Celebrate (surviving) the first week of school with weekend fun. Al fresco seems to be a solid choice for a safe family outing, and you’ll have plenty of options — from live music and drum circles in SoMa, to the opening weekend of Little Rock’s newest drive-in theater.  

Anytime Fun: 

Active Fun: Run a 5K 

When you get moving as a family and support a local cause by registering for an upcoming race, everyone wins. Here’s our kid-friendly training routine to help you get started. 

Try a Backyard Game

You don't have to go far for fun with these five DIY backyard games. They are also perfect for after-school energy busters or at-home recess. 

Go on a Sculpture Tour in Downtown 

Discover 100s of stunning sculptures with a little help from these interactive maps, a perfect activity pre or post-picnic! Here’s our favorite Little Rock picnic sites and recipes. 

Al Fresco Dining

The SoMa and Argenta districts have created social-distance friendly spots for families to enjoy dining out. Order curbside and enjoy dinner in the fresh air. 

On a Schedule:

Put these activities on your calendar. 

Live Music Friday at the SoMa Outdoor Dining Room

This Friday Sad Daddy will perform at the SoMa Outdoor Dining Room! Grab your mask, the kids and order takeout from your favorite SoMa restaurant. 

The Details: 

When: Friday | 4-9 p.m. (live music starts at 7 p.m.)  

Where: SoMa Outdoor Dining Room | 1301 S. Main St. 

Guidelines: 

  • Use hand sanitizer before you grab a seat

  • Wear a mask when not seated

Enter the Ozone Action Days Chalk Mural Contest 

This is your last chance to submit your chalk masterpiece into Metroplan’s sidewalk mural competition. Each mural supports Ozone Action Days (OAD) — a campaign to help protect air quality in the region. 

The Details: 

When: Deadline is EOD Friday. 

Where: Your driveway | Send submissions to LStewart@Metroplan.org 

Little Rock Trojan 5K 

This race supports the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Track & Field and Cross Country Team. You can run a traditional 5K through campus or sign up to run a mile to beat Little Rock cross country coach and the American mile record holder, Alan Webb.  

The Details: 

When: Saturday | 6:30 a.m. registration | 9:15 FREE kids half-mile run 

Registration Fees: $35-Free, sign up here

Where: University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 2801 S. University, Little Rock

Guidelines: The race will have a staggered start to help racers social distance. 

River City Virtual 5K 

River City supports the homeless, marginalized, uninsured and underinsured people of central Arkansas, and their annual race supports those efforts. This year, the event is virtual, so sign up and run at your own pace. 

The Details:

When: August 29 - September 5

Registration Fees: $25 for adults | $15 for kids under 18 

Where: Register here and walk your favorite route. 

Guidelines: This is a virtual event. 

Blood Drive at the Outlets of Little Rock 

One hour, big difference. The Outlets of Little Rock is hosting a socially distanced blood drive, walk ups welcome. All donations will also be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. 

The Details:

When: August 29 | 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. 

Where: Outlets of Little Rock | 11201 Bass Pro Parkway, Little Rock

Guidelines: Donors will be social distanced while waiting and giving blood

Make an appointment: Call 877-340-8777 or click here 

Saturday Drum Circle at Bernice Garden 

Come get your groove on at the Bernice Garden Drum Circle. Just bring your masks and your family — drums, chairs and hand sanitizer will be provided.

The Details: 

When: Saturday | 10 a.m. 

Where: SoMa Outdoor Dining Room | 1401 Main St.

Guidelines: 

  • Social distancing will be practiced

  • Masks are required

  • Hand sanitizer will be provided

Wiggle Worms at Museum of Discovery 

The Museum of Discovery’s Wiggle Worms — their bi-weekly class for kids 6 and under — is back, with a few changes. The class will now be held in the Great Hall to allow for social distancing and all staff and visitors over 10 must wear a mask.

The Details: 

When: Saturday | 10:30 a.m. 

Where: The Museum of Discovery Great Hall | 500 President Clinton Ave., Suite 150

Guidelines: 

  • All staff and visitors over the age of 10 must wear a face covering 

  • Social distancing with people not in your party is encouraged

  • Note: Gigabyte Café, Tinkering Studio and Tesla Theater are currently closed

“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” at MP Outdoor Cinema

Check out Little Rock’s newest drive-in theater on opening weekend. Celebrate the first week of school with the kid-friendly option “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.” It’s sure to slay with the dragon-loving set. 

The Details: 

When: Saturday | 7 p.m. 

Where: MP Outdoor Cinema | 6700 Allied Way, Little Rock 

Cost: $30/car | Order here

Easterseals Arkansas Walk With Me 5K 

This annual event is going virtual to help keep participants safe. That means you can transform your family walk into a chance to raise funds for this local non-profit. Check out this post from Little Rock Soiree for more details!

The Details: 

When: You have until September 19 to complete your 3.1 miles 

Where: Register here and walk your favorite route 

Grab and Go at a Local Farmer’s Market

We found a few places where you can find delicious, healthy food for your family while supporting local farmers!

Little Rock Farmers' Market

When: Saturday | 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: River Market Pavilions, 400 President Clinton Ave.

Argenta Farmers Market (formerly Dogtown)

When: Saturday | 8 - 10 a.m. 

Where: 410 Main St., North Little Rock

Whitewater Tavern Market

When: Saturday | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Where: 2500 W 7th St, Little Rock

Bernice Gardens Farmers Market

When: Sunday | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Where: 1401 Main St.