01 Aug August Is Family Fun Month
Family Fun Month occurs each August. It’s the perfect time to take that long-awaited family vacation or just turn off your devices and have some good old-fashioned quality time with each other. August is the golden hour of summer, and you should take advantage of it by surrounding yourself with your loved ones and enjoying their company. Before school, work, and extracurriculars overrun your life, take advantage of this month by finding ways to do so.
Here are a few suggestions:
A Gem of a State Park
The Crater of Diamonds State Park at Murfreesboro places visitors into a genuine volcanic diamond source where they may dig for the real thing. It is possible to dig for diamonds, which have been found in the park by thousands of visitors. The largest diamond ever found in the United States weighed 40 carats and was discovered in 1924; a 9-carat diamond was found in 2020. Adults pay $10 to dig, and children aged 6-12 pay $6. Children aged 6 and younger can dig for free.
Crystal Sparkles
Aside from its eclectic art exhibits, Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville is also known for its incredible facade that incorporates Ozark woods’ natural vibe with modern urban design. You and your kids will love taking photos all over the place while learning over 5 centuries worth of American art. The Crystal Bridges Museum has exhibits and activities for all ages. Children as young as 3 can have fun creating their own art, while teenagers can enjoy the many installations in the area.
Cave in for Fun
Arkansas has over 2,000 caves. There are nine public caves in the state, and all of them are living. These caves contain mineral formations such as stalagmites and stalactites, which continue to grow and change. The temperature is friendly all year round, allowing you to visit the caves any time. If you are traveling with older children, you might find wild cave tours interesting. You can venture into parts that require caving techniques like climbing and crawling. Other cave enthusiasts in Boston Mountain Grotto at Little Rock can educate you about other caves and caving methods.
Chomp on This!
Hot Springs’ Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about some wild creatures. The farm has over 300 alligator species, giant turtles, mountain lions, and the legendary mummified Merman, among others. Summer is the best time to visit, although you can visit at any time. You can watch the alligators hunt and shred their prey while making terrifying noises in summer. The alligators tend to hibernate in the off-season, but you can still visit.
Water You Waiting For?
The largest lake in Arkansas, Lake Ouachita, is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest and the Lake Ouachita State Park. There are loads of recreational opportunities here, including fishing, kayaking, swimming, boating, and scuba diving. You can catch striped bass, crappie, bream, and largemouth bass on the lake’s open waters. You may stay overnight in one of many overnight accommodations. The park has 93 camping areas, including 12 walk-in tents, 58 Class AAA sites, 23 Class D areas, and fully equipped cabins with kitchens and comforts you’d expect to have at home (all are dog-friendly). Picnic tables, the Caddo Bend Trail, swimming areas, and a marina with boat rentals are all available.
Close-to-Home Ideas:
- Order pizza and watch a movie in the backyard.
- Go camping.
- Go out for ice cream.
- Enjoy a backyard campfire.
- Build a backyard fort.
- Family bike ride.
- Day trip to the zoo.
- Fishing.
- Hiking.
- Day at the park.
- Make a talent show.
- Cook meals together.
- Have a karaoke night.
