Family activities in Eureka Springs

Many people complain that Eureka doesn't have enough things for families to do, but I have to disagree. We've lived here for a year now (has it been that long already??) and still haven't done everything. We still have to take the train ride, which is free for locals (awesome!), explore more trails, and get in the water. There are many beautiful, calm rivers and crystal clear blue lakes in this area, and the closest we have come to the water is collecting shells on the shore.

There are also some activities at the Fun Spot (family arcade) that we haven't tried because our kids are still very young. My husband has taken my daughter on the go-karts before, but I think our son is too small. They also have mini golf, which we have been skeptical to try, for fear that the golf clubs would go flying. We took our daughter when she was three and we had some runaway balls, flying clubs, and a very frustrated child. I think age five would be the youngest we will try it with our son.
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Here is a list of all the "family friendly" activities in Eureka Springs, with the free-for-locals listed first:

-Turpentine Creek Wildcat Reserve - they have many more animals than wildcats, (we just call it the zoo) including monkeys, bears, goats, a coyote, a sheep, a pig, a duck, and some parrots. Bonus - the whole reserve is fenced and there are two playground areas and picnic areas. You can make a day of it and don't have to worry about little kids escaping the park.

-Onyx Cave - self-guided tours through the 1/2 mile cave trail. The trail is fenced on both sides and safe for small children, and there is only one exit so they won't get lost if they run off.

-Blue Spring - beautiful walk to historic blue spring, lots of fish in the clear water and lots of wildlife to see.

-ES&NA Railway - daily (Tues - Sat) train excursions from April through October at 10:30, noon, 2:00 and 4:00 suitable for kids.

-Pivot Rock - nice walking trail, lots of wildlife, historic tourist attraction.

-Harmon Park - playground equipment, skate park, and picnic areas.

-Lake Leatherwood - official city park, huge lake with walking trails, lots of wildlife, camping, some playground equipment, and ball fields.

-Beaver Lake - boating, scuba diving, playground equipment, picnic areas, beach swimming areas

-Roaring River State Park - this one is about a 25 minute drive into Missouri, but well worth the trip. The fish hatchery is very exciting for kids, there are lots of playground and picnic areas, fishing, hiking, and free swimming in their pool during the summer months.

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Not free for locals, but still a good deal for the family:

-The Fun Spot - indoor video arcade, outdoor mini golf, go-karts, and seasonal water slide

-Roller Skating Rink - opening in August 2007