5 Events for Weekend Fun: Dinosaurs at Mid-America, Jacksonville's Splash Zone & More
Kick off your summer of fun with a bang! Memorial Day weekend offers plenty of events for families, including a super celebration at Magic Springs and the debut of a Dinosaur exhibit at the Mid-America Science Museum. And if these five events aren't enough, we've also rounded up more ideas for the holiday weekend here.
Dinosaurs Revealed Exhibit Opening at Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs: Dinosaurs Revealed combines both fossils and animatronic dinosaur displays (including a T-Rex!) that are distributed throughout the museum. Interact with lifelike pre-historic vignettes and engage in hands-on science-related activities, including a Dino Scavenger Hunt and fossil dig box where kids can use paleontology tools to unearth dino bones. Exhibit opens May 28-Sept. 5. Exhibit included with general admission to the museum: $10, kids $8. Info: (501) 767-3461, MidAmericaMuseum.org.
Opening Weekend at Splash Zone in Jacksonville: Jacksonville’s premier water park features a plunge pool with two water slides, a water tunnel, the umbrella-shaped Rain Drop and Dew Drop water showers and the kids-only Tea Cup and play structure. Concessions available. Handicap accessible. Opening weekend hours: noon-6 p.m. May 28-30. The park is open through Labor Day. $5 for ages 2 and older; slides are $1 for the day. Info: (501) 982-4171, CityOfJacksonville.net.
The Kids Club at The Yarn Mart: The monthly club invites children to make an art project. This month's event focuses on a string art plaque. The club meets on the last Saturday of every month at 1:30 p.m. 1:30-2:15 p.m. May 28. $15. Info: (501) 666-6505, TheYarnMart.com.
Go Outdoors! at Bass Pro Shops: Bass Pro will host free workshops and activities for families this weekend. Attendees are taught to build a campfire and cook a meal using it. Families learn how to select equipment, tents and outdoor activities, as well as the basics of kayaking and local waterways to explore as a family! From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visitors can also sample free barbeque grilled up by local pit masters. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 28 & 29. Info: BassPro.com. FREE!
Memorial Day Celebration at Magic Springs & Crystal Falls in Hot Springs: The day begins with a parade featuring ROTC Color Guards and high school marching bands that march through the park. Activities include face-painting and bubbles, live entertainment from the Just Sayin’ Band, Moxie Band and more, and the grand opening of the "The Magic Spring"—a new chiller pool. Families can also take advantage of two-for-one promotion this weekend: Buy a general admission ticket at the gate on Saturday and you can return for free on Sunday or Monday. If you visit on Sunday, you’ll get in for free on Monday! Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. water park; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. theme park. Ticket price varies. Info: (501) 624-0100, MagicSprings.com.