A Family Fun Weekend in Bentonville, Arkansas

Trust me when I say, Bentonville, Arkansas is one of the coolest up-and-coming cities in the USA. If you have never heard of Bentonville, you’re probably thinking that I am exaggerating, but in actuality I am doing my best to give this town the hype it deserves. 

In recent years, Bentonville has branded itself as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World. It’s also well-known as the home of Walmart. While both of those things play a role in what it has become, they are not the full picture. Bentonville has tons of great eateries, some of the best art museums in the world, and it’s basically like a big outdoor playground for families who like to bike. It is an interesting mix of small-town charm and big city amenities with an artsy vibe and a biking culture. If you’re looking to plan a trip, a weekend in Bentonville is a great option.

I have been to Bentonville four times in three years. It never gets old! Here’s a personal guide to fun things to do in Bentonville for adventurous families, based on what we loved most and some things we hope to see next time. 

A Family-Fun Weekend in Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville Hiking Trails & Biking Trails

There are trails all over Bentonville and it seems like each time I visit they have added another. When we were there, we biked on the Downtown Trail, the North Walton Greenway Trail, the Heritage Trail and biked on some streets. It was very easy to get around and the city and cars were good about yielding to bikes. You could spend your whole weekend in Bentonville biking and never get in your car.

We also explored part of the Razorback Greenway, a 37-mile paved trail system that’s perfect for biking and walking. It was a wide, paved trail which made it easy to explore with our trailer pulling the kids. 

We also walked some of the trails around Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. These scenic paths wind through beautiful forests and feature unique outdoor sculptures. We particularly enjoyed the Art Trail, which had larger-than-life art and unique sculptures. My kids and I had fun talking about what we thought the art meant. It’s an easy walk that the whole family can enjoy, with plenty of shade.

If you’re into mountain biking, you need to visit Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Trails. I am not sure I am brave enough to tackle these, but I hope I work up the skill and courage to one day. There are trails for all levels of mountain bikers. 

We missed Osage Park this time, but I hope to make it on our next trip. This park has paved walking trails and a wetland habitat teeming with wildlife that I know my kids will love. Any weekend in Bentonville trip needs to include some of these trails.

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve might be my favorite thing to do in Bentonville. It has trails for all skill levels of mountain bikers and a nice wide paved path for bikers and walkers. My kids loved watching the mountain bikers do jumps and ride the trails. 

The best part was the mid-trail stop at Airship Coffee, an open, outdoor coffee shop with swings, rooftop seating with a nice view, snacks, and great coffee. My kids ate a cookie, and I drank a latte while we soaked in the vibes. 

Near the coffee shop, there is a stream with crystal clear water. My kids threw rocks in and hopped on the stones. There are also two large barns nearby that are fun to explore. If you like coffee and nature, you will love Airship at Coler. This is a can’t-miss activity for any weekend in Bentonville.

Can’t-Miss Art and History

One of the things that makes Bentonville so cool is how much art fills the city. There are public sculptures and murals in most of the public spaces. Also, it has the world-renowned Crystal Bridges which has beautiful architecture, over 5 miles of trails and outdoor sculptures, and art on display. My kids love the trails around Crystal Bridges, and I always love seeing the beautiful architecture. 

Another favorite was the Momentary, where we caught a quirky modern art installation called “Best in Show,” which was all about pets. Dogs were able to come into the gallery and they had treats and toys for them. My kids and I appreciated how whimsical this exhibit was. 

Next time we spend a weekend in Bentonville, I would also like to go to the Museum of Native American History. This looks like a fun and interesting way to learn about indigenous cultures in America. 

The Square

The Square is a classic small town downtown area. It has the original Walton Five and Dime where Walmart began, which is now the Walmart Museum. (When we were there in November 2024 the museum was being renovated and expanded. It is currently at Ledger until February 16, 2025, and will reopen once renovations are complete around March of 2025.) The museum is free and there is a scavenger hunt kids can do. My kids had a lot of fun finding the photos around the museum and were excited to submit their forms for prizes afterward. 

My kids enjoyed old-fashioned ice cream at The Spark Café Soda Fountain. They have kept the prices the same as they used to be, so this might be the most affordable ice cream in the USA! (In November of 2024 the cafe was still open, but it was running out of a food truck in the Square while renovations were happening.)  

