Winter in Arkansas offers a rich variety of activities perfect for families, nature lovers, and history buffs. The typically mild weather invites visitors to enjoy the beauty of Arkansas’ great outdoors. The Natural State is the ultimate winter destination for those who don’t like frigid temps. Save a few weeks in late January and early February, hiking is still comfortable in most of the state during the winter. The waterfalls are flowing more fully, and the tree cover isn’t so dense, improving the views.
On top of outdoor adventures, winter in Arkansas offers cultural experiences and festive holiday events. You’ll find something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re wondering what to do in Arkansas in winter, check out these 25 family-friendly winter activities and fill your calendar for the 2024/2025 cold season.
Come Visit Arkansas Frontier!
Fall is our time at Arkansas Frontier. We’re open to the public for the full month of October, so gather up your littles, and venture out for a day of adventure on The Frontier! We offer hayrides, a petting zoo, and even an old-time schoolhouse where kids can explore life on the frontier. Schedule a time during the week, or come on out on Saturday and enjoy our family fun events! We even do group tours and field trips!
How to Enjoy Winter in Arkansas
We’ve gathered up 25 events to help you start planning your winter in Arkansas. As always, we’ve focused on family-friendly activities that your clan can enjoy and events that have an element of educational value. They won’t all appeal to you, but keep on reading, we’ve included something for every kind of adventurer!
1. Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens – Hot Springs
Step into a winter wonderland with over 5 million holiday lights adorning the pathways of Garvan Woodland Gardens. Families can stroll through beautifully lit displays, including a 50-foot Christmas tree synchronized to music and a gingerbread house village.
Children will love the model trains that wind through the display, while parents can enjoy hot cocoa and seasonal treats from local vendors. The gardens’ holiday exhibit is open nightly from November 23rd to December 31st and is a truly magical experience. If you want to expand your trip to a mini Arkansas winter vacation, consider booking a cozy cabin in the park!
More info here.
Read: To find more light displays in the Natural State, check out “Lights in Arkansas: Where to Find Sparkling Christmas Displays!“
2. Ozark Folk Center State Park Winter Workshops – Mountain View
Teach your family about the rich heritage of the Ozarks with hands-on workshops at Ozark Folk Center. Learn to play traditional instruments like the fiddle, dulcimer, and banjo, and enjoy live demonstrations from local musicians.
During the workshops, kids can also take part in crafts like basket weaving, knife making, holiday crafts, or candle making, ensuring everyone leaves with a deeper appreciation for Arkansas’ cultural traditions. The park has a year-round schedule of awesome educational events!
More info here.
3. Petit Jean State Park Winter Hikes – Morrilton
Take advantage of the crisp winter air by hiking one of Petit Jean State Park’s scenic trails. The popular Cedar Falls Trail leads to a stunning 95-foot waterfall, which is particularly striking in the winter months.
Rangers often lead guided hikes where you can learn about the park’s geology, history, and unique plant life. For families looking for an easier stroll, the Bear Cave Trail offers breathtaking views of the Arkansas River Valley without the strenuous stairs of the waterfall trail.
More info here.
4. Eureka Springs Christmas Parade of Lights– Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is one of our favorite Arkansas winter destinations! The Eureka Springs Christmas Parade is a small-town event with big charm. The parade features elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and even appearances from Santa Claus.
Families can enjoy hot chocolate from nearby cafes while watching the parade wind through the historic downtown, and afterward, explore the town’s unique shops and galleries for holiday gifts.
More info here.
5. Winter Discovery Lake Tours – DeGray Lake Resort State Park
Hop aboard a boat and explore the winter landscapes of DeGray Lake on a guided Discovery Lake Tour. During the tour, you’ll learn about the park’s ecosystems, and spot winter wildlife like bald eagles, great blue herons, and maybe even a deer along the shore.
It’s an excellent opportunity to teach children about native animals while enjoying a scenic lake adventure. You can make reservations by visiting the lodge front desk or calling (501) 865-5851.
More info here.
6. Great Backyard Bird Count at Pinnacle Mountain – Little Rock
Introduce your kids to the joys of birdwatching by joining the annual Great Backyard Bird Count at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Created in 1998 by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audobon Society, this event was the first online citizen-scient project to gather data on birds and migration patterns. You can join more than 160,000 people worldwide who now participate in the info-gathering event every February.
This event educates families about local bird species, records sightings, and contributes to national citizen science efforts. Rangers provide binoculars and bird guides as well as expert advice. It’s also totally free to participate!
More info here.
7. Taste of the Holidays: Mid-America Science Museum – Hot Springs
Mid-America Science Museum has been at the forefront of elementary science education for decades. For the last 23 years, one of their primary fundraisers, Taste of the Holidays, is an event worth adding to your calendar! Most Arkansans agree that Hot Springs is one of the best winter vacation spots in the state and one of the absolute best cities for foodies!
