Summary of Cheap Activities in Little Rock
- Visit Central High
- Tour Arkansas History (Historic Arkansas Museum)
- Arkansas Arts Center
- City Parks
- The Old State House
- The MacArthur Museum of Military History
- Tour the Capitol Building
- Visit the Market
- Follow a President
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery
- Heifer International’s Green Building
Who couldn’t stand to save some money? If you’re penny-pinching but still want something fun to do, check out these exciting, no-cost activities in Little Rock. Arkansas has numerous great spots that won’t cost you anything, except, perhaps, a tank of gas.
Visit Central High
Address: 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202-5212, USA
Phone: +1 501-374-1957
Central High Museum was the site of the infamous desegregation in 1957. The museum, located in a restored gas station across from the school, chronicles both its history and other aspects of Arkansas history. The museum is open Monday through Saturday and Sunday.
Tour Arkansas History (Historic Arkansas Museum)
Address: Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
The Historic Arkansas Museum at 200 E. Third St. allows you to experience living history. It features five restored early 19th-century homes, including Little Rock’s oldest building, the Hinderliter Grog Shop (1827). The best part is the actors portraying Arkansas’ earliest residents, providing a glimpse into frontier life. Free tours are offered on the first Sunday of each month. Check their website or call for hours and more information.
Arkansas Arts Center
Address: 501 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
Phone: +1 501-372-4000
Browse through the Arkansas Arts Center to see displays featuring local, regional, and national artists with both permanent and traveling exhibits. It is located near MacArthur Park. Admission is always free, though donations are welcome. Some special exhibits may have an entry fee.
City Parks
Address: North Little Rock, AR 72118, USA
Phone: +1 501-791-8538
Burns Park is one of the largest parks in the country, spanning 1,575 acres. It features a log cabin that predates the Civil War, a covered bridge, a fishing pier, camping areas, a 36-hole golf course, baseball, softball, tennis, hiking trails, an amusement park, and much more. Most areas of the park are free, while certain attractions may charge minimal fees. Other parks worth visiting include Riverfront Park, with the vibrant Peabody Park, Murry Park, and War Memorial Park. You may also enjoy the Arkansas River Trail, which connects many parks with a 14-mile loop.
The Old State House
Address: 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201-1423, USA
Phone: +1 501-324-9685
The Old State House holds the distinction of being the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Visitors can tour the site for free while exploring some historical artifacts. It is located at 300 W. Markham in Little Rock.
The MacArthur Museum of Military History
Address: 503 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202-3997, USA
Phone: +1 501-376-4602
If you have an interest in military history, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is a must-see. It is located in MacArthur Park and features an array of artifacts from the Civil War to the present day. The museum stands as a National Historic Landmark, marking the birthplace of General MacArthur and its previous use as an arsenal.
Tour the Capitol Building
Address: 500 Woodlane St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Phone: +1 501-682-3000
This capitol building, modeled after the one in Washington, DC, has served as a stand-in for the nation’s capital in various films. Visitors can opt for a guided tour or explore on their own. Free scheduled tours are available on weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. For more information or to coordinate a private tour, feel free to call 501-682-5080.
Visit the Market
Address: River Market, Little Rock, AR, USA
While the vendors may hope you shop, simply browsing the River Market can be an enjoyable experience. The streets of downtown Little Rock host numerous interesting shops and restaurants. During Spring & Summer, the Farmers’ Market comes alive with local goods. The River Market shops are open year-round, and the Farmers’ Market operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays from late May through October.
Follow a President
Little Rock offers a unique opportunity to trace the footsteps of former President Bill Clinton. Key locations include the Governor’s mansion where he lived, as well as the old Gazette building where he launched his campaign. The downtown area is rich with Clinton-related sites!
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Address: 9600 AR-300, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA
Phone: +1 501-868-5806
Pinnacle Mountain is an excellent spot for family picnics and nature walks, conveniently located just outside Little Rock in Roland. This day-use park features hiking trails, places for camping and fishing, and a visitor’s center. Visitors can participate in the park’s special events for free, though some activities, like lake cruises, may involve a fee. Take Exit #9 off I-430 from Little Rock and travel seven miles west on Ark. 10, then go two miles north on Ark.
Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery
Address: 23 Joe Hogan Ln, Lonoke, AR 72086-3870, USA
Phone: +1 501-676-6963
Located in Lonoke, this state-owned hatchery is a fun attraction for children. It raises the majority of fish used to stock Arkansas rivers and lakes and is among the nation’s largest warm-water fish hatcheries. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife observation, particularly of waterfowl. The facility includes an informative visitor’s center about aquaculture, located at 23 Joe Hogan Lane in Lonoke.
Heifer International’s Green Building
Address: 1 World Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
Phone: +1 855-948-6437
One of the greenest buildings in the U.S. is located in Little Rock, where you can take a tour to discover what makes Heifer International Headquarters so environmentally friendly. Tours are available from Monday to Friday and are held at 1 World Avenue.
