I often tell people that taking my kids hiking, or playing disc golf, or mountain biking - is good for them, as it gets them out of the house, away from tv, video games, computers, and all the other distractions of today's life.

The truth is, I'm the one more susceptible to life's distractions. When we hang out around the house, as hard as we might try to do things together, we inevitably end up going our separate ways. However, when we make a spur of the moment decision to get off the couch, grab a little gear, and go for a short drive, we always end up spending a rewarding day together.

You don't have to spend hours packing and planning. Just pick a destination, hop in the car, and go!

There are several destinations in both the Northwest Arkansas area as well as around Little Rock that are great places to get away for the day. The first three are in NWA and the last three I'm going to cover are near Little Rock. Reviews of more places to play will follow in upcoming Lewis & Clark Adventure Guides.

Lake Fayetteville:
The Lake is located in north Fayetteville, with one of the entrances being next to the Springdale Lewis & Clark location just north of the NWA mall, and the other entrance behind Lowes off of Zion road.

On the north end of the lake there is a new, paved multi-use trail, perfect for anyone wanting to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride. You can also play disc golf or go mountain biking and hiking along the 6 mile trail that winds around the lake. There are also restroom facilities, swingsets, and a small pavilion.

Devils Den:
This is Northwest Arkansas' best known park, and it is for a reason. Devils Den offers hiking, caving, camping, horse camping, mountain biking, road biking, fishing, and some of the best views in Northwest Arkansas. There are primitive campsites as well as cabins. The park has restroom facilities throughout, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and even paddle boat rentals. There are numerous hiking trails - some with spectacular views of the valley, however, Devils Den is probably best known for the Devils Den Cave. This cave is located on a 1.5 mile trail (Devils Den Trail), and is rated as moderate in difficulty.
To reach the park, travel eight miles south of Fayetteville in I-540 to exit #53 (West Fork), then go 17 miles southwest on Ark. 170.
For more information, go to www.arkansasstateparks.com/devilsden.

Withrow Springs:
Possibly the best kept secret in Northwest Arkansas. This state park is located about 30 minutes east of Springdale, and is only a short drive from Eureka Springs. I have lived in Springdale for most of my life, and only recently discovered this park.
For those boaters, or kids just wanting to throw rocks into the water (my kids can do this for hours), the War Eagle Creek flows through the edge of the park. The creek and surrounding valley also provide beautiful scenery from bluffs along one of the hiking trails.
At this park, you can hike, fish, play at the playground, and even float the War Eagle Creek. They rent canoes at the park and will shuttle you as well. There are also picnic sites, pavilions, a gift shop, and a baseball and softball field. The campground has campsites and a swimming pool.
Withrow Springs is located five miles north of Huntsville on Ark. 23. For more information, go to www.arkansasstateparks.com/withrowsprings.

Pinnacle Mountain:
Located west of Little Rock; Pinnacle Mountain is a day-use state park(does not have campgrounds). The park features 8 hiking trails, ranging in length from .5 - to 2.5 miles, including one trail that takes you to the summit of Pinnacle Mountain. The mountain rises over 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River Valley, and provides spectacular views in all directions.
To reach Pinnacle Mountain State Park, take Exit #9 off I-430 at Little Rock and travel seven miles west on Ark. 10, then go two miles north on Ark. 300.
For more information go to www.arkansasstateparks.com/pinnaclemountain.

Burns Park:
This park in North Little Rock, with over 1,600 acres, is one of the largest municipal parks in the country.
The park has a mountain bike trail, fishing areas, two 18-hole disc golf courses, hiking trails (including one 7-mile trail that runs along the Arkansas river), equestrian trails, playgrounds, two golf courses, miniature golf, athletic fields, tennis courts, a water slide, bmx course, boat ramp, water skiing slalom course, pavilions, and picnic areas. There are also 30 RV hookups/campsites. Burns Park is a great place to spend the day or even the weekend, as the park is definitely not short on amenities.
To get there, take I-40, exit 150 (Burns Park exit).

Petit Jean State Park:
Arkansas' first and flagship state park, Petit Jean is a great place to spend the day or weekend. Facilities include a Lodge, cabins, 125 campsites, RV hookups, grocery store, conference center, restaurant, paddle boat rentals, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Petit Jean offers beautiful scenery along its 20 miles of hiking trails that feature scenic bluffs, caves, and waterfalls.
To get there, (about an hours drive from Little Rock) take Hwy 9 (Exit 108) off I-40 at Morrilton south 9 miles to Oppelo. Then head west 12 miles on Hwy 154 to the park; OR, take Hwy 7 off I-40 (south), OR, off I-30 (north) to Centerville, then east 16 miles on Hwy 154 to the park; OR, take Hwy 155 from Hwy 10 at Casa. For more information visit www.petitjeanstatepark.com.

I hope you and your family and friends get a chance to venture out together more this year. Again, it doesn't take that much work to get outdoors, but the time spent and memories made with loved ones can be priceless.