This event brings in over twenty of the most celebrated restaurants, bakeries, and breweries in Hot Springs for a feast! Not only will you enjoy incredible cuisine, but you’ll also have the opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done with displays from local boutiques and bid on incredible prizes in the silent auction. The event takes place on November 21st, and all proceeds go to support the museum’s ongoing educational pursuits.
More info here.
8. Ozark Highlands Trail Backpacking – Ozark National Forest
For families with older children, backpacking a section of the Ozark Highlands Trail offers a winter adventure like no other. Enjoy the peaceful solitude of the forest, where you might spot deer, turkeys, and other wildlife in their winter habitats. Several campsites along the trail provide opportunities for stargazing under clear winter skies, making it an unforgettable experience.
More info here.
9. Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion – Little Rock
Take a special holiday tour of the Governor’s Mansion and explore beautifully decorated rooms filled with Arkansas history. Learn about the state’s past governors and first families while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Special events during the season include live musical performances, afternoon tea, and holiday storytelling sessions for children. 2024 holiday events have not been announced yet, so…stay tuned!
More info here.
10. Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concerts – Little Rock
Introduce your kids to the beauty of classical music with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concerts. The orchestra performs a mix of seasonal favorites and includes vocal performances by Marcus Murphy and Kim Qualls. The holiday chorus is made up of 100 local musicians, including students from Little Rock Central, LR Parkview, and Bryant High School. The event also includes a children’s craft fair! With matinee events, even the budget traveler can get a good dose of culture at the symphony.
More info here.
11. Winter at the Little Rock Zoo – Little Rock
The Little Rock Zoo remains open year-round, offering special winter programming during the colder months. Take advantage of smaller crowds to explore the zoo, where many animals are more active in the cooler weather. The zoo also hosts events like Recycling Day, GloWild, and International Cheetah Day, each with unforgettable games and special exhibits.
More info here.
12. Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Encore Screenings – Hot Springs
Hot Springs is known for its prestigious documentary film festival (October 18-26, 2024), but in the winter months, you can catch encore screenings of the year’s top films. These events provide a chance to introduce older kids and teens to important social and environmental issues through film. Plus, many of the screenings include Q&A sessions with filmmakers and targeted workshops.
More info here.
13. Papa Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm-Benton
Papa Santa’s is a charming Christmas tree farm just outside of Benton, perfect for a cozy holiday outing. On Saturdays, families can enjoy wagon rides, sip on hot cocoa, and meet Santa, all while taking advantage of the farm’s festive photo booth with onsite photographers. You can either cut your own tree with the saws they provide or have the friendly staff lend a hand.
Read: For more of the Christmas tree fun, take a look at “Cut Your Own Tree: The Best Christmas Tree Farms in Arkansas.”
14. Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Winter Workshops – Little Rock
Engage the whole family in creative activities with winter workshops at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Kids can explore art techniques such as painting, sculpture, and ceramics while learning about famous artists and art history. The museum also offers special family days where parents and children can create projects together.
They even offer date nights with workshops on metalwork and much more! If you have an artistic family or want to increase your art knowledge, this is one of the best and most frequent opportunities in the state.
More info here.
15. Arkansas River Holiday Market – Fort Smith
Located along the river in Downtown Fort Smith, the 12th Annual Arkansas River Holiday Market includes over 100 booths representing local artists, boutiques, restaurants, and bakeries. It is located inside the Expo Center at Kay Rogers Park. So, you can peruse the hundreds of booths and food trucks in comfort! The event takes place on November 2, 2024!
More info here.
16. Blanchard Springs Caverns Guided Winter Tours – Fifty-Six
Explore the breathtaking Blanchard Springs Caverns with a winter-guided tour. The caverns stay a cool 58 degrees year-round, making it a comfortable winter activity. Guided tours take families through magnificent rooms filled with stalactites and stalagmites, while knowledgeable guides explain the cave’s geology and history.
More info here.
Read: For more epic caving adventures, check out “10 Cool Caverns in Arkansas for an Educational Adventure.”
17. Time Loop Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Bentonville
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is Arkansas’ premier art museum and has made a name for itself for not only masterpieces in paint but state-of-the-art scientific light displays in its North Forest. From September 2024 to January 5th, 2025, the forest is aglow with immersive installations. The art installation was created by Klip Collective, especially for the museums, and encompasses light, sound, and projection mapping
18. Trout Fishing on the White River – Cotter
Northwest Arkansas is famous for world-class trout fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or teaching your kids to cast for the first time, the cold months are prime time for catching rainbow and brown trout. The water temperature is a bit frigid at the base of the dam, but from there it turns into a picturesque stream. Plus, the temps are nothing a good pair of waders won’t cure.
