Looking for the ideal drivable summer getaway in Arkansas? Whether you're planning a family road trip, a spontaneous weekend escape or a low-key couples' getaway, Fort Smith offers warm-weather adventures, historic charm and unforgettable moments.
This list of fun summer activities in Fort Smith will help you cool off, gear up, and experience the best of the city, from riverfront biking and backyard camping to rodeo nights and downtown murals. It's time to explore one of Arkansas's best-kept summer secrets; it's just a short drive away!
1. Float Wells Lake 🚣♂️
Rent kayaks or bring your own for a leisurely float at Wells Lake, next to the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center. Take the kids inside the Visitor Center and pick up some fishing gear. Bonus: try to spot a turtle or heron while you're out!
2. Spend a Day at Parrot Island Waterpark 🌊
Slide down the Pineapple Plunge, drift along the lazy river, and rent a cabana for ultimate chill vibes. Parrot Island is the perfect spot to cool off from the summer heat. Tip: Visit on a Friday night for special twilight swim events!
3. Family Fishing Challenge 🎣
Grab a cheap children’s rod-and-reel kit and head to the Fort Smith Fishing Pavilion, Carol Ann Cross Park's ADA fishing pier, the Arkansas River, or Wells Lake for a casual fishing competition. (Prize? The loser buys sno-cones!)
4. Cheer on the Fort Smith Marshals ⚾
Catch a local Fort Smith Marshals baseball game at Kelley Park! Nothing says summer like cheering for the home team with a hot dog in hand. Check the season schedule and grab your foam fingers!
5. Park Hop Afternoon 🌲
Pack a picnic and head to Creekmore Park for the splash pad, Ben Geren Park for the large playgrounds and soccer fields, or John Bell Jr. Park for the shaded play area. Plan a weekly meetup with friends and explore each week!
6. Visit the New Downtown Sidewalk Art Walk 🖌️
Explore the new Art Walk Connector mural weaving through downtown. You'll be amazed how once plain sidewalks and alleys are now camouflaged with bright, bold art. A perfect hidden photo op!
7. Outdoor Movie Night 🎥
Catch the Movies in the Park event downtown (or set up a backyard projector night with fireflies and popcorn!). Bonus: If you rewatch a classic Fort Smith Western, the Bass Reeves trilogy or a Fort Chaffee film.
8. Bike the River Trail 🚲
Rent or bring a bike and cruise the Greg Smith River Trail, ending with a splash in the water fountains at Compass Park.
9. Try a Summer-Only Flavor 🍋
Discover seasonal desserts such as peach cobbler at The Artistic Bean, summer-flavored macarons at Sweet Boutique or lemon-ice Italian Ice from pop-up vendors around town. Check out the list in the next section for great summer treat spots.
10. Watch a Sunrise (or Sunset) at Fort Smith National Historic Site 🌅
Summer days start early — set your alarm, grab a coffee, and watch the sky change colors over the old Parade Grounds. Even better, walk out to the First Fort Site or sit along the banks where the Poteau and Arkansas Rivers converge for the perfect sunset spot!
11. Cheer at the Old Fort Days Rodeo 🐎
Nothing says Fort Smith summer like boots, bulls and rodeo queens. Don't miss the Memorial Day kickoff and special recognition nights!
12. Mural Hunt + Ice Cream Run 🎨
Take a self-guided tour of the Unexpected Murals downtown, snapping photos at each spot. Then, cool down with your own blend at CherryBerry or grab a dipped cone at Dairy Freeze. If coffee is more your style, grab an iced drink at Fort Smith Coffee Co. before you start your stroll. It's easy to stop while you wander and eat at one of our favorite spots along Garrison Avenue and finish your afternoon at Bookish in the Bakery District.
13. Visit a U-Pick Farm 🍑
Head just outside town to the Arnold Family Farm in Alma or Twin Oaks Farm for peach pickin' June through Aug. .
14. Backyard Campout 🏕️
Pitch a tent at home, make s'mores in the firepit, tell spooky Fort Smith legends under the stars and make it a no-screens night.
15. Attend a Summer Festival or Bash 🧺
From fireworks shows at Harry E. Kelley Park to Back-to-School Bashes and food truck festivals, there's always something sizzling around town.
16. Watermelon Picnic 🍉
Buy a giant watermelon from the Fort Smith Farmers Market and have a backyard (or Riverfront Park) slice-eating contest. It's messy, sweet and perfect.
17. Summer Sweets Tour 🍦
Taste your way through Fort Smith's sweetest summer treats! Grab fresh fruit paletas and mangonadas at La Nueva Michoacana, savor seasonal macarons and cupcakes at Creative Kitchen, or pick up a berry galette or lemon bar from Harvest Moon Bakery - cool, colorful and Instagram-worthy.
18. Find a Hidden Coffee Patio ☕️
Seek a cozy corner like Fort Smith Coffee Co. in the Bakery District. Sip a cold brew under a shady patio, or linger during a summer rainstorm to experience that fresh, after-storm air.
