Jonesboro is the largest city in northeast Arkansas and offers plenty of fun activities for families. From unique museums and outdoor adventures to kid-friendly restaurants, Jonesboro has something for everyone. This article highlights 12 of the top things to do in Jonesboro with kids and family.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor to the area, these attractions and activities are sure to provide lasting memories.
Explore Hands-On Science at the Arkansas State University Museum
The Arkansas State University Museum is home to over 65,000 artifacts related to archeology, ethnology, geology, and history. Families can explore interactive science exhibits to learn about crystals, magnetism, physics, space, and more.
Children will especially enjoy activities like digging for fossils or using a magnet wand to make iron filings dance. The museum aims to inspire future scientists with hands-on learning suitable for all ages. The rotating exhibits also cover diverse subjects to attract visitors again and again.
Grab a Sweet Treat at Sublime Doughnuts
What’s a family trip without something sweet? Sublime Doughnuts offers heavenly treats with an eclectic vibe in downtown Jonesboro. The flavors change daily and range from chocolate, maple, and peanut butter to more adventurous options like red velvet, pumpkin spice, and maple bacon.
You can also build custom 6 or 12 packs to sample different doughnuts. This bright pink shop welcomes kids to select their own goodies from the cases up front or pick up some Sublime swag. It’s the ideal place to satisfy everyone’s sugar cravings.
Pet Farm Animals at Farmer’s Market Community Center
Nestled on 30 acres of picturesque countryside, the Farmer’s Market Community Center makes for a low-key family outing. Kids can pet, brush, and feed friendly farm animals in the petting zoo area. Options include miniature horses, pigs, rabbits, ducks, turkeys, calves, goats, sheep, and exotic birds.
There is also a kids’ play area with climbing structures, swings, sandbox, and more. When you work up an appetite, grab some snacks from one of 10 on-site food vendors serving everything from barbecue to sweets. Enjoy a relaxing picnic or dine at the tables near the playground.
Learn Local History at the Craighead County Historical Museum
Discover what life was like for early settlers in the area at Craighead County Historical Museum. Located downtown in the historic county jail building, this museum brings local history to life through interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore a general store setting, complete with authentic shelving, displays, and products from the 1920s.
There is also a recreation of a rural schoolhouse where kids can try their hands at slate boards. Other exhibits feature war memorabilia, vintage farm equipment, model trains, and more. Make sure to save time to stroll through the Heritage Garden to see heirloom plants and traditional yard decor.
Encounter Exotic Species at The Raptor Center
Home to nearly 30 birds of prey, The Raptor Center makes for an unforgettable family outing. This one-of-a-kind facility cares for owls, vultures, eagles, hawks, falcons, and other raptors. Some serve as wildlife ambassadors as part of the center’s educational mission.
Visitors can get up close to these magnificent birds along the “Meet the Birds Walkway.” Several outdoor habitats also showcase rescues and birds that could not survive in the wild. Make sure catch one of the free-flight bird shows held daily – seeing these raptors soar overhead is truly incredible!
Play Mini Golf at Funland Adventure Park
Funland Adventure Park features an epic 36-hole mini golf course with some very “Arkansas” themes. Winding water features, tricky slopes, fun surround sound, and elaborate décor turn miniature golf into a truly immersive experience.
Other activities include go-karts, arcade games, bumper boats, kiddie rides, batting cages, and mazes. Families can purchase activity bands granting unlimited access to all the attractions for one set price. There are also combo meal deals available to take care of food and drinks. It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon or evening of family fun in Jonesboro.
See Incredible Artwork at The Foundation of Arts
As northeast Arkansas’ premiere fine arts center, The Foundation of Arts brings world-class exhibits and programming to Jonesboro. Families can explore three art galleries showcasing renowned regional and national artists. Mediums range from paintings and sculptures to textiles, ceramics, and more.
The facility also houses a 374-seat performance hall hosting concerts, theater productions, and special events year-round. Make sure to inquire about children’s classes, family workshops, and other programs aimed to inspire creativity and self-expression in people of all ages and abilities.
Play Laser Tag at Ultrazone Laser Tag
Ultrazone Laser Tag is one of Jonesboro’s most exciting indoor attractions – especially for active kids and teens. This massive center offers adrenaline-pumping laser tag battles across over 15,000 square feet of multilevel arena.
Up to 50 players divide into teams and compete to achieve objectives while zapping opponents with harmless infrared beams. Regular facility admission includes unlimited laser tag sessions, making it easy to take breaks to refuel at the on-site pizza parlor and arcade. Parents can also sign kids up for birthday parties with private rooms to take the experience to the next level.
See Live Eagles at Arkansas State University’s Fowler Center
Families visiting the Arkansas State University campus definitely need to check out the David P. Mullins Memorial Eagle Aviary. Home to Liberty and Justice – ASU’s American Bald Eagle mascots – this aviary aims to conserve birds of prey through education. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow intimate views of these regal raptors in their 8,000-square-foot habitat.
Liberty and Justice serve as wildlife ambassadors, swooping over crowds at ASU athletic events. Visitors can observe training sessions most weekday afternoons to learn more about eagle behavior, biology, and conservation. Don’t forget to capture a selfie by the 30-foot wingspan sculpture honoring ASU alumni who served in the military.
Tee Off at Sage Meadows Golf Course
No family trip to Jonesboro is complete without visiting Sage Meadows – Arkansas’ only Nicklaus Design golf course. This 18-hole championship course sprawls across rolling hills with elevated tees, broad fairways, undulating terrain, and large bentgrass greens. Water hazards come into play on 11 holes, requiring precision shot making across over 7000 yards from the back tees.
While designed to challenge low handicappers, Sage Meadows also appeals to casual golfers with five sets of tees to match skill levels. Families will enjoy amenities like GPS-equipped carts, a full-service pro shop, a spacious clubhouse serving delicious meals, and professional instruction. The beautiful scenery makes this course equally stunning for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Conclusion
From hands-on museums to adrenaline-charged recreation, Jonesboro offers remarkable experiences for every member of the family. The attractions included in this article represent the city’s unique blend of culture, creativity, outdoor adventure, and good old-fashioned fun. Visitors of all ages are sure to make lasting memories while exploring this dynamic college town.
Whether riding a carousel with small children or battling teens in epic laser tag wars, parents can feel good knowing there are ample activities to thrill kids of any age. So next time you’re seeking quality family time, come discover why Jonesboro is an ideal Arkansas destination.