Complete Guide to Hot Springs National Park with Kids

This post featuring my guide to Hot Springs National Park with kids may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

If you're wondering what to do in Hot Springs National Park with kids, you might be surprised (in the best way, of course!). There is SO much to do in this urban national park. 

We recently visited with our daughter, and didn't quite know what to expect. Many people consider this the "most underwhelming" national park in the U.S. And, while this isn't your typical national park filled with epic hikes and remote wilderness, the history and beauty here are undeniable. Based on our experience, it's also one of the most unique and accessible national parks for families.

Set right in the middle of Hot Springs, Arkansas, this park feels completely different from the start. There's no entrance gate, no long drive into the backcountry. Just a row of historic bathhouses lining the street (known as Bathhouse Row). Behind them, you'll still find scenic trails and wooded hills, but the heart of the park begins right in town. That makes Hot Springs National Park with kids especially approachable, whether you're traveling with younger children or just easing into visiting national parks as a family.

Of course, the bathhouses are a big part of the story at Hot Springs National Park. These thermal waters have drawn visitors for thousands of years, long before the area became federally protected in 1832 (and later designated a national park). Today, you'll find a fascinating mix of history, architecture, and natural features, all centered around 47 natural hot springs.

In this guide to Hot Springs National Park with kids, I'll share the best things to do in Hot Springs National Park with kids, along with tips to help you plan a fun, low-stress visit in one of the most unique parks in the country. I've also included fun things to do nearby, along with where to eat and stay near Hot Springs National Park.

Know Before You Go

Here's everything you need to know before visiting Hot Springs National Park with your kids:

• Nearest City: Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Address: 369 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901
• Hot Springs National Park is open year-round
• Established as a national park in 1921
• Hot Springs National Park Maps
• You cannot soak in any of the outdoor springs. If you are interested in a hot spring experience, you can book an appointment at the Buckstaff or the Quapaw (two historic bathhouses that are still operating!).
• Hot Springs National Park is undoubtedly an urban park. The entrance is located downtown, and most hikes still have "city" noise and sightlines at certain points.
• Junior Ranger booklets available 
• Parking: Parking can be tricky during peak seasons, paid street parking and nearby ramps are available
• Cell service is typically reliable throughout the park

How to Get to Hot Springs National Park

Getting to Hot Springs National Park is pretty straightforward, especially compared to more remote parks. It's located in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, so that you won't be navigating winding backroads or long park entrances. Just head straight into town!

If you're driving, it's an easy road trip destination from much of the Midwest and South. From Minneapolis (where we live), expect a longer drive (around 12-13 hours), but it's very doable if you break it up along the way. That said, the park is about 10.5 hours from Chicago, 6 hours from St. Louis, and less than 3 hours from Memphis. Once you arrive, you'll find parking options throughout downtown near Bathhouse Row.

If you're flying, the closest major airport is Little Rock (LIT), about an hour away. From there, you can rent a car and make the drive to Hot Springs. 

How Much Does it Cost to Get into Hot Springs National Park?

This national park site is fee-free for all visitors year-round (no entrance fee or pass is required for the scenic drive, hiking trails, or to visit the museum). 

When to Visit Hot Springs National Park with Kids

Hot Springs National Park is a year-round destination, which makes it especially appealing for families. Because it's located right in Hot Springs, you don't have to worry about seasonal road closures like you might in other parks (but the experience does change depending on when you visit).

Spring and fall are some of the best times to go. These shoulder seasons offer comfortable temperatures and plenty of opportunities to explore both Bathhouse Row and the nearby trails. We went during spring break, and it was perfect! Temperatures were warm (without being too humid), and there were no crowds to contend with at all.

Summer is also popular for families (especially once school is out). Just know that summer can be hot and humid (plan for lots of breaks, water, and indoor stops!). Winter is quieter and can actually be a great time to visit, though temperatures can vary.

Where to Stay near Hot Springs National Park

If you are planning a family trip to visit Hot Springs National Park, here's where to stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with kids:

• Camp at Hot Springs National Park (Gulpha Gorge Campground)
• Hotel Hale (a hotel right on Bathhouse Row!)
• We stayed at this local Vrbo, just minutes from downtown and the national park
• Embassy Suites by Hilton at Hot Springs Convention Center
• Best Court
• The Happy Hollow

Unique Park Highlights

This national park features unique characteristics that are hard to find anywhere else. They include:

• Being the oldest federally protected land in the park system (this area was protected as early as 1832)
• Being one of the smallest and most urban national parks in the U.S.
• Focusing on the unique history of the thermal hot springs and bath houses
• Protecting 47 natural hot springs (a rare feature for a U.S. national park)
• While there is abundant natural beauty, the park is especially known for its focus on cultural and human history
• Unique experiences like traditional thermal baths at select historic bathhouses (with age restrictions), using water sourced directly from the springs
• Beautiful hiking trails in the Ouachita Mountains

Tips for Visiting Hot Springs National Park with Kids

We spent a good chunk of the day exploring Hot Springs National Park and easily could have added more time for longer hikes. Plan for at least half a day to really enjoy everything Hot Springs National Park has to offer with kids. That said, a full day gives you the flexibility to experience it at a relaxed pace with kids.

