CAMP
CAMP
Summer Fun Summer Fun
at the ACHE Research Institute
Health & Wellness Center
Get ready for a summer full of creativity, learning, and fun at our RIHWC! We’re offering something for everyone, with classes like Art, Quilting, Hydroponics, Ceramics, Cooking, Coding, and more Whether you’re looking to try something new or build on your skills, there’s a place for all ages to enjoy. Come visit us and make this summer one to remember!
What if you could create lasting memories, bring your family closer, and improve your health—all without leaving home? A swimming pool makes it possible! Instead of a pricey vacation that’s over in a flash, invest in endless fun, relaxation, and connection. Make this summer unforgettable—right in your own backyard! For over forty-eight years, Burton has helped families create their perfect retreat. Call Burton Pools & Spas today—Water for a Better Life! 7000 Chad Colley Blvd., Fort Smith 479.434.4004
Summer Adventures Come to Life at ACHE RIHWC! This summer, the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education’s (ACHE) Research Institute Health & Wellness Center (RIHWC) invites the community to learn, create, and connect through hands-on camps designed for kids. Camp experiences include activities like ceramics, composting, engineering challenges, and hydroponics, each offering something new to explore. Additional opportunities include coding, quilting, and culinary camps, where participants can build skills in sewing, technology, and cooking in a fun, engaging environment. With a variety of options for different interests, these camps are designed to spark creativity, encourage learning, and create lasting summer memories.
Summer Summer Camps Camps2026 2026
(479) 434-2020 www.csafortsmith.org
1101 Riverfront Dr., Fort Smith
479.434.2020 csafortsmith.org / icafortsmith.org
Join us this summer at the Arkansas Center for the Creative Arts! Community School of the Arts offers camps, classes, and private lessons in music, dance, acting, and more for all ages. Visit our website to view our full course catalog or call us to learn more! The Institute for the Creative Arts is a tuition-free public charter high school. ICA combines a rigorous college preparatory academic program with pre-professional training in music, theatre, dance, and more. We are a creative artsfocused school where dreams take center stage! ICA is open to all students with an Arkansas residence. We are open for enrollment! Visit our website or call us to learn more!
(479) 434-2114 www.icafortsmith.org
479.782.7093 fsbgc.org
Looking for a fun and meaningful way to keep your kids engaged this summer? Join the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs for Survive the Summer Slump! From May 27 – July 31, youth will take on exciting, Survivor -inspired challenges while building academic skills, creativity, and confidence. Each 4-week session is just $40 and includes hands-on STEM projects, team competitions, book-to-screen experiences, field trips, and more! Designed to prevent summer learning loss, this program keeps kids active, learning, and having a blast. Plus, free breakfast and lunch are provided daily! Don’t let summer slow them down—help them grow, explore, and thrive. Register today at fsbgc.org and make this a summer to remember!
317 Garrison Ave., Fort Smith
479.222.6851 garrisongoodies.com
Step into a world of sweet surprises at Garrison Goodies! From nostalgic candies that bring back childhood memories to exciting new treats inspired by the latest TikTok trends, we have something to delight every sweet tooth. Our shelves are bursting with colorful gummies, decadent chocolates, fun sodas, and unique snacks you won’t find anywhere else. Looking for the perfect gift? Our custom candy baskets and party favors are guaranteed to make anyone smile. Visit us Monday–Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. Life is sweeter at Garrison Goodies — Fort Smith’s favorite candy shop!
1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
479.784.2787
fsram.org
Get ready for an artistic summer at RAM’s 2026 Summer Art Camps! From July 7-26, children, teens, and adults can dive into creative fun with our camp line-up. Young artists, ages 6-8, can craft unique paper mâché hats at our Helmets & Hats Art Camp. Ages 9-12 can unleash their imaginations at our Creative Creatures Art Camp by designing fantastical beings. Older campers, ages 12-18, can explore the mysterious world of cryptids as they collaborate to create a large-scale creature. Participants ages 16+ can refine their drawing skills with artist Amy Holmes Scoggins at our Drawing 101 workshops in June and July. Fees vary. All supplies included. Don’t miss this chance to spark creativity this summer!
Looking for an easy, affordable night out with the kids this summer? King Opera House is bringing big-screen favorites to our historic venue with its $5 Movie Nights series. Held in the heart of downtown Van Buren, these family-friendly evenings combine classic charm with crowd-pleasing films like The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, The Lego Movie, Wicked, How to Train Your Dragon , and Ratatouille For just $5 admission per person, families can enjoy a night at the movies without stretching the budget. Concessions will be available—because no movie night is complete without snacks! It’s a simple way to slow down, spend time together, and make summer memories close to home. Purchase your tickets online at kingoperahouse.ludus.com, or at the door.
