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When you're in Springdale, Arkansas, there are a variety of different parks to visit. Whether you're looking to play sports with a group or just want to have a scenic picnic, here are three parks to check out while you're in Springdale. 1. Bayyari Park Bayyari Park is a great park for people of all ages to visit. There are picnic tables so you can meet friends or family for lunch on a sunny day. Three of them are covered so you don't have to cancel your plans in case it rains. There is also a playground for kids to get their energy out that has a wood chip fall zone for children that are five to 12 years old. There is also a separate swing set, so there is plenty of room to spread out. Restrooms are also available at the park. A pavilion is available to rent for $12.50 an hour and has a minimum of two hours. This area can fit a maximum of 80 people, so it's a great place to throw a birthday party or other event. This is available to rent when you stop by the Springdale Recreation Center. 2. C.L. "Charlie" and Willie George Park When you're looking for a park to play sports in, check out C.L. "Charlie" and Willie George Park. There are plenty of sports fields here, including a lighted football field, lighted tennis courts, six soccer fields, and four artificial turf baseball fields that have concessions. This is a dog-friendly place as well, as a dog park is available for well-behaved pups to play in. There are also hiking trails to go on. Kids will love the Splash Pad which is open every day from 9 a.m. until it gets dark, and is open from May 18 - September 15. Two lighted pavilions are available to rent for $12.50 an hour, and one has a capacity of 80 people while the other has a capacity of 100. Inflatables are not allowed in the park. 3. Tyson Park Tyson Park is also known as Randal Tyson Recreational Complex and has a variety of amenities. This includes a sand volleyball court, Miracle League fields for those with disabilities, three softball fields for adults, three Babe Ruth baseball fields, four youth Little League baseball fields, and five soccer fields. All the baseball and soccer fields have concession stands so you'll be able to purchase snacks and beverages. There is no shortage of fields to go on whether you want to play a sports game or just be a bystander for one. There are also six lighted tennis courts, four basketball goals, and three horseshoe pits. Children will also enjoy playing on the three play structures. There is something for people of all ages to do at this park. These parks are great options when you're looking for somewhere to spend the day outside. From finding a pavilion to rent out to taking a hike, you have several parks to choose from in Springdale. Image via Flickr by MyKerttu

As summer is finally here, people all over the country are making plans and preparing for a few months of fun in the sun. That's certainly true for people living in or around Springdale, Arkansas, as they have plenty of exciting attractions to choose from. Here are the best ones. 1. Downtown Springdale Street Dinner You don't have to travel far to find interesting things to see and do, as you can find everything you need downtown. A wide variety of restaurants are available to delight visitors with delicious dishes, while the Arts Center of the Ozarks and the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History will enrich your knowledge of local history and art. You'll also find many shopping opportunities, spas, beauty parlors, and event venues to make your downtown experience a memorable one. There's no better way of welcoming the summer than to take part in Downtown Springdale's annual Street Dinner event. It takes place on June 1 and is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to get together and enjoy some great food. The admission ticket includes a full dinner, cooked by a highly rated local chef, plus all the beer or wine you need, giving you all the necessary ingredients for an amazing evening out with friends. 2. Arvest Ballpark Arvest Ballpark is where the Northwest Arkansas Naturals of the Texas League play their home games. It was inaugurated in 2008 and is home to many summer attractions, starting, of course, with the 70 baseball games that can be seen here throughout the summer. Aside from the ball games, visitors will also be treated to a bunch of local fairs, festivals, and charitable events in the upcoming months. Baseball fans will make the 7,305-seat stadium their home for the summer, and the Arvest Ballpark fan zone will be ready for them with souvenirs, baseball apparel, and all sorts of memorabilia. Overall, it's a fantastic place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. 3. The Jones Center If you're looking to escape the heat for a few hours, The Jones Center will definitely keep you entertained with its many attractions. Mostly targeting families, this huge indoor recreational facility features an ice arena that is functional all year round, a junior-Olympic sized pool, Bike Park, basketball court, fitness center, indoor track, a modern conference center, and a chapel. It's also a great place for kids and adults alike to learn new sports and activities, such as martial arts, gymnastics, ballet, and figure skating, all at very affordable prices. They also offer memberships and scholarships which feature free yoga, Zumba, synergy, and spin classes. All this incredible variety of things to do in one place will definitely entertain the entire family and make you return throughout the summer. Everyone is more relaxed and carefree during the summer months and there are moments when time seems to stand still. Any of these attractions will offer you, your friends, and your family hours of fun and entertainment, along with a few wonderful memories. Image via Pixabay.com

