Hot Springs Arkansas - what to do/see

[Miss Marple]

We plan to go to Hot Springs in the next couple of weeks because it's not too far away from home. I know there is a water park and theme park and we plan to hit those.

 

Other than the above, what is there to do - I'll have a pack of fellas (5) ages 14-20 (and dh who does not fall into that age range). The 2 oldest love to golf and wondered if there is a decent inexpensive course there.

 

If you've been there or live in the area, I'd love to hear your recommendations.

[katemary63]

:lurk5:I've lived in AR for 6 1/2 years and have never been. If it sounds interesting enough, we'll plan a trip! It's about 1 1/2 hours from us.

[Dobela]

I live in the area. Let me check on the golf and get back to you. We aren't golfers so I am not sure about that.

 

Hot Springs is a National Park so there is a lot of interesting history here. Depending on when you come it could be a calm weekend or full of activities. During the fall and spring there are often weekends full of historical reinactments and beyond. This weekend is the National Strongest Man competition. But since you aren't coming this weekend...

 

One weekend a month is the Gallery Walk where all the art galleries open for free tours. Lots of fun! Downtown is where you can tour an old bathhouse and see where Bill Clinton went to high school. We personally love shopping downtown. There are many art galleries here open all the time. This town has a huge draw for fine arts.

 

Lots of people come just for the lakes - fishing, swimming, and boating. We do that and hike on the mountains some. There are several nice trails, especially in the national park. The state park trails are usually rougher. Our favorite local state park is Lake Catherine. For more on state parks visit http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakecatherine/

 

The water and theme park is together - Magic Springs and Crystal Falls. Look for discount tickets all over town before you go there. Or pm me and I will see if I can find you some.

 

Garvan Woodland Gardens is spectactular. Very recommended.

 

Pocket Theater often has a great play going on. There is also the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute in the old Malco Theater downtown. They have different films daily so it may be worth checking their schedule. Most of the time their documentary films are shown for free.

 

There are the Ducks that do a tour thru town and a quick turn around in Lake Hamilton. My kids like that but they are younger.

 

Even though your boys are older Mid America Science Museum can be interesting, depending on the exhibit at the time. Some are geared younger than others. http://midamericamuseum.org/

 

Other helpful links:

 

http://hotsprings.org/

http://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

http://www.hotspringsmetro.com/

http://www.hotspringschamber.com/

This one has links to some of the golf courses http://www.arkansas.com/city-listings/city_detail/city/Hot+Springs

[Dobela]

Ok, golf - I was told that Belvedere Country Club and Diamondhead Community both allow proivate golfers for a reasonable fee and that they are some of the better courses in the area. However, they may not all teens without an adult. Essex is an ok public golf course.

 

Enjoy!

[Miss Marple]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is so helpful! I truly appreciate the effort you went to in order to answer. I love artsy towns - Eureka Springs is also a favorite of ours. It sounds like we'll enjoy Hot Springs as well.

[Miss Marple]

If you head over there in about a week and see a lady surrounded by 5 big fellas (one balding), that'll be me :D Be sure to say "hi".