19. Make Your Own Neighborhood Art Walk 🎨
Feeling inspired? Grab sidewalk chalk and create your masterpiece on your street or driveway. Invite your neighbors to join in and host a casual Neighborhood Sidewalk Art Walk — a creative and colorful way to connect, especially if you pass out popsicles or scoops of ice cream at the end!
20. Shop the Farmers Market + Picnic at the Riverfront 🌽
Load up on fresh berries, melons, and baked goods at the Fort Smith Farmers Market (open Wednesday and Saturday 7am-12pm) — then walk to Riverfront Park & Amphitheater and have a DIY summer picnic.
21. Critter Snack Time at the Nature Center 🦎
Swing by the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center any day at 2:00 p.m. for Critter Crunch, a daily live feeding program. Watch turtles, snakes, and other native Arkansas animals enjoy their afternoon snack, and learn what keeps these creatures thriving in the wild!
22. Splishy Splash at the Splash Pads 💦
Meet up with friends and cool off at one of Fort Smith's four free splash pads! Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through early Oct. , these spots are ideal for beating the heat. Bring a picnic and share snacks while the kids run through the fountains and sprinklers.
23. Discover the Best 🏆
Make this the summer when your family takes on the challenge of discovering the best of something. It could be the best burger in town, a pizza spot, the perfect place for a family walk, or the most comfortable chair in a movie theater. Enjoy sampling through the sno cone menu or mixing drink flavors at the drive-in. Engaging in a fun family challenge provides a great excuse to spend quality time together.
Local Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Favorites 🍦
1. CherryBerry Self-Serve Yogurt Bar
CherryBerry is the perfect place to load your cup with a delightful mix of tart and sweet frozen yogurts, then add toppings like gummy bears, cheesecake bites and fresh fruit. Perfect for kids and the young at heart!
2. Sweet Bay Coffee Co.
Sweet Bay Coffee Co. offers tasty shakes and seasonal flavors such as root beer float, pina colada and more — all infused with local coffeehouse vibes. Enjoy your favorite iced or blended drinks to keep cool this summer.
3. Dairy Freeze
Dairy Freeze has been a Fort Smith staple since the 1950s, a nostalgic drive-up diner that creates summer memories. This old-school gem serves classic sundaes, thick malts, creamy shakes, banana splits and chocolate-dipped cones — all with an unmatched charm. Pull up, place your order from the window, and savor a taste of vintage Fort Smith enjoyed for generations.
4. Sugar Llamas
Slip, slurp and Scoop. Oh, the sweetest bites of fresh donuts and sweet summer drinks can be found at Sugar Llamas. Ice Cream, affogatos, Red Bull Mixin’s and more. Don't tell the dentist you came here first!
5. La Nueva Michoacana
This Mexican ice cream factory creates fresh, fruit-forward paletas and traditional frozen treats—a colorful favorite that kids and adults will love.
6. Da' Bayou Snowballs The Rock
Da’ Bayou Snowballs offers Louisiana-style snowballs with bold flavor combinations and classic Southern charm offer a refreshing fusion of Fort Smith flavor and Cajun cool.
7. Vargas Fruiteria
Serving fruit cups, elotes and frozen desserts, Vargas Fruiteria is a popular stop for paletas, smoothies, and creamy treats with an authentic flair.
8. Delicias Michoacanas
A hidden gem serving handmade paletas, sweet ice cream cones, and refreshing fruit cups topped with lime and chili powder. Delicias Michoacanas is a must-try for those looking to beat the summer heat.
9. North Shore Hawaiian Shave Ice
Authentic Hawaiian-style shave ice with a super-fine texture and tropical syrups. Keep an eye out for the North Shore truck at events or follow their schedule online!
10. The Brain Freeze & Coffee Shop
The Brain Freeze is a local favorite with delicious shaved ice, iced drinks and cozy coffee options. It's a one-stop shop for summer snacks and chill vibes.
11. Summer Snow
Find 80 flavors to mix and match with candies, creams and toppings at Summer Snow—everyone in the family will be happy. Sugar-free options always help sweeten the deal!
Summer-Flavored Pastries + Bakery Treats 🥐
1. Harvest Moon Bakery
Think of lemon bars, berry galettes, peach scones and hand pies—Harvest Moon fully embraces seasonal summer baking.
2. The Artistic Bean
Watch for rotating seasonal pastry specials such as lavender scones, lemon-poppyseed muffins and more at Artistic Bean—perfect with a cold brew or iced matcha.
3. Creative Kitchen
Creative Kitchen is a locally owned shop offering mini pies, fruit bars, cookies, seasonal baked goods, take-home meals and foodie gifts. Be sure to check the pastry case; it's worth it!
Cool Treat Chains We Love ⭐
Staple destinations that are always sweet, still satisfying and easy to find!
Fort Smith has something for everyone, from ice cream cones to evening concerts. Whether you're gathering, planning a date night, or simply seeking that summer vibe, we hope this list inspires you to try something new or rediscover an old favorite.
Use this bucket list as your local summer playbook - and don't forget to tag your adventures with #DiscoverFortSmith so we can follow along. We can't wait to see what you discover!
