Wife and I are taking our 7yo to hot springs this spring break, and my dad and sister are going to come hangout for part of the trip. Rented a nice house on the water, and have read the previous threads on Texags for ideas already. Here is what we have come up with to do in no particluar order so far:

-Ron Coleman mining
-Garvin Woodland Gardens
-Duck Tour
-Viewing tower
-Theme park
-Horse races
-Hike and exlpore lake Ouachita, maybe kayak or boat rental depending on weather.
-Wife and I might sneak away to a bath house.


Anybody want to add anything or give any additional pointers? Also, should we drive it straight through or is there somewhere we should spend a night on the way there. Looking at the map we did not see any interesting towns we go through between College Station and there. TIA!

If you like casinos, I remember them giving out vouchers to get you in the door. Nothing noteworthy there but good to kill an hour or so.

The Lake is beautiful and should be one at the top of your list

The water park/theme park is closed during Spring Break time usually
Galvan Gardens is very nice but not best during March
Bathhouses aren't anything big to do but have a display and one was made into a brewery

That said if you like golf the Village is excellent for this endeavor and I would look to book on a couple of courses
I can recommend a few places to eat if you tell me what you like.
I personally love the area more than just having my parents retire there but Spring Break isn't the best time to be there compared to other seasons

We have actually stayed in Hot Springs a few times as a stopping point, so you should be able to get there easily in one drive.
The Arlington Resort and Spa usually had a decent special and you can add in a spa visit too.
We hiked across the street up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower and we usually try to stop by the Steinhaus Keller Restaurant for German food.

One year we stayed on Lake Ouchita and rented a Jet Ski and enjoyed cruising around the lake.
We stopped at Crater of Diamonds State Park once, but that can be a challenge depending on the weather and attitude of your crew.

Thanks for the ideas! As far as food, we are not too picky. Will def make it by the german rest, but otherwise interested in places that are good but not fancy. We are not expecting to find a Truth BBQ there or anything, but are open to learning about the places worth our time. I have read a number of the places in the shop area of town are nothing special.

On the drive:

We have a son at U Ark (yes, different area) and make that drive (8+ hours from Austin, so actually longer than your drive) easily in a day. Assuming your daughter is OK with a drive, no need to stop somewhere.

Duck tour? I would be leery of those these days...

With a 7 year old my focus would be on the Lake area and also the following during spring break

Mid America Science Museum
Observation Tower
Kilwins Ice Cream Shop on Central Ave
Duck tour meets near the Ice Cream Shop but we have never taken it. We did the riverboat but wasn't worth it in our opinion.

if you like to hike the state park system is pretty good in Arkansas with Petite Jean and Devil's Den and Pinnacle Mountain and those are a day trip away from Hot Springs.
If you have the entire week I would suggest NW Arkansas with Crystal Bridges museum and the funky town of Eureka Springs although better at Christmas Time

As for food a 7 year old would probably like the Purple Cow but our favorite is actually just outside the Village area called the Itialian House which we love. It is our oldest daughters favorite place and my wife and I as well and go every time we visit my mom and dad before he passed
No BBQ worth what you can find in Texas

Food wise go with Rocky's Corner for a great pizza then hit up McClards (not for their BBQ) but for their "tamale boat"..

Contrary to what was posted above. Garvan Gardens is spectacular in March. That is when the tulips are blooming.

MAROON said:

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Contrary to what was posted above. Garvan Gardens is spectacular in March. That is when the tulips are blooming.

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Not disagreeing that it is good but April May and then Xmas time for lights is when it is best. We have been at beginning of spring break a few years back and found it not as good as other months but still a good place to visit