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There are a great many family-fun things to do in Arkansas. Family-friendly, Arkansas (pronounced "r-can-saw"), offers cultural, historical, scientific and adventure attractions that will turn your family vacation into a wonderful memory. Of course, being called the "Natural State" you can figure that some of the best things to see and do will be in the great outdoors.

Forest and Water Fun - There are over 2.9 million acres of national forest, 1,500 miles on 250 hiking trails. The entire family will enjoy whitewater rafting and fishing on the 9,000 miles of rivers and streams and water sports of all kinds on the 600,000 acres of lakes.

Dig for Diamonds - Spend a fun day at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. This is the only diamond mine open to the public that allows visitors to dig for diamonds and keep any they find. There are even campsites, a gift shop and a café. Over 19,000 diamonds have been found since the Park opened in 1972.

Chapel of the Ozarks - The Chapel of the Ozarks is located in Bella Vista, Arkansas, and is actually called the "Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel". This breath-taking building is an architectural wonder of steel beams and glass walls where music plays every day. Forget booking it for your wedding though; there's a six-year waiting list!

Museums - Check out The Gangster Museum of America in Hot Springs to learn about such famous gangsters as Bugs Moran, Al Capone, Lucky Luciano and Frank Costello who liked the equally-famous hot springs. Little girls will thrill at all the different dolls to be found in Fort Smith's Enchanted Doll Museum.

Caves and Caverns - Your kids will be fascinated by the stalagmites and shiver with wonder at the skeletal evidence of early cave explorers at the Blanchard Springs Caverns. Visit the War Eagle Cavern for a maze of fun, gemstone panning and spooky bats.

It's a Ranch, Dude! - The Horseshoe Canyon Ranch outside of Jasper, Arkansas offers guest a true Western experience. Aside from horseback riding and adult fun, there are special programs for the kids where they learn about animal and plants, ranch-inspired crafts and get to ride a pony. There is nothing better than a dude ranch vacation for the budding cowgirl or cowboy in your family.

Festivals of Fun - Arkansas is a land of fun local festivals that draw people from all over and offer great fun, education and food at any number of themed festivals. There are produce festivals, like the tomato, grape, peach and watermelon festivals. Food festivals celebrate Greek food, chili, barbecue and catfish. Music fills the air at bluegrass, country, jazz and rock 'n' roll festivals. Then of course, there's the duck calling contest and the bass fishing tournament that take place in a festival atmosphere.

More Family Fun - Visit the Crossland Zoo in Crosset, one of two zoos in the state. If you are there in September, visit Fordyce for the Dallas County Fair parade, beauty pageant and rodeo.

Visit often to learn more information from our updated Things to Do in Arkansas.