Best Things to Do in North Little Rock Between Games: A Sports Family Guide

These days our travel looks a little different. Our weekends are busy with traveling for sports, from early mornings to long days and sometimes late nights. It can feel a little hectic but we always find ways to make it fun. Our family has been a travel sports family in the ArkLaTex area for five years now. We’ve learned that tournament weekends don’t have to feel rushed or exhausting. With a little extra planning, we can squeeze in some fun and make it feel like a mini family vacation.

We travel often to North Little Rock for tournaments at Burns Park, and there is so much to do between games, from a submarine tour on the Arkansas River to a Star Wars themed coffee lounge. In addition to that, there are great restaurants for teams or families to enjoy, sporting good shops, and a charming downtown area to explore. While most tournaments are centered around Burns Park, some of our favorite stops are in downtown North Little Rock’s Argenta district and near McCain Mall, all within about 15 minutes of the fields.

This blog post is in collaboration with North Little Rock Tourism but the thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Quick Guide: the best things to do in North Little Rock for sports families.

• Best for soccer families: the Capital City Cup at Burns Park + the Funland playground
• Best for tennis families: Burns Park Tennis Center (indoor courts save rainy days)
• Best rainy day activity: USS Razorback submarine tour, Books By the Pound
• Best teen/tween stop: Dark Side Coffee Company Lounge
• Best evening out: Argenta Arts District + an Arkansas Travelers game
• Best place to stay: Hampton Inn North Little Rock McCain Mall

Why North Little Rock is perfect for sports families.

Lucky for us, North Little Rock is about a two-hour drive from where we live, straight up I-30. We travel there often due to it’s central location in Arkansas and easy access with multiple interstates passing through. Most of the sports venues sit inside Burns Park, which covers roughly 1,600 acres and is one of the largest city parks in the country, so you spend less time driving between fields and more time exploring.

Play (and watch) at Burns Park.

Burns Park is the home base for most youth tournaments in North Little Rock. The park took a hard hit from the March 31, 2023 tornado, and the city reports the majority of it is open again. It’s always one of my favorite places to enjoy my kids’ sports tournaments. The park is one of the largest municipal parks in the state and it really has something for everyone, and plenty of ways to enjoy your time between games or matches.

Burns Park Soccer Complex.

The Burns Park Soccer Complex has 17 irrigated fields between White Bayou and the Arkansas River, at 1 Soccer Ave.

• There are concessions, restrooms, and pavilions on site.
• Parking is plentiful, with about 1,500 spaces. It’s spread out between various field locations and each parking lot has a bathroom facility.
• One quadrant has tournament lighting for evening games.
• Stadium Field is home to the UA Little Rock women’s soccer team.

One of the many things I love about the soccer area is the paved trail that connects the fields. It also connects to the Arkansas River Trail, and some observation decks overlooking the river. I like to walk the path while my kids warm up for the game or match. It’s excellent birdwatching and sometimes you can see a large barge moving up or down the river, which is fun for younger siblings too.

Burns Park Tennis Center.

The Burns Park Tennis Center at 4000 Joe K. Poch Rd. has 24 outdoor lighted courts, 6 indoor courts, and 12 QuickStart courts for younger players.

• The indoor courts can keep a tournament moving on rainy days.
• There are 12 outdoor pickleball courts.
• Court usage outdoors is free and open to the public, but on first come first served basis. You can also reserve courts online.
• These courts have excellent viewing from all angles, a central bathroom facility, and benches and shade for players.

Note – the tennis complex and playgrounds are on the opposite side of the interstate from the soccer complex.

Let the kids loose at Funland.

Funland, inside Burns Park, reopened after the tornado with a new accessible play area and a splash pad that opened in May 2025. The play area is open daily from 8 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset, and the splash pad runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The classic Burns Park rocket slide is nearby, too. Funland is newer, but the older Rocket Ship park is still there and it’s one my kids always loved!

Pack a towel and a change of clothes for the splash pad. The train runs on a set schedule that can shift with weather, so check before you promise a ride.

Plan your trip around the Capital City Cup.

