Looking for a college town with charm, culture, and access to the outdoors? Head to Conway, Arkansas! Known as the “City of Colleges,” Conway blends academic energy with historic streets, local dining, and natural beauty. Whether you’re into arts, hiking, or festivals, Conway is a fun and friendly Arkansas destination.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Conway is in the spring and fall (March–May and September–November). These seasons offer mild temperatures, beautiful scenery, and great local events. Summers are warm but perfect for lake days and farmers markets.
How to Get There
- By Car: Conway is located along I-40, about 30 minutes northwest of Little Rock and 2 hours from Fort Smith.
- By Plane: The nearest airport is Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, about 40 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: Intercity bus service is available from Little Rock with local transport options in Conway.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn Conway – Modern amenities, on-site dining, and a convenient location off the interstate.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Comfortable rooms with breakfast and indoor pool near downtown and shopping.
- The Conway Downtown Inn – Budget-friendly choice with walkable access to local restaurants and entertainment.
Top Attractions
Cadron Settlement Park
Explore historic ruins and scenic trails at this peaceful park, perfect for a family outing.
Spanning over 150 acres, Cadron Settlement Park has been providing a fun, safe, and beautiful setting for visitors to enjoy since 1979.
The park is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places because of its roots as a French trading post.
You’ll be able to see and do much while you’re there including seeing a gorgeous historical mural of the pioneer settlement. Activities such as hiking on the vast trails or boating on the lake are extremely popular.
Amenities include restrooms, designated picnic areas, pavilions, parking lots, handicap-accessible trails, a boat launching ramp, and a reconstructed blockhouse.
6200 Hwy 319 W, Conway, AR 72034, Phone: 501-450-6186
Jack's Ultra Sports Paintball & Lasertag
Enjoy exciting paintball and laser tag battles for a fun, action-packed day with friends.
Jack's Ultra Sports Paintball & Lasertag opened its doors years ago to provide the residents and visitors of Conway a family friendly place to spend an entertaining day. With so many fun things to do, visitors of all ages find themselves excited as they shoot members of the opposite team with their low impact paintball gun or laser gun. Archery Warz is another addition that lets you try your hand with a bow and arrow, but if you’re in the mood for some real mystery, head straight for Jack’s Escape Room. You’ll spend hours playing classic and more modern games in their arcade, as you aim to win an array of exciting prizes.
655 Equity Ave, Conway, AR 72032, Phone: 501-932-6677
Baum Gallery at UCA
Admire contemporary art exhibits and enjoy a cultural experience at this vibrant university gallery.
The Baum Gallery at the University of Central Arkansas is a lovely place to see the works of several local and national artists. A visit there is fun, educational, and inspiring as you browse through the carefully curated original exhibits. You’ll be able to learn a lot about the history of the art, the artists and creators, their studio process, curation, and cultural contexts. You’ll come across many permanent and visiting exhibits, with one of the most popular being ‘The Big Naturals’ which is the only Patrick Dougherty installation in Arkansas and features an installation of several sculptures.
201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035, Phone: 501-450-5793
Recommended Activities for Families
Share the Love Kidsclub
Visit this family-friendly space for fun activities and enriching experiences designed for kids.
Share the Love Kidsclub is a 3,000+ square foot indoor space that is filled with activities which focus on developing a child’s creative, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. Their sensory and imaginative play focus is a dream for parents, while kids have tons of fun interacting with other visitors their age as they’re surrounded by an exploratory learning environment. There are several classes and events held at the club throughout the year such as Music Together, the Kidsclub Magic Show, and daily scheduled activities such as Ball Bash and the Slime Lab. Their Zeteo coffee shop is a wonderful place for parents to have a healthy snack with their child or meet up with others in a playgroup.
911 W Oak St, Conway, AR 72032, Phone: 501-499-9859
Conway Family Bowl
Enjoy a fun night of bowling and family-friendly entertainment at this local bowling alley.
The Conway Family Bowl is a 24-lane bowling center which has been providing a family-friendly entertainment destination for years. The bowling alley is popular with residents and visitors from all over and has proven to be a memorable and fun-filled night with friends and family. If you’re in Conway for an extended amount of time, be sure to join one of their bowling leagues - they have different ones for bowlers of all age groups. Additional aspects of the Conway Family Bowl include an extensive gaming area, complete with a pool table. While you’re there, be sure to dine on the fresh, delicious food served from their kitchen.
1010 E Oak St, Conway, AR 72032, Phone: 501-329-2638
Top Attractions
- Downtown Conway – Shop local boutiques, enjoy cafes, and experience the town’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
- Toad Suck Park – Riverside park with boat launches, picnic shelters, and open green space near the lock and dam.
- Lake Conway – Go boating, fishing, or birdwatching on one of the largest manmade lakes in the U.S.
Where to Eat
- Stoby’s – A local institution known for legendary cheese dip, burgers, and hearty breakfasts.
- Mike’s Place – Upscale yet approachable spot for seafood, steaks, and Southern hospitality.
- Tacos 4 Life – Creative tacos with a mission—every meal helps feed a child in need.
If you are interested in local events
- Toad Suck Daze (May) – Quirky annual festival with music, food, races, and the famous toad-jumping contest.
- Conway ArtsFest (Fall) – Celebration of local art, music, and culture held downtown and on college campuses.
- Downtown Christmas Open House (November) – Holiday kickoff with lights, shopping, and festive treats.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Conway, Arkansas
- Little Rock (30 min) – Explore the River Market, Clinton Presidential Library, and state capitol landmarks.
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park (25–30 min) – Hike to sweeping views or kayak on the Big Maumelle River.
- Mayflower (20 min) – Quiet town with access to Lake Conway and rural charm.
- Vilonia (20–25 min) – Visit the Museum of Veterans and Military History or explore nearby countryside trails.
- Wooster (15 min) – Small-town gateway to peaceful drives, scenic farmland, and local produce stands.
FAQ
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What makes Conway, Arkansas a great vacation destination?
- Conway, Arkansas is a vacation destination that combines the modern amenities of a booming metropolis with a charming, small-town atmosphere.
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Where can visitors learn about the culture and history of Conway?
- Those who want to learn about the culture and history of Conway can head to places such as Cadron Settlement Park and the Baum Gallery at the University of Central Arkansas.
Unique Attractions
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Hilton Garden Inn Conway – A comfortable stay with great amenities.
Explore Cadron Settlement Park – Hike scenic trails and learn about the area's history.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, great for outdoor activities.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – A convenient stay near downtown Conway.
Enjoy Lake Conway – Go fishing, boating, or relax by Arkansas’ largest game and fish commission lake.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful fall foliage.
The Baker House Bed & Breakfast – A charming historic inn in downtown Conway.
Attend the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre – Enjoy classic performances at this renowned festival.
Winter (December-February) – Mild winters with occasional snowfall.
Home2 Suites by Hilton – A modern, cozy option for winter travelers.
Visit Downtown Conway’s Christmas Lights – Experience the festive decorations and holiday events.
More events and things to do.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Cadron Settlement Park
- 2. Jack's Ultra Sports Paintball & Lasertag
- 3. Baum Gallery at UCA
- 4. Share the Love Kidsclub
- 5. Conway Family Bowl