Homeschool Family Fun in Arkansas
Homeschool
Audio By Carbonatix
Are you a homeschool family looking to add hands-on learning and adventure to your curriculum? You’re in for a treat! Arkansas is full of engaging, educational, and family-friendly fun just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a local or planning a homeschool field trip in Little Rock (my neck of the woods) or surrounding areas, here are the top destinations and experiences to enrich your family’s learning.
Outdoor Adventures That Teach & Inspire
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Climb the trails, explore the rivers, or attend one of the park’s homeschool-friendly programs. This is a perfect place to study geography, biology, or just enjoy God’s creation!
Big Dam Bridge
The longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America! Great for a nature walk or physical education day, while taking in views of the Arkansas River.
Riverfront Park
Located in the heart of downtown, this 33-acre park features sculptures, playgrounds, and even outdoor history lessons through commemorative markers.
Petit Jean State Park
Explore beautiful waterfalls, Turtle Rocks, and Rock House Cave with Native American rock art. Perfect for geology and Arkansas history.
William Kirsch Preserve
Located near Pinnacle Mountain, this scenic preserve features trails, a canoe launch, and a peaceful place to observe wildlife.
Hands-On Learning at Local Museums
Museum of Discovery
Ranked among the best science museums in the country, this place is STEM heaven. Perfect for ages 3-13, with interactive exhibits and homeschool workshops available.
Historic Arkansas Museum
Bring history to life! Explore pre-Civil War homes, watch blacksmithing demonstrations, and immerse your kids in the pioneer experience.
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Art appreciation meets hands-on learning. Enjoy art exhibits and family-friendly workshops that explore technique and storytelling.
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
Engage with Arkansas’s military legacy through fascinating exhibits and a historic building. Great for middle and high school history studies.
Old State House Museum
Arkansas’s first state capitol turned museum. Excellent for civics and Arkansas history lessons.
Animal Encounters That Make Science Real
Little Rock Zoo
With over 500 animals and conservation education programs, this is a perfect tie-in to science or geography lessons.
Heifer International Urban Farm
Learn about global hunger, sustainable agriculture, and caring for God’s creation.
Family Farm in Malvern
Hands-on interaction with animals and crops. Ideal for younger children to learn about farming and stewardship.
Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo in Hot Springs
Get up close with animals including alligators, mountain lions, monkeys, and more.
Local Events & Learning Opportunities
Pinnacle Homeschool Fridays
Educational programming for homeschool students ages 7–10. Topics cover biology, ecology, and Arkansas conservation.
Arkansas State Capitol Tours
Tour the Capitol, visit the state treasury (yes, you can hold $500,000!), and learn about state government and civics.
Central High School National Historic Site
Perfect for civil rights history studies. Engage with exhibits, films, and tours that honor the legacy of the Little Rock Nine.
Family Fun & Hidden Gems
Old Mill
This picturesque spot is featured in “Gone With the Wind” and is perfect for art, film, and Arkansas history lessons.
Geocaching
Arkansas State Parks encourage families to explore nature through geocaching. Learn mapping, orienteering, and teamwork.
Bernice Garden Farmers Market
Practice budgeting, learn about local agriculture, and support small businesses.
Caves, Crystals, & Natural Wonders
Blanchard Springs Caverns
Tour one of the most beautiful caves in America while studying geology and earth science.
Ron Coleman Crystal Mine (Jessieville)
Dig for quartz and learn about Arkansas’s mineral-rich geology.
Crater of Diamonds State Park (Murfreesboro)
Dig for real diamonds and keep what you find! Great geology and earth science lesson for all ages.
Local Tips for Homeschool Parents
- Pack clipboards and notebooks for field journaling.
- Tie outings into unit studies or weekly themes.
- Use “car time” to prep kids with background info or review vocabulary.
- Look for free printable scavenger hunts or learning guides from each location’s website.
- Don’t forget to pray together before and after each adventure!
Scripture to Inspire Your Learning Journey
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." – Proverbs 1:5
"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it." – Psalm 24:1
"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road." – Deuteronomy 11:19
Whether you’re enjoying a local hike, exploring art, or discovering fossils underground, Little Rock and its surrounding areas offer homeschool families the opportunity to make education come alive. So go ahead—make memories, learn together, and enjoy all that this wonderful region has to offer!
Additional Resources
Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents
Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. 
Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer. Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!
