Things to Do in Little Rock in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Little Rock

22°C (72°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather for outdoor activities - daytime highs of 22°C (72°F) are comfortable for hiking, cycling, and walking tours without the brutal summer heat. The Arkansas River Trail is at its most pleasant in April before humidity peaks.
Peak bloom season transforms the city - dogwoods, azaleas, and cherry blossoms are at their best from early to mid-April. Pinnacle Mountain State Park trails are lined with wildflowers, and the Historic Arkansas Museum garden is spectacular without the crowds of May.
Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - hotels in downtown and the River Market District drop rates 20-30% compared to festival-heavy May and October. Book mid-week for even better deals, with quality properties averaging $85-120/night versus $140+ in peak months.
Local food scene is vibrant with spring menus - farmers markets reopen with early season produce, outdoor patios at restaurants along Kavanaugh Boulevard and Main Street are fully operational, and craft breweries release spring seasonal beers. The River Market opens for the season with full vendor participation by early April.

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings require flexible planning - temperatures can fluctuate 15-20°C (27-36°F) within 48 hours as cold fronts move through. You might need a jacket in the morning at 10°C (50°F) and shorts by afternoon at 22°C (72°F). Pack layers and check forecasts daily.
Spring storms can disrupt outdoor plans - April averages 10 rainy days with occasional severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings. Storms typically develop late afternoon (3-7pm), so plan outdoor activities for mornings. Always have indoor backup options ready.
Pollen counts are extreme for allergy sufferers - oak, pine, and grass pollen peak in April with counts often in the 'very high' range (9.0-12.0 scale). If you have seasonal allergies, bring prescription antihistamines as local pharmacies may have different brands than you're used to.

Best Activities in April

Arkansas River Trail Cycling and Walking

April is the single best month for the 27 km (17-mile) Arkansas River Trail loop before summer heat and humidity make midday cycling uncomfortable. Morning temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) are perfect for the full loop, which takes 2-3 hours by bike or 5-6 hours walking. The trail connects Big Dam Bridge (longest pedestrian bridge in North America at 1,340 m / 4,400 ft), Murray Park, and Riverfront Park with zero vehicle traffic. Wildflowers bloom along the river sections, and you'll see locals training for summer races. Rental stations operate at both ends of Big Dam Bridge.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost $25-40 for 4 hours or $40-60 for full day. Book online 2-3 days ahead during April weekends as rental fleets are limited to 30-50 bikes per location. Look for rentals that include helmets and locks. Arrive by 8am on weekends to avoid the 10am-2pm peak when trail traffic triples. See current bike tour options in the booking section below.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park Hiking

April weather is ideal for the challenging West Summit Trail (2.2 km / 1.4 miles with 305 m / 1,000 ft elevation gain) before temperatures make the exposed rock scramble dangerous in summer heat. The trail is strenuous but rewards with 360-degree views of the Arkansas River Valley and Little Rock skyline. Wildflowers including fire pink, bluebells, and trillium bloom along the easier Base Trail (2.4 km / 1.5 miles loop). Start hikes before 10am - afternoon storms in April can make the rocky summit trail slippery and dangerous. The park is 20 km (12 miles) west of downtown, a 25-minute drive.

Booking Tip: Park entry is free but parking fills by 11am on sunny April weekends. Guided nature hikes are offered by the visitor center on Saturday mornings at 9am (free, no reservation needed, limited to 15 people - arrive 15 minutes early). Bring 2 liters (68 oz) of water per person for summit hikes. Trail conditions and closures are posted at the visitor center - check before starting as spring rains can temporarily close West Summit Trail.

River Market District Food and Culture Tours

The River Market reopens for full Saturday operations in early April after winter reduced hours, making this the perfect time to experience Little Rock's food scene. The covered pavilion hosts 40+ vendors selling local produce, artisan foods, and crafts from 7am-3pm Saturdays. Walking food tours cover 1.6 km (1 mile) through the district, stopping at 5-7 locations including the historic Ottenheimer Market Hall (built 1996), craft breweries, and restaurants serving Delta-style tamales and Arkansas barbecue. April weather is perfect for the 2-3 hour outdoor walking portions.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $55-75 per person including 5-6 tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead for April weekends as group sizes are limited to 12-15 people. Tours run Thursday-Saturday with morning (10am) and afternoon (2pm) options - choose morning tours to avoid potential afternoon storms. Self-guided options work well in April: arrive at River Market by 8am Saturday for best vendor selection before crowds peak at 10am. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Central High School National Historic Site Tours

April marks the best weather for exploring this pivotal Civil Rights site without summer heat or winter closures affecting outdoor portions. The visitor center across from Central High School offers ranger-led programs explaining the 1957 desegregation crisis. Tours include the outdoor commemorative garden and views of the still-operating high school building. April's moderate temperatures make the 30-45 minute outdoor walking portions comfortable. The site is 5 km (3 miles) south of downtown, easily accessible by car or rideshare.