You can book a guided fishing trip or rent equipment from local outfitters. With the river’s crisp waters and stunning backdrop, it’s a peaceful yet thrilling family adventure.
More info here.
19. Adventures at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch – Jasper
Trade in horseback riding for mountain bikes, zip lines, and epic rock climbing at this atypical Arkansas ranch. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is a unique way to explore the Ozarks. Families can ride through (occasionally) snowy trails, taking in views of rugged bluffs and scenic valleys. They even have their own version of the popular Italian technical climb, the Via Ferrata. Activities including hiking, biking, climbing, tent camping, and some truly amazing stargazing will keep your family busy all weekend long!
20. Holiday Express Train Ride – Springdale
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad offers a magical Holiday Pajama Train Ride, complete with festive decorations and holiday music. Kids will be thrilled to meet Santa on board while enjoying treats like cookies and hot cocoa. The train ride winds through the beautiful Ozark Mountains, giving families a scenic tour of winter landscapes while celebrating the holiday season.
More info here.
21. Outdoor Ice Skating at Lawrence Plaza – Bentonville
Each winter, Bentonville transforms Lawrence Plaza into a seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink, perfect for families looking to enjoy the crisp winter air. Skaters of all skill levels can glide across the ice beneath festive lights, with skate rentals available on-site. The rink also hosts special events like themed skate nights and “Learn to Skate” programs for beginners.
Hot chocolate stands and cozy seating areas nearby offer a chance to relax after a fun session on the ice. The rink is open from November 23 through February.
More info here.
22. The Nutcracker at Robinson Center – Little Rock
Celebrate the holiday season with a performance of The Nutcracker at Robinson Center, a timeless ballet that captivates audiences of all ages. With beautiful choreography, stunning costumes, and live music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, this classic story of Clara and her enchanted adventure is a must-see for families.
The elegant atmosphere of the historic Robinson Center just adds to the magic! Other winter showings include The Grinch That Stole Christmas and The Greatest Showman featuring the Vienna Light Orchestra!
23. Winter Wonderland at the Arkansas State Capitol – Little Rock
Visit the Arkansas State Capitol during the holiday season to experience a festive Winter Wonderland. The grounds are beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and holiday displays, providing a perfect backdrop for family photos.
Throughout December, the Capitol also hosts special events like caroling and guided tours that explore the building’s history and architectural details. They kick off the season with a fireworks display and grand lighting that has yet to be announced!
More info here.
24. Trumpeter Swans of Lake Magness-Heber Springs
Every year a flock of more than 100 Trumpeter Swans migrates to Magness Lake near Heber Springs and winters there until February. The birds are the largest waterfowl in the United States, and they typically arrive in Arkansas in mid-to-late-November. Your chance of seeing the swans is high during these months, but they are typically most active in the afternoon hours.
25. SoMA Mardi Gras-Little Rock
South Main, known locally as SoMA is one of the hippest and fun neighborhoods in Little Rock. Famed for its adorable architecture, local eateries, and artsy vibe, the area is a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Each February, they host a Mardi Gras extravaganza complete with parade, decor, and over-the-top costumes. If you’re in or around Little Rock during Mardi Gras, you must make your way to SoMA and partake in the shenanigans!
Get the most out of winter in Arkansas with these tips!
When it comes to exploring Arkansas in the winter, you’ll have to be flexible. Our weather pattern can be a bit unpredictable. If you stay farther north, say in Eureka Springs, it’s likely you’ll get some snow in late January or February. If you plant yourself farther south in Hot Springs or Little Rock, that chance lessens.
No matter where you land, you’ll need a good pair of rain boots, a medium-weight coat or jacket with some wind protection, and plenty of light layers. Even in the dead of winter, we often have days that climb up into the 60s. If you’re hiking, you’ll you’ll be shedding clothing as you go along.
Popular destinations like Eureka Springs and Hot Springs tend to book up quickly during the holiday season, so get your hotel early!
Go enjoy winter in Arkansas!
With these 25 Arkansas winter activities, you’re set for the season! Winter in Arkansas can be incredibly rewarding! With a slow pace of life, mild temps, and year-round outdoor fun, this little state has a lot to offer. From soaking in the warm waters of Hot Springs National Park to riding trips on an unconventional dude ranch, year after year Arkansas keeps innovating and offering great events for explorers of all kinds. So, get out and enjoy the winter months in Arkansas this year!
For more excellent Arkansas ideas, be sure to peruse our AR activities blog! We’ve got fun and educational events for every season and all types of visitors!