Our Concierge Recommends for Families

Activities

Take a trolley ride to Lake Leatherwood , a city owned park of 1,600 acres.  The spring fed lake offers swimming, fishing (need a license!), great walking trails and picnic areas.  The woods have wild turkeys, deer, geese, raccoons, fox and squirrels.

A day trip to Dogwood Canyon offers delightful self guided walking tours.  (Rent a stroller or bike)  The scenic tram tour offers views of beautiful waterfalls, hand-crafted bridges, caves and historic sites.

At Beaver town , north on 23 to 187, you'll cross Table Rock Lake on the states only suspension bridge to a Park with a great swim pontoon.  Further north in Eagle Rock the marina rents motorboats, ski Doos and a swimming area.

Visit a well lit, 62 degree cave and photograph amazing formations and see bottomless lakes at Cosmic Cavern .  Spend an hour spelunking!

See over 100 lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and other large cats at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge .  (Suggest you be there for feeding time 5pm and stay to hear the cat's roaring Symphony. It's awesome)  Promise Land is a huge drive through zoo with exotic animals and a petting zoo area. Well worth a visit!

Saddle & Paddle is an all day tour that takes you to scenic Buffalo River region where you will stop for horseback riding, followed by lunch and then the afternoon floating the Kings River.  (At Trigger Gap look for the large blue crabs!) Cool.

A scenic 40 minute drive north of Eureka Springs will lead to Roaring River State Park.  Enjoy the wonderful picnic area, walking paths (Don't miss the trout hatchery!) For younger kids (3-5) Dinosaur World is a BIG hit.   Funspot on Hwy 62E has mini golf, bumper cars, video game room.

Shopping

Ride the Red Trolley up Spring Street to the post office then walk downhill and stop to see a model railroad set by Marklin of Germany at the Eureka Springs Model Railroad.  Enjoy a sandwich and soda at their Deli on the Deck.

Continue down Spring Street to Happy Things for dolls and toys.  Cross the street to Crescent Moon Beads and string your own necklace.  Take the stairs down to Main Street to Paper Odyssey for stickers, rubber stamps and other cool paper stuff.  (Ask for a demo!)

Take a Yellow Trolley to Pine Mountain Center and climb the Observation Tower for a bird's eye view of Eureka Springs!

Shows

Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down music theater offers comedy, music and fun for all ages.  8pm show (Be sure to catch the 7:30pm pre-show!)

Abundant Memories Heritage Village is a place where U.S. history comes alive through a patriotic story telling " historama" show at 10:30 am and 12:45.   Nestled in the woods on 23 N there are 25 buildings modeled after America of 200 years ago.

The Great Passion Play is a wonderful and awesome production and the grounds there offer a playground and an amazing 7 story tall Christ of the Ozarks Statue.

Eats

Sparky's offers a casual atmosphere, big burgers and deli sandwiches.  (ask to sit on the back deck)  For a cabin atmosphere and great fish try Dowd's Catfish.

At Sweet Memories have an ice cream cone, soft drink or latte, then step down the street to Sidewalk Café for a good pizza.  Further down Spring Street is Rosie's Funnel Cakes.

On Main Street & Passion Play Road is Ice Cream Delight, they have tasty  malts, sundaes and sandwiches (Try the daily special-grilled cheese and vegetable soup!)