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On the edge of town lies a sparkling oasis and cure for the pressures of everyday life. It's just a quick drive away and it's begging to be explored. So grab your car keys and let's visit Lake Fayetteville Park. Relax Your Way 458 acres of land surround the 194 acres of water and most neighbors know the watershed as a fisherman's dream, but there's so much more there than just casting. The Lake Fayetteville area is comprised of several parks that offer very different facilities. North Shore Park boasts a fast-paced disc golf course, while the Veteran's Memorial Park attracts families and sportsmen with its horseshoe pits and hiking trails. If sports are on your mind, check out the Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex where there always seems to be something going on. If you're looking for a more sedate and reflective spot, meander through the gorgeous Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Lake Fayetteville sparkles in every season and visitors love to take in her beauty on the 5.5-mile nature trail. For those longing for a smoother path, the 4.3-mile hard surface trail provides many Instagram-worthy opportunities. The generous shade along the paved trail makes it enjoyable year-round. Explore the Sights Another fun aspect of the trail is that it links up with the Razorback Regional Greenway, a 36-mile paved trail that opened in 2015. It links Lake Fayetteville to a number of local sites including Emma Avenue, Downtown Bentonville, Compton Gardens, and Lake Bella Vista. If Instagram is your thing (or you just love natural beauty), you can't beat the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. This captivating destination features twelve themed gardens and a butterfly house. Frolic amid the colorful blooms or enjoy a moment of solitude in the Japanese Garden. The garden conservancy also offers workshops and classes on topics like gardening and floral and landscape design. Enjoy Countless Activities But Lake Fayetteville isn't just a postcard. It's best enjoyed in active pursuits. Those include hiking, fishing, running, biking (you can rent mountain bikes and trail bikes at the park), and playing sports (softball, horseshoes, volleyball, and disc golf). Children can enjoy free play or create their own adventures on the playground equipment. If you love the water but don't have your own boat, boat rentals are available. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and pontoon boats. Leave your fishing gear at home? No worries. The rental facility at the lake has you covered. You can purchase equipment there as well. With all this activity and communing with nature, you might work up an appetite.  If you do, you'll be pleased to know there is a food truck city with picnic benches located on the street side overlooking the lake. Lake Fayetteville feels like a world away from your busy life but it's only a quick drive. If you need some relaxation set to sparkling lake views or you want to spend more time getting in shape and hate the sterility of a gym, it's well worth the very short trip. See you on the trails! Image via Flickr by timpeartrice

If you enjoy spending your time hiking, camping, or mountain biking, you may need some new or updated gear. Here are three outdoor shops you can visit around Fort Smith, Arkansas, to get exactly what you need for your next outdoor adventure. Gellco Outdoors Gellco Outdoors sells a wide range of shoes that are great for hiking and camping. Brands you will find in the store include Columbia, Merrell, and Timberland. They also sell a wide range of hunting equipment as well. Gellco Outdoors is open between Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are located at 4600 South Zero St. Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods sells a variety of products so you can easily find everything you need for camping, hiking, and mountain biking. For camping, there are items like tents, sleeping bags, and camping electronics, as well as lots of other tools that will help you on your camping adventures. There are also hiking boots and backpacks for hikers. For those who enjoy mountain biking, Dick's sells bikes, helmets, bike tools, and hydration packs, just to name of few of their many products. Other items that are available at Dick's Sporting Goods includes sporting goods for indoor and outdoor sports, water sports, and exercising. Dick's is open from Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, their hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays, they are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are located at 3825 Phoenix Ave. Academy Sports and Outdoors Academy Sports and Outdoors sells lots of outdoor products, including things for camping and biking. Products you can find in the store for camping include tents, sleeping bags and air mattresses, cooking equipment, camping furniture, lighting, and camp essentials. They also have a bunch of grilling and barbecuing products if you like to do grilling while you are camping. They have a selection of bikes for men, women, girls, and boys. In addition to the bikes, you can find helmets and bike accessories so you are ready for the trails. Other products you can find at Academy Sports and Outdoors include things for shooting, fishing, hunting, boating, outdoor living, water sports, and games and recreation. Located at 5001 Phoenix Ave., the store is open from 8 a.m to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Friday and Saturday, the hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., while Sundays are 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. These are just three of some outdoor shops you can visit this summer around Fort Smith, Arkansas. Whether you are looking for camping, hiking, or mountain biking equipment, you will be able to find something to fit your needs. Be sure to check out the other sporting equipment available