A Guide to Parks and Picnic Spots in Little Rock, Arkansas

Central Arkansas is full of activities for your family. You can spend 2 weeks here, run full speed for all 14 days, and still not be able to see all that we have to offer our tourists. We have lakes, rivers, Minor League Baseball, (Travelers) Arena Football,(Twisters) Semi-professional basketball (RimRockers), two water parks, (Wild River Country and Crystal Falls) a full scale amusement park (Magic Springs), history, great food and parks. We have lots of parks.

One of my favorite pasttimes in the summer is to pack a picnic lunch and head for a pavilion. Turn the kids loose on the playground, sit back with a chilled beverage, grill hamburgers and enjoy all of the natrual beauty that is Arkansas. Our choices of parks is seemingly endless.

For those of you who don't live in Little Rock or the surrounding area, but might be contemplating spending your vacation here, allow me to tell you about some of the best parks we have in our capital city. I have chosen my favorite five. I chose these because of the broad array of amentities they have to offer their visitors. Between them, they cover thousands of acres of some of the prettiest landscapes you'll ever set your eyes on. And you'll leave with a desire to come back soon.

5. Riverfront Park. This is probably at the bottom of my favorite five right now because the playgrounds are being remodeled, and there isn't much for the kids to do right now. I left it on my list because when the city of Little Rock completes the project, it is going to be the best thing since sliced bread in my opinion. Riverfront Adventure Park will include new playground equipment, rock climbing walls (Including a low wall for the little ones), a waterfall and fountain, gopher holes and concrete tunnels to climb around in, and a tree house. I can't wait for it open early next year, so I can go play on it!

But for now, Riverfront Park stretches down both sides of the Arkansas River in Little Rock and North Little Rock for eleven blocks. It includes picnic tables, boat ramps, and River Market Center which houses restaurants, specialty shops, and a farmers produce market. Stroll hand in hand along the brick prominade and feel the breeze float in off the river. Take a look at the origins of the capital city by locating the plaque that marks the original "little rock" under the railroad bridge, or read about the first settlers in the 2400 square foot history pavilion.

Home to Riverfest, the city's annual Memorial Day weekend celebration, Riverfront Park houses an ampitheater that will seat 1,375 in it's reserved sections, or patrons of it's many concerts can bring their lawn chairs or a blanket and sit in the grass. The park also hosts the non-demoninational Easter Sunrise Service each spring,

4. Pinnacle Mountain is the first State Park to be built adjoining a metropolitan area. The park is located on 2,000 acres of beautiful woodlands along the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers. It boasts canoe and boat trips for bird watching, history lessons and just romantic sunsets.

What brings most visitors to Pinnacle Park is the mountain itself. The peak is an easy, slow paced climb that takes about 2 hours for those in average physical shape. Once there, you're 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River Valley with a view that will take your breath away.

Add to that 40 miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, large open areas where pick-up games of football, baseball and soccer are always going on, and a large pavilion that can be rented for school or company picnics and you've got one of the prettiest and best equipped parks you'll find anywhere.

3. Boyle Park is located in the heart of the city, just off of University Avenue, and only a few blocks from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The city has spent the last several years renovating and improving the park, which spent the best part of 2 decades on the black list of most parents, because of it's seedy reputation. Combined with the help of the police department, the city has cleaned it up, and it's now one of the best kept secrets in the city!

Bike and walking trails have been built along the creek, over bridges, and through the woods. The creek has been stocked with fish, and most weekends will find boys fishing with grandfathers and little girls climbing high on the new jungle gyms and other playground equipment scattered throughout the park. My favorite part about this park, has got to be the towering shade trees! The park is built down inside a valley and there's always a soft breeze blowing.

1& 2. War Memorial and Burns Parks
I spent a long time trying to decide which of these two were my favorites. I asked family members, friends and collegues. It came down to almost a dead heat tie. They are both great parks, with something for everyone. So I'm going to end the article describing these two landmarks, and just say that they are both the top picks...but for different reasons!

War Memorial is the oldest Little Rock park. Get off of Interestate 630 at the Fair Park Exit and follow the signs, and you'll find a world of things to keep you busy for the day..or two...or even three days. There's a picnic area with a large playground made from old railroad ties, and a sandy floor to prevent serious injuries. There's a beautiful creek that has been known to yield a fish or two to the weekend or afternoon angler. A beautiful 18 hole golf course and tennis courts offer a day of exercise and enjoyment for the sports enthusiasts. Families can enjoy the animals at the Little Rock Zoo or hop on over to the War Memorial Fitness Center and visit the outdoor pool. The pool is open to the public for a minimal daily fee and has diving boards, a water slide and a kiddie area with waterspouts.

Burns Park is split by Interstate 40 in North Little Rock. Set on 1500 acres, it is one of the largest city owned parks in the country. Patrons can utilize equistrian trails, that include a covered bridge that's a popular spot for High School graduation photos and marriage proposals. Golf fans can have a field day, with an 18 hole course, a frisbee golf course and a miniature golf course! Almost a dozen different playground areas lanscape the areas surrounding baseball, softball and soccer fields, including one that was designed and built especially for handicapped children. Horseshoes, walking trails and shaded pavilions are options for the older folks.

Younger families can enjoy a BMX Bike trail, the racquetball and tennis courts or skateboard areas. An amusement park that sports several rides for all ages and a relaxing train ride is in the center of the park. The rides range from small motorcycles for the little ones, to the spin until you puke Tilt-a-whirl, which just happens to be my personal favorite! Armbands can be purchased for an all-day unlimited riding adventure.

Although I only outlined 5, there are dozens of other metropolitan, neighborhood and community parks in the Little Rock area. Check out the city's website for a complete listing and driving directions. When you get there....

Fire up the grill and have a hot dog for me.