Fun for everyone in the Spa city of America,Hot Springs,AR
This beautiful town is nestled in the Diamond Lakes Region of the scenic Ouachita Mountains.It is famous for the 47 Natural Hot Springs with amazing 147 degree thermal water.Thousands of people visit the springs to bathe in its healing thermal waters every year.
There are plenty of fun things to do here,most of them available all year around for kids as well as grown ups.Here is an overview of them.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
1.The Hot Springs National Park:
It is the first ever federally protected area in the nation's history.Here the 'Hot Springs Mountain Tower'offers great panoramic view of the surroundings.Be sure to visit and taste the water from those magic springs.Don't miss the Fordyce Bathhouse Stroll by the eight historic bathhouses and the Grand Promenade.
2.Water sports:
The Lakes Ouachita and Sylvia offer great views and clean marina's.You can hire a fishing guide here to enjoy some bass and trout fishing.There are many water sports activities on these lakes like,jet skiing,boating,swimming, you can even rent a houseboat.
3.Ouachita National Forest:
Here along with breath taking views there is the most beautiful step-style waterfall,The Little Missouri Falls,I have ever seen.You can go hiking and biking around some really beautiful trails here.
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
1.National park Aquarium:
The 'National Park Aquarium', where all the sea lovers enjoy watching variety of reptiles and fish.While there are no snakes in this aquarium which disappointed my litttle one,he still enjoyed watching the poison arrow frog and the 120-pound snapping turtle.
2.Arkansas Alligator Farm and Pettting Zoo:
There are more than 200 North American alligators here.Close by is the petting zoo,which is always a winner with kids.The funniest and most amazing part was the "Clower's Zoo with IQ" show,where many well trained animals show off their respective IQ's.
3.Maxwell Blade Theater of Magic:
Another fun thing for all of the family,with a 2-hour Vegas-style magic show.The tickets are very reasonable and the show is definitely worth your money.
4.Museums:
The 'Tussaud's Wax Museum'has Bill Clinton ,Oprah,and Princess Diana's life size exibits,as this town is the childhood home for former president Bill Clinton.The laser show in 'MId America Science museum' was also equally intresting and educational.
5.Minigolf and Go karts:
The all time favourites of Go karts ,and minigolf are available at many places,like 'The Pirates cove adventure golf'.The kids had fun and even got a goodie bag with "Pirates treasure"of a pirates hat, eye patch,and what not.
6.Crystal mines:
Don't forget to try digging for treasures in a 'Quartz crystal mine' with whole family.Many companies offer this activity for reasonable rates.
6.Amusement and water parks:
If all this does not keep the kids entertained there is 'The Magic Springs Amusement Park', rated one of the top three in America.For hot days there is The Crystal falls water park which is sure make kids happy.
ACTIVITIES FOR GROWN UPS
1.Race track and Casino:
It is the home of the world famous Oaklawn race track.We did not see the races,but we did go to the casino one night,and even though it's not very modern,we had lot of fun and came back with a considerably light wallet.
2.The ultimate spa experience:
When you are tired and worn out with all these activities,at the end of the day take a break and enjoy the best part,the world-famous hot mineral baths,or relax in a spa.It pampers you and melts your stress away with gentle ease.If you want you can also have a full body massage.
3.Shopping and dining:
The Arkansas Hot Springs 'Factory Outlet Stores', the antique and gift shops along Central Street in downtown,and the rock shops are all great places to shop.Along with this it is a great place to find variety of dining to satisfy every kind of taste.
Rich with 3 state parks ,3 beautiful lakes,hot springs and all kinds of activities,this place never runs out of interesting things to do.So plan your visit today and get ready to have fun and relax in America's Spa city.