It's always a good idea to have a rainy day plan whether you have a day or two off or you have kids who need to stay busy. While there are some wonderful things you can do outside on a nice day in Northwest Arkansas, there are also plenty of activities for a rainy day. Here are some that are worth checking out. 1. Play at Fast Lane Entertainment Do you have kids who need exercise? Bring them to Fast Lane Entertainment in Lowell. This place has over 75,000 square feet of indoor play areas for kids of all ages. Not only is there a 10-lane bowling alley, there are also bumper cars, the Python Pit roller coaster, and the Mini Himalaya ride. The giant indoor play structure gives kids a place to climb, crawl, slide, and play, and the arcade and laser tag offer even more fun. 2. Visit The Arkansas Air Museum The Arkansas Air Museum features a large collection of vintage planes and historic aircraft. This is a must-see for military history buffs with exhibits that include cutaway engines so you can see how they work and historic displays from Fayetteville's first days of flight. This museum is where you'll find some of the few remaining antique aircraft and one-of-a-kind replicas. There are signature pieces from the Golden Age of Aviation and aircraft from World War II. You'll find the museum on Highway 71 in Fayetteville. 3. Catch a Movie at Malco Razorback Cinema Malco Razorback Cinema plays first-run movies using the latest technology. This includes curved screens, digital sound and video, stadium seating, and rocking seats. The theater also has a cafe, a game room, and a party room if you want to plan a birthday party for the kids. 4. Climb at the Ozark Climbing Gym You don't have to go to the mountains to find a great climbing experience in Northwest Arkansas. You can climb at the Ozark Climbing Gym. This facility is a bouldering gym for climbers of all levels. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing without ropes or harnesses, but the staff keeps everyone safe by having padded floors and extra pads if you need them. The whole family can climb with memberships available for unlimited climbing, day passes, and punch cards. If you've never climbed before, the experienced staff will help get you started. 5. Shopping at the Northwest Arkansas Mall Shopping is always a good rainy day activity. The Northwest Arkansas Mall offers a wide variety of stores from large retail chains to small boutiques, and it also has several restaurants and dining options. Stop by on a rainy day to find something new for the house, shop for a new outfit, or add to your jewelry collection. There is plenty to do in Northwest Arkansas even on a rainy day. Whether you like history, want to keep the kids active and busy, or just want to shop, it's all within a short drive. Image via Flickr by amrufm

Around Northwest Arkansas, there are some fun places to take your kids where they can participate in educational activities, learn new skills, meet new friends, and have a fun time. Check out these great places where your kids are bound to have a blast. 1. Ozark Mountain Zip Lines at Eureka Springs Zipline Canopy Tours first started in Costa Rica as a way for people to experience the plants and animals that live up in the tree canopies. The Ozarks has its own unique plant and animal life that enjoy life high above the ground, so it only makes sense to put up a zip line so people can enjoy what this area has to offer. The zip line tours are a guided adventure from treetop to treetop, designed to show off the natural beauty high above the ground as guests learn how to glide effortlessly along suspended steel cables. The company has experience building zip lines throughout the United States as well as Central America, and operate on a safety-first principle to ensure the construction of the zip lines is sound and that the guides are expertly trained. Ozark Mountain Zip Lines offers single and group rates, special organizational discounts, and are open all year. For ticket information, reservations, and more information contact them through their website or give them a call at 479-363-6699. 