Are you worried about how you’re going to fill (and afford) the long days of summer vacation? Fret no more; we’ve got you covered. From day and overnight camps to creative crafting to sports and educational adventures, here are a few free and low-cost activities to keep your child entertained and engaged.
Summer @ CALS
June 8–July 28
Cost: Free
Location: Various Central Arkansas Library System branches
Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) is your go-to for a summer full of fun and learning. With a range of activities across its branches, CALS ensures there’s something for everyone. Families who register in advance for the summer adventurer program receive a free tote bag and free tickets to Library Night at Dickey-Stephens Park on Tuesday, June 4. The summer kickoff event June 8 at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center is not to be missed, featuring crafts, games, a sensory room and s’mores! This year’s summer programming is packed with excitement, including magic shows by Tommy Terrific and Scott Davis, music from Brian and Terri Kinder and Mom and Pop, drumming workshops by Stephin Booth, and much more. Registration and summer program information can be found at cals.org.
Summer Playground Program
June 10–July 25
Cost: $100 for seven weeks, available to children ages 6–15
Location: Bale Elementary, Chicot Elementary, Dunbar Community Center, East Little Rock Community Center, Hall STEM (Teen Camp)
Little Rock Parks and Recreation is ready to ignite your children’s excitement with seven weeks of fun-filled activities and adventures. The program features indoor and outdoor activities and field trips, including zoo andlittle rock zookiwanis movie theater visits, bowling and skating excursions, and archery lessons. Campers are also provided with a balanced breakfast and lunch. Registration and program information can be found at littlerock.gov/residents/parks-and-recreation.
Jr. Park Ranger Daycamp
July 15–Aug. 2 (multiple sessions)
Cost: $50
Location: Each morning starts at Fletcher Park | 901 S. Woodrow St., Little Rock
This Little Rock Parks and Recreation program is for 9- to 12-year-olds who enjoy the outdoors and want to learn more about nature and fostering community. Armed with an Adventure Guide, Jr. Park Rangers spend one week exploring different parks and park facilities learning about their history and the environment. Additional activities include swimming, birding, archery and fishing. At the end of the week, Jr. Rangers receive a backpack full of outdoor gear, a certificate and a Jr. Ranger T-shirt and badge.
Zoofari Day Camp
June 3–Aug. 2 (multiple sessions)
Cost: Members pay $225 per camper, and nonmembers pay $260 per camper. Scholarships are available, reducing the cost to $35.
Location: Little Rock Zoo | 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock
The Little Rock Zoo offers programming tailored to interest and age groups, guaranteed to entertain and educate youth. Depending on the chosen camp, kids can learn about wildlife research and citizen science, discover how animals protect themselves, learn survival skills, and learn what it takes to run a zoo. Camps are open to children ages 6–12. Additionally, qualified patrons can take advantage of the Zoo Access for All initiative, which helps overcome financial barriers for families and makes the zoo accessible for all area children. SNAP benefits recipients may show their EBT card and a valid state-issued ID card to receive $2 general admission tickets for up to six people and $1 parking. Registration and program information can be found at littlerockzoo.com.
WAMA Arts+Nature Day Camp
June 17–28 (multiple sessions)
Cost: $250; financial assistance is available.
Location: Wildwood Park for the Arts | 20919 Denny Road, Little Rock
Wildwood Park for the Arts offers day campers a week of nature and art exploration on its beautiful grounds. Guided by professional instructors, children are introduced to voice, movement and visual arts and also spend time hiking, fishing and enjoying outdoor games. The camp is available to children ages 7–12. Registration and program information can be found at wildwoodpark.org.
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Various dates and times throughout the summer
Cost: Free
Location: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts | 501 E. Ninth St., Little Rock
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) offers a variety of free programming for children of all ages. ArtStart is a program for toddlers and preschoolers that connects children’s books with art projects to foster imaginative play and learning. Creative Saturdays are perfect for family fun — adults and children of all ages can participate in organized activities and museum exploration. Flurrfy + Friends is another great option for littles. Flurrfy, AMFA’s too-cute pink dog and puppet-in-residence, engages young children with songs, stories and choreography. Each program runs about 30 minutes and has multiple showtimes throughout the week. No registration is necessary, and more information can be found at arkmfa.org.
Splash Pads
All summer long
Cost: Free
Locations: Riverfront Park, War Memorial Stadium, Crump Park
Little Rock Parks and Recreation has four splash pads that provide all-ages water fun. Two splash pads are located at Riverfront Park, one at War Memorial Stadium and one newly installed at Crump Park, located at Chester and 33rd streets in Little Rock.
Rainbow Family Camp
June 21-23
Cost: Tiered pricing allows families to choose the per-person cost that is most appropriate; additional scholarship funding may be available.
Location: Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center | 1720 Ferncliff Road, Little Rock
Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center provides a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ children and youth and their families. This weekend retreat fosters connection and community in an inclusive environment where children and families are encouraged to rest, refresh, embrace creativity and explore their surroundings. Registration and program information can be found at ferncliff.org/rainbow-family-camp.
Somewhere Over Camp | Dick Johnston Summer Camp
June 28–30 | July 14–19
Cost: $150 | Free
Location: Camp Mitchell | 10 Camp Mitchell Road, Morrilton
Set atop Petit Jean Mountain, Camp Mitchell’s Somewhere Over Camp is a weekend retreat for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones that provides a safe, welcoming and affirming camping experience. Dick Johnston Summer Camp is a free weeklong camp exclusively for children ages 8–12 who have/had an incarcerated parent or family member. Children have fun exploring nature, learning about themselves and making new friends. Registration and program information can be found at campmitchell.org.
Museum of Discovery
Year-round
Cost: $2 general admission tickets with SNAP benefit card
Location: Museum of Discovery | 500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock
SNAP benefit recipients can receive $2 general admission tickets for up to five people when showing their EBT card and a valid state-issued ID. The museum has multiple galleries and exhibits that entertain and educate visitors of all ages. Also, Bank of America cardholders receive free admission the first weekend of every month. Just show your card at the admissions desk.
Girls in STEM
June 17–21
Cost: Free
Location: Southwest Community Center | 6401 Baseline Road, Little Rock
In partnership with the Museum of Discovery, Southwest Community Center is hosting a free weeklong camp for girls ages 12–14. Participants will explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers with hands-on activities led by female STEM professionals. Registration and program information can be found at museumofdiscovery.org/girls-in-stem.
Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp
June 10–July 12 (multiple sessions)
Cost: Free
Location: Joseph Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp | 5512 Ferndale Cutoff Road, Little Rock
Nestled on 82 acres, Pfeifer Kiwanis camp has provided youth with free camping experiences since 1929. Children in Central Arkansas ages 9–14 are eligible for one free week of overnight camp. Kids swim, hike, canoe and play games while learning about the environment and learn team-building skills. Registration and program information can be found at pfeifercamp.com.
Summer Literacy Program
June 19–July 7
Cost: Free
Location: Metro Worship Center | 2914 S. Cumberland St., Little Rock
Pulaski County Youth Services, in partnership with First Assembly of God Outreach, is offering a Summer Literacy Academy for Pulaski County youth in grades 1–3. The program focuses on building literacy skills and developing reading comprehension. Registration and program information can be found at pulaskicounty.net/youth-services-programs.