Anyone in Arkansas knows that Summer means HEAT. It gets so hot here that it's tempting to just stay in your house all Summer and sit in front of the air conditioner. You shouldn't give up seeing Arkansas just because it's hot. There are lots of cool, relaxing attractions near Little Rock to help you beat the Summer heat.
1) Go Underground
The Summer is the perfect time to head to any of the caverns and caves in Arkansas (and even then you still need to bring a jacket if you get cool easily). Being miles underground is better than any air conditioner. My favorite cavern in Arkansas is Blanchard Springs but there are plenty of others to choose from.
2) Have some Ice Cream
Arkansas is the home of Yarnell's Ice Cream and there are a few places around here that really know how to use this cool treat. The Purple Cow is my favorite place in Little Rock to get a milkshake because not only are they delicious, but they also have a good variety of flavors. Cold Stone Creamery is the best place for ice cream toppings and their are a few old fashioned dairy bars lurking around the city!
3) Take a Swim.
Almost everyone loves a swim on a hot day. Arkansas has a few public water parks and pools ranging from expensive (Crystal Falls and Wild River Country) to cheap (War Memorial Pool is just under $4). You could also visit one of our lakes for the totally free swimming many of them offer.
4) Watch a Movie.
You can watch a movie inside your house but nothing beats a theater. Have you been to the IMAX in a while? What about the Market Street Theater? Going to movies is a great day out.
5) "Cook" Something Cool.
Making ice cream is a fun way to celebrate the Summer. You don't really even need an ice cream freezer. Check out the recipe for some great tips on making your own ice cream at home.
6) Go Out To Eat.
Going out to eat may not seem like an adventure, but how about trying something new? Go to a Little Rock restaurant you've never visited or just go to one of your old faves. Either way, it's getting out of the house and enjoying what the city has to offer.
7) Visit a Spa.
There are spas in Little Rock if you want a short trip or you can heat to Hot Springs for spa city. Nothing is more relaxing, even on a hot day, than a visit to the spa.
8) Go to the Library
The hot summer months are the perfect time to catch up on your reading. Even though visiting a library is not quite seeing Arkansas, it's a nice place to "chill out" for a few hours.
9) Visit the Arkansas Arts Center
The Arkansas Arts Center is always a worthy way to spend a few hours. They have new exhibits all the time. While you're there, you can also spend some time by the pond, which is surprisingly cool even in hot weather. It's near the water after all!
10) Drink Lots Of Water!
This is just a reminder that whatever you do in the Arkansas heat, be it swimming or visiting a cave, remember to drink lots of water! It's very easy to get dehydrated and not even realize it until it's too late and you're exhibiting symptoms! Remember that caffeinated beverages don't hydrate you as well as water and juices.
