Visiting Hot Springs National Park with kids
Looking to visit Hot Springs National Park with your kids? Although this National Park is a bit unusual compared to many of the others, it’s definitely worth visiting! Rich in history and beautiful spots to see along the way, you are sure to learn a thing or 2 about this history of Hot Springs National Park along the way. Here are the don’t miss spots during your visit!
Start in the Fordyce Visitor’s Center
Grab a free Jr. Ranger booklet, and head downstairs to the dedicated Jr. Ranger station to help your kids fill out their booklets. Then head back upstairs to take a free tour of the museum. Walk through the historic bathhouse and learn the unique history of the hot springs.
Tour Bathhouse Row
Walk along Bathhouse Row and take in all the sights of the historic buildings. Grab a souvenir from the gift shop, and fill up your water bottle or jug from the spring fountain. Make sure to take a walk on the Grand Promenade, a half mile paved trail directly behind Bathhouse Row. And don’t miss a photo op in front of the famous Buckstaff Bathhouse!
Grab lunch from Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Located in one of the historic bathhouses, this brewery is the perfect spot for your family to enjoy a bite to eat. The menu boasts a wide variety of options, and you can even order beer (or root beer for the kids) that is brewed with the water from the hot springs!
Take a scenic drive
After you have finished exploring Bathhouse Row, hop in your car and take a scenic drive up Hot Springs Mountain. This drive begins at the end of Fountain Street, and has switchbacks that take you up to the top of the mountain and past several overlooks. You will also go past Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which you can go up in if you have time.
Take a hike
It wouldn’t be a visit to a National Park without a hike, right? Goat Rock Trail is a 2.6 mile out and back trail that is rated moderate, and takes you to an incredible overlook. It is a bit rocky and steep, but definitely doable with kids.
I hope you enjoy your time in Hot Springs National Park! It truly is a one of a kind place.