2. Bear Mountain Stables If your child is into horses, then Bear Mountain Stables is a great chance for them to hit the trails on one of the 12 horses in their stable. Located 15 minutes from Eureka Springs, Bear Mountain offers guided trail rides through the beautiful Ozark mountains that are suitable for all ages and skill levels. There are also cabins available for families that want to stay a few days and really soak in all the beauty that the Ozarks have to offer. There are vacation packages available for those looking to stay over and trail rides are available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day of the week. For more information on prices and availability, you can contact them through their website or give them a call at 800-805-8005. 3. Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks An awe-inspiring destination that brings in over 80,000 visitors per year, the Botanical Gardens is a great place to take your kids to explore 12 themed gardens, a butterfly house, and scheduled garden events throughout the year. The Botanical Gardens also offers an array of educational classes that are fun and will teach both children and parents about horticulture, butterfly research, and fitness classes. For more information on classes, ticket prices, membership information, and hours of operation, you can visit the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks website or give them a call at (479) 750-2620. This list comprises some of the best places for your kids to have a fun time while still learning something throughout Northwestern Arkansas. Sign them up and let them have some fun in one of these wholesome outdoor settings. Image via Flickr by snickclunk

The expansive Ozark National Forest covers a large swathe of northwestern Arkansas. It offers many attractions such as scenic valleys, mountains, springs, pristine streams, and supports a diverse array of flora and fauna. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities including breathtaking hikes, camping, fishing, hunting, and general outdoor exploration. In this piece, we look at top activities that will make your time exploring the Ozark National Forest well spent. Camping Camping is one of the best ways to see the Ozark National Forest. Whether you want to fish, hike, or soak in the mesmerizing scenery, the forest offers multiple camping locations to unleash your spirit of adventure.  But most campgrounds offer limited modern comfort to preserve the natural ambience of the forest. If you plan to hike the Ozark Highlands Trail in the Ozark National Forest, you will find several campgrounds near the trail to camp and rest. Popular campgrounds include the Bayou Bluff Cove Lake campground, Long Pool campground, and Brock Creek campground among others. Hiking The Ozark National Forest is home to several iconic trails. Whether for hiking some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, or as a lover of nature's beauties, this is a hiker's paradise. Favorite trails include the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Trail, Butterfly Loop Trail, Huckleberry Mountain Trail System, and the Mill Creek and more. From ancient springs to secret caves, waterfalls and lush vegetation, you can have loads of fun on this side of Arkansas, and it's only 30 minutes from town. Mountain biking and horseback riding have become popular in the forest. If you love the high-energy equestrian sport or the adrenaline-pumping travails of rugged biking, there is no limit to your exploits in the over 1 million-acre Ozark National Forest. Wilderness Exploration The Ozark National Forest has five wilderness areas that offer plenty opportunities for solitude, exploration, sightseeing, and more. Abundant wildlife, caves, streams, iconic landforms, and spectacular views make these wilderness areas favorite spots for many visitors. When you want to unwind and disconnect from the hectic city life, you will find peace in East Fork Wilderness or Richland Creek Wilderness. Swimming The Ozark National Forest with its clear streams and beautiful rivers offers several beautiful swimming holes where you can cool down after long hikes. If you have an adventurous spirit, you can discover a secret swimming hole to swim, have fun, and soak in the bounties of the forest in private. Most campgrounds have swimming holes nearby, so maybe one is a few meters away from your camp! Waterfalls Arkansas is a land of waterfalls, and the Ozark National Forest is swarming with these natural wonders. People who visit the forest during the rainy season can testify to the large number of heavenly waterfalls and cascades beautifying the Arkansas Ozarks. The experience is like living in a fable, but you are there live, catching your breath as millions of gallons thunder down the face of rocks into the many rivers and creeks crisscrossing the forest. The Ozark National Forest is a treasure trove that reveals timeless gems for those who dare to explore its depths. A visit to the forest in spring is a life-changing experience. Image via Flick by Mabecerra

