One of the most popular fishing spots on the Mountain Fork River known for excellent bass, catfish, and rainbow trout. The accessible pier makes it easy for kids to cast a line without scrambling over rocks and the river section here runs clear and calm. Catching something is a real possibility even for total beginners. If the kids reel in a keeper take it back to the cabin and grill it for dinner. Early morning before other anglers show up is the best window.
The newest trail addition to Beavers Bend State Park and already one of the most popular with families. This 1.5-mile loop is rated 4.8 stars for good reason. The highlight is a small waterfall along the Mountain Fork River that kids go crazy for. The trail is well maintained and manageable for younger hikers while still feeling like a genuine woods adventure. If you only have time for one trail during your trip this is the one to pick.
A rescue center and petting zoo where kids can interact with goats, rabbits, ducks, donkeys, hedgehogs, and even some exotic animals like coatimundis and bearded dragons. About 95% of the animals are rescued or rehabilitated which gives the visit an extra layer of meaning for older kids who appreciate the mission. The animals are used to little hands which makes the experience comfortable even for toddlers. It only takes about an hour but for kids under 6 it is often the highlight of the whole trip.
Paddle the clear waters of the Mountain Fork River by kayak or canoe with several local outfitters offering hourly and half-day rentals near Beavers Bend State Park. The river is calm enough for beginners and tandem kayaks let a parent pair up with a younger child. The route passes through towering pine forest and rocky bluffs and you can see fish in the water below thanks to the incredible clarity. It is one of the best ways to experience the Broken Bow area from a completely different angle.
A gentle float down the Mountain Fork River is one of the classic Broken Bow family experiences. Several outfitters near Beavers Bend rent tubes and provide shuttle service so you can drift downstream without worrying about logistics. The river is calm and shallow in most sections and the spring-fed water feels incredible on a hot summer day. Kids spot turtles and herons from their tubes while parents just lean back and float. It is one of those rare activities where everyone in the family is genuinely relaxed at the same time.
Rent a side-by-side UTV and hit over 75 miles of guided mountain trails through the Ouachita forest with no trailer needed. The well-maintained UTVs make it accessible for families and kids ride as passengers loving every bump and splash through creek crossings. The scenery along the routes is stunning with mountain views and dense forest around every turn. Two UTVs let families ride together but in their own vehicles which turns it into a friendly competition. This is the kind of adrenaline-fueled adventure kids talk about for the rest of the year.
Guided horseback rides through the Ouachita Mountains overlooking the Glover River with options ranging from one to two hours. The trail horses are calm and well-suited for beginners and the guides match riders to horses based on experience and age. Kids who have never ridden before come back beaming. The scenery along the mountain trails is gorgeous with views down into the river valley. They also offer wagon rides and bluff rappelling for families wanting even more adventure.
A world-class zipline tour through the forest canopy with six lines totaling over half a mile and breathtaking Ouachita Mountain scenery the whole way. With a 4.8-star rating and over a thousand reviews this is widely considered the single best activity in the entire Broken Bow area. The guides keep nervous first-timers at ease while experienced thrill-seekers get their adrenaline fix. The final line is the showstopper and the whole family will be talking about it for months.