Family fishing from a lakeside walkway on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with the title “Things to Do in Hot Springs: Our Family Favorites with Kids.”

Looking for fun things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas with kids? We found it to be a great spot for a quick, affordable family getaway!

A while back, we had a family Power Point night where each of our kids researched a destination they wanted to visit and made their case to the family. My 10-year-old daughter had her heart set on Hot Springs, Arkansas, especially for the kayaking and gem mining. When fall break rolled around, we didn't have a full week for vacation, but we still wanted to get away for a few days. Hot Springs is only about half a day's drive from home (Dallas, Texas), we'd never been before, and it fit our plans perfectly!

We spent Tuesday through Friday exploring Hot Springs with our kids, ages 9-20. Between beautiful waterfall hikes, unusual history, local restaurants, and plenty of family activities, we had a blast- even though we didn't get to everything on our original wish list!

Let’s get started!

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Hot Springs, Arkansas- Travel Tips

When I'm planning a family trip, I like to find a good mix of nature, local food, history, and adventure. I want my kids to have fun, but I also want them to see what makes each place different. Sometimes that means dragging them through a museum they wouldn't have picked themselves! But those are often the experiences we end up remembering the most.

Can you Swim in the Hot Springs in Arkansas?

When we were planning our trip to Hot Springs, I was a bit confused, because there didn't seem to be a place in nature where you could go visit the Hot Springs. I was expecting something like when we visited La Fortuna, Costa Rica (phenomenal trip BTW!), where there were hot springs resorts along the volcano, but there were also free springs in nature to experience. In Hot Springs, AR it's not like that at all.

You can't just find a natural hot spring and jump in like we did in Costa Rica. In Hot Springs, the thermal water is piped into the historic bathhouses downtown. There are eight bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, but only two still offer public bathing experiences: Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Baths & Spa. Both charge admission, so if you're hoping to soak in the hot springs, you'll need to plan for that expense.

While I was a little disappointed by this, it was also super interesting to go through the Fordyce Hot Springs Museum with my family (free!), where you can see what the bathhouses were like when they originated over 100 years ago!

Our friends who traveled with us really wanted their kids to have the full bathhouse experience. They chose Buckstaff Bathhouse that allows kids ages 10 and up, so their younger kids could experience the traditional bathing. Their kids had mixed reviews, but I thought it was pretty cool that they got to explore this part of Hot Springs history firsthand!

Quapaw Baths & Spa requires guests to be at least 14. It has thermal soaking pools and spa services. Prices vary depending on what you choose, so I'd recommend checking their websites before you go.

One thing you CAN do for free is visit the hot spring drinking fountains!

I thought this was really cool! There are several fountains around town where you can fill your own bottles with the naturally heated spring water. We bought a 64-ounce jug from the gift shop to fill up, but we saw people bringing three and five gallon bottles to fill up! The kids had fun feeling the warm water and seeing the springs for themselves. Just be careful because the water coming out of the fountains can be extremely hot.

Family posing at a historic stone spring fountain in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with Pinterest text “Hot Springs with Kids: What We Loved and What Surprised Us.”

Fordyce Bathhouse Museum: A Free Family Activity

If you're visiting Hot Springs with kids, I definitely recommend making time for the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum. It's free, and you can take a self-guided tour through a beautifully preserved historic bathhouse.

The Fordyce gives you a fascinating look at what a spa vacation and medical treatments were like over 100 years ago. As we walked through the bathhouse, my kids were quite horrified, and I just had to laugh! There were definitely beautiful parts of the building, with gorgeous stained glass and elaborate finishes, but the old treatment rooms, worn out bath stalls and medical equipment gave horror movie vibes for sure.

It really made me appreciate how far we've come in healthcare and everyday comforts. I'm grateful for modern medicine, having our own clean bathrooms to bathe in anytime, and being able to take some Tylenol or ibuprofen when something is ailing us, instead of traveling long distances for mineral water treatments in the Arkansas heat!

Of course, there are luxurious about parts of the bathhouse, too. There are beautiful parlors, and the men’s area is quite fancy. It was such an interesting contrast with the bathing rooms in the women’s area.

Was this my kids' favorite activity of the trip? Definitely not! But I'm pretty sure it's one of the experiences they'll remember the longest. We learned so much about the history of Hot Springs and how people approached health and wellness a century ago.

We chose the self-guided tour and spent about an hour exploring the museum.

Walk the Grand Promenade and Explore Downtown Hot Springs

Bathhouse Row is right in the heart of downtown Hot Springs, which is such a charming area to explore!

After visiting the bathhouses, we walked along the Grand Promenade, a beautiful paved walkway behind the historic buildings. It's a great place to stretch your legs, enjoy the scenery, and take in a little more of Hot Springs National Park without heading out on a big hike.

