By Megan Kirk

Have you ever heard people with children say that Eureka Springs lacks activities for our youngsters? It’s true, we don’t have high profile attractions catered to young ones, but with a little creativity, and a parent with an adventurous spirit, Eureka abounds with magical places for children. Many of the destinations highlighted below can accommodate all ages, and are free!

Hidden Treasures for Kids

* The Springs

Youngsters of all ages should be regulars at our town’s beautiful springs. Planted with flowers, and flowing with water, they are magical places to romp, picnic, and pretend. Many of the springs are good for climbing and exploring nearby woodlands. Look for trail spurs that will take you for a behind the scenes adventure! A favorite path is the stone staircase that goes up toward the Crescent Hotel from Crescent Spring, by the library. It’s especially nice to bundle-up and hike these trails after a snow. (A map of all the springs is available at the Chamber of Commerce.)

* East Mountain Gazebo Lookout

This wonderful “faraway” destination feels a world apart from the heart of Eureka. It lends itself to pretend play, and thoughtful conversation. A stone staircase takes youngsters below to an open grassy area, a lovely spot to frolic, picnic, or blow bubbles. Most children will agree that the view is spectacular, and a pair of binoculars will amaze them. It’s a wonderful place for older children to bring a sketchbook / journal.

* The Crescent Hotel

Children will delight in the formal gardens, tiny fishpond, and fountains that grace the grounds of the historic Crescent Hotel. It’s perfect for hide-and-seek. Finish the visit at the top of the hotel, in Doctor Bakers Lounge, with snacks and beverages and a million dollar view. Bring quarters for the viewing machines, which kids love.

* The Art Colony

This kid-friendly compound is a wonderful place for children to view artisans at work, and shop for gifts made by talented local artists. The Bocce ball court is a blast for children from toddlers to teens. Last time I was there, live music was playing, and I saw kids getting a lesson on a spinning wheel.

* Observation Towers

For a buck you can view Eureka Springs from one hundred feet up. Now that is a cheap thrill! Originally used by the Arkansas Forestry Service, these towers provide a commanding view of Eureka. It’s a heart pounding experience, and don’t forget the binoculars. (Razorback Tower on US 62 West and Lookout Tower at Pine Mountain Village)

* The Big Statue

The statue at the Passion Play intrigues and fascinates kids strictly on the count of its hugeness. Seeing it from afar is one thing, up close is entirely another. It’s a quiet place to talk about history and spirituality of all kinds, and a great place for the
sketchbook.

* The Farmer’s Market

A friendly, inspiring place to take children from April - November. The connection between food and growers can be appreciated, and for a few bucks you can get a pretty bouquet of flowers to delight any youngster. Give a kid a few dollars to spend on their own, and feel the good energy. This year there was a featured Kid’s Day with a clown and activities for
the children.

* Downtown

For a kid-themed shopping trip downtown, put three stores on your must-stop list: The Rock and Mineral Mine, Nature’s Treasures, and the Bart Rockett Magic Store. The rock and nature stores are treasure-troves for curious kids, and educational places for children to find inexpensive collectables like stones and fossils. The magic store speaks for itself and often comes with free entertainment in the form of trick demos. A trip downtown can finish on a high-note by indulging in locally made sweets at one of our three downtown candy shops.

*Christmas Lights

When the white lights go up in the downtown area for Christmas, take the kids somewhere high up at night to view them from above. Driving through downtown doesn’t do it justice. Ideally, find an upper window in the Basin Park Hotel, looking down towards Basin Park as Christmas nears, and fill your children with the awe-inspiring spirit of the season. It’s neater than you think!

There’s so much to do…
other places that children love:

Quigley’s Castle
Blue Springs Heritage Center
Onyx Cave
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Harmon Park
Horseback riding
Opera in the Ozarks
Celestial Windz & Harmonic Bizaar
Lake Leatherwood
and the newly opened
E-Skate!

And a special thank you to these local people and places that do cater to the kids, providing appropriate entertainment for our youth:

Main Stage Creative Community Center
~ The Carnegie Public Library ~
Eureka Springs School of the Arts
Lucky 13 Starlight Cinema

Thank you! Thank you!

Megan Kirk, mother of three lively daughters, is often found at Eureka Market educating customers about natural foods and nutrition. She also enjoys writing, yoga, photography, and exploring the hidden treasures in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.