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Exploring Eureka Springs, Arkansas with kids allows the whole family to take a deep breath and enjoy the charms of small town life. Recently named one of Grandparents.com’s Top 10 Main Streets because of its unparalleled charm, you might want to put Eureka Springs on your list for a spot to unwind and explore the twisted streets this year.
Insider Tips for Entertaining Kids in Eureka Springs
As a mom who raised her daughter in this delightful town, I can share some of the insider tips for making the most of your vacation with the family. The top three things to remember is to slow down, enjoy the quirky things that only happen in Eureka Springs (they even have a hashtag to tag your photos and social media posts #OnlyinEureka when you see one of those unique things), and get a little out of your comfort zone and be part of the experience with your kids. When they see you loving it, they will love it too.
Smart families know that if you can make your vacation happen midweek the entire experience will be a little less crowded, although there are amazing things to see and do every day, the mid week experience makes it seem like you aren’t on vacation, but part of the locals scene. Getting to see the town in its quieter and calmer moments is often a good choice for active kids. Whatever the days are that you decide to book your vacation to Eureka Springs there is something to do for kids.
Top Ten Things To Do in Eureka Springs for Families
- Ride the Trolley – this is, by far, one of the best ways to get around town. You can go as far as Thorncrown Chapel and all around the Historic District. This easy way to travel lets you hop on and off the trolley and not have to worry about getting too tired hiking around or dealing with parking.
- Take the Hell Raisers, Hoodlum and a Heated History Tour – there have been many characters that have lived in Eureka Springs and this short, daily tour at 11 a.m. leaves from Basin Spring Park. Kids are always free and they get to re-enact a gunfight, see Carrie Nations last speech wielding her famous hatchet, and learn about the Wild West days that whirled through town.
- Take a Ghost Tour – Did you know that America’s Most Haunted Hotel is in Eureka Springs? You can take the nightly tour in the 1886 Crescent Hotel and learn all about the sightings and maybe, if you are lucky, even see one of your own.
- Be Intrigued – Intrigue Theater, an illusionist show, will astound you and kids of all ages. You won’t know how they do what they do and will walk away talking about this for hours. They bring a sparkle and premier theater experience to Eureka Springs and if you have a child that has any interest in magic or just want to see a fantastic show, you will not want to miss it.
- Roast a Marshmallow with Flickering Tales – this evening campfire at the 1886 Crescent Hotel brings a few scary stories to life. This one might be for the older kids, but it will be a delight to experience this outdoor theater around a campfire.
- Roar at a Tiger – Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge offers the whole family a chance to see lions, tigers and bears up close. If you go after 3:00, you can take the tour and then see the animals get fed.
- Rent a Paddle Boat – Head out to Lake Leatherwood and rent paddle boats for the whole family. Get a little wet, cool off and see this beautiful 100-acre park.
- Download a Scavenger Hunt – DowntownEurekaSprings.com often has scavenger hunts that they post and change throughout the year to explore downtown in a whole new way. Just search Scavenger Hunt on their site and you never know what fun you will have.
- Explore the shops – if you have tweens and teens a little shopping is in order. There are 100+ shops and boutiques with items that can’t be seen anywhere else.
10.Mom and Me Time – have a little girl time and schedule a mommy and me pedicure at any of the local spas. Eureka Springs was built on its healing waters and spas, so think of it as a history lesson as you pamper yourselves.
Remember, your time in Eureka Springs should be a time to slow down a little and not feel rushed. Enjoy the art throughout the town, walk and ride the trolley, and start to let the spirit of relaxation and calm spread through your whole family. For more attraction and ideas for your next Eureka Springs Family Vacation, you can always visit DowntownEurekaSprings.com and EurekaSpringsKids.com. For a full calendar of events visit EurekaSprings.com.
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Like this story? Read more from Jacqueline Wolven
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