Fun Winter Activities in Fort Smith

Just because winter is here doesn’t mean you have to stop going outside. In the Fort Smith area, there are all kinds of fun outdoor and indoor winter activities available. Even when the snow starts to fall, you can still get out and enjoy all that the area has to offer, from cross-country skiing trails, to ice skating, and much more. Here are some fun winter activities in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Ice Skating

Head to the Joel Carver Ice Arena in nearby Springdale for some fun out on the ice. This is the perfect place to spend a winter afternoon, whether you want to skate on your own or take some lessons. The arena offers both hockey and figure skating programs for all ages, and if you’re going to skate as a family, you can get a family pass for four for only $20. The arena offers free skating times almost every day of the week. You can check out the schedule on their website to find a time that works for you.

Winter Hiking

Spend a brisk winter day exploring the trails at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center. It sits on 170 acres of land in Fort Smith with guided hikes available throughout the year. Every weekend a member of the education staff leads a hike along one of the trails. Make sure to dress for the cold weather, and you might want to make sure you have a camera with you.

Hiking in Lake Fort Smith State Park is always an adventure. The park has scenic trails that pass through the Ozarks with options for beginners, intermediate hikers, and for those looking for a challenge. Just be sure to prepare for the terrain and any kind of weather.

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum

The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum features traveling exhibits from national and international artists. Along with the rotating exhibits, the museum also offers classes for both children and adults, free programs on Saturdays, lectures, and after-school programs. The current exhibits include “21 Years: In Search of Ground” by Addison Graham, and “An Element of Nature – Drawings, Paintings & Beehives.” 

Every Saturday, the RAM provides a hands-on exploration of a new medium or art. The program starts at noon and runs until 4:00 p.m. This program is always free and open to all ages.

Fort Smith Brewing Company

The Fort Smith Brewing Company brews small-batch beer. The brewmaster uses only the best ingredients and uses as many local producers as possible to create flavorful craft beer. This local brewing company and its award-winning brews have been featured in several publications and media outlets such as Arkansas Business, and Untapped. This is a perfect spot to go on a cold winter day. You can sit and socialize with other Fort Smith beer lovers and enjoy your favorite local brews.

Check out these activities in the Fort Smith area this winter. You can get outside in the fresh air or stay inside if you prefer. The choice is yours.

Image via FSRAM.org

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