At a minimum, set aside about an hour to explore the museum. This is where you will learn about the fascinating history of the springs and Bathhouse Row. It's a great foundation for exploring the park. Then, add around two hours for hiking the scenic trails just behind downtown Hot Springs. Alternatively, you can select shorter routes, the scenic drive, or simply walk the promenade behind Bath House Row for quicker exploration.

If you have extra time, consider adding a traditional bathhouse experience (for those old enough). Those with more time can also try a hike along the West Mountain Trails. These trails are less traveled and a bit more remote than those behind Bath House Row. 

Here are a few additional tips for visiting Hot Springs National Park with kids:

• Research the bath houses before booking appointments, kids under 14 typically can't participate in the traditional bathhouse soaks
• Bring refillable water bottles (there are places where you can fill them directly from the spring!).
• Plan for parking ahead of time, downtown Hot Springs can get busy during peak seasons, weekends, and holidays
• Wear comfortable hiking or walking shoes (intense hiking gear is not needed)
• Keep your visit flexible, the park is compact and easy to explore, so you can easily adjust plans based on your kids' energy levels, nap schedules, etc.

What to Pack for Hot Springs National Park with Kids

You don't have to pack much to visit the Hot Springs National Park with kids. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:

• On some trails, you can reasonably wander around in your everyday wear (including sandals and dresses). 
• For longer, steeper hikes, consider hiking boots with ankle support and hiking poles.
• I love this duffel bag for hiking trips! With its clever design, I can easily put boots in one compartment, hiking clothes in another, and use the other two for additional clothes, swimwear, or other needs.
• Refillable water bottle
• Waterproof shoes if you're visiting during the rainy season
• Lightweight backpack for carrying snacks and water bottles
• Sun protection, like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Small first aid kit

Where to Eat near Hot Springs National Park with Kids

Since Hot Springs National Park starts right downtown, there are tons of great places to eat nearby. I recommend trying one of these great places to eat in Hot Springs with kids:

• Superior Bathhouse Brewery 
• El Pulgarcito Latino (a local food truck)
• The Hideaway Coffee Cafe
• Café Kahlo
• Ouachita Bar & Grill
• Golden Raised Donuts

Best Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park for Families

There are 26 miles of trails within the park. Most of the trails in Hot Springs National Park are rated as easy or moderate. Here are a few of my top picks for the best trails in Hot Springs National Park for families:

• Grand Promenade, easy .5 mile out-and-back (paved)
• Oertel Trail, moderate 1.4-mile trail (some elevation gain)
• Hot Springs Mountain Trail, a moderate 1.7-mile trail

During our recent visit, we connected Oertel Trail to the Gulpha Gorge Trail (very steep, expect switchbacks), part of the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Honeysuckle Trail, and part of the Peak Trail. This was our winding way to go from Bath House Row back to our car. It ended up being about 3-ish miles with quite a bit of elevation gain (at least, for a Minnesota family!). We even saw a turtle on our hike!

Best Things to Do in Hot Springs National Park with Kids

Now that we've talked a bit about the park and the best hiking trails, here are a few more fun things to do in Hot Springs National Park with your kids.

If You Only Have 1 Hour in Hot Springs National Park

If you're short on time, you can still get a great feel for the park with a quick, focused visit. 

Start at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center. This historic building serves as the main visitor center. Inside, you'll find engaging exhibits, historic bathhouse rooms, and short interpretive films.

After exploring the museum, take a walk along the Grand Promenade. This scenic, paved walkway runs just behind Bathhouse Row. It offers an easy way to experience the park’s natural side without committing to a longer hike. 

In just an hour, this combination gives you a little bit of everything, including history, architecture, and a taste of the outdoors!

Scenic Drives

One of the easiest ways to explore Hot Springs National Park with kids is by car. Several scenic drives wind through the park's mountains. Most lead to beautiful overlooks where you can take in sweeping views without a long hike. It's a great option if you're traveling with younger kids or just want to slow things down and enjoy the scenery. Here are a few scenic drives in Hot Springs National Park to get you started:

• Hot Springs Mountain Drive: Starting near downtown Hot Springs, this historic road (originally built in the 1880s) climbs to the top of the mountain with winding switchbacks. Along the way, you'll find picnic spots and the iconic Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
• Hot Springs Mountain Lookout Point: Find the charming Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda and enjoy sweeping views of the city and the distant Ouachita Mountains.
• West Mountain Scenic Drive: Accessible from multiple points, this drive leads to a loop with several overlooks and picnic areas. It's an easy way to see a different side of the park.
• West Mountain Lower Overlook: This is one of the best places to get a bird's-eye view of Bathhouse Row and downtown.
• Balanced Rock Overlook: Located along Sugarloaf Mountain, this unique rock formation sits along the Sunset Trail and offers a more off-the-beaten-path feel (best if you're also up for a short hike).

Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum 

We started our visit at the Fordyce Bathhouse (and you should too). This historic building is the main visitor center and museum for Hot Springs National Park. The museum is packed with beautifully preserved equipment and artifacts that bring the history of Hot Springs to life in a really engaging way. (If you're looking for the gift shop, it’s down the block in The Lamar Bathhouse.)

The Fordyce Bathhouse is a great first stop. Here, you can talk with a park ranger, get oriented to the park and the city of Hot Springs, pick up Junior Ranger materials, or join a ranger-led program. Plan to spend at least an hour here if you want time to explore it without rushing.

The museum features an incredible collection of beautifully preserved equipment and artifacts from the era of thermal bathing across three floors of exhibits. We honestly found it fascinating! We saw original soaking tubs, a gymnasium with historic equipment, lockers, stained glass windows, and even the ornate DeSoto Fountain. There is also a film intro to the history of the bathhouses on the first floor. 

The building itself is just as interesting as the exhibits. Opened in 1915, it was once the largest bathhouse on Bathhouse Row. After closing in 1962, it was carefully restored and reopened as a museum. Today, the Fordyce Bathhouse preserves what life was like during Hot Springs' bathhouse heyday. It's a must-do stop when visiting Hot Springs National Park with kids!

Historic Bathhouses

One of the most unique parts of visiting Hot Springs National Park is walking along Bathhouse Row with your kids. There are eight historic bathhouses lined up in a row. Each one tells a piece of the city's spa-town history. This walk can be as interactive as you want it to be. You'll find signs and QR codes that let you listen to stories about the area’s history right from your phone. Plus, several other bathhouses are in various stages of restoration, offering a glimpse of how the area continues to evolve while preserving its history. 

The Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Bathhouse are both still active and offer modern spa experiences using the same thermal spring water that made Hot Springs famous. However, these experiences have age restrictions, and you'll need to research these before booking. 

We opted to do pedicures at Buckstaff Bathhouse (open to ages 10+). Unlike some of their spa experiences, pedicures can be booked in advance. While it wasn't the best pedicure I've ever experienced, it was fun to dream about what the bathhouses would have been like during their prime. If you plan to do it, do it for the vibes, not for the pedicure itself.

Even if you're not soaking in the thermal waters, just walking the row and learning about the bathhouse era gives you a real sense of what made this place so special.

Junior Ranger Program

Like many national parks, Hot Springs offers young visitors the chance to complete a series of fun, educational activities and earn an official Junior Ranger badge. You can pick up the free booklet at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center.

To participate, kids (typically ages 5-13, though all ages are welcome) work through a booklet as they explore the park. Once they finish, they can share their completed activities with a ranger to receive a special badge. Talk about a great souvenir they'll be proud to take home!

Superior Bathhouse Brewery

Superior Bathhouse Brewery is one of the most unique things to do in Hot Springs National Park with your kids (especially when tummies get hungry). It's a fun, family-friendly place to pause and refuel while exploring. It's also the only brewery INSIDE a national park!

Housed in a former bathhouse, it's now a brewery and restaurant. The menu features creative food and craft beer. The beer is actually brewed with thermal spring water from the park itself. 

The space is bright and casual, with a laid-back vibe that works well for families stopping in for lunch or dinner. They also have a large patio when the weather cooperates. While it's best known for its beer, there are plenty of food options for non-drinkers too, including a dedicated kids' menu. Superior Bathhouse Brewery is an easy, interesting stop in downtown Hot Springs.

Other Things to Do in Hot Springs National Park

If you have more time, consider adding one or two of these fun things to do in Hot Springs National Park to your kid-friendly itinerary:

• Picnicking
• Bike along Pullman Trail
• Ranger-led programs and guided tours
• Hot Springs Mountain Tower (if you have one, use your National Parks pass to get a discount)
• Visit one of the Thermal Spring Fountains around town to drink from the spring waters

Fun Things to Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with Kids

Looking for a few more kid-friendly things to do near the park to round out your visit? I got you! If you are visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas, for the weekend or a bit longer, here are a few additional fun family things to do near the park to get you started: 

• Mid-America Science Museum (this is one of the BEST museums we've ever been to!)
• Garvan Woodland Gardens
• Gangster Museum of America
• Adventureworks Hot Springs
• Magic Springs Theme Park & Water Park
• Lake Catherine State Park
• Lake Ouachita State Park
• Crater of Diamonds State Park

Have Fun Exploring Hot Springs National Park with Your Kids! 

Have fun exploring Hot Springs National Park with your kids! From strolling historic Bathhouse Row and exploring the Fordyce Bathhouse to hiking nearby trails, there are so many memorable things to do in Hot Springs National Park that make it a unique and easy family destination.

I hope my guide to Hot Springs National Park helps you and your kids have the best experience possible! I've tried to include everything I think you will need to know before your visit, including where to eat and stay near Hot Springs National Park. Happy planning!

Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog's author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.