many crystals! We found tiny fragments all the way up to crystals the size of my fist.

You get to keep anything you find – there is no limit on how much or how big!

It was such a fun and unique experience, and I highly recommend adding this to your Hot Springs itinerary.

Ron Coleman is open 7 days a week, from 8-4:30. Admission is $25/adult, kids aged 7-15 are $5, and kids 6 and under are free.

Lake Catherine State Park

Head to Lake Catherine State Park for the evening to check out the beautiful waterfall, Falls Creek Falls.

An easy 1 mile hike takes you past the stunning lake, over a swinging bridge, and to this crystal clear waterfall. Climb to the top, or take a dip in the refreshing water on a hot day.

This lake would be a fantastic spot for fishing, camping or boating.

Sunday: Magic Treehouse & Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Before you head home, you have to make a stop at The Garvan Woodland Gardens. This botanical garden is filled with beautiful walking paths, colorful gardens, bridges, the iconic Anthony Chapel, multiple waterfalls and a beautiful koi pond.

And do not miss the children’s garden, which is filled with spots for kids to climb, explore, and interact with nature in creative ways. And the massive treehouse here is sure to be a family favorite!

Tips for Visiting Hot Springs with Kids

• Visit in spring or fall for cooler hiking weather.
• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy while crystal digging.
• Bring a refillable water bottle for the thermal springs.
• Plan plenty of time at Ron Coleman – it’s so much fun!
• Make sure to grab Jr. Ranger booklets at the National Park

Hot Springs ended up being one of those destinations that completely surprised us. We expected a quick national park stop, but left with so many fun memories.

Between digging for crystals, hiking to waterfalls, exploring historic bathhouses and climbing in secret treehouses, there was far more to do than we ever imagined.

If you’re looking for an easy family road trip packed with outdoor adventure, unique experiences, and just the right amount of small-town charm, Hot Springs deserves a spot on your bucket list.