Rogers, Arkansas is a charming city located in Northwest Arkansas, known for its natural beauty and plethora of family-friendly activities. Nestled against stunning landscapes including pristine lakes, rivers, forests and the scenic Ozark Mountains, Rogers offers many ways for families to create special memories together.
Whether you enjoy exploring the outdoors, learning about local history and culture or experiencing the city’s entertainment attractions up-close, there are activities for children and adults of all ages and interests to experience quality time in Rogers.
This article highlights 12 of the best things for families to see and do in Rogers to appreciate everything this welcoming Arkansas community has to offer!
Swim, Picnic and Play at Lake Atalanta
One of the most popular places for family fun in Rogers is the beautiful Lake Atalanta. This lovely lake stretches over 85 acres, featuring a swimming beach, picnic shelters, playground, walking trails and more. Lifeguards supervise designated swimming areas, where you can take a refreshing dip or soak up some sun. For little ones, there’s a large splash pad and playground designed just for kids to enjoy.
After working up an appetite, enjoy lunch under the shade of picturesque oak trees at the lakeside picnic areas. Or rent a paddleboard, kayak, pedal boat or aqua cycle from the on-site Lake Atalanta Boathouse for some easy sightseeing across this glistening lake. With so many ways for parents and children to relax, play and make lasting summer memories, Lake Atalanta is not to be missed!
See Gravette’s Old West at Clayton House Museum
Step back in time to the Wild West days at the Clayton House living history museum in downtown Gravette. This museum brings the frontier to life through an authentic 1882 homestead, complete with heritage gardens, chicken coops, blacksmith shop and one-room schoolhouse surrounded by nature trails just waiting to be discovered.
Costumed interpreters demonstrate butter churning, quilting, blacksmithing and 1800s chores, allowing kids to immerse themselves in history. Special events bring unique activities too, like candle dipping at Christmas or churning ice cream during summer. For families who want to experience what life was like for regional pioneers, the Clayton House delivers an educational adventure which aims to honor Arkansas’ rich historical roots.
Ride an 1885 Train at Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
All aboard for a nostalgic ride on a vintage steam train along NW Arkansas countryside! The authentic Arkansas & Missouri Railroad transports riders back to the late 1800s golden era of train travel with lovingly restored “Iron Horses” that once served logging lines. Family-friendly excursions run Saturdays and Sundays across a beautifully preserved, 6-mile historic route between Springdale and Van Buren.
In open-air or climate-controlled coaches, passengers can admire panoramic Ozark vistas and search for native wildlife out train windows as conductors narrate fascinating details about railroad history. Special event rides, such as the Pumpkin Express or North Pole Express, add extra enchantment for kids too. Steam train rides with the A&M Railroad create treasured together moments while revealing the region’s fascinating transportation legacy.
Grab Frozen Custard at Andy’s Frozen Custard
Cool off with a tasty frozen treat from Andy’s Frozen Custard, a beloved local chain serving up fresh frozen custard daily. Their exceptional frozen custards and sundaes feature garden-fresh ingredients prepared every few hours for ultimate creaminess and flavor. From classic Vanilla or Chocolate to seasonal options like Pumpkin Pie and Egg Nog, Andy’s tempts taste buds with luscious frozen custard creations. You’ll also find specialty concretes, shakes, floats and yogurt options sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth craving.
With a fun 50s diner vibe indoors, outdoor patio seating in nice weather or drive-thru convenience, Andy’s bright pink and teal shops are popular neighborhood gathering spots. Kids love customizing their own concrete masterpiece with toppings at the “YARD” topping bar too! For smiles all around, reward the whole family to the ultimate frozen treat from Arkansas-founded Andy’s.
Ride Highway 71 Thrills at Thrillville USA
At Thrillville Family Fun Park conveniently located along bustling Highway 71, families will discover seemingly endless excitement with thrill rides, mini golf, games, ice cream and more! Brave souls can challenge North Arkansas’ only wooden roller coaster roaring over towering twists, or screech through corkscrew turns on the death-defying Storm Chaser. For tamer thrills, take an air-conditioned spin on classic Tilt-a-Whirl or Scrambler rides. Young children can let loose racing downhill on a seven-story Fun Slide too!
When you need a break from the midway, try holes-in-one across Ozark Mount themed courses on 18-hole Indoor Glow Mini Golf nearby. Satisfy appetites with Thrillzone Grill’s classic amusement park fare or hand-scooped ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. With endless entertainment at every turn, Thrillville brings premium family fun just off I-49!
Stroll Scenic Trails Along Letourneau University Campus
Nestled upon 315 pristine acres in Rogers, the campus of Letourneau University offers one of the area’s most gorgeous, lesser-known nature locales. Manicured gardens and trails wind alongside babbling streams, glimmering ponds and lush Ozark greenery rimmed by peaceful meadows. While public tours happen weekly, families are also welcome to explore Letourneau’s scenic grounds year-round from dawn until dusk.
It’s easy to forget you are still in the city while wandering oak forests, locating native plants and wildlife or snapping photos of panoramic vistas overlooking the valley. Interpretive signage enlightens guests about campus history and environmental initiatives too. For an uplifting nature stroll accented by collegiate Gothic architecture, make time to appreciate Letourneau University’s magnificent landscapes and trails with loved ones.
Splash Down Family Waterpark Fun
Splash into summer at Arkansas’ largest waterpark, Magic Springs & Crystal Falls! This lively amusement park promises thrill rides galore plus a huge 20-acre water park, perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. Little ones delight plunging through sprinklers at Splash Island playground while teens seek bigger thrills launching down near-vertical slides like Mountain Pine Plunge in 360Rush tower. When you’ve had enough water play, dry off and hop aboard world-class coasters like the Gauntlet, or shows like diving pigs at Oink’s Barnyard.
