Get outdoors and beat the heat at its own game. Here are five playful destinations in central Arkansas that are fun for the whole family.

Big Rock Fun Park recently opened two, brand-new mini golf courses, each with 18 holes. Each course includes 9 handicap-accessible holes, for players using wheelchairs or walkers. The first half of the course, aptly named Willow Greens, winds around scenic willow trees. The next 18 holes, Boulder Falls, is named for the course’s giant boulder and cascading waterfalls. Perched alongside the brook, you’ll see a miniature version of North Little Rock’s Old Mill—the mini is an exact replica of the original, complete with a turning watermill. In addition to playing mini golf, families can also bounce around in bumper boats, zoom around the go-cart track, take a swing in the batting cages or visit the indoor arcade. For more info: 455-3750.

Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs presents its monumental summer exhibit, Mystic Creatures, which is sure to spark imaginations. The topiary-like sculptures depict mythic beasts, such as Sasquatch and a magical sea serpent. The large-scale displays are a mixture of steel frame structures covered in living plant materials, which is called mosaiculture. The end result is an exhibit of impressive displays, some of which stand up to 13-feet tall. In addition to the monsters, families will also see the Fairy Gourdmother, a ‘Shroom Family and Fairy Village. The exhibit is open through Aug. 31.

Bass Pro Shops may seem like an unlikely pick for family fun, but the outdoor store actually hosts free family activities throughout the year. The Family Summer Camp includes free workshops on fishing, archery, kayaking, camping, water safety and backyard adventure. Plus, kids can try out the BB shooting range and make a different craft (noon-2 p.m.) each week, from designing a magnifying glass to making a camp journal. On weekends, fish in a catch and release pond, and pose for a free souvenir photo. Family Summer Camp is each Tue., Thu., Sat. & Sun. through July 13.

Magic Springs Water & Theme Park in Hot Springs can’t keep us away on sunny summer days. In addition to the thrilling roller coasters and water attractions, there’s always something new at the park. This summer, we’re excited about the brand-new “Dive-In Movie” series (see Summer Cinema), and the return of the Character Series featuring Yo Gabba Gabba’s Brobee and Plex (June 27), summertime Santa (July 18), Peppa Pig (Aug. 16) and others. The concert series, free with regular admission, will keep families rocking with performances from Chris Young (July 5), Bridgit Mendler (July 19), Skillet (July 26), Rodney Atkins (Aug. 2) and Switchfoot (Aug. 9).

The Arkansas Travelers baseball games are a grand slam for families. Home games are played in North Little Rock at Dickey-Stephens Park, which includes a family zone outfitted with bounce houses and play equipment. July kicks off with a big Fourth of July weekend celebration: Score $1 hot dogs on July 2, dress for the Christmas in July theme night July 3, and stick around after the game on July 4 to watch the annual fireworks on the river. Plus, families who bring a church bulletin on Sundays can gain admission for their whole crew for just $10. Look for more special giveaways and promotions throughout the month, including Little Rock Zoo Nights on Tuesdays, the Remote Dig game (July 24), the first-ever Clunker Boat Night (July 25), the Arkansas Diamond Series Cup games against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (starting July 28) and more. Young players can also sign up for the Travelers Youth Baseball Camp (July 28-30). Right on the Dickey-Stephens field, boys and girls ages 7-12 learn fundamentals from coaching staff and players. Camp is $100 for three days, and includes four tickets to a Travs game.