The Capital City Cup is a 33-year youth soccer tradition at the Burns Park Soccer Complex, usually held in early October. The 2026 edition ran October 3 and 4 for U8 through U19 boys and girls teams. The dates for 2027 are October 2nd and 3rd. It always brings high level tournament play, with great medals for first place.

Add the North Little Rock Airshow.

In 2026, the Capital City Cup and the North Little Rock Airshow landed on the same weekend, which makes a combined trip worth watching for in 2028. The airshow is held at the North Little Rock Municipal Airport, with a Saturday night show full of illuminated aerobatics and pyrotechnics and a Sunday daytime show. Both days include static aircraft displays, a car show, food trucks, and a free Kids Zone. A soccer family could play Saturday games at Burns Park, then catch the night show after the last whistle. It’s a winning situation for everyone!

At the time of publishing, the dates for the 2028 North Little Rock Airshow have not been set yet.

Spend an afternoon in downtown North Little Rock.

Downtown North Little Rock and the Argenta Arts District are about 15 minutes from Burns Park, and they pack a lot into a few walkable blocks along the river. It’s a really beautifully restored area, with fun murals on many corners, historic shops, great eating and just a fun place to wander around between matches or at the end of the day. The Facebook page for the Argenta Arts districts lists special events and things to know.

Browse Books By the Pound.

Books By the Pound is a family-owned shop at 601 W. 4th St. that sells books, vinyl, DVDs, and toys priced by weight. This is a must stop for anyone who loves books! They have sections for every genre of literature, both fiction and nonfiction. Plus, a huge selection of vinyl, cds, movies and some board games. It’s a fun place to browse around. Be sure to check out the pretty rainbow bookshelf display too. Books By the Pound has a really great kids section that younger siblings will certainly enjoy.

Tour the USS Razorback submarine.

At the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, you can tour the WWII submarine USS Razorback and the tugboat USS Hoga, which was at Pearl Harbor. General admission is $12 plus tax, and hours shift by season. If you don’t have time to take a tour, you can check out the view from the Arkansas River Trail that goes by there and snap some photos with the 1943 Naval Ship gun that’s open to the public. It’s kind of cool to see a submarine parked on the river! Fun fact: you can also book the submarine for an overnight sleepover experience. They can accommodate up to 35 people and it’s truly a one of a kind experience. No promises for a great night of sleep though!

Walk or bike the Arkansas River Trail.

The Arkansas River Trail runs along the river, including through Burns Park, and connects to the Big Dam Bridge for a sunset view. It is free and a great way to burn off pre-game nerves, or to take younger siblings with bikes or scooters. For active parents, it’s a great way to fit in a walk or run before, between, or after games. The trail is broad and paved, making it great for strollers and bikes as well.

Catch a Travelers game at Dickey-Stephens Park.

The Arkansas Travelers play at Dickey-Stephens Park on the downtown riverfront, roughly April through September. The ballpark is cashless and has a clear bag policy. A baseball game is a really fun way to add even more sports to a sports family weekend in North Little Rock. The stadium has plenty of seating and is sure to be entertaining for kids and families of all ages. Banana Ball comes to the ball park once a year and the Tailgators and the Firefighters will play each other on April 2nd and 3rd, 2027.

Unique places to eat.

Our go-tos split between Argenta for a sit-down meal after the last game and the McCain Mall area, close to the hotel. Generally, we eat breakfast at our hotel, pack snacks for between games, and usually stick with something light for lunch. For dinner, we like to find someplace local or a great sit down restaurant that can accommodate a group. Some of our favorites are:

• Purple Cow – next to McCain Mall. The purple milkshake is always a hit. They have 2 options for vegetarian burgers, plus have a gluten free bun option and some dairy free ice cream options too!
• BJ’s Brewhouse – also by McCain Mall. A broad menu with something for everyone and they’re okay handling a group, just be sure to call ahead.

If we are going to try and have a team dinner, I always call ahead by at least a week or more to make a reservation for our team.

Dark Side Coffee Company Lounge – Park Hill.

Dark Side Coffee Company is a Star Wars themed coffee lounge on JFK Blvd. with retro game consoles, beanbags, and house-roasted coffee. Snap your photo wit the life size Darth Vader and Stormtrooper statues and be sure to look around at all of the memorabilia. They have delicious seasonal specials and snacks that prove the dark side really does have cookies.

