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SUMMER PLANNING GUIDE
Summer Planning Guide Looking to plan a summer getaway without straying too far from home? There’s something for everyone in the Natural State
A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro Kids will love getting in the dirt and digging for their own rocks, minerals, and gemstones—if you get extra lucky and find a diamond, it’s yours to keep. arkansasstateparks.com
Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock Always a hit for a range of ages, the Little Rock Zoo has more than 200 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians represented in its exhibits. littlerockzoo.com
Minor League Baseball, North Little Rock and Springdale Take in the sights and sounds of America’s pastime while cheering on the Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock or the Naturals at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. milb.com
The Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville This interactive museum features hands-on learning activities with a focus on STEAM subjects. Northwest Arkansas locals should check the Amazeum Summer Camp schedule for additional learning opportunities. amazeum.org
BEST WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT
Blanchard Springs Caverns, Fifty-Six Take a tour through the “living cave,” where the jawdropping formations are constantly changing, or visit one of the numerous water sites, including Mirror Lake Falls, Blanchard Springs, and the always enticing swimming hole. blanchardsprings.org
The Momentary, Bentonville Experience contemporary arts, including visual, performing, and culinary, in this recently opened satellite to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Check their calendar for upcoming films, concerts, lectures, and more. themomentary.org
Bath House Row, Hot Springs Indulge in a relaxing treatment, such as a massage or manicure, or unwind in one of the Spa City’s famed hot mineral baths hosted at a number of venues along Bath House Row. hotsprings.org
MAD Splash Pad, El Dorado Let your little ones cool off while they run and jump through this park’s water features. Beginning May 17 the splash pad will be open seven days a week, weather permitting, for the summer season. eldomad.com
LIVE TUNES FOR MUSIC LOVERS
Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock Across the river from Arkansas’s capital city is one of the most popular stops for national acts traveling to the state. Some of the most anticipated shows of the summer include Elton John (July 3), Justin Bieber (July 15), Luke Bryan (July 31), and Maroon 5 (August 2). simmonsbankarena.com
Murphy Arts District, El Dorado Our top picks on this entertainment district’s summer calendar are Little Rock soul singer Bijoux (June 6 at Griffin Restaurant) and Avett Brothers with Tyler Childers (August 8 at the MAD Amphitheater). eldomad.com
Peacemaker Festival, Fort Smith The sixth annual music festival returns to the banks of the Arkansas River July 24-25. The schedule typically includes a varying lineup of country, rock, and blues acts; stay tuned this spring for an official lineup announcement. peacemakerfest.com
Walmart AMP, Rogers The Arkansas Music Pavilion, or “AMP” as it’s called, offers an outdoor stage in Northwest Arkansas for some of the biggest touring acts. With a summer calendar that includes country (Kenny Chesney on June 11), radio favorites (Journey on June 22 and Chicago on June 28), and beloved boy bands (Backstreet Boys on August 23), there’s truly something for everyone. waltonartscenter.org/AMP
2020 Walmart AMP
Coming soon with new amenities!
FRESH AIR FOR OUTDOORS ENTHUSIASTS
Arkansas Lakes, Statewide From Lake Hamilton to Greers Ferry and upward to Beaver Lake, there’s no shortage of waterways to enjoy in the Natural State. Search your local area for marinas where you can rent a boat or launch your own to enjoy a day on the water. arkansas.com
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville Tour 12 themed gardens and the region’s only native butterfly house or plan ahead to attend one of the handson workshops or lectures held for both children and adults. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. bgozarks.org
Isabella Golf Club, Hot Springs Village With nine golf clubs located on 26,000 acres, Hot Springs Village has become a destination for avid golfers—and the course at Isabella has consistently been named a favorite. explorethevillage.com
Tour de Rock, North Little Rock Cyclists choose between four “pancake-flat” routes of varying lengths in this race (held May 30) that benefits CARTI Cancer Center. Don’t miss the after-party, which features music, food, and a chance to celebrate. carti.com/tourderock