We are all looking for ways to get out of the house in Northwest Arkansas this winter! Fresh air is good for the soul — not to mention it helps to get the wiggles out of the kids. So we put together a list to help you find fun things to do this winter with your family in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and the surrounding areas (or just a short drive away!) during these next few winter months in Northwest Arkansas.
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1. Hobbs State Park
Arkansas’ largest state park, Hobbs sits on 12,000 acres, this beautiful place features over 50 miles of trails ranging from easy and stroller-friendly to strenuous. You can download a scavenger hunt and the whole family can search for the items along the trails. The free Hobbs Visitor Center is fun for all ages. While the touch-screens are currently closed, kids will still enjoy seeing the taxidermy, aquariums and views. *Visitor center is currently open every day from 8 AM-5 PM. More info on their website here. Cost: FREE
2. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
-Authentic, expansive, and well preserved, Prairie Grove is known as one of America’s most intact Civil War battlefields. With more than 900 acres, this park commemorates the site of the Battle of Prairie Grove, where on December 7, 1862, Confederate and Union forces clashed in a fierce day of fighting that resulted in 2,700 casualties. This battle marked the last major Civil War engagement in Northwest Arkansas. The park offers walking and driving tours, programs, and weekend events. At the Hindman Hall Museum, artifacts recovered from the battle are displayed. Admission to the museum is free. The park also has a nice playground and picnic tables so if the weather is mild, you can bring a picnic and let the kids play. The one-mile walking trail around the Battlefield is beautiful and paved. It is lined with Civil War ear building and homes. The trail is hilly so it can be a little difficult while pushing a stroller but there are plenty of benches to stop and take a break along the path. Visit their website here. Hours: Museum is open Wed. - Sat. from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Picnic area/playground/restrooms open all year from 8 AM- til one hour after sunset. Cost: Free
3. Railyard Park in Downtown Rogers
Go explore the new Railyard Park right in downtown Rogers and the wonderful shops and restaurants downtown. The Railyard has an awesome Playard that is fun and free for kids to enjoy. Check out the website here. Cost: Free
4. Ninja Park at Farmington City Park
The Ninja-style park at the Farmington City Park (Creekside Park) is fun and challenging even for older kids. Located between N. Hunter St. and Broyles Street in Farmington. It's an approximately 15-20 minute drive from Fayetteville and well worth the drive. The park can be accessed from N. Hunter St. on the west side or Broyles Street on the east side. The Broyles Street entrance will bring you closer to the Ninja Park and new playground structure, while the N. Hunter St. entrance will bring you closer to the older playground area and creek. (As a side note, the awesome Briar Rose Bakery is just around the corner from the park so it's a great place to grab lunch or a snack to take to the park!)
The park is large and well maintained. It offers a walking trail, two playground areas (one at each entrance), plenty of bench seating, the amazing ninja park, brand new large basketball courts, restrooms (near each playground), two pavilions (that can be rented), and so much more. The playground found on the N. Hunter St. side is well suited for children of all ages, however; the playground found off of Broyles Street seems better suited for older children (simply because of height and climbing structures). Cost: Free
