Fayetteville has a little bit of everything that makes Northwest Arkansas special, but with a personality all its own. From the energy of Dickson Street and the University of Arkansas to quiet trails, local shops, and some of our favorite family spots, it’s a city that’s easy to spend a few days exploring. Here’s how we’d spend 72 hours in Fayetteville with kids.
Day 1: Downtown + Wilson Park
Start your first day in downtown Fayetteville, where everything feels walkable, relaxed, and very Fayetteville. Spend some time around the Square! Try and go during Fayetteville Farmer’s Market if you can! We like to go into Folklore, a children’s boutique/gift shop with an ice cream shop in the back! Grab breakfast or coffee at a local favorite (I recommend Arsaga’s) before making your way over to Wilson Park, Fayetteville’s first and oldest park. The 22-acre park is one of the city’s most popular and has a playground, walking trail, pond, gardens, and the famous “Castle” that kids will love exploring.
From Wilson Park, head back toward downtown for lunch and a little more exploring. Dickson Street is full of local restaurants and shops, and you can easily spend an afternoon wandering without needing much of a plan. Big Box Karaoke is right there and we always enjoy spending an hour or two there! You can use code mamasbbk24 for a free hour of karaoke! In the evening, grab dinner downtown – try Cheers at the OPO for a local favorite, or Hammontree’s for gourmet grilled cheese that the whole family will love! Check out the schedule for Walton’s Art Center to see if there are any family-friendly programming happening!
Day 2: Lake Fayetteville + Botanical Garden + Razorback Country
On day two, lean into Fayetteville’s outdoor side. Start at Lake Fayetteville, where you can walk or bike the trails, explore the lake, or simply let the kids enjoy some time outside. The park offers both paved and natural-surface trails along with bike and boat rentals, making it easy to tailor the morning to your family. You can park at Veteran’s Memorial Park and enjoy a nice stroll from there towards the Lake Fayetteville Marina. We also LOVE Gulley Park – where you can enjoy their walking path, newly renovated playground, and even a creek to play in!
From there, visit the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, located right along Lake Fayetteville. The 42-acre garden features 12 themed gardens and plenty of places for kids to explore, including a Children’s Garden and butterfly-themed areas. Plan to spend an hour or two wandering through the gardens rather than trying to rush through. Pro tip: Check the calendar before you go because the Garden hosts family-friendly events throughout the year. For lunch, check out City Park, an outdoor eatery that offers a relaxed setting that’s perfect for kids.
After some time in nature, head toward the University of Arkansas for a little Razorback spirit. Walk around campus, check out Old Main, and let the kids run around the green spaces. If you happen to be visiting during football or baseball season, even better! There’s a completely different energy around campus when the Hogs are playing.
Spend the rest of your afternoon however your family is feeling. You could explore more of Fayetteville’s parks, check out Arcadia Retrograde, or visit the Fayetteville Public Library. The library is HUGE and so fun to explore, and has dedicated youth and family areas along with regular programming and activities for kids. In the evening, grab dinner at Wood Stone Pizza for made-from-scratch, wood-fired pizza.
Day 3: Easy Morning + One Last Adventure
For your final day, keep things flexible. Start with a delicious breakfast at The Farmer’s Table Cafe (get there early, it gets busy on weekends!). If the kids need to burn some energy, Fayetteville has no shortage of places to do it. The city has 60 developed parks, from neighborhood playgrounds to larger parks with trails, splash pads, and other amenities. We also love visiting Play Street Museum, an indoor play space thats perfect for younger kids!
For your last stop, consider stopping by Dad Suggests Books. This children’s bookstore is unlike any other, complete with a magical doorway that leads to a secret reading nook, along with thoughtfully curated selected of books and games.
The beauty of Fayetteville is that you don’t have to cram every attraction into your 72 hours. There is plenty to do, but it’s just as fun to slow down and enjoy the city.
Tips & Tricks
- Keep your schedule loose. Fayetteville has plenty to do without needing a packed itinerary.
- Wear comfortable shoes! You’ll likely spend more time walking than you expect.
- Bring bikes if you have them, especially if you want to explore Lake Fayetteville and the Razorback Greenway.
- Check the event calendars before your trip. Fayetteville has frequent festivals, concerts and family-friendly community events.
Whether you’re local or coming in from out of town, Fayetteville is an easy one to add to your Northwest Arkansas family bucket list.