If you’ve been overlooking Fort Smith on your Arkansas adventure list, it’s time to change that. Nestled on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma, Fort Smith is more than just a historic stop on the Arkansas River. It’s packed with quirky museums, frontier stories, hidden art, and even a trolley you can ride with your kids. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or just passing through, these family-friendly tourist attractions in Fort Smith, Arkansas, might just surprise you with how fun and unique they are.
Fun Tourist Attractions in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Here’s your guide to the top surprising tourist attractions in Fort Smith—and why your whole crew will love them.
1. Fort Smith National Historic Site
Location: 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901
The Fort Smith National Historic Site tells the gritty, real-deal story of the American frontier, complete with a walk-through courtroom, a real jail cell known as “Hell on the Border,” and stories about Judge Isaac Parker, the “Hanging Judge.” It’s one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Fort Smith, Arkansas, due to the old gallows (don’t worry, it’s not gruesome—just historically fascinating).
Great for: Families with kids ages 7+, homeschoolers, and anyone who loves Wild West tales.
2. Parrot Island Waterpark
Location: Ben Geren Regional Park- 7300 S Zero St, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Fort Smith may not scream “tropical getaway,” but when summer rolls in, Parrot Island Waterpark feels like a beach vaca. With four giant slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a massive play area for younger kids, this is the kind of place where you can let loose and cool off. The whole park has a clean, easy-to-navigate layout that won’t overwhelm you.
Great for: Families with kids of all ages, especially on hot Arkansas afternoons.
3. Fort Smith Trolley Museum and Ride
Location: Near the Historic Site- 100 South 4th, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
Yes, your kids can ride a real streetcar! The Fort Smith Trolley Museum offers short, scenic rides on restored electric trolleys. Inside the museum, you’ll find vintage railcars, a fire truck, and historic vehicles, but the real fun is climbing aboard and riding the rails.
Great for: Train lovers, toddlers, and parents who need a break that comes with a breeze.
4. The Unexpected Murals of Downtown Fort Smith
Location: Scattered throughout Downtown
This is one of Fort Smith’s coolest surprises—massive, colorful murals painted by world-renowned street artists like ROA, Bordalo II, and Guido Van Heltom. What started as a small public art festival has turned into a full-blown outdoor gallery. Bonus: there’s no admission fee, and you can make it a scavenger hunt for the kids.
Great for: Instagram-happy teens, art-loving families, and stroller-pushing parents who want a low-key adventure.
5. Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
Location: 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, AR 72916
This isn’t your typical nature center. Set on over 170 acres, the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center has hiking trails, archery ranges, fishing docks, and hands-on nature exhibits. Your kids can touch animal pelts, learn about native birds, and check out the 1,200-gallon aquarium. And best of all? It’s totally free!
Great for: Outdoorsy families, nature lovers, and budget-conscious travelers looking for educational fun.
6. Chaffee Barbershop Museum
Location: Chaffee Crossing Historic District-7313 Terry Street Bldg #803, Fort Smith, AR 72916
You probably didn’t expect a small Fort Smith museum to be tied to Elvis Presley—but here it is. One of the most famous tourist attractions in Fort Smith, Arkansas,nThe Chaffee Barbershop Museum is where Elvis got his iconic Army buzz cut in 1958. The barbershop has been restored to look just like it did back then, and the whole area around it has WWII-era military barracks and vintage shops.
Great for: Rock ’n’ roll fans, families with teens, and anyone who enjoys niche pop culture history.
7. Fort Smith Museum of History
Location: 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
The Fort Smith Museum of History covers 200 years of local stories, but it’s also the oldest functioning museum in the state. You can explore exhibits on old-timey kitchens, antique fire trucks, and even early television equipment.
Great for: Multi-generational families, grandparents reminiscing with grandkids, and lovers of vintage Americana.
8. Riverfront Skate and Bike Park
Location: Along the Riverfront Trail- 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, AR 72901
If your kids need to burn off energy—and you want to sit back with a coffee—head to the Riverfront Skate and Bike Park. It’s one of the largest skate parks in Arkansas and includes areas for all skill levels, even beginners. Right next to it, you’ll find walking trails and scenic views of the river, so it’s a good spot to hang out while your teens do tricks and your littles cruise around on scooters.
Great for: Active families, teen skaters, and parents who enjoy people-watching with a view.
9. Belle Grove Historic District
Location: Just north of downtown Fort Smith
Step back into the 1800s with a stroll through the Belle Grove Historic District, a neighborhood packed with beautifully restored Victorian, Italianate, and Colonial Revival homes. You can walk or drive through the quiet, tree-lined streets and admire over 20 blocks of preserved architecture—some homes even date back to the Civil War era. While most are private residences, the area often hosts seasonal tours, and a few spots like the Clayton House are open for public visits.
Great for: History lovers, architecture buffs, and families who enjoy peaceful walks and pretty photo ops.
10. TempleLive Fort Smith
Location: 200 N. 11th Street, Fort Smith, AR
Housed in a stunning 1929 Masonic Temple, TempleLive Fort Smith is where history meets modern entertainment. This 53,000-square-foot venue boasts Art Deco and Egyptian Revival architecture, creating a unique atmosphere for concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances. With a seating capacity of over 1,100, it’s equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video systems. Families appreciate the variety of events hosted here, from live music to kid-friendly performances.
Great for: Anyone looking to enjoy a memorable night out in Fort Smith.
Tourist Attractions in Fort Smith, Arkansas- Final Words
You might’ve thought Fort Smith was just another river town with some frontier history—but hopefully, now you’re seeing it’s a whole lot more. From tropical water slides to a mural-filled downtown and Elvis’ haircut, this city offers more family-friendly fun than you’d expect.
So pack the car, load up the kids, and head west. The tourist attractions in Fort Smith, Arkansas, might just surprise you—and become your family’s new favorite outings.
For more family-friendly adventures in the Natural State, check out Travel Arkansas Blog!