Low-Cost Summer Activities for Little Rock Families

As the Capital of the state of Arkansas, Little Rock is a magnet for professionals like accountants, Doctors and lawyers who find it convenient to live near the hub of the state government. The city has very active civic groups, coupled with a state-funded park system, museums and public service sectors that organize activities for visitors and locals every summer. Many of these summer activities and programs in Little Rock, are totally free and are very family-friendly. Some, while they cost a bit, usually are available with season tickets at a deep discount, making that activity free after a one-time payment. Area lakes and the many rivers, streams and parks see huge increase in visitors, starting in the spring and lasting all through the summer and fall. Bike trails are heavily used then. But Little rock has a few interesting events that should be very family oriented and make this summer a lot more fun for folks that don't have large budgets for summer trips or entertaining.

Get a Riverrail daylong pass for just $2 and ride the River Market route. Stop at some of the historically interesting places, like the Argenta neighborhood and the Museum of Discovery, and the courthouses. These passes can be purchased at any public library. The Farmer's Market is a great place to go Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7-3. Just browse, take the family and buy some of the vendor snacks. Sometimes there will be a musician playing outside. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and there's no better way to socialize and spend a pretty afternoon.

If you have young children, there's no better time to get them learning about civics than now. It's surprising how open kids are to learning about the way things work in government. A tour of the state capitol is perfect for such an introduction. Take a picnic and lunch at one of the nearby parks before or after touring. There are free scheduled tours every day. However, private tours can even be arranged for families who have friends with children. Make a day of it by calling the Capitol and making an appointment for a private tour for your group. There is a virtual tour online to help those who want to be their own guides. You can use it to view and print out details of what you will see as your group walks through. Just look at the web site.

The Arkansas Arts Center is definitely worth a few visits. It's not grandiose, but there are always wonderful displays of local and regional art, paired with traveling exhibits that change often. The have special activities for the children, too. It's open Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5, and on Sundays, 11-5. Admission is free, but they appreciate donations. For a one-time $270, parents can get a season of savings on the Flex-Pack to the Children's Theater. This may sound like a lot, but it is 36 tickets to any and all events. A family of four could attend 9 plays. Or how about splitting the pack with another family and go with them as a group. Each family would get to see at least 4 or more plays for a one-time cost of just $135. It's a great way to introduce youngsters to the arts, because these plays always appeal to the young. Showing in May is The Secret Garden. Call
Arkansas Arts Center
501 East 9th Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
501-372-4000

Another idea that will have kids shouting for joy is the Firefly gallery. This place is a pottery studio where people come in, purchase an unfinished pottery item and paint and decorate it themselves. This is right up a child's alley. While these items cost around $10 and up, there are some special events just for the youngsters that are neat. Kids can use the facility for birthday parties with groups of six or more and paint to their heart's content for just $15 each. That's really a bargain when you think about it. For just $90 your child will have lots of fun decorating his or her very own pottery piece to keep forever. Parents have to bring the cake, ice cream and drinks, etc., but the studio takes care of hosting, and supplies balloons and invitations. There are also special summer camps for children which may be very affordable and interesting. Call them to see about what's coming up for this summer, 2007: 501-225-1403.

The Little Rock Zoo is a perpetual source of fun for families year-round. For just $75 per year there's no reason in the world Little Rock families shouldn't take advantage of a family membership that will give them free entry to this wonderful facility all year round. The zoo would even be another great place to host a birthday party. The youngsters would love the aviary and the Alligator feedings at 2 in the afternoon on Saturdays. They also have classes for children to learn all about different species. It's definitely worth an inquiry. Call for more information and to purchase a membership: (501) 666-2406.