Arkansas offers hundreds of opportunities for inexpensive family weekends. It has more than 200 museums, dozens of zoos and 52 state parks. Many major Arkansas cities also offer weekend packages that include lodging, meals and tickets to various attractions, including some unusual and affordable ones.
Arkansas state parks offer a wide variety of activities for families, from primitive camping to geo-caching. For example, as of 2010, Lake Oauchita State Park in central Arkansas has a camping package that includes a two-man tent, four bundles of firewood and two camp chairs for only $16.50. Rent two packages and you can accommodate a family of four for only $33. Geo-caches have been placed in 11 state parks, and with minimal GPS equipment, your family can find as many or as few of the caches as you choose. Other family packages include whitewater rafting, cave spelunking and rock climbing. Visit one state park each weekend and you can visit each one within a year's time.
When visiting museums in Arkansas, you might want to consider this family package. As of 2010, the Hampton Inn and Suites in Little Rock offers a room with two queen sized beds, up to four tickets to the Museum of Discovery and a complimentary breakfast for $99. Additional tickets to the zoo can be purchased from the hotel. A similar package is available at the Holiday Inn Presidential in Little Rock and includes lodging and museum tickets to see the Treasures of the Pharaohs exhibit--prices begin at $139. In Hot Springs, families might enjoy visiting the Gangster Museum, the Mid-America Science Museum or the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Though current prices may vary, a family of four can usually attend these attractions for less than $50.
The Little Rock Zoo is the state's first interactive zoo and hosts interesting programs for families. Breakfasts with the animals are held on a monthly basis and include up-close encounters with the animals and a buffet breakfast. The cost for a family of four is under $100, as of 2010. A Room with the Zoo is offered by the Courtyard Marriott West in Little Rock. For $99, families can enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel, tickets to the zoo and a complimentary breakfast. Little Rock also has a zoo, and Gentry, Ark., is home to the Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari. The safari is a four-mile drive through a habitat for exotic animals. The cost for a family of four is under $50.
As of 2010, the Bar-J Ranch in El Dorado offers a family package for $125 that includes campfires, horseback riding, fishing and shooting. Breakfast is also provided, and special activities are planned for the children, allowing quiet time for Mom and Dad. Another interesting weekend can be spent at the Wildflower Bed and Breakfast in Mountain View. The inn hosts a Songwriter's Retreat each year. Bring your instrument and practice your musical talents with Charley Sandage, a renowned local musician. The retreat costs $55 plus the cost of the room at the inn.
