From weekend trips to summer travel, the Ozarks region offers plenty of fun for kids of all ages. While the area is well-known for its geography, boasting mountainous views and crystal-clear waters--there's more to the Ozarks than the outdoors.
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If you find yourself in the Ozarks region during the winter season, there is still plenty to do.
1. Embrace the Nostalgia of Ice Skating Outdoors
There is nothing quite as iconic as ice skating in the great outdoors. Usually, these large oval-shaped outdoor ice rinks and dedicated ponds are found in Hallmark movies and romance novels set in Vermont or Colorado.
Try these locally famous outdoor skating rinks:
Lawrence Plaza in Bentonville, Arkansas
Gateway Arch Park Ice Arena in St Louis, Missouri
Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri
2. Play Indoors at a Fun-Inspiring Children's Museum or Science Center
Have you been to a children's museum? These attractions often feel a lot less like a chronology of history and a lot more like an indoor amazeum of endless fun. Imagine letting your little ones get their wiggles out in a full-fledged grocery store playscape where they can shop all the departments of a traditional grocery store, play chef in a pretend kitchen, and learn about all the food groups.
Try these cool destinations for indoor fun:
The Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, Arkansas
The City Museum in St Louis, Missouri
The Discovery Center of Springfield, Missouri
Wonderworks Childrens Museum in Branson, Missouri
The Discovery Childrens Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma
3. Get Creative in an Art Studio Experience Designed for Little Hands
Throw paint at a wall, participate in kid-friendly canvas painting classes, or spin a pottery wheel at some of the most hands-on creative spaces found in the cities within the Ozarks. These super fun and mostly indoor activities are the perfect solution for entertaining kids when the weather is cold.
Try these favorites for your creative kiddos:
Take a family pottery class at Walton Art Centers' Nadine Baum Studios in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Make a paint pour canvas at Art and Soul NWA in Rogers, Arkansas
Art Kids Tulsa in Woodland Hills Mall, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Artist's First STL in St Louis, Missouri
4. Make a Splash with Indoor Waterparks
Swimming is typically a warm weather favorite, but for families with fish for kids (like mine)...it's a year-round activity. Of course, as the thermometer drops, we need to find indoor alternatives to our favorite Ozarks swimming holes.
Try these indoor swimming favorites:
Splash Country Waterpark [Grand Country Resort] in Branson, Missouri
Bentonville Community Center [featuring large zero-depth entry kids pool with waterslides for all ages] in Bentonville, Arkansas
Jolly Mon Indoor Waterpark [Margaritaville Resort] at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
5. Get a New View at the Zoo
Did you know that most zoos are open year-round? Just because heading to the zoo and traversing the winding paths lined with animal enclosures feels like a summer-weather activity, doesn't mean it IS a summer-only activity. In fact, many animals which stay out of sight during the hot weather will move about freely in cooler temps. Plus, remember that the zoo is often full of lots of indoor [warm] spaces.
Note: Winter hours may vary from regular season schedules and/or may be subject to the weather. Check the zoo's website or call before you go.
Visit these zoo's during the winter for a new experience:
St Louis Zoo in St Louis, Missouri
Tulsa Zoo in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri
Promised Land Zoo in Branson, Missouri
Eureka Springs Safari Park in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
6. Go Spelunking in an Ozarks Cave
One of the biggest selling points to tourist attractions like Meramec Caverns or Fantastic Caverns is that they're open--and comfortable year-round. Caves are not necessarily warm, but they do have a unique ability to maintain a consistent temperature. And in most of the Ozarks, that temperature is about 60 degrees.
Bonus Idea: Go Off-Roading
Did you know that you can take the whole family off-roading in a UTV (as long as your kids are old enough to no longer require a carseat (around 5 years old)? There are fully guided tours available in the Ozarks. Find a location near you in our Off-Roading Adventure Guide.
Ready to Plan Your Vacation in the Ozarks?
Whether you've found yourself in the Ozarks for the holiday season, or maybe you just want a family-friendly vacation without the crowds, plan your vacation with these helpful links.
Pick your travel dates and shop dozens of hotels and cheap airfare at Trip.com.
Of course, the best way to visit the Ozarks is with a fun road trip. Reserve your rental car with Economybookings.com.