Magic Springs/Crystal Falls (Things to do in Arkansas series)

We celebrated my son’s birthday at Magic Springs this year. In years past, we have been season pass holders, but have not been in a couple of years since our little was born. I have heard many complaints in these couple of years from others about problems with unruly kids running around, rides not in operation, general complaints. We didn’t have any of these problems. It is April (it has been really chilly here), Crystal Falls (water park portion) is not open yet, and school is not out for the summer yet, so maybe that cut down on some of these issues.

I took advantage of the discounted ticket offer that was available online and saved them to my phone. We planned to spend the entire day so arrived at open. There really was no waiting to get in (season pass holder line was another story) and no problems scanning tickets from my phone.

I was a little worried that my two year old would become tired and bored before the day was over, but she had FUN. She is exactly 36 inches tall and while I knew there would be a few rides she would be able to enjoy, I didn’t realize there were as many available to her that actually were. Granted mom and dad had to ride along with her on some so that she could enjoy, but that was not a problem. There were at least ten rides she rode. There was the train, the carousel, the airplanes, the log ride, a small roller coaster, just to name a few. She loved them! And yes, we rode them over and over all day!

My husband rode the new Brain Drain with the older two. Not my thing to rocket 13 stories high, so me and princess just watched. Awesome was the feedback from their experience. All other rides were open with the exception of the X-Coaster and Arkansas Twister. That was kind of a bummer because those happen to be two of my family’s favorite rides. But, those two rides being down didn’t take away from their fun at all.

The food at any amusement park is a little over priced in my opinion, especially with a larger family so we generally picnic or eat elsewhere. Magic Springs does have a picnic area so we took advantage of that. The area was clean and had lots of shade. But, there were not enough picnic tables available and there were no trash cans available. Sure hope they fix that!

Each summer, there is a series of concerts that are available as well. Some really big names come! We did see Billy Currington here a few years back. I believe the concerts begin in May, but not sure on that.

We had a great time! The park was clean, the staff was friendly and safety minded, and the rides were fun! We will add some more trips to Magic Springs to our adventures soon!

If you are interested in more information, you can find it here @ Magic Springs

Party Central (Things To Do In Arkansas Series)

When I originally started this blog, it was going to be centered around my family’s adventures while out and about here in Arkansas. It has since taken on an “all things momma likes” kind of theme. But, summer is right around the corner and we have started adventuring a little more again since our baby is now a two-year-old that likes adventure as much as the rest of us. So, with that comes my first post in the “Things To Do In Arkansas” series.

During Spring Break, we visited Party Central in Bryant with our church group. Party Central is toddler heaven! An entire room full of inflatables for hours of jumping fun. My two-year-olds favorite was the slide. This particular Party Central seems to be geared towards younger kids and while it was a lot of fun for my toddler and our church groups younger kiddos, I would not choose this as an outing with my older two in tow.

I didn’t notice any concession stand available, but did see smaller items like candy that was available for purchase. The staff was very friendly and the building was very clean.

Party Central has birthday party packages and can be booked for family reunions, church group outings, etc. They also offer scheduled open jump days throughout the year. Open jump entry fee is affordable and party packages seem comparable to other like businesses.

For more information visit Party Central

Things To Do In Arkansas- Digging For Diamonds

Where can you find a diamond and keep it? Arkansas! Crater of Diamonds State Park in southwest Arkansas is the only diamond producing site in the world where you can search for diamonds and keep what you find!

My family took a trip down there a few years back and even though we didn't find anything, we still had lots of fun. The kiddos loved digging and playing in the dirt. We went in the Spring and I would suggest that time of year (or Fall) simply because the area that you will be spending the day is just a wide open space with very few, if any, shade trees. You will be searching over the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater that over 100 million years ago brought the diamonds to the surface. All in all about 37 acres! This is definitley a one of a kind experience.

 Recently, there has been several diamonds found. Over 30 diamonds were found during the month of October, some noteworthy! Some of the finds during this month include two 9 pt diamonds and a 4 pt. You can find a list of the lastest recorded finds here http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/digging-for-diamonds/recent.aspx. Don't worry if you don't have the tools, you can rent or buy them on site at the store!

Aside from the diamond mine, the park also offers camping, a water park, trails, a wildlife observation blind, interpretive programs and fishing opportunities are located nearby.

So, if you are looking for a unique vacation, this may be it!

Things To Do In Arkansas- The Arkansas Frontier Pumpkin Patch/Living History Farm

If you are looking for a pumpkin patch in Arkansas that is fun, unique and educational, I have the perfect place for you! Arkansas Frontier is not just your ordinary pumpkin patch. They offer all the traditional activities you have come to love and expect plus they offer a living history farm.

Arkansas Frontier has plenty of activities sure to please the whole family. What little boy (and girls, too) wouldn't love spending the day digging for dinosaurs/dinosaur eggs? All little princesses love to wear gem stones-she can find her very own at The Gem Mine. Possible finds include fools gold, garnets and rubies or maybe an emerald. And, all the treasures you find are yours to keep!

Perhaps you have always wanted to take a trip back in time. Stop by and see the covered wagon that early American pioneers used to travel (pictures are allowed). Take a tour of the old fashioned school house, complete with the inkwell desks. Explore what early frontier life was like at The Pioneer Homestead- grind corn into cornmeal, cut firewood or milk a cow.

Ever wonder what life was like for the Native Americans? Take a stroll through the Indian Village. Arrowheads and spearheads have been found in this region where many different Native American tribes lived and hunted.

The whole family is sure to enjoy a walk through The Enchanted Forest. Here you can enjoy all things nature AND see some of your favorite childhood storybook characters along the way such as Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, and Hansel and Gretel, just to name a few.

After you have had all that fun, you can enjoy the traditional hayride, get up close with the farm animals, which include some that are not so common (like a lama), compete at the duck races, pick a pumpkin, and let the younger kiddos enjoy the train ride. Then end your day with a picnic in one of the areas they have set up!

Arkansas Frontier is located in Quitman, Arkansas at 1625 Wesley Chapel Road. It is the perfect outing for families, youth church groups, homeschool groups and school field trips. Very reasonable pricing packages are available. Call them at (501)589-3122 or visit their website at http://arkansasfrontier.com/ to learn more. It's more than just a pumpkin patch and a great value!