We really enjoyed the peaceful walk and the lovely surroundings. It's an easy activity to pair with the Fordyce Museum, especially if you're already spending time downtown.

Cutest Shops downtown!!

Downtown Hot Springs is also full of cute little shops to explore. We especially enjoyed stopping in a Christmas shop just down the street from Bathhouse Row! You open the door and the smell of Christmas hits you right in the face! I loved being enveloped in all the decorated trees, nutcrackers and nativities! It’s also really close to the Pancake Shop (more about that below!), if you want to catch breakfast, check out the shops and then explore the bathhouses- all within walkable distance.

Pinterest graphic featuring a child holding a Hot Springs National Park water jug in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, with the title “Things to Do in Hot Springs with Kids.”

Nature: Waterfall Hikes and Lake Adventures in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hiking Falls Branch Trail at Lake Catherine State Park

One of our favorite outdoor activities in Hot Springs was hiking Falls Branch Trail at Lake Catherine State Park. It's a beautiful hike with several bridges, lots of pretty scenery, and a waterfall along the way!

What I really liked about this hike was that there were two directions you could go, depending on how adventurous your group was feeling. Go to the trail head and start following the red markers on the trees. You will get to a place where the trail splits with another sign giving you directions.

If you're hiking with grandparents, babies, or little toddlers, I'd suggest going to the left. The trail isn't paved, but the terrain is flatter and more even, making it a little easier to navigate.

If you're hiking with school-age kids, teens, or adults, I'd suggest starting to the right. This side is a little more adventurous, with uneven terrain, but it's not an especially difficult hike.

Both directions lead toward the waterfall, so you can choose the route that works best for your family. We started on the right and continued around the entire loop.

Our kids also had the best time skipping rocks in the lake! If your family enjoys getting outside, I would definitely put this hike on your Hot Springs itinerary.

Fishing on Lake Hamilton

Another fun part of our trip was fishing on Lake Hamilton!

Our Airbnb was right on the lake, so we could walk outside and fish directly from the walkway. It was so convenient, especially with kids of different ages.

We actually caught some fish—and accidentally caught a few turtles, too!

I love finding places to stay where the kids can head outside and entertain themselves without us having to plan another big activity. Fishing was a great way to enjoy the lake and spend some time together between our other adventures.

Colorful sunset over Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with shoreline rocks, trees, and golden reflections on the water.

Adventure: Fun Things to Do in Hot Springs with Kids and Teens

Funtrackers Family Fun Park

If your kids love go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games, Funtrackers Family Fun Park is a fun stop to add to your Hot Springs itinerary!

Our kids, ages 9–20, all joined in on the go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games. The go-karts and arcade ended up being their favorites! I opted to take pictures and visit with everyone instead of participating in all the activities myself. For me, that's just as much fun!

They also have miniature golf, but it's tucked off to the side behind the main arcade building. We didn't realize how fun it looked until we were leaving! Our kids definitely would have enjoyed doing that, too.

Funtrackers wasn't crowded when we visited, and we thought the prices were reasonable. Since so many of our other activities in Hot Springs were free or inexpensive, we didn't mind spending a little extra here.

More Family Adventures to Explore

We couldn't fit everything into our four day trip, but here are a few other activities to consider if you're planning a family vacation in Hot Springs:

Garvan Woodland Gardens: Visiting the beautiful Anthony Chapel is free, but to explore the rest of the garden there is an entrance fee. * MONEY SAVING TIP! * If you have an annual pass at another Botanical Garden (such as the Dallas Arboretum) you can explore this garden for free with that pass. So check into that before you go!
Gem Mining: This was one of the activities my daughter was most excited about when she originally suggested Hot Springs during our family PowerPoint night! Unfortunately, we didn't get around to it, but the friends we traveled with took their kids gem mining and loved it.
A couple tips: prepare to get DIRTY! We had 2 other families we traveled with who went and they each spent about 3-4 hours mining gems. You can bring your own mining tools (much cheaper option): buckets, sieves, gloves etc. or you can rent or buy some there, depending on the mine you choose.
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf: Another activity we had on our list but didn't have time to try. If your family loves miniature golf, this could be a fun addition to your itinerary. It was right by our Airbnb and looked so fun!
Mid-America Science Museum: An indoor option to look into, especially if you're traveling with younger kids or need something to do on a rainy day.

Pinterest graphic showing The Pancake Shop's historic storefront in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, with two visitors and the words “Breakfast in Hot Springs: Don't Miss These Pancakes!”