With both dry park rides and raging waterslides, Magic Springs & Crystal Falls satisfies endless entertainment whims family members of any age can enjoy together. Plan to stay into the evenings too and be dazzled by nightly “Sparkling Springs” fireworks spectaculars above the park! Offering everything from tame kiddie rides to heart-racing roller coasters and water slide adventures, Magic Springs promises epic memories built around good, clean fun.
Learn at Amazeum Hands-On Children’s Museum
Ignite kids’ curiosity for science, technology and the arts through interactive play at Northwest Arkansas’ one-of-a-kind Amazeum! As the region’s first children’s museum, the Amazeum features a variety of innovative hands-on exhibits and programs across two floors designed to spark wonder and engagement. Kids can experiment with bubbles, control real robots, produce a newscast, learn circus skills, and so much more while following their interests and innate sense to playfully learn.
Through immersive environments from weather station to art studio, this thoughtfully designed museum empowers children’s natural curiosity as self-guided explorers. With special events like summer camps plus dedicated toddler and sensory spaces, the Amazeum supports early learning for ages 0-12 in an awe-inspiring environment. Designed by top experts to align with school standards in STEAM fields, the Amazeum gives families a fun place to play together while building 21st century skills too!
Practice Ninja Moves at OZ Trails Ninja Obstacle Course
Kids can run, climb, swing and test ninja abilities on Arkansas’ first outdoor ninja obstacle course at OZ Trails! Inspired by hit show “American Ninja Warrior,” this unique 5-acre park immerses little ninjas in training with challenging yet fun obstacles to conquer their inner warrior. Ninja hopefuls as young as 4 years can try age-appropriate courses alongside a series of adventurous attractions like Tightropes, Epic Air Bags, Spider Climbs and Warped Walls scaled by fan favorites on the show. For added excitement, register kids for themed Ninja Training Camps over school breaks too!
With encouragement from experienced coaches, kids gain confidence attempting new physical feats while parents cheer them on. In an uplifting environment focused on perseverance over performance, OZ Trails empowers children to challenge limits, build trust and have fun through movement outdoors. For memorable family playtime inspiring fitness, teamwork and determination, see if your aspiring ninjas can master the exciting courses at OZ Trails!
Tour Walmart Museum Chronicling Retail History
Discover the fascinating rags-to-riches story behind the world’s largest retailer at Walmart Museum located right beside the company’s first original 5 & 10 store. Through engaging exhibits and memorabilia, this free museum chronicles how visionary businessman Sam Walton revolutionized the industry beginning right in downtown Rogers, Arkansas. Explore Walmart’s unprecedented expansion launching sales records and global supply chain innovations that still impact how millions shop today.
Kids can view artifacts like Mr. Sam’s iconic 1979 Ford F150 pickup and original store fixtures while learning how important values like customer service and community still drive the brand. Interactive displays let visitors glimpse distribution centers, see founder’s office preserved in time and stand atop a simulation of today’s sales happening every second! For families interested in business, retail or local history, the Walmart Museum offers an illuminating look at this history-making company’s Arkansas roots and revolutionary rise that transformed shopping nationwide.
Play Mini Golf With Dinos at Jurassic Putt
Round up the whole herd for prehistoric-themed fun on Jurassic Putt’s Enchanted Lands mini golf course! Winding across an ultra-realistic dinosaur world, this glow-in-the-dark 18 holes offer fanciful family entertainment between imaginative caves, bubbles springs, tropical tiki huts and more. As you play alongside raptors and triceratops amid erupting volcanos illuminated under black lights, Jurassic Putt feels like an immersive adventure kids never want to leave!
In addition to their creatively designed putt putt course filled with on-theme obstacles, kids also love conquering the stand-alone volcano challenge hole. Parents can join in the excitement or relax nearby in the tropical clubhouse lounge area. With reasonable rates and unique atmosphere transporting players into lost lands of dinosaurs, Jurassic Putt wins big points for affordable family fun kids will “roar” about!
Catch Family-Friendly Shows at The Momentary Arts Venue
Discover visual and performance art shows the whole family can enjoy together at Rogers’ contemporary arts destination, The Momentary! As a satellite venue linked to acclaimed Crystal Bridges Museum, The Momentary delivers imaginative events from concerts, films and comedy to hands-on workshops within a repurposed cheese factory overlooking downtown. Kids can interact with artists, see innovative shows or just have fun in the Festoon play zone with light sculptures.
Upcoming calendar highlights include kid-friendly comedy, youth music workshops and family days filled with artmaking activities in the RØDE House. With free general admission and dynamic rotating exhibits, it’s easy for families to spend a morning or afternoon appreciating creativity as active participants. Thanks to engaging events welcoming multi-generations to take part, creative expression comes alive for all ages to share at The Momentary!
Conclusion
With boundless natural playgrounds, numerous attractions and activities tailored specifically for kids and families, Rogers promises wonderful bonding experiences to last a lifetime. From outdoor adventures in incredible nature parks to fascinating hands-on museums and thrilling amusement park rides, there are options to delight children of all personalities and ages.
Families visiting Rogers have the ingredients to blend just the right activities matching their interests into unforgettable itineraries overflowing with laughter, learning and togetherness. Use this guide to get started creating your own memories as you explore the many family-friendly destinations that await discovery across this charming, welcoming community.