Most people know Bentonville, Arkansas, simply as Walmart’s Headquarters, but Northwest Arkansas (NWA) has quickly become one of our absolute favorite family weekend getaways from St. Louis! From specialty coffee roasters and world-class art museums to interactive indoor play spaces, incredible local dining, and scenic mountain bike trails, NWA offers something exciting for every age.
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Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Comfort
TownePlace Suites by Marriott (Bentonville / Rogers)
When traveling with toddlers or multiple kids, extra space and convenience are everything. Staying at TownePlace Suites gives you quick, easy access to both Bentonville and Rogers. Plus, the spacious rooms feature full kitchenettes which is perfect for storing road trip snacks, milk, and toddler essentials!
Day 1
Dinner: Louise at Thaden Field
Kick off your NWA trip with dinner at Louise at Thaden Field, a unique casual diner located right inside the aviation center.
The Highlight: Kids (and adults!) can enjoy amazing food like the chicken and waffles and fried pickles while watching private planes and helicopters take off and land right outside the dining room windows. We loved the patio that had yard games and plenty of space for our kids to play.
After Dinner: Osage Park
After dinner, head right next door to Osage Park for an evening stroll and to play on the playground.
The Highlights: Beautiful wooden boardwalks over wetlands, a dog park, and plenty of wide-open green space for kids to run and burn off extra travel energy.
Day 2
Morning:
Breakfast at Onyx Coffee Lab: Start your morning with world-class specialty coffee, seasonal lattes, and fresh pastries at one of Arkansas's most iconic roasteries. We loved the breakfast sandwich!
Play at Orchards Park: Head over to Orchards Park to let the kids run wild on the playground while you wait for museum doors to open.
Mid Morning
The Scott Family Amazeum (Opens at 10:00 AM): This interactive children’s museum is a non-negotiable must-visit! From indoor water play and massive climbing structures to a mini Walmart market, kids can easily spend hours exploring hands on STEM concepts through play. I would plan to spend at least 3 hours here.
Pro-Tip: Pack a picnic lunch! Eating on-site allows you to maximize your play time without having to pack up the whole family to find a restaurant.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Next, head right down the road to Crystal Bridges. Featuring stunning modern architecture, world-renowned artwork, and scenic surrounding walking trails, it’s remarkably family-friendly. We spent about 2 hours here.
Parent Hack: The wide galleries and smooth outdoor trails make it an ideal spot for a stroller nap for younger kiddos while older siblings explore the art exhibits.
Dinner Options
Wrap up your big day with two top-tier local favorites:
Wright’s BBQ: Ranked among the best BBQ in the South, famous for its wood-fired brisket and ribs.
Pedaler’s Pub: A vibrant local spot serving up amazing wood-fired pizzas, wings, and craft beers in a casual, bike-friendly setting.
Dessert
The Walmart Museum & Spark Café: Walk down to historic Bentonville Town Square to visit the Walmart Museum and grab a scoop of delicious ice cream at Spark Café.
Day 3
Before heading home, choose one of these two awesome morning options to finish your trip on a high note:
Option A: Outdoor Nature & Hidden Coffee
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve: Take a scenic stroll down the paved valley trail to Airship Coffee, an open-air café tucked directly into the woods that is only accessible by walking or biking! It features a play area and plenty of space for kids to explore while parents enjoy a craft brew or coffee.
Option B: Downtown Rogers Play & History
Railyard Park & Onyx HQ: Head over to Downtown Rogers to explore Railyard Park, complete with a splash park and fun play structures. Afterward, grab breakfast or a final latte at the massive, stunning Onyx Coffee Lab headquarters nearby.
Quick Tips for Visiting Bentonville with Kids
Pack a Stroller: Places like Crystal Bridges, Osage Park, and Coler Mountain Bike Preserve feature long, smooth, stroller-friendly paths.
Embrace the Bike Culture: Northwest Arkansas is known as the mountain biking capital of the world—bring helmets and bikes or scooters if your kids love to ride!