One of my favorite things to do has always been to walk in the woods. I try to get my kids out onto a path as often as possible. Who needs to drop $50 at Chuck E. Cheese (not that our new one here in Rogers isn't very nice...) when you've got something free and awe-inspiring just about in your back yard? Here in NWA we are so blessed with options, but sometimes we're not sure how to take advantage of all these Natural State assets. Here's a cheap and easy way to entertain a few kids for a few hours.
Horseshoe Bend Park at Beaver Lake
This park (complete with camping, public swimming, boat launch and marina) is easy to get to and provides plenty to do for toddlers up to at least age ten. The park is east of Rogers, out New Hope Road.
To get there, take 540 or 71B to New Hope Road. You'll continue on New Hope for 3 1/2 miles past the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market at 71 (8th Street) and New Hope. Turn left at the Monte Ne chicken restaurant (which is supposed to be great!). The road dead ends at the park about 5 miles out. So you literally can't miss it. There is a day pass fee of $3 to use the park.
If you go to the right, you can park and take kids on walking path that connects the two camping areas. After about a 1/4 mile (totally flat and easy), you'll end up at a small playground, where kids will have as much fun digging for worms and climbing trees as they will on the actual play equipment. You can either take the trail back, or walk back around on the road, letting kids play by the water's edge on the way. It's nice to go in early spring because the campsites are empty and kids can roam freely. (At this writing, the lake is super high and kids get a kick out of seeing picnic tables partially under water!)
Top Tips For a Successful Nature Outing:
- Bring friends
Siblings behave better in front of their friends. Most family vehicles will accomodate two in the front seat and three in the back. That's a parent plus two kids and two friends. An all-family affair may sound idyllic, but kids will have more fun with pals. - Break It Up
Try to find a spot with more than one feature. For example, take a walk in the woods that ends up at a river. State parks often have playgrounds in the camping areas that can make a good break from pure nature-loving. - Back Up Plans
Kids who have grown up being exposed to the outdoors won't need much prompting as to how to enjoy their surroundings. However, you can trick reluctant kids into loving nature too. Make up a scavenger hunt for fossils, leaves, and shells. - Food & Water
Nothing spoils a good time like a cranky kid. You can avoid most minor skirmishes with a good snack. To save money, pack lunches or snacks at home before you go. You must have food and something to drink.
You can even be of service on your inexpensive day out. Spend part of your time picking up trash. You can give everyone their own bag (and gloves if you like) and make a contest of filling the bag first or finding the most interesting piece of trash. Ask kids what they can tell about the people who were they by the trash they left behind.
Northwest Arkansas is FULL of things to do. One of the saddest things I hear from newcomers is that there's nothing to do. Check out Ozark Travel Tips for more fun and frugal ideas for how to spend your days here in the gorgeous Ozarks. Another local blog, Life+Kids, will be featuring money saving tips all week so please check those out as well.
Happy walking, and happy saving!
More Money Saving Ideas:
How to Grocery Shop With a List: Weekly Meal Planning
Cheap Momma: Saving Money on Summer Fun
Top Five Midwest Family Vacation Destinations
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