(Working Mother)

The city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, features a small but gorgeous national park and is surrounded by a valley of 47 steamy thermal springs. The verdant, clear-water Diamond Lakes region of the Ouachita Mountains affords an array of water sports, fishing, hiking and more.

You’ll also discover a 210-acre botanical garden, a combination theme/water park and lodgings to fit all budgets, including the stately Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa in the heart of historic downtown Hot Springs.

Cool for kids

Visit Magic Springs theme park and Crystal Falls water park for lots of flash and splash. Hot Springs also boasts an alligator farm/petting zoo and an aquarium.

Hot for moms

The Quapaw Baths & Spa, once a bathhouse, has reopened as a luxury spa offering bathing in a hot-spring pool and waterfall. Tour the downtown historic district and its lovingly restored Gilded Age architecture.

More info

arlingtonhotel.com; hotsprings.org