Kids can pretend they are explorers while taking a tour of Cosmic Cavern, in Berryville. The cave features dangling formations such as helictites, stalactites and stalagmites. It also includes two lakes and an opportunity to spot a rare Ozark blind cave salamander. Above ground, kids can pan for gemstones like rose quartz in a sluice, which is a wooden plate with water flowing through it. Visitors can keep what they find.
Northwest Arkansas does not have an amusement park with roller coasters. The Lokomotion Family Fun Center, though, fills that void with a range of activities. Kids 4 and older can ride go karts in four age-appropriate tracks. Lokomotion also has two 18-hole mini golf courses, bumper boats, laser tag and an arcade with more than 70 games. The Lokomotion Family Fun Center is located in Fayetteville.
Pea Ridge National Military Park was the site of a Civil War battle on March 7 and 8, 1862, which was won by the Union. The park's visitor center features a museum and shows a 28-minute film describing the battle. The 4,300-acre park in Garfield also makes for a pleasant family stroll. A kid can become a Pea Ridge National Park Junior Ranger after completing a scavenger hunt of the battlefield and museum.
Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari gives kids a chance to spot exotic animals. The 400-acre safari features more than 85 species of animals, including bison, buffalo, leopards, lions, tigers and zebras. As a bonus, the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari has petting areas that allow kids to interact with kangaroos and African pygmy goats. Kids can also take seasonal camel and pony rides. Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari is located in Gentry.
