We found 10 events for weekend family fun. You can kick things off with the final weekend of Laser Safari at the zoo or shake things up by checking out the new River Market Entertainment District Outdoor Dining Room. No matter what’s on the agenda, make sure to find plenty of ways to enjoy the lovely October weather. 

Laser Safari at the Zoo 

The Little Rock Zoo is putting the spotlight on fun with the final weekend of their drive-in Laser Safari. This after-hours all-ages show features 30 minutes of the latest music, spectacular lasers and awe-inspiring graphic effects.

The Details: 

When: Thursday-Sunday | 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 11 p.m. (gates open 30 minutes before showtime)

Where: The Little Rock Zoo | 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock

Admission: $25/car | Tickets must be purchased before the show. Reserve yours here. 

Food Truck Friday at Simmons Bank Arena 

Kick the weekend off early with a fun Friday lunch. Each Friday in October, families can enjoy an outdoor meal in the Simmons Bank Arena VIP parking lot. This week Haygood BBQ, Taco Mexicano and Loblolly Creamery will be out to tempt your tastebuds. 

The Details: 

When: Friday | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Where: VIP parking lot at Simmons Bank Arena | 1 Simmons Bank Arena Drive, North Little Rock

Live Music Friday at the SoMa Outdoor Dining Room

This Friday you and the fam can enjoy food and live music. 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.

Bernice Garden Bazaar 

Music, food trucks and vendors — oh my! Check out the night market at Bernice Garden before enjoying an al fresco meal at the SoMa Outdoor Dining Room. 

The Details: 

When: Friday | 5 - 8 p.m. 

Where: Bernice Garden | 1401 S. Main St.

Guidelines: 

  • Social distancing will be practiced.

  • Masks are required.

  • Hand sanitizer will be provided.

October River Market Outdoor Dining Room 

Enjoy the cooler weather and your favorite food from the River Market Entertainment District at their new outdoor dining area! 

The Details: 

When: Friday 6-11 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday 2-11 p.m. every weekend in October 

Where: 300 & 400 Blocks of President Clinton Avenue 

Guidelines: 

  • Social distancing will be practiced.

  • Masks are required.

Virtual Angel One 5K/10K

The annual Angel One 5K/10K raises money for families returning home after being air-lifted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Join the virtual race from anywhere to support fellow Arkansas families. Participants will receive their t-shirt and race packet after registration. 

The Details:

When: October 3

Where: Virtual Event

Registration Fees: Individual: $25 — register here. 

Recommended Donation: Individuals are encouraged to raise $100 | Teams are encouraged to raise $1000

Virtual Heroes Against Hunger 5K

This annual race has been transformed into a virtual run. Just pick your trail and record your time and distance with your favorite fitness app. Hosted by the KRT Fellowship of Physician Assistant Students at UAMS, this race donates 100% of the race proceeds to the Arkansas Foodbank. 

The Details: 

Registration Deadline: October 3 | 8 a.m. Times Due: October 3 | 9 a.m. 

Registration Fees: Run/Walk: $25 ($30 day-of registration) | Spirit runner: $15 | Kids fun run: $10 — register here.

Where: Your favorite local trail

Time Submission: Turn in a picture of your time to jim@stearnsracetiming.com along with the subject line “Heroes against Hunger.”  

Little Rock 2020 Great Rides

Great Strides, an annual fundraising event in honor of CF research, has been transformed in the name of pandemic safety guidelines to Great Rides. This car parade version of the event will still bring family, friends, students and colleagues together to make a difference in the lives of people with CF. 

The Details: 

When: Saturday | 10 a.m. 

Where: Heifer International | 1 World Ave., Little Rock 

Registration: Free | Fundraising is encouraged, learn more here. 

Guidelines: All participants must stay in their cars during the parade. 

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: Bernice Garden | 1401 S. Main St.

Guidelines: 

  • Social distancing will be practiced.

  • Masks are required.

  • Hand sanitizer will be provided.

Arkansas Travelers Cornhole Tournament at Dickey-Stephens Park

This family-friendly event invites teams of two to compete in a double elimination tournament. All teams will receive a t-shirt (subject to supply), a general admission ticket to a 2021 Travs game and a chance at $2000 in prizes. To get all the details, check the event page here. 

The Details:

When: October 3 | Starting at 11 a.m. 

Location: Dickey-Stephens Park | 400 W. Broadway St., North Little Rock

Cost: $30/team 

Anytime Fun: 

Still stumped? Here are a few other ideas:

Visit a Pumpkin Patch 

We rounded up the details for 10 local pumpkin patches. Check out our post for full details. 

Cycle as a Family 

You can play Bike Bingo as you take on family-friendly cycling routes in Little Rock or the new pop-up bike lanes connecting the Children’s Library, Little Rock Zoo and War Memorial Park. Want to get away? Head to Fayetteville for some cycling-focused fun. 

Create Pumpkin Treats

We rounded up pumpkin-based treats to take you from breakfast to dessert. Weekend plans, enhanced. 

Even more ideas: