Little Rock & North Little Rock: A Getaway Guide for Moms and Their Teens

Picture this: you and your teenager, sneakers laced, standing on a rocky summit with the entire Arkansas River Valley spread out below you. No crowds, no lines, just the two of you and a view that actually stops conversation for a second. Twenty minutes later you are back in the car, and twenty minutes after that you are handing over a scoop of hand churned peach ice cream and watching your kid’s face do the thing it does when a place genuinely surprises them.

That is the pitch for Little Rock and North Little Rock: a Southern river city split across two downtowns, connected by walkable bridges and built around water, rock and a surprising amount of real history. It is not trying to be a theme park, and that is exactly the point. It is the kind of place where a morning hike turns into an afternoon bike ride across a mile long pedestrian bridge, where a decommissioned World War II submarine sits docked in the river a few blocks from an interactive science museum, and where a minor league ballpark still feels like the whole town came out for the game. For a mom traveling with a teenager who has outgrown the stroller and the splash pad but is not quite ready for a resort pool chair, this is a getaway that gives you both something to do, at your own pace, without needing a small fortune to enjoy it.

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Give yourself two or three days if you want to hit the highlights without rushing, and let the Arkansas River Trail be your spine. Base yourself downtown on either side of the river (the two cities are only a few minutes apart by bridge), and nearly everything below connects back to that trail one way or another. Here is what to build your itinerary around.

What to See & Do in the Little Rock Metro Area

Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Roland

Just west of the city, Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers the West Summit Trail, a 1.4 mile out and back hike. The steep, rocky climb rewards you at the top with panoramic views of Lake Maumelle, the Arkansas River Valley, the Ouachita Mountains and West Little Rock, a genuinely breathtaking payoff for a short hike. It is a great option for a teen who wants something more physical than a museum stroll.

Best Time of Year to Visit: Spring and fall mornings are the most comfortable time to attempt the climb, since the exposed rock face holds heat in summer.

Reward the effort afterward with locally made ice cream at Loblolly Creamery back in the city, a beloved scoop shop known for its scratch made, small batch flavors, including dairy free and vegan options.

Big Dam Bridge & the Arkansas River Trail

This 4,226 foot pedestrian and bicycle bridge connects Little Rock and North Little Rock across the Arkansas River and is the longest bridge of its kind in North America. It links into the larger Arkansas River Trail, a paved, mostly flat network that runs along both riverbanks, so families can walk, jog or bike as much or as little as they like. Rock Town River Outfitters, with locations on both sides of the river, rents bikes, kayaks and paddleboards and can point you toward the best stretch for your group’s fitness level.

Best Time of Year to Visit: Mild fall and spring weather makes for the most comfortable ride, while summer mornings and evenings help you dodge the heat.

Burns Park, North Little Rock

One of the largest municipal parks in the state at roughly 1,700 acres, Burns Park has enough variety to fill an entire afternoon: miles of paved and natural trails for walking or mountain biking, two disc golf courses, a covered bridge, a fishing pier, a dog park and a small seasonal amusement park. It is a low key, no admission way to get everyone outside together, and teens who bike or run will especially appreciate the trail mileage.

The Old Mill, North Little Rock

Tucked inside T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, this 1930s recreation of an 1880s water powered grist mill is free to visit and open daily from morning until sunset. It is best known as the location used in the opening scenes of the 1939 film Gone with the Wind and is believed to be the last standing structure from that production. Between the ornamental faux bois concrete sculptures and the small, peaceful garden setting, it is a lovely photo stop, especially for a teen who likes classic film trivia or a good Instagram backdrop.

Best Time of Year to Visit: The best time is spring, especially April, when the dogwoods and azaleas planted around the mill are in bloom. Also, early morning or the hour or so before sunset are the most pleasant times to go, both for softer light and for missing the midday heat, since it’s an outdoor park with no shade structures over most of the grounds.

North Shore Riverwalk Park, North Little Rock

This riverside promenade on the north bank of the Arkansas River offers sweeping views of the downtown Little Rock skyline, along with interpretive panels along the trail that commemorate the Cherokee Trail of Tears. It connects into the larger river trail system, so you can easily combine a stroll here with a bike ride across the Big Dam Bridge.

