VISITING Northwest Arkansas · The Ozarks

Visiting Northwest Arkansas with toddlers and little kids: the plan.

Spend a day in Bentonville at the Amazeum and Crystal Bridges, then head to Fayetteville’s Square.

Top 2 can’t-miss spots

#1Bentonville, 1009 Museum Way
Scott Family Amazeum
Closed Tuesday.
$14 online, $17 in person eachUnder 2Indoor
See it in the guide
#2Bentonville, 600 Museum Way
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Galleries closed Tuesday.
FreeIndoor
See it in the guide
Nap breaks built in

One day or two in NW Arkansas

A couple of big stops, a real lunch and a nap in the middle. Tap a stop for the full listing.

If you have one day
MORNINGScott Family AmazeumOpens at 10, closed Tue · Bentonville, 1009 Museum Way · $14 online, $17 in person per person
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPCrystal Bridges Museum of American ArtFree; open until 6 most days · Bentonville, 600 Museum Way · Free
If you have two days

Day 1 is the one-day plan above. Day 2:

MORNINGCrystal Bridges Museum of American ArtGrounds open at sunrise · Bentonville, 600 Museum Way · Free
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPScott Family AmazeumSunday hours start at 1 · Bentonville, 1009 Museum Way · $14 online, $17 in person per person
Where to stay

Kid-friendly areas near the big attractions

Pick the area by the stops you’ll make most, then plan around nap.

BVDowntown BentonvilleNear the Amazeum and Crystal Bridges.Near Scott Family Amazeum and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Before you go

Practical tips

Parking, strollers, changing tables and the best times to go.

Driving
You need a car to move between Bentonville, Rogers and Fayetteville.
Visiting in November or December?

Santa and Christmas lights in NW Arkansas

If your trip lands in the holiday season, these two pages have the dates, prices and booking links.

Santa in NW ArkansasBreakfast with Santa, Santa photos and Santa trains, with 2026 pricesChristmas lights in NW ArkansasDrive-thru and walk-through displays, start times and 2026 prices
Good questions

Visiting Northwest Arkansas with toddlers: the FAQ

Is Northwest Arkansas kid-friendly?

For a family with kids under 6, yes. Our Northwest Arkansas guide lists 5 places we checked for little kids, plus 4 free places and 1 pick for babies and toddlers. This page adds free storytimes at 1 library system. This week’s list has 10 dated outings for ages 0–6. See free things to do in Northwest Arkansas and this weekend’s list.

Where should we stay?

Downtown Bentonville puts you near the Amazeum and Crystal Bridges.

What if it rains?

The Amazeum and Crystal Bridges galleries are indoors.

Get the list every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the five things we’d leave the house for in NW Arkansas.