Friday 5: Fun things to do in Northwest Arkansas this weekend, Aug. 17-19

Wondering what you’ll do this weekend with the kids? We’ve got 5 top picks below for things to do in Northwest Arkansas, August 17-19.

For more family fun ideas, check out the August calendar of events or our list of 25 things to do in Northwest Arkansas this summer.

Secchi Day on Beaver Lake

The public is invited to attend the 13th annual Secchi Day on Beaver Lake. This FREE family event Science Education Festival includes activities for all ages, with hands-on water and environmental science education fun, a fire truck, kayak test rides, free healthy snacks in the morning, lots of giveaways and chilled tap water to drink, free lunch (regular and vegan hot dogs), Popsicles and ice cream, as well as Water Fun Facts with Papa Rap & Marshallese dance & crafts.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 18

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Prairie Creek on Beaver Lake, five miles east of Rogers, Arkansas, on Hwy. 12.

Washington County Historical Society’s 47th Annual Ice Cream Social

Ice cream, cake and live entertainment. The book store will be open and the Headquarters House will be open for touring. Kids activities planned.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 18

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Location: Washington County Historical Society, Fayetteville

Super Saturday: Artsy Crafty 

Get creative. Families can drop in anytime between 10:30am and noon at the Children’s library to enjoy a wide array of fun self-guided craft projects. Volunteers will be available for assistance. This event is free and no registration is required. Art projects are geared toward preschool-age children and older.

Date: Saturday, August 18

Time: 10:30 a.m. – noon

Location: Fayetteville Public Library

Clear the Shelters pet adoption event

Fayetteville Animal Services joins KNWA to host Clear the Shelters, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations’ nationwide annual pet adoption event. This year marks the initiative’s fourth year of helping families find and adopt homeless pets. Fayetteville Animal Services has waived adoption fees for pets adopted on Saturday, August 18. Pets will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Shelter staff recommends that adopters get there early and encourage people to fill out their adoption applications in advance, so the staff has time to get the application approved before the event. Applications are available at the shelter or on the City’s website at www.fayetteville-ar.gov/petadoption.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 18

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: The Lib Horn Animal Shelter, located at 1640 S. Armstrong Ave. in Fayetteville

Tape and Tunnels: Ordinary Materials, Extraordinary Uses at the Amazeum

Stop by the Amazeum to see this traveling exhibit before it’s gone. You’ll be amazed at what can be done with packing tape! This exhibit stretches the boundaries of one of the most utilitarian materials. Come climb, crawl, scoot, and slide through a collection of interconnected sculptures created completely of packing tape. See the Amazeum from a whole new vantage point 12 feet off the ground in a completely clear tunnel of tape. 

Dates: Through October

Time: The Amazeum’s hours are Monday 10 am – 5 pm; Tuesday closed
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm

Location: 1009 Museum Way, at the corner of Northeast J Street and Museum Way, Bentonville

Back to School Shopping Event, Beautiful Lives Boutique

Shop end of the summer and back to school bargains. They’ll be offering refreshments and great prices. Profits from sales benefit women and children in crisis.

Date: Aug. 17-18

Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Beautiful Lives Boutique, Fayetteville