Cannon AFB sits on the high plains of eastern New Mexico, just outside Clovis and within easy reach of Portales and the Texas Panhandle. While the installation is best known for its Air Force Special Operations Command mission, there is more to the area than work and wide-open desert skies. Clovis has a surprisingly rich rock-and-roll history, local restaurants, family attractions, rodeos, parks, and community events, while the surrounding region opens the door to outdoor adventures and some uniquely New Mexico weekend trips.

Whether you are looking for an inexpensive family outing, somewhere to take visiting relatives, a date-night idea, or simply an excuse to get away from the house for a few hours, there are plenty of Cannon AFB things to do once you know where to look.

5 Places Near Cannon AFB That Are Military Friendly

 can make exploring a new duty station even better. Cannon and Clovis have a close relationship, and several local businesses and attractions offer military discounts, specials, or other connections to the military community. 

Keep your military ID handy and add these stops to your eastern New Mexico bucket list.

For a simple movie night close to Cannon, 

 is Clovis's local first-run movie theater, with seven screens, reserved seating, digital projection, and online ticketing. 

Even better, the theater advertises a Thursday military special: show your military ID, and you can purchase admission at the senior ticket rate. That makes Thursday a good night to grab some popcorn, turn off the PCS brain for a couple of hours, and catch whatever is new on the big screen.

 is one of the easiest family outings in Clovis, with animals ranging from big cats and primates to birds and reptiles. The zoo sits inside the much larger Hillcrest Park, so you can turn the visit into a full afternoon with playgrounds, picnic areas, pickleball and basketball courts, a splash park, and a dog park nearby. 

Military members receive half-price zoo admission on the second Saturday of every month, so mark that one on the calendar if you are looking for a budget-friendly family day.

Exploring a new assignment should always involve food, and 

 has been serving homemade Mexican and New Mexican favorites in Clovis since 1982. 

The menu includes enchiladas, chile rellenos, fajitas, tamales, tacos, burritos, and plenty of red and green chile, because you are in New Mexico now, after all. Juanito's offers a 10% military discount every day, making it an easy local restaurant to add to your regular rotation while stationed at Cannon.

, a longtime Clovis roller rink offering public skating sessions, rentals, games, parties, and family entertainment. Roller World has been part of the community since 1980, and its current owners have a particularly strong connection to Cannon: co-owner Michael is an Air Force veteran who continues to work at Cannon AFB as a contractor and instructor. 

The rink also welcomes squadron functions and other group events, making it a genuinely military-connected local business even when you are not there for an official event.

A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, and 

 gives you plenty of ways to settle the score. The outdoor entertainment center has go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, batting cages, and paintball, along with multi-activity passes and group-event options. 

It is close to Cannon and works equally well for families, couples, squadron outings, or a group of friends who cannot agree on just one activity. Ask about the current military rate before purchasing your passes so you know what is available that day.

30+ Things to Do Near Cannon AFB in Clovis, New Mexico

5 Things to Do When You Want the Full New Mexico Experience

You are in New Mexico now, so it only feels right to experience a little of what makes this part of the Southwest unique. Around Cannon AFB, that means rodeos, ancient archaeology, rock-and-roll history, wide-open high-plains landscapes, and community traditions rooted in ranching and agriculture. 

Here are five Cannon AFB things to do when you want an outing that feels distinctly eastern New Mexico.

Cowboy culture is alive and well in Clovis, and the 

 is one of the best places to experience it. The annual event traces its roots to the Curry County Mounted Patrol and brings professional rodeo competitors to Clovis for events like bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, roping, and more. 

The celebration also traditionally includes a parade and military-appreciation programming, making it an especially fitting local tradition for Cannon families.

Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark

Long before Cannon AFB or even the city of Clovis existed, people were living and hunting on these plains. 

Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark and Museum

 preserves one of the most important Paleoindian archaeological sites in North America. Excavations here helped define what archaeologists now call the Clovis culture, and visitors can learn about stone tools, extinct megafauna, ancient hunting practices, and thousands of years of human activity in the region. This is one of those attractions that makes you realize just how much history is hiding beneath eastern New Mexico's wide-open landscape.