Learn, Play, Grow Children’s Therapy Services is a pediatric outpatient clinic conveniently located at 311 Lexington Avenue. LPG proudly serves the River Valley and Eastern Oklahoma by providing occupational, physical, and speech therapy to children ages birth to 21. Summer is the perfect time to build skills while keeping kids engaged and having fun! Our playbased, individualized therapy sessions help children strengthen motor skills, communication, sensory processing, and social skills, without the demands of the school schedule. LPG accepts most private insurances, AR Medicaid, SoonerCare, and private pay. We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team of therapists who are passionate about helping every child learn, play, and grow! Flexible summer scheduling is now available. Contact us to get started!
Big Growth Starts with Little Hands!
Helping children from birth to 18 thrive through speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy.
Playful, personalized care designed to help kids reach milestones—and support families every step of the way.
Not sure if your child could benefit from therapy?
Every child develops at their own pace—but when everyday tasks feel harder than they should, a little extra support can make a big difference. Talking with a qualified therapist can help you better understand your child’s needs and next steps.
Comprehensive Pediatric Therapy Services
Speech Therapy
Clear communication. Stronger language. Better connection.
Occupational Therapy
Daily skills. Sensory support. Growing independence.
Physical Therapy
Strength, balance, and confident movement.
Feeding Therapy
Easier mealtimes. Healthier habits. Less stress.
Assessment
1501 S. Waldron Rd., # 107, Fort Smith
Little Hands at Play Therapy is helping children in our community build the skills they need to fully enjoy life, including all the fun summer has to offer. From playground adventures to swimming, sports, and family outings, their team supports children in gaining the confidence, coordination, and communication needed for everyday moments. Offering occupational, physical, speech, and feeding therapies under one roof, Little Hands takes a collaborative, personalized approach for children from birth to age 21. With a strong focus on real-life progress and family involvement, therapy extends beyond the clinic and into daily routines. Through creative, engaging sessions, Little Hands at Play Therapy empowers kids to grow, thrive, and make the most of every season.
Gear up to train with the Grizzlies! The Northside Grizzlies Boys’ Basketball team will be hosting its annual Youth Basketball Camp June 2 – 4 for athletes in grades 1st – 7th. Camp will be divided into three age divisions. Be sure to register by scanning the QR code in the camp ad. Camp will last from 8:30am to 12:00pm each day in the Grizzly Arena. The camp fee is $55 if registered before May 25, or $65 at the door; cash or checks accepted. Checks can be made out to Northside Boys Basketball and mailed to Cody Wilmath at 2301 N. B Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901. Come get better with us!
F r e e J R . M A R S H A L F r e e J R . M A R S H A L P R O G R A M ! P R O G R A M !
789 Riverfront Dr., Fort Smith 479.242.1789 marshalsmuseum.org
The U.S. Marshals Museum is excited to welcome families and the community for a series of engaging upcoming events! Mark your calendars for Free Day on May 2nd, when visitors of all ages can explore the museum at no cost. Celebrate America 250 with interactive activities designed for everyone, highlighting the nation’s rich history. Young visitors can join our Junior Marshals Program, included with regular admission, and experience hands-on learning about the courage, service, and legacy of the U.S. Marshals. From educational exhibits to family-friendly programs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Come discover history, have fun, and make memories at the museum. It’s the perfect place to explore, learn, and celebrate together!
5210 Grand Ave., Fort Smith 479.788.7000 uafortsmithlions.com
At UAFS, summer is more than a break—it’s a chance for kids to grow, explore, and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment. UAFS Youth Camps offer hands-on experiences for students in grades K–12, with focused programs in volleyball, basketball, and band, all led by experienced coaches, faculty, and mentors who know how to bring out the best in every child. Whether they’re sharpening skills on the court or playing alongside fellow musicians, campers leave with more than memories—they gain confidence that carries into the school year ahead. With multiple sessions, flexible options, and programs for a range of ages and skill levels, UAFS makes it easy to find the right fit for your family this summer.
Summer of A STARTS AT UAFS GROWTH
From the court to the stage, UAFS Youth Camps build skills, instill confidence, and create lasting memories.
At UAFS, summer is more than a break. It’s an opportunity.
Our Youth Camps are designed for students in grades K-12 and led by experienced coaches, faculty, and mentors who know how to challenge and encourage every camper. Whether your child is just getting started or ready to take the next step, there’s a camp built for their goals.
