The heat has set in and summer will officially be here in a week. Have you made your summer bucket list? No matter if you’re wanting a lake, waterfall, splash pad, swim hole, or full-blown water park, these 12 water wonderlands in Arkansas can certainly deliver. Let’s dive right in!

1. Parrot Island Water Park - Fort Smith
Facebook/Parrot Island Waterpark
Visiting water parks in Arkansas is always a perfect way to kick off summer. Parrot Island Water Park in Fort Smith is a 20,000-sq. ft. water park with an attraction for every age group, including a surfing machine. Visit their website for more information.

Address: 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, AR 72903
2. Charlton Recreation Area - Royal
Google/Mrs Hayes
If you'd rather have a more natural water park, head to the Charlton Rec Area. The spring-fed Walnut Creek stays chilly even during the hottest days. Swim for a few hours or set up camp for a relaxing weekend in the Ouachita National Forest. For more details on this area, read our full article right here.

Address: 154 Milholen Trail, Royal, AR 71968
3. Kayak Park - Siloam Springs
Google/Joplin Outdoors
One of the most underrated treasures in NWA is the Kayak Park of Siloam Springs. Work on your paddling skills in this human-engineered white water adventure or just pick a swimming hole along the river's edge. Read our full article to learn more about this awesome park and check the website for current water conditions before you go.

Address: 19253 Fisher Ford Road, Siloam Springs, AR 72761
4. Lake Ponder - Paragould
Wikimedia/Thomas R Machnitzki
Located in Crowley's Ridge State Park, Lake Ponder is an enhanced swimming experience. Slide down one of the tubes for a bit of fun before snorkeling with the small fish. The state park has plenty to do from trails to cabins for an extended stay. For more details about the lake, go right here.

Address: 2092 Highway 168 North, Paragould, AR 72450
5. DeGray Lake Resort State Park - Bismarck
Flickr/Amy the Nurse
Arkansas' only resort state park is perfect for a family vacation (and you won't even need plane tickets)! The island resort has endless water-based activities including guided kayak tours and stand-up paddle boards for rent. Keep your retreat as a simple camping weekend or splurge at the lodge and golf course. For more highlights, read this article.

Address: 2027 State Park Entrance Road, Bismarck, AR 71929
6. Norfork Lake - Henderson
Facebook/Norfork Lake Fun
White sand beaches don't have to be thousands of miles away. Norfork Lake has some of the prettiest beachfront in the Ozarks. There's nowhere better to dig your toes in than at the lake's Sand Island. It's definitely worth the paddle trip! You can learn more about the lake by reading this article.

Address: 151 Panther Bay Loop, Mountain Home, AR 72653

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7. Lake Ouachita - Avant
Facebook/Rabbit Tail Water Trail
Lake Ouachita has some of the cleanest water in the entire country, which means freshwater jellyfish as well as summer-lovin' Arkansans thrive here. There are too many attractions and activities to list for this lake but we do suggest adding their island camping or water trail to your itinerary.

Address: 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine, AR 71956
8. War Memorial Park Splash Pad - Little Rock
Facebook/Little Rock Parks & Recreation
Enjoy a day trip to the War Memorial Park Splash Pad for an urban adventure. The splash pads of Little Rock really put all others to shame. The interactive features and natural rock facades will thrill young splashers all summer long. For directions to all three of Little Rock's splash pads, visit this site.

Address: 5511 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
9. Falling Water Falls - Pelsor
AllTrails/Paul Henry
Jumping back into nature, no Arkansas summer would be complete without a waterfall excursion. The waterfall-fed swim hole at Falling Water Falls doesn't require hiking either! Just drive up and enjoy this beautiful area. To see more of this gorgeous waterfall, read our full article right here.

Address: Forest Service Road 1205, Mt Pleasant Township, AR 72686
10. Little Maumelle River - Little Rock
Facebook/Arkansas Watertrails Partnership
Swimming is always fun but don't forget a paddle trip or two this season. The Little Maumelle River is one of our favorite kayak trips for its beauty and surprising pit stop. The river has a floating platform for literal on-the-water camping! You can read all the details right here.

Address: 8803 Ranch Boulevard, Little Rock, AR 72223
11. Buffalo River - St. Joe
Google/Patrick Caple
The Buffalo National River has dozens of swimming holes (and water activities for that matter) but Woolum might be our favorite. The stunning bluffs and clear waters make this standout spot a must-visit. One good place to begin planning your Buffalo adventure is this outdoor center.

Address: 4699 AR-43 Highway, Ponca, AR 72670
12. Magic Springs Theme and Water Park - Hot Springs
Facebook/Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
We'll end our summer in Arkansas trip inspiration with a big splash at Magic Springs. Whether you diligently visit every year or have yet to take the plunge, this water park is a beloved treasure. Ride a roller coaster or drift in the lazy river for a day of summer fun. For more details, visit their website.

Address: 1701 East Grand Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901

Have we inspired a summer trip or three? What other places would you add to this list of water wonderlands in Arkansas? Share your favorite water spots with us in the comments below!

If you prefer to dive, here’s an underwater adventure you shouldn’t miss.

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More to Explore

Water Wonderlands In Arkansas

Melissa M | May 01, 2021

What is summer in Arkansas like?

Summers in Arkansas are hot and humid with an average high of 93 degrees and several days over 100 degrees. Heat is at its highest in July and August and with that comes thunderstorms and heavy rains. 

Where can I go tubing in Arkansas?

The Natural State has numerous calm, lazy rivers that are perfect for tubing. Float your cares away on Kings River which is filled with incredible scenery that will make your experience on the water a very interesting one. With crystal clear water, you may also be able to see some fish swim by as well. An eight-mile stretch of the Caddo River has mostly calm waters but a few small rapids to keep your interest along the way and some lovely scenery as well. If you really want to cool off during the hot summer months, Spring River, which is fed by Mammoth Springs, has incredibly cold water which is a welcome attribute to escape the heat. Learn more about these lazy rivers and several more by reading our previous post, which can help you plan your summer tubing trips.

Where can I find waterfalls in Arkansas?

The state of Arkansas has several gorgeous waterfalls that are worth visiting, some of which don’t require hiking and some that do. As for the ones that do not involve hiking for miles to access, you can head to our previous coverage. Included in this list are Little Missouri Falls that you only need to walk a short distance to see, Natural Dam that you can park close to, and Marble Falls located right off of Scenic Byway 7. If you desire a hike that leads to a waterfall, there are several included in our Road Trip Around Ozark’s Waterfalls.

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Explore Arkansas

Featured Addresses
7300 Zero St, Fort Smith, AR 72903, USA
154 Milholen Trail, Royal, AR 71968, USA
19253 Fisher Ford Rd, Siloam Springs, AR 72761, USA
2092 Hwy 168 W, Paragould, AR 72450, USA
2027 State Park Entrance Rd, Bismarck, AR 71929, USA
151 Panther Bay Loop, Mountain Home, AR 72653, USA
5451 Mountain Pine Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956, USA
5511 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
Forest Service Rd 1205, Witts Springs, AR 72686, USA
8803 Ranch Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA
4699 AR-43, Ponca, AR 72670, USA
1701 E Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA