For the third year in a row, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas has been nominated for Best Family Resort in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Thanks to votes from families across the country, the Crescent placed #3 nationwide in both 2023 and 2024.
We’re honored to once again represent Arkansas as one of the best family vacation destinations in the country—and we need your help to do it again.
Voting is open through Monday, August 4 at 10:59 a.m. (CST). You can vote once per day.
Plan Your Family Vacation to the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
If you’re searching for family vacation destinations nearby, or planning a summer getaway with kids, the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs offers a scenic setting, approachable atmosphere, and activities for all ages.
Here’s how families are creating lifetime memories at one of the top family resorts in Arkansas:
Family Ghost Tours
The Crescent is known as America’s Most Haunted Hotel—and ghost hunting is a guest favorite for all ages:
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Kids’ Ghost Tour (ages 5–12): A fun, age-appropriate version of the Crescent’s famous tour.
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Nightly Ghost Tours: Explore the hotel’s haunted history with stories the whole family can enjoy.
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Expert & Expanded Tour: A longer and more in-depth experience for older kids and curious adults.
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Midnight Investigation: For families with teens or older kids interested in using real paranormal tools, this late-night experience lets you explore active areas of the hotel with guidance from experienced investigators.
Hiking & Mountain Biking Right From the Hotel
Access a network of scenic trails right from the hotel’s front porch. Whether you’re hiking with little ones or riding mountain bikes with teens, it’s a great way to explore the Ozarks with kids.
Outdoor Resort Pool
The outdoor pool is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., starting Memorial Weekend. Families love cooling off after a day of exploring. Pool towels and a heated dressing area are available for convenience.
In winter, the pool becomes a Hot Pool—kept at 95+ degrees for year-round use.
Family-Friendly Dining
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Breakfast daily in the Crystal Dining Room
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SkyBar Gourmet Pizza: Pizzas, wings, and salads with a mountaintop view
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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
Evenings at Frisco Sporting Club
Frisco Sporting Club is perfect for family fun:
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Hatchet throwing, cornhole, horseshoes, and giant games
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Live music, swings, and room to relax
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Frisco Cantina Food Truck open Friday–Sunday with tacos, drinks & snacks
New Moon Spa
Parents can unwind with spa services while the kids explore. Options include:
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Massages, facials & body wraps
- Manicures, pedicures & hair services
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Infrared sauna, Peloton bike & Woodway treadmill
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Outdoor hot tub & yoga on the spa lawn
Pet-Friendly Lodging
Furry family members are welcome, too. Guests can walk directly from the hotel to the Eureka Springs Dog Park and Harmon Park Playground.
Daily Resort Activities
The Crescent offers daily programming for guests of all ages:
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Haunted Room Tour
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Smores & 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 Fun
Even outside summer, the Crescent is a top year-round family resort in Arkansas:
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Crescent Ice Park: Skating in January & February
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Teddy Bear Tea & 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:
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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
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Ozark Mountain Ziplines
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Onyx Cave Park & Cosmic Cavern
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The Great Passion Play
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Escape Room 13, Tram Tour, Underground Tour
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Quigley’s Castle, Natural Bridge, Eureka Springs Railway
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The Basin Park Hotel Paranormal Investigation
Find more ideas at crescent-hotel.com/things-to-do
Outdoor Adventures in the Ozarks
Water lovers and outdoor families will enjoy:
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Lake Leatherwood & Black Bass Lake: Great for kayaking, fishing, hiking
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Beaver Lake & Table Rock Lake: Swimming, boating & scenic views
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Starkey Marina and Holiday Island Marina just minutes away
Start Planning Your Family Vacation
Whether it’s your first visit or your favorite summer tradition, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is a go-to destination for family getaways in Arkansas.
📍 Book now and make your family trip to Eureka Springs one to remember:
www.crescent-hotel.com