How to Enjoy Spring Break in Little Rock

Here’s one thing you need to know about Little Rock: We really rock spring break. Whatever you are looking for, whether it’s a relaxing week of sightseeing or a few days of outdoor adventure, you can find it in abundance right here in Arkansas’s capital city. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend spring break in Little Rock.

Museum of Discovery – USA Today has ranked the museum one of the best science centers in America. Experiences at Arkansas's premier science and technology center include sheltering from a powerful twister in the Tornado Alley Theater, experiencing the principles of physics and force with hands-on exhibits, creating without limits in the Tinkering Studio, and witnessing the Guinness World Record musical bi-polar Tesla coil.

Little Rock Zoo – There’s nothing wilder than a visit to Arkansas’s largest zoo! While you’re there, ride a fully restored wooden carousel and the Diamond Express miniature train.

Historic Arkansas Museum (HAM) – Situated in Little Rock’s original neighborhood, HAM is now in the heart of a bustling downtown. It features historic galleries that shine a light on Arkansas-made products and a company of living history actors that bring a bygone era back to life on the grounds of some of the state’s oldest buildings.

Old State House Museum – Arkansas’s first state capitol building is the oldest standing state capitol west of the Mississippi River, and it served as the backdrop for President Clinton’s 1992 and 1996 presidential acceptance speeches thrusting Little Rock on the international stage. Exhibit highlights include a focus on the governors and first ladies that have presided over Arkansas.

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site – Explore the scene of the 1957 desegregation crisis, where nine brave Black students broke down racial barriers. This is the only National Park Service unit that’s also a functioning high school. A visit here gives you the chance to walk in the footsteps of social justice pioneers.

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center – Located in the historic Ninth Street District, this museum chronicles the history of Little Rock’s former “Little Harlem” neighborhood, a thriving area home to prominent African American businesses and entertainment halls like Dreamland Ballroom, where Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and other greats played. Be sure to check out the museum's new children's gallery "Same. Different. Amazing." as it explores the many ways in which humanity is the same, is different, and is amazing.

Riverfront Park – This 33-acre green space is home to a massive sculpture garden, pedestrian bridges (colorfully lit every night!), a giant postcard selfie station, and so much more. And if you're visiting in 2022, you can help mark the 300th anniversary of when French explorers first set foot on what would become Little Rock. You can even see the famous "little rock" in the park's La Petite Roche Landing at Sturgis Plaza.

William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum – With its on-site museum, restaurant, and iconic bridge, this is a highlight of any visit to Little Rock. Guests can explore the political career of our nation’s 42nd president, including memorabilia from his first political campaigns in Arkansas and full-size, exact replicas of the White House’s Oval Office and Cabinet Room.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park – You don’t have to travel far from the comforts of downtown Little Rock to get to the heart of adventure. Here you can scale central Arkansas’s highest peak and get a bird’s eye view of downtown Little Rock. While you’re there, hop on a bike and explore the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Monument Trails – Arkansas’s newest mountain biking trail system!

Arkansas River Trail – Check out 15.6 miles of fun along the scenic Arkansas River. The loop is connected by multiple pedestrian bridges, including the Big Dam Bridge, North America’s longest pedestrian- and bicycle-intended bridge. Rent a bike or kayak for a leisurely way to experience central Arkansas’s piece of Natural State goodness.

Rock Town River Outfitters – Channel your inner river otter and rent a kayak on the Arkansas River or its calmer tributary, the Little Maumelle. Both solo adventures and guided group tours are available. If cycling is more your thing, they’ve got bikes and helmets you can rent by the hour.

Once you get to Little Rock, you’ll see why Livability.com and Outside magazine each named it one of the top places to live. Be sure to explore our series of self-guided tours so you can take a deeper dive in the history and culture of Little Rock. It won’t take long to see that if you’re big on fun, you’re BIG on Little Rock!