Arkansas Field Trips for Homeschoolers

Arkansas is a state full of rich history, culture and natural beauty. Homeschoolers in the state can learn about all the distinct aspects that make up the Natural State and more by going on an educational trip in Arkansas. From the diverse landscapes like mountains, forests, and intricate cave systems found in its parks, to the plentiful museums and historic buildings, there is no shortage of homeschool field trips in Arkansas. Please make sure to contact each site before you plan your visit, as COVID-19 may have impacted their hours of operations.

To get started, have your child become familiar with this printable map of Arkansas. They can locate and then label the state capital, hometown, and other important cities. You’ll also find Time4Learning lesson tie-ins that you can download at the end of this post to help supplement your field trips in Arkansas.

Field Trips in the Ozark Mountains Region

• Blanchard Springs Caverns, Fifty-Six – Located in Stone County, this intricate, multi-level cave system is a must in your educational destinations list. Opened to the public in 1973, the caverns feature numerous trails and allow homeschoolers to explore and learn this living cave and how it came to be.
• Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs – Animal lovers can explore this 459-acre refuge for rescued wildlife that is home to tigers, lions, leopards, and more, and even features an on-site veterinary hospital. Guided tours are available for visitors as well as day camps for children, workshops and other educational programs.
• Pea Ridge National Military Park, Garfield – Enhance your history studies with a visit to this Civil War battleground near the Missouri border. Visitors can learn about the Battle of Pea Ridge that took place here in 1862 and its significance. Families can explore the visitor center, museum, and more at this 4,300-acre park.
• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville – With free admission, families can take advantage of all the treasures at this 217,000 square foot museum that also features a library and sculpture garden Art enthusiasts can admire the works of artists like Norman Rockwell, Winslow Homer, and more. Homeschoolers can take part in family tours, art activities, and other programs.
• Cosmic Cavern, Berryville – This limestone cave discovered in 1845 features tons of formations, two bottomless lakes, and more. If you are looking for things to do in Arkansas with your kids, explore the visitor center and museum, as well as the cave tours and gem panning. Reduced rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

Field Trips in the Arkansas Valley Region

• Mount Magazine State Park, Paris – Check out the state’s highest point at this state park in Logan County that offers over 2,200 acres to explore. Families can hike or bike the numerous trails, observe nature, go for a swim in one of several lakes, or check out the exhibits in the visitor center.
• Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith – Located along the Arkansas River, homeschoolers can take in the rich history of this location that features two jails, a courtroom, numerous exhibits and more. Ranger-led programs and walking tours give students insight on how the fort was used and its significance.
• Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, Fort Smith – Enhance your science curriculum at this center that features numerous exhibits, daily animal feedings, an aquarium, and more. Once you’re done indoors, take your learning outside and explore several miles of trails while keeping an eye out for resident wildlife.
• Fort Smith Trolley Museum, Fort Smith – Visitors can explore the collection of electric streetcars, locomotives, motor buses, and more at this museum that first opened in 1985. Families can also hop onboard one of the working streetcars for a ride around the local area.

Field Trips in the Ouachita Mountains Region

• Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs – One of the best field trip ideas are the ranger-led tours, hiking trails, 47 hot springs, and more at this historic park that was established in 1832. Families can explore the visitor center and museum that features various educational exhibits and movies.
• William J. Clinton Library and Museum, Little Rock – Named after the 42nd president who also served as the state’s governor and attorney general, this center offers a number of tours, free family programs, and more. Homeschoolers can take a day trip to learn about Clinton through three floors of exhibits that detail his life before, during, and after his presidency, and include a Presidential Timeline, his limousine, and a full-size model of the Oval Office.
• Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs – This botanical garden, owned by the University of Arkansas, features over 200 acres of eye-catching landscapes. Families can explore the numerous gardens along paved trails on a self-guided tour. A number of children’s programs are available for families as well as special events throughout the year.
• Museum of Discovery, Little Rock – With more than 90 engaging exhibits, children can learn about various aspects of STEM at this museum that first opened in 1927, making it the oldest in the state. A number of events and educational programs are held throughout the year including Family STEM Night, camp-ins, and more.

Field Trips in the Coastal Plain Region

• South Arkansas Arboretum, El Dorado – Explore both native and exotic plants while taking a stroll along the walking trails of this 12-acre arboretum that first opened in 1965. Families can study the variety of trees and flowers such as yellow poplar, beeches, azaleas, and more. There is also a butterfly garden and a variety of animals that call the arboretum home.
• Millwood State Park, Ashdown – Families can take a quick day trip and spend a few hours enjoying nature at this state park that is known for its bass fishing, bird watching, and more. Whether you walk or bike, a number of trails are available for visitors, as well as a 29,000-acre lake where families can rent kayaks for some fun on the water.
• Historic Washington State Park, Washington – Bring history lessons to life at this park that features dozens of 19th-century buildings like a courthouse, blacksmith shop, weapons museum, and more. Families can learn more about the significance of this area throughout several eras through walking tours, surrey rides, historic reenactments, and more.

Field Trips in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain Region

• Lakeport Plantation, Lake Village – Step back in time at this restored home in Chicot County that was built in 1859. Families can learn about its rich history during a guided tour and numerous exhibits on display.
• The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Education Center, Piggott – Home to renowned author Ernest Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline, this location was added to the National Historic Register in 1982. Guided tours are available and allow students to learn about the Pfeiffer family, Hemingway and his work, and more.
• Delta Cultural Center, Helena – Homeschoolers can learn about this region of the state by exploring this center that was established in 1990. Students can explore the visitor center, the train depot, and the Moore-Hornor House which feature exhibits on a number of topics such as Delta music, the Civil War, and the history of the Mississippi River.
• Eddie Mae Herron Museum Center, Pocahontas – African-American culture is at the forefront of this center named after the Miss Eddie Mae, who served as the teacher of the schoolhouse for almost 20 years. Built in 1918, this center first served as an AME church, then a schoolhouse. Today, visitors can tour the museum and learn through photos, artifacts, and exhibits with over 200 years of history.