Local Food: Where to Eat in Hot Springs, Arkansas with Kids

One of my favorite things about traveling is trying the local food! I love finding those little restaurants that have been part of a community for years. And when we're traveling with kids, finding somewhere delicious that doesn't cost a fortune is always a win!

Here are two places we really enjoyed in Hot Springs:

The Pancake Shop: A Fun Breakfast in Downtown Hot Springs

We met up with friends for breakfast at The Pancake Shop, right in downtown Hot Springs, and it was such a fun little spot!

Our kids were thrilled with their pancakes, and I absolutely loved the buckwheat blueberry pancakes. The apple butter on top was especially delicious! I also ordered hot chocolate, which came with the cutest little refill canister. Such a fun touch!

The restaurant had a great local feel, the prices were reasonable, and everyone left happy. If you're exploring Bathhouse Row in the morning, this would be a great place to stop for breakfast before or after your visit. It’s just across the street!

Frosty Treats: Burgers, Fried Pickles, and Root Beer Floats

Another family favorite was Frosty Treats!

We ordered burgers that were cooked fresh for us, along with onion rings and fried pickles that were a huge hit with the family.

And of course, we couldn't pass up the root beer floats!

This was such a fun, casual place to eat with the kids. Nothing fancy, just freshly cooked food, yummy sides, and treats everyone enjoyed.

Ice cream cones were only a dollar or two! If you're looking for an easy, family-friendly meal in Hot Springs, Frosty Treats is definitely worth adding to your list!

Family selfie in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, with a Pinterest graphic promoting free stops and family tips for visiting Hot Springs with kids.

Where We Stayed: Emerald Isle Condos on Lake Hamilton

One of the best parts of our Hot Springs trip was where we stayed! We rented a private condo at Emerald Isle, a condominium complex right on Lake Hamilton.

Our condo had a balcony overlooking the lake, with a short staircase leading down to the walkway where we could fish. This is where we caught fish and even accidentally hooked a few turtles!

What I really loved was how many activities were available right on the property. There was basketball, sand volleyball, pickleball, miniature golf, a swimming pool, hot tub, walking path and a clubhouse with ping pong, billiards, and Connect 4. Most of these amenities were even visible from our balcony!

We spent a lot of time enjoying the property, playing games, swimming, and having dinner with friends. With kids of different ages, it was so nice to have plenty of options without having to plan an outing every minute of the day.

There were also kayaks available, although we didn't get a chance to use them.

I loved watching the sunrises and sunsets on the lake to start and finish our days. So relaxing!

If you're planning a family vacation to Hot Springs, I'd definitely recommend looking for a place to stay on Lake Hamilton, especially somewhere with activities included. We had so much fun just hanging out together between our adventures around town!

Family enjoying the swimming pool at Emerald Isle condominiums on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with the text “Where We Stayed, Where We Played.”

Hot Springs, Arkansas with Kids: Quick Trip Planning Guide

Planning a family trip to Hot Springs? Here's a quick rundown of our favorite activities, restaurants, and tips to help you plan your visit!

Best free activity: Tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse Museum on Bathhouse Row.
Best family hike: Falls Branch Trail at Lake Catherine State Park for a beautiful waterfall, bridges, and lake views.
Best activity for older kids and teens: Go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games at Funtrackers Family Fun Park.
Best breakfast: The Pancake Shop in downtown Hot Springs. Don't miss the buckwheat blueberry pancakes with apple butter!
Best casual family meal: Frosty Treats for fresh burgers, fried pickles, onion rings, and root beer floats.
Best place to stay: A lakefront condo on Lake Hamilton. We loved staying at Emerald Isle!
Best downtown activities: Explore Bathhouse Row, walk the Grand Promenade, visit the shops, and fill a water bottle with hot spring water.
Other family activities to consider: Gem mining, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, Mid-America Science Museum, and Magic Springs Theme and Water Park.

Pinterest graphic of a mom holding a Hot Springs National Park thermal water jug, with text highlighting Bathhouse Row with kids, free stops, and family tips.

How Many Days Do You Need in Hot Springs, Arkansas?

We visited Tuesday through Friday during fall break, and four days gave us plenty of time to enjoy the historic downtown, hike to a waterfall, try local restaurants, and have some fun at our condo on Lake Hamilton.

You could easily enjoy Hot Springs over a weekend, but I'd recommend three to four days if you want time to explore without feeling rushed.

Is Hot Springs, Arkansas Worth Visiting with Kids?

Absolutely! We traveled with kids ages 9–20, and there was something for everyone. Between the free historic attractions, outdoor adventures, local restaurants, and family activities, Hot Springs made a fun and affordable fall break getaway.

We didn't get to everything on our list, but that just gives us a few more reasons to come back!