Clovis has a rock-and-roll resume that is surprisingly impressive. The historic 

 is where artists including Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and Waylon Jennings recorded music during the early days of rock and roll. 

The preserved studio still contains original equipment and memorabilia tied to the legendary “Clovis Sound.” Tours are available by appointment, so plan ahead if you want to stand in the same studio where some genuinely iconic music was made.

If you want eastern New Mexico all in one place, the 

 makes a pretty strong case. Held annually in Clovis, the fair combines livestock exhibitions, rodeo events, carnival rides, live music, fair food, youth activities, and plenty of agricultural tradition. 

It is the kind of event where you can watch mutton bustin', wander through livestock barns, grab something fried on a stick, and finish the evening with live entertainment. Military admission is also offered at a reduced rate.

Yes, there really is an oasis on the eastern New Mexico plains. 

 sits just north of Portales among cottonwood trees and sand dunes, with a small lake that is popular for fishing. 

The park also offers hiking and mountain-biking trails, camping, picnicking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Pack a picnic, stay for a New Mexico sunset, or make a weekend of it at the campground when you need a little space beyond the Clovis city limits.

5 Restaurants Near Cannon AFB That Are Sure to Please

One of the easiest ways to start liking a new duty station is to figure out where you want to eat. Clovis may be a smaller city, but its food scene reflects its location right where New Mexico and West Texas influences meet. That means Hatch green chile, steaks, wood-fired pizza, international flavors, and plenty of locally owned spots worth trying. 

Come hungry and add these restaurants to your Cannon AFB things-to-do list.

 combines dinner with a little Clovis history. Located in a restored railroad building dating to the early 1900s, the restaurant pays tribute to the city's railway heritage while offering a more elevated menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, international dishes, cocktails, and weekend brunch. 

You can even keep the New Mexico theme going with dishes like the Hatch green chile cheeseburger or Hatch green chile breakfast burrito. This is an especially good pick for date night, celebrations, or when visiting family deserves something nicer than another chain restaurant.

When the craving is pasta instead of green chile, 

 brings Italian comfort food to Clovis. The menu includes hand-tossed brick-oven pizza, pasta, seafood, salads, Italian sausage, calamari, and other familiar favorites. 

Their pizzas are made to order and baked in a brick oven, making Roma's an easy choice for family dinner, takeout night, or one of those evenings when nobody wants to cook.

 combines food and drinks in the heart of Main Street. The Clovis-Curry County Chamber describes it as a local “drinkery and eatery,” making it a convenient stop when you want to grab dinner, meet friends, or spend a little more time exploring downtown Clovis. 

Check their current social pages and event calendar before you go, because local breweries and downtown venues often rotate specials and entertainment.

If you need a break from burgers, barbecue, and enchiladas, 

 adds something completely different to the Clovis restaurant lineup. 

The locally listed Thai restaurant is a good option for curries, noodles, stir-fries, and other Thai favorites, and it gives you another cuisine to work into the rotation when you are trying to eat your way through your new duty station.

 is not messing around when it calls itself wood-fired: its pizzas cook in a 900-degree brick oven. Along with classics like cheese and pepperoni, the local pizza shop offers specialty combinations including green chile chicken, buffalo chicken ranch, and jalapeño popper pizza. 

It is casual, locally owned, and New Mexico enough that even pizza can apparently find a way to involve green chile.

What Are Some Pet-Friendly Places Near Cannon AFB?

Our pets PCS right along with us, which means they deserve to explore the new duty station too. Around Cannon AFB and Clovis, you can find places for off-leash play, long walks, outdoor adventures, and even a meal or coffee stop where your four-legged family member can tag along. Pack the leash, water, and waste bags and add a few of these pet-friendly Cannon AFB things to do to your weekend list.

After spending hours in the car during a PCS, your dog has definitely earned some room to run. 

 is a free, fenced off-leash park in Clovis with separate areas for large and small dogs. The park also provides watering stations, waste-disposal stations, seating, and shade for owners, making it an easy place for pups to burn off some energy and make a few new friends.

