Summer Fun: 5 Entertaining Activities for Parents and Children

The summer season has arrived, and school’s out for the kids. This means more opportunities for quality time and exciting adventures with your little ones! And let’s be honest; most parents are probably eager to find reasons to get their kids out of the house.

If you’re desperate to engage in summer activities for your children, look no further! We at Crain Ford of Jacksonville have compiled an excellent guide to easy, nearby activities suitable for everyone. The best part? These activities are all within driving distance, making them perfect for quick day trips.

Let’s dive into five fantastic options for summer fun in Arkansas!

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1. Beat the Heat at a Water Park or Splash Pad

When temperatures soar, cooling off becomes a top priority. Water parks offer the perfect combination of fun and relief from the heat. These aquatic playgrounds provide a variety of exciting activities for children, including water slides, wave pools, and sometimes even rides. 

Your kids will have a blast exploring the park and trying out all the different attractions! For adults, the lazy river offers a relaxing option to unwind and float along with the gentle current. You can also set up a lounge chair by the wave pool and relax while the children have the time of their lives. For a local option that combines water fun and theme park excitement, consider visiting Magic Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

If you don’t live near a water park, many cities and parks offer splash pads during summer to help everyone cool off and enjoy some aquatic fun. Research your local area to discover what water-based activities are available nearby.

2. Discover Local Lakes, Rivers, or State Parks

Another water-themed activity to consider is taking your children to a nearby lake or river. These outings are often free and provide an excellent opportunity to learn about your local environment and its inhabitants. If you visit a lake or river within a State Park, be sure to explore the Visitor Center and chat with local wildlife rangers about the fish, animals, and other creatures that call the area home. 

Your kids will enjoy exploring and learning about their local wildlife. Grab some poles and embark on a quick fishing trip with your children if fishing is permitted. Even if you don’t catch anything, the memories you create will be priceless. Lake Maumelle is an ideal destination for fishing, floating, swimming, or any other enjoyable summer activity.

3. Visit a Zoo or Aquarium

Local zoos and aquariums offer another fantastic way to learn about our world’s amazing animals. These facilities provide opportunities to see exotic creatures from distant continents and countries that you may never encounter in person otherwise. For Arkansas residents, the Little Rock Zoo is a top-notch facility featuring a wide array of interesting animals. Visit their website for more information.

While zoos are wonderful for observing various animals, including mammals, reptiles, and birds, they are outdoor attractions that can become uncomfortably hot during peak summer temperatures. In such cases, an aquarium provides an excellent alternative to cool down while marveling at the wonders of marine life. Both zoos and aquariums are great options for allowing your kids to learn about and experience the marvels of our natural world.

4. Broaden Your Horizons at a Museum

Museums offer another fantastic indoor activity where you can gain valuable knowledge while escaping the summer heat! Contrary to the stereotype of old, stuffy buildings, many modern museums cater specifically to children’s interests. 

Some excellent kid-friendly museums in Arkansas include the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock and the Amazeum in Bentonville. Both of these institutions offer fun, interactive experiences while imparting valuable knowledge about our fascinating world. For parents, the air conditioning is an added bonus! If you have a few hours to spare, beat the summer heat by visiting a local museum.

5. Enjoy a Summer Festival

Summer festivals are always a highlight during June, July, and August. Many cities and counties organize outdoor festivals when children are out of school to celebrate summer fun and freedom. Numerous enjoyable holidays occur during the summer, such as Independence Day and Juneteenth, which often feature festival celebrations. Additionally, you can find county fairs, food truck festivals, and music festivals – there’s likely a festival for almost any interest you can imagine.

If you plan to spend extended periods outdoors, bring water bottles and stay hydrated. Have a great time with your kids this summer, but prioritize safety and proper hydration!

Crain Ford of Jacksonville Wishes You a Wonderful Summer

We hope you and your children have an incredible summer season! There’s nothing better than creating memories and having fun, whether indoors or outdoors, free or not. 

If you plan to drive to various destinations this summer, we hope you choose to do so in a Ford. Models such as the Ford Escape, Explorer, Expedition, and EcoSport are reliable SUV options for summertime adventures. Sedans like the Fusion and trucks like the F-150 are also excellent choices for summer trips.

If you’re in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, we’d love to help. Contact us or schedule a test drive, and we’ll gladly assist you!

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