CHILL INDOORS

Cool off inside with these fun activities

Cool off inside with these fun activities

SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

In addition to countless outdoor activities, Arkansas offers an abundance of indoor attractions — perfect for a rainy day or for cool respite from the summer heat. From historic exhibits to interactive science museums and underground adventures, visitors from all walks of life will discover an exceptional amount of awe-inspiring opportunities to learn more about The Natural State. The following are only a few of the indoor excursions within the state that will give visitors a taste of Arkansas — and a desire to discover more.

MID-AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM

Built on the outskirts of Hot Springs National Park, the Mid-America Science Museum is a hidden gem. Not only is this museum the state’s largest handson science center, but it’s also the first Smithsonian Affiliate in Arkansas. Children of all ages can enjoy more than 100 handson exhibits with an emphasis on energy, matter, life and perception. Summer camps are available beginning at the end of June and continuing through the end of July. For more information, visit www. midamericamuseum.org.

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

Adults with sophisticated taste can indulge in this Bentonville museum’s permanent art collection, which spans five centuries of American masterworks and includes Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter and Andy Warhol’s Coca-Cola — each reflecting a distinct moment in American artistic evolution. Children can discover their artistic talents in the Experience Art Studio, a fun discovery space for both children and adults that’s designed to guide guests through various ways of looking at and thinking about works of art. For more information, visit crystalbridges.org.

MYSTIC CAVERNS

Located in Harrison, this stunning underground attraction allows visitors to hike in naturally cool comfort and take in a dazzling display of cave formations. There are two tours from which to choose — the Mystic Cavern and the Crystal Dome. Both tours offer an adventure through history and spectacular underground formations. For more information, call 888-743-1739, or visit www.mysticcaverns.com.

ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER

Those who enjoy a little of everything can visit the Arkansas Arts Center in downtown Little Rock. The center encompasses a museum with constantly rotating exhibits, a children’s theater and classes designed to teach and inspire a variety of ages. Currently on rotation, the Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition is a part of the center’s Statewide ArtsReach program. This exhibition, founded in 1961, showcases artwork by students in kindergarten through the 12th grade across Arkansas.

“It’s just beautiful to see these different age groups showing us their artistic spirit,” said Todd Herman, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center. “All of the artworks are just wonderful to look at. They’re very happy and joyous and make you smile, and the talent is wonderful. It’s a very exciting moment for a lot of these young artists.”

For more information, visit www.arkansas artscenter.org.

ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH NATURE CENTERS

Some may prefer to learn about the great outdoors while indoors — and they can do so by visiting any of the state’s four Arkansas Game and Fish Nature Centers, located in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro and Fort Smith.

The Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center is designed as a waterfowl hunting lodge, set among Pine Bluff Regional Park’s Delta bottomland. The exhibits vividly show how swamps serve as valuable ecosystems.

In Jonesboro, the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center features a three-story education, exhibit and meeting facility on 160 acres. The property includes a 5.5-acre prairie, a 2.5-acre pond and approximately 100 acres of woodlands.

Fort Smith’s Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center encompasses 170 acres and overlooks Wells Lake, a popular local fishing and picnicking destination. The center focuses on the variety of animals and birds that call the area home.

Those who find themselves in downtown Little Rock can visit the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, which sits on 3.4 acres in the River Market District, overlooking the Arkansas River. For more information, visit www.agfc.com.

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