Little Rock, AR

Take the kids to monkey around with the animals at the Little Rock Zoo. The zoo is home to over 725 animals, living in habitats that mimic their natural environments. Giraffes, gorillas, rhinos, alligators, flamingos, bears, elephants, bobcats, tigers, lemurs, and zebras are just a few of the animals you'll see throughout the zoo. While you're traveling through the zoo, take a ride on the train or stop to play at the park for even more fun.

Address: 1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205 - MAP
Phone: (501) 666-2406
Web: www.littlerockzoo.com

Forget a tour bus, take a ride down the river on the Arkansas Queen for a look at Little Rock from the water. Observation decks aplenty guarantee the best views of the city while cruising down the Arkansas River. While you're riding along, the captain will enlighten you with facts about the city and the role that the steamboat has had in the growth of America. Can't go wrong with an educational and fun adventure down the river!

Address: 100 Riverfront Park Dr., N. Little Rock, AR 72114 - MAP
Phone: (501) 372-5777
Web: www.arkansasqueen.com

Brave the waves in the wave pool, shoot through water slides, and bum around in the lazy river at Wild River Country water park. The state's largest water park offers 12 rides and attractions, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for adults and children to make a splash. If you're worn out and water logged, play a family game of volleyball on the sand court to dry off.

Address: 6820 Crystal Hill Rd., N. Little Rock, AR 72118 - MAP
Phone: (501) 753-8600
Web: www.wildrivercountry.com

Roller coasters, water rides, live entertainment - Magic Springs & Crystal Falls has all the necessary elements for a fun family outing. Enjoy the flips and spins of roller coasters like The Hawk and the X-Coaster, while the kids scream on rides like Lil' Leapin' Lizards. After you're tired of rides, head over to Crystal Falls and splash around in the wave pool or plummet down a water slide. Had enough excitement for one day? Catch a show at the Timberwood Amphitheater where Randy Travis, REO Speedwagon, and Kansas have all performed.

Address: 1701 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901 - MAP
Phone: (501) 624-0100
Web: www.magicsprings.com

Take the kids back to the days of the skating rink at the Arkansas Skatium. Head out on Friday or Sunday night to hear music hits from when you were young, both nights the DJ spins oldies, disco, 80s and everything in between. Don't worry about buying skates, you can rent a pair there - all you need to bring are your skating skills.

Address: 1311 Bowman Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211 - MAP
Phone: (501) 227-4333
Web: www.arkansasskatium.com

Show the kids that learning can be fun at the Museum of Discovery. Exhibits are geared toward the subjects of science, math, and technology. Bug Zoo, Energy!, Imagination Station, Worlds of the Forest, and Room to Grow are just a few of the interactive exhibits that encourage learning through fun. Recent renovations are bringing even more exhibits to the museum in January 2012.

Address: 500 President Clinton Ave., Ste. 150, Little Rock, AR 72201 - MAP
Phone: (501) 396-7050
Web: www.amod.org

Let the kids burn some energy while you burn some calories at the Jim Dailey Fitness & Aquatic Center. Work on your fitness on one of the machines, or play games like basketball, badminton, table tennis, and volleyball. Bring your swimsuits with you, there are two pools on site - inside or outside?

Address: 300 South Monroe, Little Rock, AR 72204 - MAP
Phone: (501) 664-6976
Web: www.littlerock.org

Spend some time hanging out at Riverfront Park. The 33-acre park sits along on the south bank of the Arkansas River and is home to a number of sculptures, gardens, state historical information, the Junction Bridge landmark, and much more. There's plenty to see and do as a family at this park, we recommend you set aside a day or two to really experience it.

Address: 202 E. LaHarpe Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72201 - MAP
Phone: (501) 371-4770
Web: http://www.riverfrontpark.com