How to Enjoy Spring Break in Little Rock
Spring break looks good in Little Rock. Whether you’re after a slower week of sightseeing or a few days packed with outdoor adventure, Arkansas’ capital city offers plenty of ways to fill your time. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend spring break in Little Rock.
With warmer days and more daylight, spring break is the perfect time to explore the city at your own pace. Outdoor spaces, cultural attractions, and local favorites all come together to make Little Rock an easy place to settle in and stay busy.
Museum of Discovery
Ranked by USA Today as one of the best science centers in the country, the Museum of Discovery brings hands-on learning to life. Visitors can take shelter from a powerful twister in the Tornado Alley Theater, explore physics and force through interactive exhibits, check out the new Small Fry Fish Camp and Curiosity Spot, find a quiet moment in the Sensory Cove areas, and watch the Guinness World Record–holding musical bipolar Tesla coil in action.
Little Rock Zoo
A visit to Arkansas’ largest zoo brings plenty to explore. Along with hundreds of animals, guests can ride a fully restored wooden carousel and the Diamond Express miniature train. Be sure to stop by Penguin Pointe, the Arkansas Heritage Farm, and other favorite exhibits along the way.
Historic Arkansas Museum
Located in Little Rock’s original neighborhood, the Historic Arkansas Museum now sits in the heart of downtown. Historic galleries highlight Arkansas-made products, while living history actors bring the past to life on the grounds of some of the state’s oldest buildings.
Old State House Museum
Arkansas’ first state capitol building is the oldest standing state capitol west of the Mississippi River. It also served as the backdrop for President Clinton’s 1992 and 1996 presidential acceptance speeches, bringing Little Rock onto the international stage. Inside, exhibits highlight the governors and first ladies who have shaped Arkansas history.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
The site of the 1957 desegregation crisis, Little Rock Central High School stands as a powerful place in American history where nine Black students helped break down racial barriers. It is the only National Park Service site that also functions as an active high school. A visit offers the opportunity to reflect on the courage and impact of those who helped shape the civil rights movement.
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
Located in the historic Ninth Street District, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center chronicles the story of Little Rock’s former “Little Harlem” neighborhood, once home to thriving African American businesses and entertainment venues like the Dreamland Ballroom, where Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and other greats performed. Be sure to explore the museum’s 360-degree theater featuring custom video, along with the children’s gallery, Same. Different. Amazing., which highlights the many ways people are both alike and different.
Riverfront Park
Stretching along the Arkansas River, this 33-acre park features pedestrian bridges, open lawns, and interactive spaces. The Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden lines the paths with playful and thought-provoking works, while a treehouse-style overlook offers a unique view above the park. Visitors can also see the original “little rock” at La Petite Roche Landing in Sturgis Plaza.
Clinton Presidential Center
With its museum, restaurant, and iconic bridge, the Clinton Presidential Center is a standout stop in Little Rock. Guests can explore the political career of the nation’s 42nd president through campaign memorabilia from his early years in Arkansas, along with full-size replicas of the White House’s Oval Office and Cabinet Room.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Just minutes from downtown, Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers one of the most iconic outdoor experiences in central Arkansas. Visitors can hike to the summit of the region’s highest peak for sweeping views of the city, then explore the Monument Trails by bike, one of the park’s newer additions for mountain biking.
Arkansas River Trail
Stretching 15.6 miles along the Arkansas River, the Arkansas River Trail offers a scenic way to explore the city. The loop connects multiple pedestrian bridges, including the Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America. Rent a bike or kayak for a relaxed way to experience the river and surrounding views.
Rock Town River Outfitters
Rent a kayak and get out on the Arkansas River or its calmer tributary, the Little Maumelle, with help from Rock Town River Outfitters. Both solo rentals and guided group tours are available, making it easy to choose your own pace on the water. Prefer to stay on land? Bikes and helmets are also available to rent by the hour for exploring nearby trails.
After a full day of exploring, Little Rock keeps the momentum going. From welcoming hotels and standout attractions to food, nightlife, and events that carry into the evening, the city offers plenty of ways to round out spring break plans.
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