The Square also hosts the Bentonville Farmers Market year-around, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, live music, and other events. In the winter, the square is completely covered in thousands of holiday lights. We loved soaking in the beauty of the free lights. 

Scott Family Amazeum

The Scott Family Amazeum was a huge hit with our kids. This hands-on children’s museum is packed with interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity. From building projects in the tinkering hub to exploring the indoor caves, the kids played for hours. We didn’t even get to explore it all! There is an outdoor playscape as well where they can climb, dig, and let their imaginations run wild. It’s an absolute must-visit for families. The only hard part was getting my kids to leave. 

8th Street Market

We spent an afternoon at 8th Street Market, a trendy food and entertainment hub. This space is home to unique eateries, a brewery, public art, and even a cooking school. We grabbed dinner at Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico, which had traditional Mexican foods, and I splurged on a delicious cocktail. The kids loved the giant climbing rock, which is also a great place to watch the sunset over the Momentary. The murals and arts vibes make this a spot you won’t want to miss.

Parks and Playgrounds

One of the best ways to let the kids burn off some energy was at Lawrence Plaza. It was transformed into an ice rink in the winter. In the summer it is a splash pad. This plaza is very close to The Square and a Razorback Greenway trailhead. 

Next time we hope to make it to Orchards Park, Memorial Park, and Osage Park. My kids love playgrounds, but this trip was too packed to fit them all in. 

Where to Eat

Foodies will love Bentonville. The food culture here is top notch. Here are places we tried and loved:

• Crepes Paulette: This spot was a hit with the whole family. The kids devoured their Nutella crepes, while I savored a savory crepe filled with bacon, egg, and cheese. My kids love watching the crepes be made and I love the gluten free options. 
• Yeyo’s: For dinner, we got Yeyo’s. The street tacos were delicious, and my husband loved the elote.
• Thai Kitchen: This place feels a bit like a hole in the wall, which in my experience is the mark of a good Thai restaurant. This place was no exception. The Pad Thai was excellent, and the kids loved the dumplings.

• The Hive: Dining at The Hive was a unique experience. The creative decor kept the kids entertained. There were lots of healthy options and my kids liked the pancakes. 
• Wright’s Barbecue: Don’t tell anyone in Kansas City that I ate BBQ while I was out of town. And definitely don’t tell them that Wright’s Barbeque rivaled the best BBQ places we have at home. 
• The Meteor Cafe: The Meteor Cafe is open all day. We went for dinner. The kids loved the pizza, and I enjoyed a salad. I loved that there was a spot to eat outside too. 
• The Buttered Biscuit: I love all the gluten free options here including fried chicken, waffles, cinnamon rolls and more. 

Where to Stay

One of the best things about Bentonville is its bikeability. Since so many of the activities are near The Square, I recommend looking for accommodations near there so you can walk or bike more. 

We stayed at an AirBnb called the Downtowner. It was like a small modern-day carriage house. The bottom level opened up to a garage and rec area, complete with a ping pong table and claw machine. I loved that this room had a garage door entrance because it made it easy for us to roll our bikes in so we didn’t have to worry about them getting stolen or wet. There are three bedrooms, each with a double bed, a washer and dryer, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and living room area and a balcony. My kids were impressed that each room had its own TV. 

Another great option for anyone looking for a central location, is 21c Museum Hotel. This is more than just a place to stay—it is an experience. The location is great, as it is steps away from The Square. We visited when we went to eat at The Hive and enjoyed all the art installations and artsy vibes. Book HERE.

If you’re looking to camp instead, check out the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve Campground. It is one of my Top 10 Places to Camp near Kansas City. I called it “the Four Seasons” of campgrounds because the amenities are so nice. I also loved that you could walk or bike to breakfast at Airship if you didn’t feel like cooking or making coffee. 

Conclusion

There are so many things to do in Bentonville for families, from world-class biking trails and inspiring art to delicious food and family-friendly accommodations. We keep going back to Bentonville because the activities there are so unique. There is no place else with the same blend of art, nature, and family friendly activities. If you’re looking for your next family getaway, Bentonville should be at the top of your list! 

If you’re looking for more local trips, check out 7 Best Weekend Trips from Kansas City!