My favorite little buddy and I rolled to the Arkansas Ozarks for a long weekend getaway, Fayetteville to be exact! We decided to utilize our Balancing Adventure and Responsibility Rule #2 – plan travel around paid holidays off from work and school (click to read all of our tips on smart travel)
This was our first Mommy Son trip, but after all the fun we had, it surely won’t be our last!
We made it a road trip because the area of Arkansas we planned to visit is only a 4.5 hour drive away, and because I’ve learned how to make road trips fun! (side note: what’s gotten into me?? I used to hate road trips and now I’m embracing them)
A part of that fun was stopping for the photo ops (or dance ops) alongside the road in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Where to Stay in Fayetteville, Arkansas
After all our roadside antics, we finally arrived in Fayetteville and checked into our super cool, themed hotel – The Graduate. When you walk in you feel the Razorback spirit through and through. From the hotel key cards (which are fake university IDs), to the pictures on the wall, and even down to the bedding in the rooms…everything is all about the University of Arkansas. It was a super cool stay, and affordable to boot. Keep in mind, we were there in the off season. I would imagine football season is an absolute madhouse.
During your stay, make sure to leave time to enjoy the hotel pool. Although the hotel is downtown, the landscaping and hardscaping around the pool makes you feel secluded. There’s also a cool indoor/outdoor design to the pool. My son loved jumping in from the inside and swimming under the water until he made it outside. We also enjoyed pretending to be super heroes…check us out!
Family Friendly Activities To Do In Fayetteville, Arkansas
Both Brunson and I love adventure, art, and outside, so I knew our itinerary was going to be easy to put together. There is so much to do in the area that will keep you and the kids entertained and engaged the entire trip. Check out what we did to keep the fun going:
Aqua Cycling and a Picnic at Lake Fayetteville
An afternoon on Lake Fayetteville is a must for your Fayetteville, Arkansas itinerary! From biking to nature walks, to kayaking or our fave – Aqua Cycling, there is so much to enjoy!
We spent 3 hours of our Mother Son trip on the lake peddling away on the aqua cycle and enjoying the beautiful views. When you need a break, no worries, peddle into one of the many alcoves and just sit and enjoy your company and the breeze.
Brunson highly recommends the following tips for your next Mother Son aqua cycling adventure:
1. Pack a picnic lunch with plenty of yummy food and snacks.
2. Take risks and hang off the sides by one leg while your mom peddles you around.
3. Take plenty of breaks while sitting on the edge of the aqua cycle splashing your feet in the water.
4. Take dance breaks with your mom.
5. FaceTime your sisters back home to make them jealous.
6. Talk your mom’s ears off while you have her all to yourself, she’ll love every second.
Other tips (from mom):
1. Reserve your time slot in advance to ensure your preferred equipment is available. Prices vary depending on how long you want to enjoy the lake activities. I paid $100 for a half day.
2. Life jackets are provided.
3. The shop at the lake has delicious fresh fruit and an amazing caprese salad in case you forget to pack your lunch ahead of time.
4. Be prepared to do all the peddling while your little one lives their best life!
Thrills and Fun at Lokomotion
No mother-son trip is complete without some good old-fashioned thrills, and Lokomotion delivered! We spent hours riding go-karts, splashing each other on water bumper boats, and battling it out in laser tag. The arcade games were a hit too, and we couldn’t resist indulging in lots of pizza while we were there. This was hands-down one of my son’s favorite parts of the trip, and I had a blast letting loose and embracing my inner kid with him!
Mural Chasing Around Fayetteville
One of our favorite travel traditions is mural chasing—finding the coolest murals in every city we visit and snapping photos. Fayetteville has an amazing art scene, and we had so much fun tracking down vibrant murals scattered throughout the city. It was like a scavenger hunt with the bonus of capturing memories through pictures. Pro tip: plan your mural stops in advance to save time and make sure you don’t miss any hidden gems.
Exploring Terra Studios
For a touch of creativity and whimsy, we visited Terra Studios, and it did not disappoint. Known for its Bluebird of Happiness glass art, this magical space is a combination of art garden and creative playground. We explored the art installations, played chess on a giant board, and learned more about the studio’s history. It was such a delightful and inspiring place, and my son loved the hands-on elements. There is even a secret garden area with little cottages and playhouses straight out of a storybook.
Where to Eat In Fayetteville, Arkansas
Another thing Brunson and I love to do is eat yummy, quality food. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Arkansas cuisine, but we found some really yummy spots!
- Hugo’s: A cozy underground spot known for its burgers and laid-back vibe. It’s a quintessential burger joint located right off the square and within walking distance of The Graduate Hotel. The burgers are huge and, most importantly, delicious!
- Farmer’s Table Cafe: Make sure to ask for outdoor seating. It can get a bit crowded inside. Everything was fresh but could have used a bit more seasoning for my palate. I’m keeping it on the list of recommendations, though because Brunson highly recommends the French Toast, which is adorned with fresh fruit.
- Tula: A delicious spot for tacos and Mexican-inspired dishes. Make sure to leave room for the tres leches cake…it was the best I’ve had in a long time.
- Prelude Breakfast Bar: This was my absolute favorite of the weekend. I had the best omelet ever. It had sweet potatoes in it…absolutely amazing! Brunson recommends the breakfast tacos.
We even took a little road trip to Bentonville one evening for dinner at The Preacher’s Son, an incredible restaurant housed in a restored church. The cuisine was chef’s kiss. The menu is seasonal and fresh, so you never know what you’re going to get, but it will be great. Also, if you decide to go sans kids, check out the rooftop for drink and small bites.
For dessert in Bentonville, we indulged in the playful creations at Trash Ice Cream, which added a fun and quirky end to our day.
Overall, our mother-son weekend in Fayetteville was everything I hoped it would be: fun, adventurous, and full of quality time together. From aqua cycling to mural chasing, every activity brought us closer and created memories we’ll cherish forever. If you’re looking for a destination with a mix of outdoor activities, art, and amazing food, Fayetteville should definitely be on your list. Whether it’s a family trip or a special getaway, this charming city has something for everyone.
Have you been to Fayetteville? What would you add to the list for family fun?
Happy Travels,
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