Camp opportunities include:
• Volleyball Camps for beginners through elite athletes
• Men’s and Women’s Basketball Camps focused on skill development and teamwork
• Music Camps in band, jazz, and rock
Camps are held on the UAFS campus in the Stubblefield Center and Breedlove Auditorium.
With multiple dates, day and overnight options, and programs for a wide range of ages, UAFS makes it easy to find the right fit for your family.
View all camps, prices, and registration details at uafs.edu/summer-youth-camps.
Find your Roar at UAFS!
2221 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren
479.474.7942
vbsd.us
Summertime = Fun in Pointer Nation! VBSD is gearing up for an exciting summer season, filled with opportunities to engage students and support families. Students can pick from a wide range of art and sports camps. Van Buren High School will also offer a low-cost ACT test prep course designed to help participants succeed on the college entrance exam. FREE breakfast and lunch will be served at a variety of convenient locations throughout the city for all youth ages 18 and under. These programs help ensure students stay learning, stay moving, and stay nourished all summer long. Follow @VBSDPointers on social media for updates and visit our District website to register for camps today!
4701 Grand Ave., Fort Smith
479.785.0152
waballet.org
Western Arkansas Ballet Academy offers classes in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop for ages two through adult. Committed to creating a community dedicated to the fine arts through quality dance education, training, and performance in a non-competitive environment, Western Arkansas Ballet proudly presents exemplary performance opportunities every season. The coming season includes the forty-first annual production of The Nutcracker December 19 & 20, 2026 at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith. Open auditions for The Nutcracker take place on September 26, 2026. Summer dance camp and workshop registration is open now and the 2026-2027 Academy registration opens June 15, 2026. Visit waballet.org for more information.
In Arkansas, family time doesn’t have to be planned down to the minute to be memorable. It happens in the in-between moments—when a child spots their first giraffe up close, when a train curves through the mountains and everyone leans toward the window, or when muddy hands hold something as simple, and as extraordinary, as a real diamond.
Across the state, experiences are built for that kind of connection. At places like the Little Rock Zoo or Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, encounters with animals become more than a day trip—they turn into stories kids will tell long after the drive home. In Murfreesboro, families can search for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, one of the only places in the world where what you find, you keep. And when the weather warms up, water parks from Hot Springs to Fort Smith deliver the kind of carefree fun that defines summer.
But some of Arkansas’s best moments aren’t tied to admission gates. They’re found in cool caves, along quiet trails that lead to waterfalls, or spread across a picnic blanket on the side of a scenic highway, places where conversation slows and screens fade away.
For families with curious minds, science centers and museums— from Hot Springs to Bentonville—invite kids to explore, build, and question, while destinations like Crystal Bridges spark creativity at every age.
Whether your crew is chasing thrills or simply time together, Arkansas makes it easy to do both, often in the very same day.
Plan your trip! Arkansas Tourism offers travel guides, maps, itineraries, and seasonal inspiration to help you map out your next family adventure, at arkansas.gov.
Water Parks & Summer Fun
When the temperatures rise, Arkansas offers plenty of places to cool off, from fullscale parks to local favorites.
Alma Aquatic Park (Alma)
Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park (Little Rock)
Diamond Springs Water Park (Murfreesboro)
Magic Springs Theme & Water Park (Hot Springs)
Parrot Island Waterpark (Fort Smith)
Dig, Discover & Explore
Whether it’s hunting for diamonds or quartz crystals, hands-on experiences turn a simple outing into an unforgettable adventure.
Crater of Diamonds State Park (Murfreesboro)
Ron Coleman Mining (Jessieville)
Sweet Surrender Crystal Mine (Mount Ida)
Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines (Mount Ida)
All Aboard
Scenic rail rides through the Ozarks offer a slower pace and a shared experience that spans generations. Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (Springdale & Van Buren)
Arkansas Railroad Museum (Pine Bluff)
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway (Eureka Springs)
Little Rock Union Station (Little Rock)
Wildlife & Animal Encounters
From up-close zoo visits to rescued big cats, these stops are always a hit with younger travelers and just as engaging for adults.
Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo (Hot Springs)
Barnyard Friends and Stables (Morrilton)
Blue Zoo Aquarium (Rogers) Little Rock Zoo (Little Rock)
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (Eureka Springs)
Curiosity-Driven Stops
Science centers, nature centers, and interactive museums across the state make learning feel like part of the adventure.
Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center (Jonesboro)
Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center (Pine Bluff)
J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center (Springdale)
Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center (Fort Smith)
Mid-America Science Museum (Hot Springs)
Museum of Discovery (Little Rock)
Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center (Little Rock)
