Must-See Theme Parks in Arkansas: Plan Your 2025 Visit
Theme parks in Arkansas deserve a spot on your 2025 travel list, whether you live here or plan to visit. From thrill rides at Magic Springs to the historic ‘over-the-jumps’ carousel, located on the grounds of the Little Rock Zoo, Arkansas offers a surprising mix of fun for families, couples, and groups.
You’ll find tropical slides at Parrot Island, go-karts at Funtrackers, and hands-on activities at places like Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park. These attractions offer more than rides; they also give you lasting memories without the high prices and long waits found in larger markets.
Tourism in Arkansas brought in over $9.2 billion in recent years, according to state reports — a sign that more travelers are discovering the Natural State. That also means bigger crowds and tighter schedules. Planning ahead can help you avoid packed parking lots and closed rides.
This guide shares the most popular parks, some hidden local gems, and important updates for 2025. It also answers common questions like when to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit, even when the weather changes.
What You'll Learn
Top-rated and historic theme parks
Tips to plan around crowds and weather
What’s new or changing in 2025
Overview
To get the best experience, plan around crowds, weather, and park updates. Preferences vary, so knowing what each park offers helps tailor the trip.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What's New or Changing in 2025
This section highlights significant updates and new features for various Arkansas theme parks in 2025, from rebrands and major upgrades to new concert seasons and permanent ride retirements.
Tips to Plan Around Crowds and Weather
This category provides strategic advice for visitors to optimize their park experience by avoiding peak times and being prepared for various weather conditions, focusing on the best times to visit and weather-watching tips.
Top-Rated and Historic Theme Parks
This section details some of the most popular and historically significant theme parks and attractions in Arkansas, describing their main draws and what makes them unique for different types of visitors.
Vehicle Transport Tips for Long-Distance Travelers
Planning Your Trip with Less Stress: This aspect offers a broader perspective on travel logistics, including how to manage vehicle transportation for a smoother trip to or from Arkansas, particularly for moves.
What’s New or Changing in 2025
Big Dam Waterpark (Texarkana)
Formerly known as Holiday Springs Water Park, Big Dam Waterpark has rebranded and reopened with major upgrades in 2025. Located in Texarkana, it now includes more attractions designed for both kids and adults. New features include:
Five large water slides
A lazy river
Jungle gym-style play zones
A wave pool
A spa-style pool area for adults
These additions position the park as a key destination in southwest Arkansas.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park (Hot Springs)
Magic Springs in Hot Springs continues to evolve in 2025 with major programming and ride updates.
New concert season features:
10 outdoor shows at Timberwood Amphitheater
Artists include Phil Wickham, Clay Walker, and Jesse McCartney
Premier table reservations (ages 21+) with private seating, bar service, and food access
Ride updates:
The Arkansas Twister roller coaster is now permanently retired. It remains standing but will no longer operate.
Urban Air Adventure Park (Various Cities)
Urban Air is growing across Arkansas with new locations, including Benton. This indoor adventure park offers:
Trampoline zones
Obstacle courses
Climbing walls
Warrior course and tube playgrounds
It’s designed for year-round activity and unpredictable weather days.
Altitude Trampoline Park (Fayetteville)
Fayetteville’s Altitude Trampoline Park expanded its layout in 2025 with upgrades across its 30,000 square-foot facility.
New or expanded attractions include:
Performance trampolines
Extreme dodgeball court
Basketball dunk lanes
Rock wall
Foam pit
Dedicated kid zone
Funtrackers Family Fun Park (Hot Springs)
Funtrackers has grown into one of the top indoor-outdoor parks in central Arkansas. Recent improvements include:
Over 70 new arcade games
Mini-golf with themed holes
Go-kart tracks for all ages
Laser tag arena
Bumper boats
Extended hours and group packages make it a favorite for both weekend trips and parties.
Tips to Plan Around Crowds and Weather
If you're aiming for shorter lines, better weather, and a smoother trip, timing matters. Arkansas theme parks can get busy, especially during school breaks and midsummer heat waves. Here's how to plan smart.