too, and maybe you will be able to find a new hobby this summer. Photo by vastateparksstaff | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Byrd's Adventure Center is located 40 minutes away from Fort Smith, and the drive is worth it. Many of the activities are more appropriate for older kids, but there are still things that you can do with younger kids. Byrds' Adventure Center offers a wide range of activities such as kayaking, rafting, and canoeing. If you are looking for some real adventure, you may want to try rock climbing, repelling, or bouldering. They also offer classes so you and your children can learn the basics. There are also opportunities for ATV/UTV and 4x4 driving. If you are looking for some activities that are a little more low key, there are fishing, hiking, camping, and biking available as well. There is also a restaurant you can visit called the Riverfront Restaurant, where you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including steaks, fish, sandwiches, burgers, salads, breakfast, and desserts. Ozark Mountain Ziplines If you are looking for a thill, you may want to take your kids to Ozark Mountain Ziplines. This tour is located around Ozark, and the tour lasts about two hours, giving guests a chance to ride 10 different zip lines. The zip lines extend from 120 to 1,800 feet in length. In addition to the zip lines, guests also cross suspended tree platforms, and one suspended sky bridge. There are also two short hikes. This adventure is open to all ages, but they ask that your children be at least three years of age. Pricing is $89 plus tax per person. From June 1 to July 31, the zip lines are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Between August 1 to 13, the zip lines are open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are closed Wednesdays. From August 14 to October 31, they are open Friday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark If you are looking for something to do a little closer to home, Parrot Island Water Park is located in Fort Smith at 7300 Zero St. The water park gives kids of all ages a great opportunity to run around and play in the water on those hot summer days. Attractions that you will enjoy at Parrot Island include a wave pool, children's area, activity pool, lazy river, and four different water slides. There is also a snack shop that sells salads, burgers, sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream if you get hungry. Prices for the park are $15 if you are over 48 inches and $10 for anyone under 48 inches. Children three and under are free, while adults who do not want to swim are $5. Seniors who are over 65 are $9. These are just three of the many fun activities your kids can do this summer in Fort Smith. Whether you are looking for something extreme or a lazy day at the pool, there is something fun for everyone. Photo by LocoRopes | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Fort Smith is full of cultural attractions, with several museums and galleries in the city limits. However, not all learning opportunities are indoors. This summer, take advantage of the amazing Arkansas weather while visiting some of the wildlife reserves, sanctuaries, and parks within a day's drive from Fort Smith. White River National Wildlife Refuge The White River National Wildlife Refuge is a huge outdoor space east of Fort Smith where you can get a close look at native wildlife. The refuge runs for miles north and south along White River, making it an ideal destination for kayaking and canoeing. It's also perfect for camping trips or simple day hikes. The area is home to hummingbirds, snakes, warblers, black bears, ducks, fish, and more. Ozark National Forest For an outdoor destination a little closer to home, check out Ozark National Forest. It takes roughly four hours to reach White River National Wildlife Refuge, but Ozark National Forest is just up the road via Interstate 49 or 40 — about a 30-minute drive to the forest entrance. Ozark National Forest is a 1.2 million-acre area in the Ozark Mountains. It has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as spots for camping and fishing. Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area The Trusten Holder State Wildlife Management Area is a slice of land that borders the White River National Wildlife Refuge, separated by the White River and just above the Arkansas River. You'll find it south past Pine Bluff, so plan on a drive of roughly 4.25 hours. This destination is a fantastic place for kayaking or canoeing, as well as camping and hiking. This is another location where you might see some black bears. Fossil Flats Trailhead Part of Devil's Den State Park, the Fossil Flats Trailhead is close to Fort Smith — just an hour north of the city — and is a great place to go if you want to meet bats, beavers, armadillos, and other wildlife. The park is excellent for kayaking and canoeing, and you'll also find caves and bluffs that you can explore. A hike to Lake Devil is recommended for swimming or fishing. Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge Spanning over 64,000 acres, Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is another huge protected area. It's also the home of the world's largest green tree reservoir, making it a fantastic place for seeing wildlife and Arkansas' natural foliage. Plan on a roughly 4.5-hour drive that will take you far south of Pine Bluff to get there. You can also take a five-hour scenic route that cuts through Ouachita National Forest. Mount Magazine Scenic Byway Speaking of scenic drives, one of the best ones you can take in the state is down the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway. Start your journey just south of Paris, Arkansas. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and other wildlife along the way, or plan a stop at Mount Magazine State Park for hiking and picnicking. Whether you just want to get outside, or you love all things nature, these destinations near Fort Smith are worth checking out. Head out to some of these amazing locations with your family this summer. Photo by cbrown1023 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

