May 31, 2026

Summer break is almost here — and if you’re already wondering how to keep the kids busy without spending a fortune, you’re not alone.

We started seeing parents asking for ideas in local Facebook groups, so we pulled together a few camps, free activities, museum programs, and family-friendly events happening around the River Valley this summer.

Know of something we missed? Reply to this email or send us a message — we’d love to include more local ideas in future editions.

The countdown to summer break is on — and if you’re already wondering how to keep the kids busy this summer, you’re not alone.

From Fort Smith and Van Buren to Greenwood and beyond, organizations across the River Valley are gearing up with free activities, museum programs, summer camps, outdoor fun, and family-friendly events.

We rounded up a few ideas to help families start planning.

Fort Smith Parks & Recreation is rolling out a full summer lineup of FREE family activities across the city.

Families can look forward to:

🎬 Movies in the Park

💦 Pop-Up Play Days

There’s also a City Play Day on August 7 at MLK Jr. Park featuring games and a movie night.

Another free summer favorite is back at Creekmore Park in Fort Smith.

The Creekmore Express Train offers free rides throughout the summer, running Wednesday through Sunday through early August before switching to weekends later in the season. If you’ve got younger kids — or train-loving grandkids — this one’s an easy win.

Looking for a low-cost outdoor adventure? Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend returns June 12–14, allowing residents and visitors to fish statewide without a fishing license.

Pair it with a local pond, lake, or riverbank and you’ve got a pretty memorable summer morning.

Families may also want to check out a local Kids Fishing Derby happening June 6 for even more outdoor fun.

The Fort Smith National Historic Site is offering several free kids’ programs in June with themes ranging from gardening and history to nature walks and Junior Ranger activities.

Programs include:

It’s a fun way to mix local history with hands-on learning.

The U.S. Marshals Museum is also offering family-friendly summer programming, making it another great option for educational fun while school is out.

The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is hosting Kiddy Kamps this summer for younger children, with hands-on activities centered around turtles, butterflies, and fish.

Several local libraries are also planning summer reading programs, educational activities, and special events, so it’s worth checking your hometown library calendar for updates.

Greenwood Parks & Recreation is offering Bell Park Summer Camp for ages 6–13 with sports, games, splash pad time, and outdoor activities.

If your kids love getting creative, Arts On Main in downtown Van Buren is offering a variety of summer camps and hands-on art experiences, including visual arts, clay, sculpture, and themed creative activities for different age groups.

Parents looking for even more creative outlets can also find:

For kids who love to paint, build, create, or simply get messy, there are plenty of options this summer.

For kids who love loud engines and big jumps, Monster Trucks return to the River Valley on June 20.

Downtown Van Buren also has several family-friendly events planned this summer, including:

When temperatures climb, local favorites like the Alma Aquatic Park, splash pads, pools, and water play areas around the River Valley can make for easy summer outings without much planning.

We’ll continue adding family-friendly summer events, camps, and activities to the River Valley Events Calendar throughout the season as more are announced.

Know of a great summer activity we missed? Send it our way — we’re always looking for things that help River Valley families make the most of summer.

📍 101 West Main Street, Lavaca
⏰ 9 AM – 4 PM

Head to Lavaca for a full day of family fun at the LavacaBerry Festival, hosted by the Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce. Expect food trucks, games, live music, vendors, and plenty of small-town summer fun.

📍 Downtown Greenwood (Town Square)
⏰ 5 PM – 9 PM

Greenwood is kicking off summer with an evening of live music, bounce houses, food trucks, and family fun downtown. A great option for a laid-back Saturday night close to home.

📍 U.S. Marshals Museum, Fort Smith
⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a free, family-friendly morning at the U.S. Marshals Museum. Expect hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and interactive learning designed for kids, families, and curious learners of all ages.

We’ve been continuing to update and improve the new events experience at River Valley Local. From festivals and markets to live music and family activities, you can browse hundreds of upcoming events happening around the region at RiverValleyLocal.com/events.

Have a great week, and we’ll see you around the River Valley.

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