Booking Tip: Entry to the National Park Service visitor center is free, open Monday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm (closed Sundays). Ranger programs run at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm daily - arrive 15 minutes early as seating is limited to 40 people and April school groups often fill morning slots. Self-guided tours with mobile app work well if programs are full. Allow 90-120 minutes total. Parking is free in the visitor center lot.

William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

This architectural landmark overlooking the Arkansas River is perfect for April afternoon visits when weather turns stormy. The 2,787 square meter (30,000 square foot) museum houses the largest presidential archive and includes a full-scale replica of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. The building's design mimics a bridge spanning a ravine, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering Arkansas River views. Spring exhibits often feature special collections. The adjacent Choctaw Station trail along the river is excellent for pre- or post-visit walks in good weather.

Booking Tip: Admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for ages 6-17, free for children under 6. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. April weekday mornings (9-11am) have minimal crowds compared to afternoon tour bus arrivals. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough exploration. Purchase tickets online to skip the box office line. The museum store and cafe close 30 minutes before the museum. Located 3 km (2 miles) east of downtown with free parking.

Lake Maumelle and Pinnacle Mountain Kayaking

April water temperatures reach 15-18°C (59-64°F), making this the first comfortable month for kayaking before summer heat and lake traffic peak. Lake Maumelle offers 34 km (21 miles) of pristine shoreline with zero development - you'll paddle past limestone bluffs, hidden coves, and forested shores with excellent bird watching (herons, ospreys, bald eagles). The lake sits 24 km (15 miles) west of downtown beneath Pinnacle Mountain. Morning paddles (7-10am) offer glassy water before afternoon winds pick up. Two Prong Bay and Natural Steps areas are most scenic.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals typically cost $35-50 for half day, $55-75 for full day including life jackets and paddles. Book 5-7 days ahead for April weekends as rental fleets are limited. Launch points require Arkansas Game and Fish parking permit ($5 daily). Guided tours cost $65-95 per person for 3-4 hour trips. Choose morning tours - afternoon thunderstorms in April can develop quickly on open water. Bring dry bags for phones and cameras. See current kayaking tour options in the booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April (main Riverfest is late May)

Riverfest

Arkansas's largest outdoor festival takes over the River Market District and Riverfront Park for Memorial Day weekend (late May), but April is when locals recommend visiting BEFORE the crowds. In April, you can explore the same riverfront areas, restaurants, and venues that will be packed during Riverfest with 10% of the crowds. The River Market District hosts smaller weekend events throughout April including live music at outdoor venues and the Saturday farmers market at full spring capacity.

Mid April

Arkansas Literary Festival

This free literary event typically occurs in mid-April at the Central Arkansas Library downtown, bringing authors, poets, and publishers for readings, panels, and book signings. Past festivals have featured 50+ authors over a weekend with sessions in multiple venues within walking distance of the River Market. Check exact 2025 dates as timing varies by year, but it's traditionally the second or third weekend of April. Sessions are free but popular author events fill quickly.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system for 12°C (22°F) daily temperature swings - pack a light fleece or hoodie for 10°C (50°F) mornings, short sleeves for 22°C (72°F) afternoons. Locals wear layers they can remove by 11am and put back on after sunset around 7:30pm.

Lightweight rain jacket (not poncho) - April storms develop quickly with wind gusts to 40 km/h (25 mph) making ponchos useless. Showers typically last 20-45 minutes. A packable waterproof jacket works for both rain and cool mornings.

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 (very high) on clear April days. The Arkansas sun is stronger than many visitors expect, especially on exposed trails and the river. Reapply every 90 minutes during outdoor activities.

Closed-toe waterproof hiking shoes or trail runners - trails at Pinnacle Mountain and along the Arkansas River can be muddy 24-48 hours after rain. Skip cotton sneakers. Waterproof shoes dry faster and provide better traction on wet rocks.

Polarized sunglasses - essential for river activities and driving. Arkansas spring sun creates intense glare on water and wet roads after rain showers.