Argenta Arts District Dining.

• Blackberry Market at 315A Main St. is a coffee shop, bakery, and cafe in one. It opens at 7 a.m. and is known for handling many dietary needs. The fall specialty drinks are delicious!
• Brood & Barley at 411 Main St. is a gastropub from the Flyway Brewing team, and our pick for the reward dinner. Perhaps best for older kids or a parents night out for dinner. But, the food is delicious and they also decorate well for the Halloween and Christmas season.

More things to do in North Little Rock.

If you have extra time before or after the tournament, here are a few more stops worth adding:

• The Old Mill – North Little Rock – a free, storybook spot that appears in the opening of Gone with the Wind
• Check out the historic covered bridge by the Burns park soccer area
• Play disc golf at one of the 2, 18 hole courses at Burns Park
• Big Dam Bridge – North Little Rock – one of the longest pedestrian and bike bridges in the country, with views of the lock and dam
• Argenta Arts District – North Little Rock – murals, local shops, and the METRO Streetcar across the river
• North Little Rock Welcome Center – North Little Rock – maps, ideas, and local souvenirs at 600 Main St.

Where we stay: Hampton Inn North Little Rock McCain Mall.

Our base is the Hampton Inn North Little Rock McCain Mall at 3629 McCain Blvd., about a 10-minute drive from the Burns Park fields and courts. The location is ideal due to it’s proximity to some great restaurants, things to do, and Burns Park. The beds are comfortable and the breakfast was just what my kids wanted before their sports tournaments.

Pro tip – the Hampton Inn lets you book 10 to 25 rooms online as a group, which is handy for team blocks.

Other features we love about the Hampton Inn:

• Free hot breakfast, which helps on early check-in mornings.
• A heated indoor saltwater pool for after the last game.
• A fitness center and free parking.
• Connecting rooms and pet-friendly rooms.
• Walking distance to McCain Mall, with BJ’s and The Purple Cow close by.

Tips for planning a sports weekend in North Little Rock.

One important thing: North Little Rock does have a Dick’s Sporting Goods. Find it close to the McCain Mall area. It has a huge selection of cleats and any other accessories you may need. Sports weekends can be busy and things will book early. Book your hotel as early as possible and make any reservations for restaurants ahead of time. I also recommend checking the city tourism Facebook page and making note of any big events coming up that could impact your plans.

Sports tournament weekend tips.

My number one tip is to create a note in your phone for that tournament weekend. You can save field assignments, game times, uniform reminders, plus save links and lists of things you want to do that weekend. More tips for planning your tournament weekend include:

• Confirm the schedule, field numbers, and any stay-to-play hotel requirement before you book.
• Bring shade: a pop-up canopy or umbrella, plus camp chairs.
• Pack a cooler with water, electrolytes, and snacks that won’t melt.
• Sunscreen, bug spray, and a small first aid kit.
• A change of clothes and a towel per player.
• A rain plan: ponchos and an indoor stop, like the submarine tour.

A tip – we have a girl and a boy and we always travel with a cot and sleeping bag. Whoever is competing gets the hotel bed to themselves and the other gets the cot. Unless they’re both competing, and my husband and I may end up on the cots. Anything to make sure they get a good nights sleep, right?!

Where to stay.

Many tournaments use stay-to-play hotel blocks, so check your event’s hotel requirements before you book on your own. We like to stay as close to the tournament as we can. Sometimes, staying somewhere unique is fun, but if the long drive to the field is a hindrance, it isn’t worth it for us. Plus, we travel a lot for sports. I have every hotel loyalty program and rack up the points when I can. The map below has more hotels to check out and has all of the points of interest mentioned in this post marked too, so it’s easy to plan your weekend.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in North Little Rock between games.

Here are some answers to questions you may have about planning a sports weekend in North Little Rock.

If you’re looking for even more family travel ideas, be sure to check out these other posts:

• Best things to do in Frisco between games
• Christmas in Oklahoma City
• Taking kids to art museums

Thanks for visiting! I hope this post was helpful for you. If you’re looking for even more things to do that are specific to east Texas and the surrounding area, please visit my other blog, ArkLaTex Adventures.