Hiking is a fantastic outdoor activity any time of year. Even in the winter months, you can bundle up and make the most of the fresh, cool winter air. There are plenty of places to go for a hike in and around the Springdale area. With trails designed for the beginner hiker and some for the more adventurous, you're sure to find something that fits your ability. Here are some of the best places to hike near Springdale, AR. Lake Lafayette Trail The Lake Lafayette Trail is a 5.5-mile loop that leads to other trails if you want to extend your hike. This is a highly trafficked trail and well maintained with some paved areas, too. There are some beautiful wooded areas and an open preservation area along the way, and you'll also get to enjoy views of the lake. A wide variety of flora and fauna will greet you along the trail, and there are even benches if you need to rest. Prairie Grove Battlefield Prairie Grove Battlefield is one of America's most intact Civil War battlefields, and the state park offers an excellent place for hiking and walking. There's a 1-mile Battlefield Trail to follow where you can see the places where the battle took place, or you can go along the 5-mile driving tour to see the historic structures in the Ozark village. Butterfield Hiking Trail The Butterfield Hiking Trail is a challenging hike for more experienced hikers. It's a rocky trail with some scrambling necessary. It got its name from the Butterfield Stagecoach and is one of the few looped backpacking trails in Arkansas. It starts in the Devil's Den State Park right near the pavilion and crosses highway 74 before passing near Mount Olive. There are several scenic views along the way, including Vista Point and Blackburn Creek. Keep in mind that you need to get a free permit from the park office before starting on this hike. Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail The Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail in Rogers is just a few miles outside of Springdale and offers a simple hike perfect for beginners. You can see a lot of the river as you walk along the trail, which runs for about a mile and a half. This is a loop trail, so you can just keep following back to where you started. Also, it's not too strenuous. This makes it a good hike for the whole family. Withrow Springs State Park Head to nearby Withrow Springs State Park in the Ozark Mountains for several hiking opportunities. There are trails for all levels, including the easy Dogwood Nature Trail and the War Eagle Trail, which is just a two-mile loop trail that runs along the river. The Forest Trails is a little more difficult but only runs for about a mile. Try any of these gorgeous places near Springdale for hiking. There are trails for all levels, whether you're just starting out or have some hiking experience already. Image via Flickr by ubelkatze

Nothing is more refreshing than spending the day outside. Whether you're hitting the trails on an inspiring hiking adventure or simply walking through an outdoor museum or public garden, spending time outside is about more than getting some vitamin D. It can be a great way to clear your mind and refresh your spirits. Here are some of the top outdoor activities near Springdale. 1. Walk Through the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is an excellent way to spend a few hours looking at some amazing plant species in several unique areas. In addition to the picturesque garden, the organization also hosts learning centers for children and special events. The main garden, which circles around a great lawn, is split up into distinct sections including a rock garden, Japanese garden, vegetable and herb garden, and many more. There is also a butterfly garden and pavilion full of flower species that butterflies love. Be sure to check out one of their butterfly days or firefly flings for more outdoor fun. 2. Spend the Day at Lake Fayetteville Visiting Lake Fayetteville lets you spend some quality time outdoors with views of the pristine waters. There is, without a doubt, something to do for everyone at the lake. The lake area itself spans over 450 land acres and 194 acres of water and was constructed shortly after World War II. There are numerous activities to choose from at the lake. Those with boating and fishing licenses can bring their gear to catch a new personal best or enjoy a day out on the water. The lake also has boat rentals for small fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. It's not all about the water though. The area surrounding the lake offers its own opportunity for outdoor excitement. Take your bikes to ride around the path or enjoy a nice walk. Bike rentals are also available at the lake. The combination of unique foliage, human structures, and water make this area a good place to take some landscape photography. 3. Discover Pea Ridge National Military Park For the perfect mix of outdoor fun with a historical note, head over to the Discover Pea Ridge National Military Park. This Civil War battlefield is one of the most intact battlefields from the entire war. In addition to the incredible 4,300-acre battlefield where the Union soldiers won Missouri, there is an educational museum portion of the park. Have you ever wondered what sides your ancestors may have fought on? You can access the park's database of over a million soldiers and sailors who fought for both the Union and the Confederacy. You can also learn about the key figures who fought in the battle of Pea Ridge. There are limitless ways to get outdoors and enjoy Springdale, Arkansas. Whether you're looking to see some beautiful nature, learn about different natural life, or discover the nation's history, head over to Springdale and spend some time outdoors. Image via Flickr by Michel_Rathwell