Best Times to Visit
The quietest months tend to be May and late September through October. During these windows, schools are in session and temperatures are more comfortable.
Visit on weekdays if possible, since Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the smallest crowds.
Avoid weekends and holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
Spring break (mid-March) and late July are peak weeks with long wait times.
If you're searching for things to do in Hot Springs or Little Rock, early June or mid-fall can be ideal times to enjoy parks like Magic Springs or Big Rock Mini Golf without full parking lots or ride delays.
Watch the Weather
Arkansas summers are hot and humid, and pop-up storms happen often, especially in July and August. A dry forecast can change quickly, so keep a backup plan ready.
Check the hourly forecast for the morning of your visit
Choose a park with both indoor and outdoor options, like Funtrackers or Urban Air
Bring sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and ponchos in case of sudden rain
Indoor parks and arcades are also great for last-minute changes. They're especially helpful if you're traveling with younger kids or want to avoid rescheduling due to heat advisories.
Top-Rated and Historic Theme Parks
Arkansas has a mix of long-running parks and newer family attractions. Some are historic, like the last “over-the-jumps” carousel in operation. Others draw thousands of visitors each year with water rides, live shows, and arcade games. Here are the top-rated parks to add to your 2025 list.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park (Hot Springs)
Magic Springs has been operating in Hot Springs since 1978. It’s the largest theme and water park in the state, known for thrill rides, a family-friendly water zone, and its seasonal concert series. Popular attractions include:
The Gauntlet (suspended looping coaster)
Brain Drain (seven-story free-fall tower)
Crystal Lagoon (giant wave pool)
Grizzly Creek Splash Zone (kids’ area)
Parrot Island Waterpark (Fort Smith)
Parrot Island is one of the most searched parks in Arkansas. It has a tropical theme and is especially good for families with younger kids. It's known for:
Tiny Tot Slides
FlowRider surf simulator
Crocodile Creek lazy river
85,000-gallon wave pool
Little Rock Zoo & Over-the-Jumps Carousel
This isn’t a theme park in the usual sense, but the Little Rock Zoo is home to one of the rarest amusement rides in the world: the last known working “over-the-jumps” carousel, built in 1924. The zoo itself includes over 400 animals and a train ride for children.
Funtrackers Family Fun Park (Hot Springs)
Funtrackers blends classic amusements with a modern arcade. It’s smaller than Magic Springs but more flexible for half-day trips and weather changes.
Outdoor go-karts and bumper boats
Indoor laser tag arena
Over 70 arcade games
Two mini-golf courses
Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park (Little Rock)
This Little Rock attraction is popular for birthday parties, school groups, and casual outings. It's not as large as a full amusement park, but its variety of activities earns it consistently high reviews.
Two 18-hole mini golf courses
Go-karts
Climbing wall and batting cages
Indoor laser tag and arcade
Plan Your Trip with Less Stress
Whether you're traveling across the state or relocating to Arkansas, visiting the right theme park can make for a memorable experience. But getting there comfortably matters too, especially if you're moving or bringing more than one vehicle.
If you're planning a move to or from Arkansas, AmeriFreight can help. We’ve worked with thousands of customers to coordinate the transport of their vehicles to cities like Little Rock, Hot Springs, Fayetteville, and beyond through vetted carriers experienced in safe delivery.
Get a free car shipping quote and start your trip with one less thing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What's the best time of year to visit theme parks in Arkansas to avoid crowds?
The best times are weekdays in May or late September through October, when school is in session and temperatures are milder.
Are there any indoor theme parks in Arkansas suitable for a rainy day?
Yes, Urban Air Adventure Park, Altitude Trampoline Park, and Funtrackers offer indoor attractions for all ages.
What's the current status of the old Holiday Springs Water Park in Texarkana, Arkansas?
It has reopened under the name Big Dam Waterpark with upgraded slides, pools, and family areas for 2025.
