Skip to main content
The image is a logo for "The Berkley Apartments".
The image is a logo for "The Berkley Apartments".

Big Fun, No Cost: Five Free Things To Do in Little Rock, Arkansas

Big Fun, No Cost: Five Free Things To Do in Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas is one of the Souths most historic cities, known for its many cultural sites and abundance of outdoor recreation. Many people visiting or living in Little Rock find themselves engaging in the city's growing cultural scene or spending the day outdoors.

If you're headed to Little Rock and want to plan your itinerary, you'll find that there is no shortage of activities in the city to keep you busy. Whether you're looking to dive into home history, want to spend the day relaxing, or are looking for adventure, Little Rock has a little something for everyone. Here at The Berkley, Little Rocks favorite apartment community, we want to help residents, locals, and visitors alike find exciting opportunities in and around the city. To help you prepare, we've compiled a list of free things you can do to enjoy your time in Little Rock.


Pinnacle Mountain State Park

For outdoor enthusiasts, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a great way to spend the day. This park was first opened in 1977 and operates daily. You can engage in a variety of activities here, including hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. You can also paddle and go fishing on Big and Little Maumelle Rivers.

This breathtaking park features over 33 miles of trails, the 71-acre Arkansas Arboretum, guided horseback riding, and a visitor center. If you want to spend your time relaxing in the park, there are picnic tables available throughout. For a little history, visit the Trail of Tears National Historic Site, which commemorates the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their homelands in the Southeastern United States.
A man and a woman are walking on a path in the woods.

Arkansas State Capitol

Little Rock is filled with incredible history, an attribute that not only makes it one of the most unique places to live but also provides residents and visitors with many unique things to do. If you're ready to dive into your next immersive history lesson, visit the Arkansas State Capitol. In 1911, the General Assembly came together for its first session in the near complete Arkansas State Capitol. The structure was officially completed four years later, totaling 247,000 square feet.

The Arkansas State Capitol features marble walls and floors and limestone exterior. When visiting the Capitol, visitors can experience a variety of exhibits that detail the Capitol's lengthy building process. Visitors can also explore Arkansas' involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and the state's role in wartime efforts. The Arkansas State Capitol also features a beautiful garden, including 50 varieties of roses. Additionally, the garden houses a monument to the Little Rock Nine — nine African American students who courageously integrated into Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Visitors have the option to book a free guided tour of the Capitol or can take a self-guided tour using one of their pamphlets available at the visitor's center. The building is open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am-3pm on weekends and state holidays.

A large, grand building with a dome on top and multiple flags flying in front.

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

For art lovers, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is an art museum and active center for the visual and performing arts. This museum features a world-class international collection of art, live theatre productions, art classes, family programs, and more. Admission to the museum is free with daily operation from 10am-5pm.

Once you're done enjoying their art collections, take a moment to relax at their delicious restaurants. Park Grill is located adjacent to the Museum entrance and is a full service restaurant serving contemporary American fare with artistic flavors. They serve brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.



Old State House Museum

Built in 1836, the Old State House Museum is the state's first capital building and the oldest state capitol building west of the Mississippi river. If you're interested in diving into deep Arkansas history, you can visit the Old State House Musuem Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. Admission to the museum is free.

The Old State House Museum offers visitors a variety of ways to experience the museum. You can opt for a self-guided tour, which is ideal for groups of 10 or less. They also host field trips for larger groups. Visitors will find a variety of artifacts at the Old State House Museum that will take them back in time and provide a sense of early Arkansas.



The Arkansas River Trail

The Arkansas River Trail is a bicycle trail with roughly 100 miles of bike paths stretching from downtown Little Rock in the River Market all the way to Pinnacle Mountain. If you're looking to get fresh air and exercise, taking a bike stroll is a great way to spend the day. On your journey, you'll pass by several attractions, including many thriving arts, cultural, and social scenes.

If you would like to rent a bike, bike rentals are provided in the downtown Little Rock River Market.

A group of people riding bikes on a forest trail.

Find Your Dream Home at The Berkely Apartments

Little Rock, Arkansas is one of the best places to call home. With so many outdoor activities and historical sites, you can always find something to do in this vibrant city. If you’re looking for your next apartment home in Little Rock, visit us at The Berkley Apartments. We offer beautiful 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans that are designed to maximize your everyday comfort. Residents also gain access to exclusive amenities like outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, an enclosed dog park, and onsite laundry facilities. Schedule your tour today and discover your next home in Little Rock.