Happen to be passing through the area and wondering what there is to do in Springdale, Arkansas? You're in luck since there are a wide variety of dining and entertainment options nearby. In addition to great food and entertainment, there are plenty of ways to pass the time in Springdale. Here are a few places to check out in downtown Springdale next time you're in town. Feast on Delicious Dining Options Amazing food is always within reach if you're in Springdale. You have your choice of classy steakhouses, family restaurants, specialty food shops, and more. Here are a few of the top options in the area. The Spring Street Grille on Spring Street serves up classic American-style fare in the best way possible, with a pleasant attitude and bold approach to flavor. Be sure to try the guacamole burger for a change of pace. Of course, you'll find plenty of more-traditional dishes such as the ever-popular Reuben on rye, delicious grilled trout, or the loaded baked potato. Keep in mind that the Spring Street Grille is only open for breakfast and lunch and closes at 2:30 p.m. If you're looking for dinner, head over to Bordino's in Fayetteville. This fine-dining restaurant has the perfect atmosphere for a date night or special dinner. You'll want to try the duck duet, which comes with both duck breast and duck leg confit. It might be the easiest choice you'll ever make, should you like eating duck. The Scottish salmon with cauliflower puree is another popular option at Bordino's. Finish off your evening with their outstanding creme brulee or chocolate mousse dome. Check Out Walter Turnbow Park This state-of-the-art park has everything you look for in a local city park. Recently opened in 2017, this park dedicated to Walter Turnbow is a great place to get outside and enjoy nature's amenities. Check their Facebook page to see if there are any free concerts. Even when there are no scheduled events, the park provides the perfect setting for letting your kids run around or taking your dog for a walk. Hike Some Area Trails If the park isn't your scene and you'd like a greater excursion into the outdoors, head over to one of the area's many hiking and walking trails. The Razorback Greenway runs from Springdale to Springdale Lake. There are also plans to connect the greenway to several other trails, such as Dean's Trail and the Shilo Trail. Visit the Daisy Airgun Museum The vintage air rifle we all dreamed of having as a kid has a museum dedicated to its history in Rogers, Arkansas. Here you'll see some of the old advertising and get to look at the daisy airgun through the years. Don't leave without buying your own bag of pellets! There are near limitless amounts of adventure and fun around every corner in Springdale. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a more romantic occasion, there's a restaurant for every occasion. Of course, it's not all about dining. The area's museums and parks also make for great day trips. https://www.flickr.com/photos/12463666@N03/42566897130/sizes/l Image via Flickr by 2bmolar

Arkansas is home to lots of wildlife, from protected species at refuges to animals roaming wild in the state's many national forests and parks. These are a few attractions and wildlife reserves where families can get up close and personal with animals in Northwest Arkansas. Logan Cave Logan Cave is a National Wildlife Refuge that's northwest past Fayetteville, just minutes from the Kansas border. Since this is a cave formation, it also offers a look at some unique nocturnal creatures that are hard to find in other parts of the state. A few of the most noteworthy species include: Gray bat: This endangered species of bat can be seen flying and hanging upside down in the caves. Ozark fish: This is a threatened species that grows no bigger than two inches. Look for them swimming in the water inside the caves — they have unpigmented skin (appearing white or pink) and have no eyes. Benton Cave Crayfish: This is a rare species of crayfish that's native to Arkansas. Logan Cave is one of only four known locations where you can see this critically endangered species. Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge is in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, roughly two miles north of Highway 412. The refuge spans 123 acres. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge There are a few locations in Arkansas where animals that aren't native to the area are cared for. One of the most notable examples is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. This spot is dedicated to rescuing exotic cats from around the nation, which means several gorgeous tigers and other species are protected here. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for teens, and $10 for seniors, veterans, and kids. You can buy tickets online, but note that the refuge does close when there's inclement weather. So, confirm that you can visit before making your purchase. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is at 239 Turpentine Creek Lane in Eureka Springs. It's summer hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and its winter hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ouachita National Forest The huge Ouachita National Forest is a fantastic place to go if you want to view Arkansas' native species in the land, air, and water. Fishing and birding, especially around Lake Ouachita and the other bodies of water in this area, are popular here for a reason. This is an enormous space spanning 1.8 million acres, so there's plenty of space to reserve a camping spot and turn your trip into a weekend family excursion. Among the many species of wildlife in the forest, you may see: Woodpecker Bald eagles Louisiana black bear Ozark National Forest On the north side of Interstate 40 lies another huge outdoor space — Ozark National Forest. This area covers 1.2 million acres and also has spots for camping, hiking, fishing, and birding. Watch for animals, such as chipmunks, elk, bobcats, eagles, and black bears. Northwest Arkansas is full of places where you can see wildlife and protected animals up close and personal. Pack your car for a day of family fun and environmental education at a few of these locations throughout the state. Photo by jmeissen | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Teenagers are not easy to please, and whether you want to spend time as a family or they are just looking for something to do with friends, finding appropriate and engaging activities can be a challenge. Fortunately, the Springdale, Arkansas, area has several attractions that teens enjoy. Arvest Ballpark Who doesn't love going to a baseball game? Arvest Ballpark is home to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball team, the Double-A affiliate to the Kansas City Royals. The park is a family-friendly place with plenty for everyone to do. All the seats offer a great view of the game, with suites to rent if you want to go with a big group. The food is excellent, and there is always some kind of entertainment to enjoy between innings. There is even some audience participation if your teen dares to get out on the field. Ozark Climbing Gym Bring your teens to the Ozark Climbing Gym for some fun. This is a bouldering gym, with climbing walls that don't need any ropes or safety harnesses. All the floors have padding, so there is a soft place to land if they fall, and there are all different levels of climbing so everyone can join in the fun. If the kids have never climbed before, there is a thorough orientation to make sure they know what to do. Make sure everyone wears comfortable clothes, and you'll also have to sign a waiver before getting started. Lake Fayetteville Bring the kids to Lake Fayetteville for a fun day out on the water. This lake has a boat dock and marina so you can either launch your own boat or rent one for the day. Keep in mind that it is a no wake lake so you can only go at idle speed, but is a great lake for fishing, or just a relaxing cruise on the water. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, or pedal boats if you want to power your own way around the lake. Locomotion Family Fun Park Just ten minutes outside of Springdale in Fayetteville, Locomotion Family Fun Park has fun activities for teens and for the younger ones. The kids can ride the bumper boats and try to stay dry as they get their friends wet, or they can head to the Spin Zone and ride the spinning bumper cars. This interactive attraction is both fun and a challenge as you try to hit each the targets on your opponents bumper car as you ride around, while flashing neon lights add to the whole experience. There is also laser tag and an arcade for everyone to enjoy. If you want to stay outside, there are Go-Karts and four different tracks for riders of all ages. If your teen has a driver's license they can even try the pro track. There are plenty of attractions in the Springdale area to keep teens busy. They are sure to have some fun, and you might even get the whole family to spend the day together. Photo by jc.winkler | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Whether you're hosting a huge Thanksgiving dinner or just getting into the Halloween spirit with some decor or jack-o'-lanterns, pumpkins are just what you need to embody the spirit of the season. While you could just pick one up at the local grocery store, heading to a pumpkin patch is fun for the entire family. Not only do you get to pick out your favorite orange gourds, but you can bond with the people you love. For an experience you won't forget this fall, head to these Springdale area pumpkin patches. Shipley Farms If you're busy during the week but have some free time on weekends, Shipley Farms is the place to go for your holiday pumpkins. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, this farm has plenty of spherical orange options for you to choose from in a variety of sizes. Not an artist? Grab one of their hand-painted pumpkins by local artist Hayley Young. These ornate pumpkins feature everything from the macabre to cornucopias to the Razorbacks logo. Shipley Farms is located at 14339 Wildcat Creek Road in Springdale. Farmland Adventures Situated just outside Springdale, Farmland Adventures is a one-stop shop for family fun. Throughout the fall, the farm lets you pick your own pumpkin for just $0.50 per pound, with a cap of $12. That means that no matter what, you won't pay more than $12 for a pumpkin — that's quite a bargain. But the fun doesn't stop in the pumpkin patch. If you need a break from the kids, let them wander through the 9-acre corn maze. This maze even has its own app so your children don't panic if they can't find their way out, and you don't have to fret about venturing into the kernel-filled labyrinth. Other highlights include wagon rides, pony rides, pedal karts, a kids' play area, the famous Farmland Adventures pig races, and even the strange, but fun, human foosball. No matter what you do at Farmland, you're in for a day of excitement. Farmland Adventures is located at 5355 Parsons Road in Springdale. The farm is open from Sept. 7 to Nov. 3 on Thursdays (October only) from 3 to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 1 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Vanzant Fruit Farms Founded in 1949, Vanzant Fruit Farms has been offering some of the juiciest, tastiest, and freshest produce in Northwest Arkansas. While you can't pick your own pumpkins from the field, the farm has a huge selection that's hand-picked by workers to ensure the finest quality. Vanzant also has amazingly delicious farm-to-table foods, including jams, jellies, honey, pies, and other tasty treats. Vanzant Fruit Farms is located 5 miles northeast of Springdale at 3705 Arkansas State Route 264 in Lowell. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. With a pumpkin beautifully adorning your dinner set up or eerily glowing on your front porch, you can get into the seasonal spirit without being an autumn Scrooge. Photo by Carrie Stephens | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

One of the best parts of summer is being able to get outdoors and enjoy nature. If you love hiking and are looking for a good nature trail in Northwest Arkansas, here are four fantastic spots to get you started. Ozark Highland Trail This is one of the best hiking trails in Arkansas and has been rated as one of the top 10 trails in the United States. One of the things that makes it great is that works for both the beginning and the experienced hiker. This trail spans 165 miles, plus an additional 27 miles of connecting spurs and loops. Because the trail passes through 17 campgrounds and trailheads, as well as crosses over 50 forest roads and highways, you can easily go for a short day hike or a fabulous backpacking trip. The versatility is great, but that's not what attracts so many people to this trail. When hiking, you will discover deep pools you can swim in, bluffs, forests, and hundreds of waterfalls. Feel free to bring your dog along for the adventure; your canine friends are allowed on the Ozark Highland Trail. It is located in the Ozark National Forest. Lake Weddington Trail If you are looking for an overnight hiking trip, the Lake Weddington Trail is a popular one. It is a moderate to difficult trail that spans 15.4 miles, and camping is allowed along the trail. It is located in the heart of the Ozarks and ends at the Illinois River. Along the way, you will pass Twin Knobs, an interesting and unique rock formation. When you return, you will need to retrace your steps and head back the way you came in. This trail is also located in the Ozark National Forest. Shores Lake/White Rock Loop Located Northeast of Ft. Smith, Shores Lake and White Rock are popular recreation areas in the Ozark National Forest. This moderate trail spans 13.4 miles and starts at Shores Lake. You will hike past some beautiful waterfalls and up to White Rock Mountain. This loop trail brings you back down to the lake through the Salt Fork drainage. Camping and dogs are allowed on this trail, but you may want to splurge on a cabin at White Rock for a nice weekend getaway. Pedestal Rocks/Kings Bluff Loops If you are looking for an easy hike, visit the Pedestal Rocks/Kings Bluff Loops. There are actually two loops here, both located in the Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, and they span 4.3 miles combined. Both of these loops will take you to beautiful sandstone bluff formations. You will also be rewarded with a waterfall at Kings Bluff. Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area is located near Ben Hur, just off Hwy. 16 in the Ozark National Forest. Camping is not allowed on these trails, but dogs are. These are just a few of the amazing nature and hiking trails that you can explore in Northwest Arkansas. No matter what level of difficulty you are looking for, there is a trail with amazing views for you to enjoy. Photo by OakleyOriginals | Licensed under cc BY 2.0