Springdale is the fourth largest city in Arkansas. Located deep in the Ozark mountains, this city, formerly known as Shiloh, was first formed in 1866 and incorporated in 1878 with the name Springdale.
Full of history, events, and locations, you’ll make lasting memories for both you and your family.
From a well-known minor league baseball team to a botanical garden that’s home to a dozen themed gardens and one of the largest butterfly houses in the state, you’re sure to find amazing adventures and things to do in Springdale.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Springdale, AR
1. Arvest Ballpark
Any sports lovers in your family? If so, then Arvest Ballpark is the place for you. The minor league baseball team is called the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, and they are the farm team for the Kansas City Royals.
With over 130 games per season, played from the start of April through Labor Day. Your family will experience exciting games and up-and-coming, talented athletes without the price of the major leagues. Making this a must when it comes to things to do in Springdale.
2. Ozark Climbing Gym
If you’re looking for things to do in Springdale and love a little adventure, then Ozark Climbing Gym is the place for you.
Whether just beginning or advanced, you and your family will have an amazing time at this locally owned and operated climbing facility.
With a reasonably priced day pass option and shoe rentals, you’ll have everything you need for your family to enjoy.
3. Parsons Stadium
Are you and your family hoping to see some action while looking for things to do in Springdale? Then you might want to stop at a Rodeo or Monster Truck Rally held at Parsons Stadium.
Depending on the month you find yourself in Springdale, you and your family can enjoy the carnival they put on twice a year. Your family can enjoy rides, games, and many other fun activities that will create lasting memories.
Suppose a rodeo or monster truck rally is more your speed. In that case, you can check out Parsons Stadium’s website for upcoming events.
4. The Jones Center
The Jones Center literally has something for everyone. Suppose you are looking for something athletic to do with your family, like an indoor soccer game or swimming laps in the pool. In that case, you’re sure to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities. They even have a Runaway Bike Park and an ice-skating rink.
If a movie is more of what you’re in the mood for, you can also spend some time at their drive-in movie theater.
The Jones Center also offers a variety of workshops, classes, and camps throughout the year, which is why this larger-than-life sports complex made it to our things to do in Springdale list.
5. Scott Family Amazeum
If you’re looking for an educational but fun experience, you’ll love the Scott Family Amazeum.
Your children will stay engaged for hours with over 50,000 square feet of exhibit space that offers many hands-on experiences. Some such exhibits include the Hershey’s lab, General Mills lift, and Nature Valley Water Amazement, just to name a few. And that’s just on the inside; the Amazeum also has an acre of land that’s used for experiences inspired by the seasons. Making this a must on your things to do in Springdale list.
Artsy Things to Do in Springdale, AR
6. Arts One Presents
Springdale has been a hub for the arts since it opened the Springdale Music Club in 1964 and continued to evolve until it became what it is today.
Arts One Presents was born from the Arts Center of the Ozarks during the pandemic. Their goal is to “foster thriving and inclusive communities through the power of art.”
Love the performing arts? Then make sure to check out their website for upcoming community theater events. Or maybe visual arts are more your thing. If that’s the case, you’ll love the multitude of visual art experiences they offer throughout the year.
If you’re looking for things to do in Springdale and love the arts, then Arts One Presents is the place to go.
7. ME and The FLEA Market
The ME and The FLEA Market is the perfect thing to do in Springdale if you’re a lover of strange and unique things. Or maybe you just enjoy spending time wandering around until you find something that catches your eye. No matter the case, you’re sure to find something for everyone here.
The market is open multiple days a week, and you’ll find a number of hand-crafted goods, art, antiques, and collectibles. Your whole family is sure to enjoy this amazing event.
Outdoorsy Things to Do in Springdale, AR
8. Ozark Highlands Nature Center
The Ozark Highlands Nature Center is an exhibit found at the new Arkansas Game and Fish Commission nature center.
Suppose you love the outdoors and want to learn more about the ecosystems found in the Ozark. In that case, this nature center is an amazing place to spend time with your family.
The moment you walk in the door, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of nature, which include water drops and bird calls.
It’s also filled with many interactive activities and exhibits that both young and old will enjoy. As you go to the front desk, you’ll also be greeted by live reptiles, amphibians, and even a quail.
9. Botanical Garden of The Ozarks
Do you love the great outdoors? Or maybe you just enjoy the sweet aromas of flowers. Either way, if you’re looking to discover more of the beauty of what the Ozarks have to offer while looking for things to do in Springdale, then the Botanical Garden of The Ozarks is the place for you.
With a dozen themed gardens and the only butterfly house in the region, you’ll be surrounded by bright, vivid colors and endless photograph possibilities.
Maybe you’re looking for something a little more educational. The Botanical Garden also has multiple education programs in conservation, horticulture, and many others.
Cultural Things to Do in Springdale, AR
10. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
Are you a fan of history? Do you love learning about the generations before us and the lives they lived? The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is a great thing to do in Springdale if you want to learn more about the pioneer community of Shiloh, which later became Springdale during the 1870s.
There’s never a dull moment at the Shiloh Museum. Full of exhibits and multiple historical buildings you can explore on the grounds, you and your family will be inspired by this historic place.
If you are a photography lover, the research library on the grounds is also home to over 500,000 photographs depicting the everyday men, women, and children who helped build this community.
11. Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
Do you love trains? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to sit back and relax while you drive ride through some gorgeous scenery. Either way, the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad isn’t an opportunity you want to pass up when looking for things to do in Springdale, Arkansas.
With three different excursions, such as Springdale to Van Buran, a day-long trip that will take you through the Ozarks before you stop in the historic downtown Van Buren, where you and your family explore and enjoy a fantastic meal.
They also offer round trips from Buren to Winslow and Springdale to Winslow.
12. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Are you a history buff? Then you’ll love Prairie Grove Battlefield, State Park.
Known as one of America’s most intact Civil War Battlefields, Prairie Grove was the site of the last Civil War engagement in Northwest Arkansas.
This 900-acre park offers multiple walking and driving tours as well as different weekend events and programs that are offered throughout the year.
It’s also home to the Hindman Hall Museum, which holds Civil War artifacts found on the grounds from the battle that took place in 1862. Better yet, entry into the museum is free.
Wrapping Up Amazing Things to Do in Springdale
Now that you have your vacation must-do’s, you’re ready to start planning your trip to Arkansas.
Known for its abundance of parks and wilderness areas, full of mountains, caves, and rivers, you’re sure to find an adventure for the whole family.
If that’s not enough to get you excited about your visit, don’t worry. You’re sure to enjoy some of the copious amounts of cultural and artistic experiences that this great state has to offer. If you’re looking for more Arkansas fun while you’re in the area, check out 12 Awesome Things to Do in Fort Smith, AR.