Families searching for the best family vacation destinations in the South, top-rated resorts in Arkansas, or unique places to stay with kids in the Ozarks consistently land on the Crescent for good reason. This historic hotel delivers something rare: a destination that genuinely works for every age group at once. Ghost tours designed specifically for children, daily on-property activities, walking paths into a charming Victorian downtown, and a year-round pool mean there is always something to do, no matter who you brought along.
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What Makes the Crescent One of the Best Family Resorts in Arkansas?
Families searching for the best family vacation destinations in the South, top-rated resorts in Arkansas, or unique places to stay with kids in the Ozarks consistently land on the Crescent for good reason. This historic hotel delivers something rare: a destination that genuinely works for every age group at once. Ghost tours designed specifically for children, daily on-property activities, walking paths into a charming Victorian downtown, and a year-round pool mean there is always something to do, no matter who you brought along.
Family Ghost Tours at America’s Most Haunted Hotel
The Crescent Hotel is known worldwide as America’s Most Haunted Hotel, and ghost hunting has become one of the most popular family activities in Eureka Springs. Options include:
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Kids’ Ghost Tour (ages 5 to 12): A fun, age-appropriate introduction to the Crescent’s haunted history
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Nightly Ghost Tours: The classic experience, full of stories the whole family can enjoy together
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Expert and Expanded Tour: A longer, more in-depth option for older kids and curious adults
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Midnight Investigation: Designed for families with teens who want to use real paranormal equipment and explore active areas of the hotel with experienced investigators
Hiking and Mountain Biking in the Ozarks
One of the most underrated perks of staying at the Crescent is trail access directly from the property. Whether you are hiking with toddlers or hitting mountain bike trails with teenagers, the surrounding Ozark terrain offers some of the best outdoor recreation in Arkansas for families.
Year-Round Outdoor Pool
Guests can enjoy the outdoor resort pool daily. Pool towels and a changing area are available. The pool is heated to 95 degrees or above during winter so guests can swim and soak regardless of the season, making it a true year-round amenity.
Family-Friendly Dining Options on Property
Families do not have to leave the property to eat well. Dining options at the Crescent include:
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Crystal Dining Room: Breakfast served daily in a historic, elegant setting
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SkyBar Gourmet Pizza: Pizzas, wings, and salads with a mountaintop view of the Ozarks
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Governor’s Bar: Small plates and drinks in the Crystal Dining Room
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Top of the Crest: Sunset cocktails, desserts, and live music
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Frisco Cantina Food Truck: Open Friday through Sunday with tacos, drinks, and snacks
Evenings at Frisco Sporting Club
Frisco Sporting Club is one of the most family-friendly spots in Eureka Springs for an evening out. Activities include hatchet throwing, cornhole, horseshoes, and giant lawn games, plus live music and plenty of room for kids to roam. The relaxed, outdoor atmosphere makes it easy for parents to unwind while kids stay entertained.
New Moon Spa for Parents
While kids explore the property, parents can recharge at New Moon Spa. Services include massages, facials, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, hair services, an infrared sauna, Peloton and Woodway fitness equipment, an outdoor hot tub, and yoga on the spa lawn.
Pet-Friendly Hotel in Eureka Springs
The whole family is welcome, including four-legged members. Guests can walk directly from the Crescent to the Eureka Springs Dog Park and Harmon Park Playground, making this one of the most convenient pet-friendly hotels in the Ozarks.
Daily Resort Activities for All Ages
The Crescent offers daily programming so there is always something to do on property:
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Haunted Room Tour
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S’mores and Stars
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Historical Hiking Tour
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Big Games on the back porch
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Shot of the Day at the Daisy BB Gun Range
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Yoga Flow
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Self-Guided Trails
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Seasonal Craft Projects
Winter Family Vacation Ideas at the Crescent
The Crescent is one of the few true year-round family resorts in Arkansas. Winter highlights include:
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Crescent Ice Park: Outdoor skating in January and February
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Teddy Bear Tea and Gingerbread Decorating
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Brunch with Santa or the Grinch during the holiday season
Things to Do in Eureka Springs with Kids
Beyond the hotel, Eureka Springs is packed with family-friendly attractions that make it one of the best small towns in Arkansas for a family vacation:
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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
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Ozark Mountain Ziplines
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Onyx Cave Park and Cosmic Cavern
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The Great Passion Play
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Escape Room 13, Tram Tour, and Underground Tour
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Quigley’s Castle, Natural Bridge, and Eureka Springs Railway
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Basin Park Hotel Paranormal Investigation
Find a full list of things to do at crescent-hotel.com/things-to-do.
Outdoor Adventures Near Eureka Springs
Water-loving families and outdoor adventurers will find plenty to explore in the surrounding area:
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Lake Leatherwood and Black Bass Lake: Kayaking, fishing, and hiking
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Beaver Lake and Table Rock Lake: Swimming, boating, and scenic Ozark views
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Starkey Marina and Holiday Island Marina located just minutes from the hotel
Plan Your Family Trip to Eureka Springs
Whether this is your first visit or your family’s favorite annual tradition, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is one of the top-rated family resorts in the South and a go-to destination for family getaways in Arkansas.
And before you go, take five seconds to cast your vote. Four years of nominations and a top 5 national ranking say a lot, but so does every family that keeps coming back.
VOTE NOW: Click here to vote daily through August 3rd, 2026