Facts for Kids

Little Rock is the capital and biggest city in Arkansas! 🌳

It sits on the north side of the Arkansas River, where it got its name from a little rock formation called "La Petit Roche," discovered by the French explorer Jean-Baptiste Purdy in 1722. Today, Little Rock is a busy city filled with exciting things to see and do! With a population of over 197,000 people, you can find parks, schools, and museums everywhere. 🏙

️ Isn’t that cool? Little Rock is known for its rich history and friendly people who love their city!

Little Rock has a fun mix of people from various backgrounds! 🌍

The city is home to over 197,000 residents. About 48% of the people are White, 41% are Black, and there are many other races and ethnicities living happily together! 🌈

The city is known for its friendly communities, where everyone can find friends and celebrate diversity. Festivals often highlight different cultures, making Little Rock a vibrant place to live!

Little Rock has a rich cultural scene, full of attractions that are fun to visit! 🎭

The Arkansas Arts Center showcases amazing art exhibits, while the Historic Arkansas Museum takes you back in time, showing how people lived years ago. You can also visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, which tells the story of President Clinton and his time in office. 📖

The city's River Market District is buzzing with restaurants, shops, and live performances. There's something enjoyable for everyone in Little Rock!

Little Rock has a diverse economy, which means it makes money in many different ways! 🏭

Some major industries here include healthcare, education, and government. The city is home to big companies like Walmart and Dillard's! 📦

Little Rock also has a growing tech industry, with several startups emerging in the area. The Little Rock Air Force Base provides jobs, too! Overall, the economy is strong, which helps create a nice community for everyone.

Little Rock is filled with beautiful parks where kids and families can have fun outside! 🌳

One popular spot is Pinnacle Mountain State Park, where you can hike up the mountain for a fantastic view! 🏞

️ Another favorite is Riverfront Park, which has playgrounds, walking trails, and splash pads to play in during summer. There are also community sports fields for tennis, soccer, and baseball. With so many parks to explore, Little Rock is perfect for outdoor adventures! 🌟

Little Rock lies in the central part of Arkansas, surrounded by hills and rivers. 🌳

The city covers 123 square miles and has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot summers and mild winters! ☀

️ During summer, temperatures can reach up to 90°F (32°C), while in winter, they might drop to around 37°F (3°C). Little Rock also gets a lot of rain, so don't forget your umbrella! ☔

The beautiful scenery attracts lots of visitors who enjoy the outdoors.

Getting around Little Rock is easy, thanks to its public transportation options! 🚌

The Rock Region Metro operates buses that go all over the city, helping people get to school, work, or fun places. Little Rock also has bike lanes for those who love riding bikes! 🚴

‍♂️ In addition, many neighborhoods are very walkable, making it easy to explore the area on foot. Visitors can also enjoy the city's trolley system, which offers a unique way to see Little Rock!

Little Rock was founded in 1821 and became the capital of Arkansas in 1821. 🎉

In 1957, it was in the news when nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, bravely integrated Central High School, standing up for equal education 🌈. This was a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement. Many influential figures have lived or visited Little Rock, including President Bill Clinton, who was born there! These historical moments make Little Rock a fascinating place to learn about America's past.

Little Rock is not only the capital but also the center of the state's government! 🏛

️ The Arkansas State Capitol is located here, where important decisions are made. The city's mayor, who is chosen by the people, helps run it smoothly. Little Rock has a city council made up of representatives who listen to the residents' needs and make rules for the community. Every election, citizens can vote on local leaders, which is an essential part of democracy! 🗳

️

Little Rock has many schools and educational institutions, providing kids with great learning opportunities! 📚

The Little Rock School District serves thousands of students in elementary, middle, and high schools. Famous colleges like the University of Arkansas at Little Rock offer advanced education. 🎓

They have great programs in arts, social sciences, and business! There are also numerous public and private libraries that help kids find exciting books and learn more about the world.

Throughout the year, Little Rock hosts many fun events and festivals! 🎈

One major event is the Arkansas State Fair in October, where you can eat yummy food, ride carnival rides, and win prizes! 🎡

There's also the Little Rock Film Festival, showcasing fantastic movies from new filmmakers. Families love the Wakarusa Music Festival, featuring live music, great food, and outdoor fun! With so many exciting happenings, there's always something to do in Little Rock!