Museum of Discovery, Little Rock

This hands on science center in the River Market District features interactive STEM exhibits, including a musical tesla coil, and is a solid stop even for older kids who think they have outgrown children’s museums. It is closed on most Mondays outside of school breaks and holidays, so plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday.

Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, North Little Rock

Tour a real World War II submarine, the USS Razorback, and the tugboat USS Hoga, which helped fight fires during the attack on Pearl Harbor. North Little Rock is the only place in the continental United States where visitors can step aboard two floating naval vessels that bookend World War II. Note that the sub tour involves a steep ladder climb into tight quarters, so it is a better fit for a teen than a young child. The museum keeps seasonal hours, with longer hours in summer, so check current hours before you go.

Little Rock Zoo

Home to more than 400 animals representing over 200 species, including elephants, penguins and several species of big cats, the zoo remains a worthwhile stop for tweens and teens, not just younger kids. Arkansas summers can be brutal, and the zoo periodically shortens its hours during extreme heat, so a spring or fall visit tends to be the most comfortable, and you will see more active animals in cooler weather.

Catch a game at Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock

Cheer on the Arkansas Travelers, the Seattle Mariners’ Double A affiliate in the Texas League, at this riverfront ballpark just across the water from downtown Little Rock. The park holds about 7,200 fans between its fixed seats and the outfield berm, and family friendly touches like Otey’s Splash Pad give kids a place to cool off between innings.

The season runs from early April into September, with themed promotional nights throughout, so there is a good chance you can time a visit around a fun theme night regardless of when you travel. It is an easy, low pressure evening activity that works well for a mom and teen who both want to relax outdoors.

River Market District

Wander the heart of downtown Little Rock, where art galleries, indie bookstores, boutiques and restaurants line the streets, and Riverfront Park’s sculptures and green space sit just steps away. It is a walkable district that pairs naturally with a Museum of Discovery visit or a bike rental from Rock Town River Outfitters.

Where to Eat & Drink

Little Rock Farmers Market. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays from May through October in the River Market District, this open air market has been a hub for Arkansas farmers and makers since 1974. Seasonal produce, local goods and the riverfront backdrop make it a nice morning stop before you head off to hike or bike.

Lost Forty Brewing. This craft brewery, named for Arkansas’s Lost Forty forest, uses Arkansas grown ingredients and serves wood fired pizza, house smoked meats and sandwiches alongside its rotating beer lineup. The relaxed, industrial style taproom is a comfortable spot for the grownups in the group to unwind while older kids enjoy the food menu.

The Root Café. A farm to table spot in the SoMa district that sources most of its ingredients from local Arkansas farms, known for its pimento cheeseburger and a solid list of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, useful if your teen has particular preferences.

Loblolly Creamery. Already mentioned above as a post hike reward, this small batch, handcrafted ice cream shop in the SoMa district is worth a stop any time you are downtown, not just after a hike.

Where to Stay

Capital Hotel, Downtown Little Rock. This 1876 hotel, sometimes called the front porch of Little Rock, blends historic character with modern comfort in a central downtown location close to the river and the Clinton Presidential Library.

Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock. Sitting directly on the Arkansas River in North Little Rock, this hotel puts you within walking distance of Dickey-Stephens Park, Simmons Bank Arena and the River Market District across the bridge. It includes a free daily breakfast buffet at its on-site Riverfront Steakhouse, an outdoor pool, and family friendly touches like connecting rooms and kids stay free policies, making it an easy, low fuss home base for a mom and teen.

If North Little Rock is more convenient for your itinerary, since several of the attractions above are on that side of the river, it is worth checking current lodging options near the riverfront on that side as well before you book.

Need Help Planning a Family Road Trip? Start with these family vacation planning resources:

• Travel Love Language – Help to Identify, Understand, & Plan Vacations
• How to Budget for a Cheap Road Trip in 11 Simple Steps
• 25 Healthy Road Trip Snacks to Fuel Your Next Adventure
• Essential Tips for an Enjoyable Cross-Country Road Trip with Your Family
• What You’ll Need for a Fun Family Road Trip + Weekend Packing List
• Road Trip Preparation – 12 Things To Do Before You Leave, So You Can Enjoy It
• Banish Boredom with 50 Fun Road Trip Games to Play in the Car