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - mosquitoes emerge in April around the river and lakes, especially at dawn and dusk. Ticks are active in wooded areas. Apply before trail hikes.

Reusable water bottle (1 liter / 32 oz minimum) - April humidity at 70% requires more hydration than the moderate temperatures suggest. Refill stations available at most parks and attractions.

Allergy medication - bring your preferred antihistamine from home. April pollen counts are extreme (oak, pine, grass). Even non-allergy sufferers sometimes experience symptoms. Local pharmacies carry different brands than other regions.

Casual comfortable clothing - Little Rock is not a dressy city. Jeans or casual pants with comfortable walking shoes work for 95% of activities including nice restaurants. Only the Capital Hotel bar and a few downtown steakhouses expect business casual.

Portable phone charger - you'll use your phone constantly for trail maps, weather radar (essential for tracking April storms), restaurant reservations, and photos. Battery drains faster in variable temperatures.

Insider Knowledge

Download a weather radar app before arrival - locals check radar 2-3 times daily in April to track storm development. MyRadar or Weather Underground show real-time storm movement. If you see a line of red moving east at 3-6pm, delay outdoor plans 45-60 minutes and it will pass.

Book accommodations in the River Market or downtown districts, not near the airport - the airport area is 11 km (7 miles) east with nothing walkable and requires driving everywhere. Downtown puts you within 1.6 km (1 mile) of most attractions and restaurants. Parking is free or cheap ($5-8 daily) at most downtown hotels.

Avoid scheduling outdoor activities between 3-7pm in April - this is when 70% of spring storms develop. Plan hiking, cycling, and kayaking for mornings (7am-1pm). Use afternoon storm periods for museums, the Clinton Library, or brewery visits.

Little Rock tap water is excellent and safe to drink - the city's water comes from Lake Maumelle and Winona, consistently rated among the best in the US. Skip buying bottled water and refill at fountains, restaurants, or your hotel. This saves $15-25 over a 3-4 day trip.

Tornado sirens test every second Saturday at noon - if you hear sirens at exactly 12pm on the second Saturday, it's just a test. Actual tornado warnings are rare but do occur in April. If sirens sound at any other time, seek interior rooms away from windows immediately and check weather apps.

The Heights neighborhood along Kavanaugh Boulevard is where locals eat - this area 5 km (3 miles) west of downtown has the city's best restaurant concentration without tourist markup. Street parking is free. Try Local Lime, Heights Taco and Tamale, or any of the 20+ restaurants within 800 m (0.5 miles).

Free parking downtown on Sundays - most metered parking (normally $1.50/hour) is free all day Sunday. This is the best day for exploring downtown, River Market, and the Clinton Library without parking costs. Weekday parking is enforced 8am-5pm.

Big Dam Bridge is spectacular at sunrise (6:45am in April) - arrive 15 minutes before sunrise for the best light and virtually no other people. The 1,340 m (4,400 ft) bridge offers unobstructed Arkansas River views. By 9am on weekends, it's crowded with cyclists and walkers.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability and packing only for warm weather - tourists arrive with shorts and t-shirts, then suffer through 10°C (50°F) mornings. April requires both warm and cool weather clothing. Check the 10-day forecast before packing and bring layers.

Scheduling tight outdoor itineraries without storm flexibility - visitors plan back-to-back outdoor activities (morning hike, afternoon kayaking, evening river walk) then lose entire afternoons to storms. Build 2-3 hour weather buffer windows and have indoor backup plans ready.

Skipping breakfast before summit hikes at Pinnacle Mountain - the West Summit Trail is legitimately strenuous with 305 m (1,000 ft) elevation gain on exposed rocks. Tourists underestimate it, skip breakfast, bring insufficient water, and struggle. Eat a real meal, bring 2 liters (68 oz) water, and start by 9am before heat builds.

Driving to attractions during afternoon rush hour (4:30-6pm) - Little Rock traffic is mild compared to major cities, but I-430 and I-630 slow significantly during evening rush. If afternoon storms delay your plans until 4-5pm, wait until after 6pm to drive across town or take surface streets.

Expecting walkability between all downtown attractions - downtown Little Rock and River Market are walkable, but the Clinton Library is 3 km (2 miles) east, Central High School is 5 km (3 miles) south, and Pinnacle Mountain is 20 km (12 miles) west. You need a car or budget $15-25 daily for rideshares. The city has no metro system.