Year after year, students flock to the excellent schools sprinkled across the state of Arkansas. Not only are these places providing a place for students to flourish academically, it also gives students a town or city to explore, a new community to be a part of. So, what’s a college student supposed to do in their free time? Check out our suggestions. Here are 14 great activities for college students in Arkansas.
“Woo Pig Sooey!” Calling the Hogs, tailgating, and watching the Razorbacks play ball. These are just a few of the main ingredients in the diet of an Arkansas college student. Grab your group and go watch some SEC hogball at the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, the home field of the beloved Arkansas Razorbacks football team. Catching a game at historic War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock should be on the Arkansas college student’s bucket list as well.
From the Ozarks to the Ouachitas, Arkansas is the summit of great camping spots. Check out the camping opportunities at some of the Natural State’s most beautiful parks and lakes like Devil’s Den in West Fork, Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas, DeGray Lake near Arkadelphia, Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, or the Lake Ouachita State Park near Mountain Pine.
The Natural State has a long list of scenic hiking trails perfect for Arkansas college students. Check out some of the most popular trails in the Natural State like the Hawksbill Crag Trail in the Ozark National Forest, the Lost Valley Trail on the Buffalo National River, or the Fossil Flats Trailhead at Devil’s Den State Park.
Get to know the community surrounding your college town by volunteering. Involve yourself with community services like volunteering at a local food pantry, hospital, library, shelter, or nursing home. The volunteering opportunities in Arkansas are endless. There is always a need for student-led community service projects and, if you aren’t afraid of needles, the Red Cross is always looking for blood donations.
Another timeless favorite among college students is music. Countless genres are represented throughout the state of Arkansas with live (sometimes free!) concerts being abundant. Among the most popular venues are the Walmart AMP in Rogers, George’s Majestic Lounge on Dickson Street, and the Verizon Arena in Little Rock.
Can you and your friends escape before time has run out? Often used as team building activities, escape rooms provide a group experience like no other. With their low costs (usually around $25 per person) the escape rooms throughout Arkansas are very friendly to a student-budget. Participating in an escape room is a great way to bond with your peers or a great way to just try something new.
The Natural State is speckled with beautiful lakes that provide a wide variety of outdoor activities. A few of the most popular lakes in Arkansas include Beaver Lake, Lake Ouachita, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Dardanelle.
Supplement your college education by taking in the exhibits at one of the Natural State’s great museums. With many must-see museums, here are a few of the best in Arkansas: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Museum of Native American History, and the Walmart Museum, all in Bentonville, the Arkansas Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, and the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs.
College is a time of transition between childhood and adulthood. Don’t ignore that kid inside, go outside and play once in a while. From road races to winter weather activities, there is an endless list of outdoor activities for Arkansas college students including geocaching, Frisbee golf, volleyball, and softball.
Make your parents proud by shopping for farm-fresh food and local products at one of the fabulous farmers markets in Arkansas. Many colleges and universities in Arkansas are deeply rooted in the farmers markets lining their communities. The award-winning Regional Farmer’s Market organized by the ASU College of Agriculture, Engineering, & Technology in Jonesboro is just one example of the impressive marketplaces located throughout the Natural State.
Suppose you’re stuck at school over summer break, either by choice or because of the dreaded summer school session. Make the most of it by getting your feet wet at one of the fun water parks in Arkansas. Some of the best water parks sprinkled across the state include: River River Country in North Little Rock, the Rogers Aquatic Center, the Alma Water Park, Magic Springs & Crystal Falls Water & Theme Park in Hot Springs, and Holiday Springs Water Park in Texarkana.
If there was ever a staple in the life of a college student then it is hanging out with friends. From coffee shops and common rooms to state parks and backyards, there is an endless list of places in Arkansas to just hang out. Hammocking, a trending camping and social activity, is becoming increasingly popular among Arkansas college students who take hanging out outside.
One thing is true of college students: They are always hungry! Grab your friends, maybe a little cash, and head out to one of the countless restaurants that season the Natural State. Some of the best Arkansas eateries include El Parian in Arkadelphia, Hugo’s and The Catfish Hole in Fayetteville, and Skinny J’s in Jonesboro.
Arkansas has a long list of must-see landmarks and scenic roadways that make perfect day trips or weekend getaways for college students. Take a ride down the Boston Mountain Scenic Drive or take a drive along the Pig Trail, also known as Arkansas Highway 23.
