Just because you’re staying in Searcy for fall break doesn’t mean it has to be a lazy weekend. Check out some fun stuff going on close to Harding.
1. The Little Rock Zoo
If you’re not going home to see your dogs and cats over break, you can go visit a whole bunch of creatures at the Little Rock Zoo. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of fall break and admission is $10. On Oct. 18 and 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the zoo is hosting Boo at the Zoo, a trick-or-treating event with a hay maze, carnival rides, concessions, a haunted house and hay ride, costume contest and more. Tickets for this event cost $8.
2. Magic Springs
Even though it’s a little too chilly to use the water park, the roller coasters and carnival rides are still open at Magic Springs theme park. On Oct. 19 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Oct. 20 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Magic Springs is hosting Magic Screams, their annual Halloween event. The park will have three haunted houses, a trick-or-treat trail and costume contests in addition to the usual theme park rides. The park is about an hour and a half away in Hot Springs, Ark. Admission is $29.99.
3. Concerts: Bon Jovi and Luke Bryan
Whether you like country or rock, you can choose between a Luke Bryan and Bon Jovi concert at the Verizon Arena in Little Rock. On Oct. 17, Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line will open for Luke Bryan starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40. Bon Jovi performs Oct. 18 starting at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $34.
4. Professional Bull Riders
If you’re looking for a wild and entertaining evening, the Professional Bull Riders: Touring Pro Division will be at the Barton Coliseum in Little Rock on Oct. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. The PBR is not a rodeo, but according to their website, it is “bull riding, and the first rule is just to stay alive … It’s America’s original extreme sport.” Tickets are $10-$25.
5. Outdoors
If you’re looking to save money, fall weather and changing colors on the trees are a perfect combination for spending your long weekend outdoors. Greers Ferry Lake, Searcy City Lake and Barnett Lake are great for fishing. If you would rather do something active, and touching slimy fish isn’t your thing, Sugarloaf and Pinnacle Mountain are beautiful hikes and are not too far away.
