Jun 28, 2024
A child enjoying a water park in the summer.

Summer is here, and the kids are out of school. That means you’ll spend more time with them for fun summertime activities and adventures! And, let’s face it, if you’re like most parents, you’re probably looking for any excuse to get them out of the house.

If you desperately need fun activities to occupy your kids for the summer, look no further! We at Crain Chevrolet have a great guide on easy, close-by activities that anyone can do. The best part? These activities are within driving distance, so you can easily plan a quick day trip.

Let’s explore five awesome options for Arkansas summertime fun!

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Cool Off at a Water Park or Splash Pad

When the temperatures are high, you don’t need much motivation to cool down. A water park is the perfect place to have an excellent time and escape the heat. Water parks provide lots of fun activities for kids, like water slides, wave pools, and sometimes rides. Your kid will enjoy exploring the park and trying all the different slides! For the adults, the lazy river is a relaxing choice to kick back and let the slow current take you around the park. You can also set up a lounge chair by the wave pool and relax while the kiddos have the time of their lives. Magic Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a fun choice for a local water and theme park in one!

If you don’t live near a water park, many cities and parks offer splash pads during the summer to help everyone cool off and have a little fun. Research your local area and see what water-based activities are available near you.

Explore Your Local Lakes, Rivers, or State Parks

Another water-themed activity you can check out is taking your kids to a lake or river. Not only are these activities typically free, but it’s also a fantastic way to learn about your local environment and the creatures that inhabit it. If you find a lake or river at a State Park, you can explore the Visitor Center and ask the local wildlife rangers about the fish, animals, and other creatures that live in the area. Your kids will enjoy exploring and learning about their local wildlife. If fishing is offered, rig up a pole and take your kids on a quick fishing trip. Even if you don’t get any bites, the memories you’ll make will last a lifetime. Greers Ferry Lake is the perfect choice for fishing, floating, swimming or any other fun summer activity.

Experience a Zoo or Aquarium

Local zoos and aquariums are another fantastic way to learn about our world’s amazing animals. It’s also an opportunity to see faraway creatures from other continents and countries that you may never have seen in person. If you live in Arkansas, the Little Rock Zoo is a top-notch facility with many interesting animals. Check out their website for more information.

Zoos are wonderful for seeing tons of animals, like mammals, reptiles, and birds, but they’re also outdoor activities that can get too hot during the peak of the summer. If that’s the case, then an aquarium is a solid place to cool down and be amazed by the creatures of the sea. If you live close to a zoo or aquarium, they are both great options for letting your kids learn and experience the wonders of our natural world.

Expand Your Horizons at a Museum

The museum is also an awesome indoor activity where you can learn valuable knowledge and beat the heat! Museums don’t have to be seen as old, stuffy buildings. Nowadays, many museums actually cater to kids’ interests. If you live in Arkansas, some fantastic kid-centric museums include the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock and the Amazeum in Bentonville, Arkansas. Both museums are fun and interactive while teaching kids valuable knowledge about our amazing world. For the parents: air conditioning! If you’ve got a few hours to walk around, be sure it’s out of the summer heat by visiting a local museum.

Take Part in a Summer Festival

Summer festivals are always a good time during June, July, and August. Many cities and counties hold outdoor festivals when the kids are out of school to celebrate summer fun and freedom. There are lots of fun holidays during the summer that festivals are planned around, such as the 4th of July and Juneteenth, but there are also county fairs, food truck festivals, and music festivals; anything you can think of, there’s probably a festival for it.

If you plan on staying outside for extended periods of time, bring a water bottle and drink plenty of water. Have fun with your kids this summer, but be sure to play it safe and stay hydrated!

Crain Chevrolet Hopes You Have a Wonderful Summer

We hope you have an amazing summer with your kids this season! There’s nothing better than making memories and finding fun, whether it’s inside, outside, free, or not so free. 

If you’re driving to each destination this summer, we hope you choose to do it in a Chevrolet. Models such as the Chevy Equinox, Blazer EV, Tahoe, and Trax are reliable SUV options for summertime fun. Sedans like the Malibu and trucks like the Silverado are also good options for summertime trips.

 If you need a new or pre-owned vehicle, we’d love to speak with you. Just contact us or schedule a test drive, and we’d be happy to help.

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