The school year is coming to a close, so you are going to have more time to spend with your kids. While the break is a great thing to look forward to, you're also going to need to do some planning and figure out how to pass the time. There are plenty of places that you can go with your kids that everyone will enjoy. If you need to plan some fun activities for your family, here are three fun places to take the kids. Grand Slam Fun Center One of the best places for you to go is the Grand Slam Fun Center. It is located at 5300 South Zero Street. Grand Slam Fun Center has a range of things that you can't find at other places in the area, including go-kart racing and batting cages. There is also a fully updated arcade with an assortment of games that will be fun for everyone. If you are planning a party, Grand Slam Fun Center can help you with that. It offers party planning packages including a party room that you can rent. The Center is open every day except Tuesday and Wednesday, making it easy to plan a party around your schedule. Parrot Island Waterpark Another great place to take your kids is the Parrot Island Waterpark, especially since the weather is already heating up. The park is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m and has an assortment of water rides and activities to keep you cool on the hottest of days. Imagine cooling off in the Caribbean Splash, a wave pool with more the 85,000 gallons of water. For smaller children, they can hang out at the Tiny Turtle Island kids' area. Parrot Island Waterpark is also a great place for a summer birthday party. There are group and party packages available with rooms to rent for private functions. If you want to take multiple trips throughout the summer, then you should think about getting a season pass. The water park will reopen in late May for the season. HogWild Family Fun Center For a daily activity place that has something to do for the entire family, check out HogWild Family Fun Center, located at 3000 South 70th Street. You can find activities like mini golf, laser tag, and an arcade. There are also bumper cars and mini bowling among other things. You could easily spend a few hours each day checking out the different attractions and looking for the ones that you like the best. The summer is great for trying new things with your family. There are still plenty more activities that you can try if you have a means of getting there. Whether you have a new car or an older one that needs service, the team at Rath Auto Resources can help you. They have new and used cars available, as well as a service team that can get you up and running again. Stop by to see what they can do to help you get your family to these fun places this summer. Photo by anjanettew | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Nothing is more fun than spending the afternoon at a park with family or friends. The fresh air and natural beauty have a way of reviving our spirit and helping us feel relaxed. Fort Smith has a wide array of great parks just waiting for you to explore. From large downtown parks to smaller community parks, there are many great places to discover. So pack a picnic lunch and some beverages, and explore these four Fort Smith parks this spring. Fort Smith Park Fort Smith Park had to top the list, not only because of its name but also because of its location on the waterfront in downtown Fort Smith. It's an ideal place to go canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, or just chill out. The park features a boat launch, a covered pavilion, restrooms, and plenty of parking. Plus, it's one of the few public parks where you can drink alcohol responsibly so if want to enjoy a beer while relaxing in the sun, go for it. Anniversary Rose Garden If you love the smell and beauty of roses, then you simply must visit the Anniversary Rose Garden late this spring or early summer when all the roses are in bloom. From fragrant white roses to orange and yellow varieties, there is nothing quite like being surrounded by roses. The park is located on 12th street in downtown Fort Smith. Lake Fort Smith State Park Lake Fort Smith State Park is much more than just a park.  Nestled in a picturesque valley of the majestic Ozark Mountains, this 1,400-acre state park located on the west side of Fort Smith features a ton of wonderful trails. Whether you want to spend the day fishing, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, or just kickin' back, it's the perfect park for anyone. Backpackers often make it the starting point for a trekking expedition on the world-renowned Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail. The park has over 30 campsites as well as group camping facilities with a dining hall and two lodges that easily accommodate over 30 people.  Lake Fort Smith Park also has picnic tables, a covered pavilion, a huge swimming pool, a marina, a children's playground, and 10 cabins. Don't forget to check out the park's visitor center that includes about 8,000 square feet of intriguing exhibits and a cozy outdoor patio made of native stone that includes a fireplace and gorgeous view of the lake. Ross Pendergraft Park Last, but certainly not least is Ross Pendergraft Park. If you're looking for a nice place to relax in busy downtown Fort Smith, this park on Garrison Avenue is the place for you. With clean restrooms and plenty of parking, it's the perfect place to relax during your lunch hour. Please note that smoking and alcohol consumption are not allowed on park grounds. We are so fortunate to live in a city with such an amazing park system. We encourage you to get out there and enjoy it this spring or any other time of year. Photo by Warren Brown Photography | Licensed under cc by 2.0