Quick answer: The top things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas are walking Bathhouse Row and hiking the trails of Hot Springs National Park, ziplining through the forest canopy at Adventureworks Hot Springs (10 ziplines, about 90 minutes), touring Garvan Woodland Gardens, and spending a day on Lake Ouachita or Lake Hamilton. Hot Springs is about 40 minutes from Little Rock.
Hot Springs mixes Gilded Age history with some of the best outdoor recreation in Arkansas. Here's how we'd spend a weekend there, including our own zipline park at Catherine's Landing.
Hot Springs activities at a glance
| Activity | Best for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Zipline canopy tour at Catherine's Landing (10 ziplines) | Families (6+), couples, groups | About 90 minutes |
| Treetop Aerial Adventure Course (16 elements) | Active teens and adults (12+) | Add to your zip tour |
| Bathhouse Row & Hot Springs National Park | History, easy walks, everyone | 2–4 hours |
| National Park hiking trails | Hikers of all levels | 1–4 hours |
| Garvan Woodland Gardens | Gardens, photography, seasonal displays | 2–3 hours |
| Lake Ouachita / Lake Hamilton | Boating, swimming, fishing | Half day or more |
1. Zipline through the forest at Catherine's Landing
Best for: families, couples, groups, and anyone who wants a view of the Arkansas woods from above.
Adventureworks Hot Springs is at Catherine's Landing, about 40 minutes from Little Rock. Our guided canopy tour flies you across 10 ziplines (up to 1,000 feet long and around 80 feet high) in about 90 minutes, with short scenic hikes between platforms.
- Zipline tour: $65.90 adults (18+), $49.90 youth
- Treetop Aerial Adventure Course: a 16-element high-ropes challenge with hanging vines, swinging bridges and cargo nets, $35.90 (ages 12+)
- Zip & Aerial Combo: both experiences for $81.80
- Hours: open daily, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Address: 1700 Shady Grove Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71901. GPS can misdirect, so use the Catherine's Landing entrance and follow the signs to the Zip Park.
- Groups: large groups receive a discount; call (501) 262-9182
- Book: reserve online; reservations are recommended because tours often sell out
2. Walk Bathhouse Row
Hot Springs National Park preserves the historic bathhouses on Central Avenue. Stroll Bathhouse Row and the Grand Promenade behind it, and stop by the park's visitor center to learn the history of the springs.
3. Hike Hot Springs National Park
Trails wind through the wooded hills right above downtown, from short, easy paths to longer ridge hikes. Hot Springs Mountain and the surrounding trails offer overlooks across the Ouachita Mountains, and they're especially pretty in fall.
4. Tour Garvan Woodland Gardens
This botanical garden on Lake Hamilton is known for woodland trails, striking architecture and big seasonal displays, especially in spring and during the holidays. Check the gardens' own site for current hours and events.
5. Get out on the lakes
Hot Springs sits among several lakes. Lake Ouachita, in the surrounding national forest, is known for clear water, boating and fishing. Lake Hamilton is lined with marinas and lakeside restaurants. Rent a boat or kayak for a slower afternoon after your zip tour.
6. Ride the Moonlight Zip Tour
Once a month, around the full moon, our Hot Springs park runs a Moonlight Zip Tour ($70.00), a night zip through the forest by moonlight. Advance reservations are required and spaces are limited. In October, look for our Halloween Themed Moonlight Zip Tours; dates are on the booking calendar.
How much does ziplining cost in Hot Springs, Arkansas?
At Adventureworks Hot Springs, the 10-line canopy zipline tour is $65.90 for adults and $49.90 for youth, including gear and guides, over about 90 minutes. The Treetop Aerial Adventure Course is $35.90 on its own, and the Zip & Aerial Combo is $81.80. Large groups receive a discount.
Is ziplining in Hot Springs good for kids?
Yes. The guided zipline tour is recommended for ages 6 and up, within a weight range of 50 to 250 lbs, with a full safety briefing and professional gear for every guest. The Treetop Aerial Adventure Course and the combo are for ages 12 and up. Unaccompanied minors need a signed release form, which is on the park page.
What is there to do in Hot Springs when it rains?
Bathhouse Row's visitor center and the working bathhouses are good indoor options, and downtown has museums and shops along Central Avenue. Our zip tours run rain or shine and are canceled only for severe weather such as high winds or lightning.
How far is Hot Springs from Little Rock?
Adventureworks Hot Springs, at Catherine's Landing, is about 40 minutes from Little Rock, which makes it an easy day trip. The park is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.