Climbers
If your kids like to climb as much as mine do, they will love MLK park.  There are several different surfaces on which to climb (boulders, rock walls, and ladders of all sorts).  These are on the large piece of playground equipment located near the Elm Grove Community Center.   

Other Fun Facts
This park offers a lot of room to run (and roll!).  There is a small, but steep hill right behind the Community Center (you can’t miss it).  My kids had lots of laughs rolling down the knoll.  There is play equipment for young kids too.  A shaded play area is designed just for them.  It’s across the park.  This is about the only shade you’ll find in the park, besides a few very nice pavilions.  If those are full, mom, you’ll be sitting in the sun.  So consider wearing a hat or taking some shade.  For older kids, there is a neat skate park (that is for skate boards).  If you want lots of room to throw, toss, shoot, or kick a ball, this park is great.  Grab your football, baseball, soccer ball or basketball and head to the park. 

Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. I took my kids here this summer. Boy, it was hot. Fall is a perfect time to go. At this park you can search a 35-acre field for diamonds, and if you find one, it’s yours! Diamonds are found most every day. Over 80,000 have been found including the 40.23-carat “Uncle Sam”. You might also find jasper, agate, and quartz. Go for the day or camp. There are campsites with water and electricity, a gift shop, and restaurant. Other accommodations are available in Murfreesboro, just 2 miles southeast of the park. Take some buckets and hand shovels. You can rent a sifter at the park, if you’d like. Caution: If you are a clean freak, or “Monkish”, you will definitely get DIRTY! Take an extra pair of clothes, socks, shoes, everything! You’ll need it!  More details available here.

After being closed for several years, Lake Fort Smith State Park reopened in May. The park features all new facilities including campsites, a group lodging facility, picnic sites, a pavilion, marina with boat rentals, swimming pool and visitor center with exhibit gallery. Located eight miles north of Mountainburg on U.S. 71.  Visit ArkansasStateParks.com for more information. 

For $37 your family can rent a boat and cruise around Lake Fort Smith for half a day. Visit the Lake Fort Smith website for more details.  If you go, let us know.  Send your pics to play@fortsmithmoms.com.