The dog park sits within the larger Hillcrest Park complex, where you will also find a walking trail, picnic areas, sports facilities, and plenty of open space. Just remember to leash your dog before leaving the designated off-leash area.

For dogs who prefer an actual adventure, 

 offers thousands of acres of outdoor space north of Clovis. The regional park includes hiking trails, lakes, picnic areas, disc golf, playgrounds, and wide-open scenery, and it is listed as a pet-friendly recreation area. It is a great place to trade neighborhood sidewalks for a longer walk and let your dog experience a little of eastern New Mexico's high-plains landscape.

Keep pets leashed while exploring and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months when shade can be limited.

If your family enjoys RV trips, or your PCS itself involves one, 

 is especially welcoming to four-legged travelers. The campground offers spacious pull-through RV sites, full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a playground, horse stalls, and its own fenced dog park. Monthly guests are even permitted to use an RV fence at their site under the park's current pet policy.

The park is located on the outskirts of Clovis, making it useful for a short getaway, temporary RV lodging, or visitors bringing both pets and horses to the area. It also currently advertises a military discount, so ask about the rate when booking.

Coffee tastes a little better when your dog gets to come along. 

 is a casual Clovis breakfast-and-lunch spot serving coffee, smoothies, breakfast dishes, sandwiches, burgers, desserts, and other café favorites. The restaurant has dog-friendly outdoor tables where your pup can relax beside you while you grab breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon caffeine boost.

Barbecue night does not necessarily mean your dog has to stay home. 

 on North Prince Street has pet-friendly outdoor seating, including several tables where dogs are welcome to join their owners. The menu covers barbecue favorites like ribs, brisket, pulled pork, sausage, chicken, sandwiches, combination platters, and Southern-style sides.

5 Things for Couples to Do Near Cannon AFB

Military life can turn date night into one more thing that has to be scheduled between work, appointments, PCS paperwork, and everyday responsibilities, which is exactly why 

. Fortunately, a date near Cannon doesn’t have to mean driving hours to a bigger city. 

From golf and live performances to escape rooms, pottery, and a surprisingly adorable alpaca date, here are five Cannon AFB things to do when you want some quality time together.

The couple that golfs together gets plenty of uninterrupted time to talk, or at least plenty of time to debate whose ball disappeared into the rough. 

 is Clovis's public 18-hole, par-72 course, with tree-lined fairways, water features, a driving range, putting green, and an on-site bar and restaurant. Whether you play a full round or just spend some time practicing before grabbing a meal, it is an easy outdoor date close to Cannon.

If you want a date where you actually make something together, 

 is Clovis's all-inclusive art studio with pottery painting, canvas art, wheel throwing, hand-built clay, mosaics, and glass fusion. 

Walk-ins are welcome during regular open hours, and no artistic talent is required. Pick projects for each other, paint something for your new home, or find out which one of you should absolutely not pursue a second career in ceramics.

Nothing tests teamwork quite like voluntarily locking yourselves in a room and trying to escape. 

 offers themed escape-room experiences where players search for hidden objects, decipher codes, solve puzzles, and work against the clock. 

It is a fun change from the usual dinner date, and possibly an excellent way to determine which person in the relationship stays calm when absolutely nothing makes sense.

Clovis Community College Cultural Arts Series

For a date night that feels a little more dressed-up, check the schedule for the 

Clovis Community College Cultural Arts Series.

 The long-running series brings professional touring entertainment to Clovis, with past seasons featuring live music, theater, dance, tribute performances, comedy, and other specialty acts. 

Shows are held at local venues such as Marshall Auditorium, giving couples a chance to catch live entertainment without making the drive to Albuquerque or Lubbock. Check the current season before planning your night because performances change throughout the year.

Dinner and a movie is nice, but have you tried date night with alpacas? 

 is a family-run farm outside Clovis offering scheduled farm tours, seasonal events, and opportunities to meet and feed the alpacas. 

They have even hosted Full Moon Alpaca Yoga, an adults-only evening event that combines a gentle yoga session with alpacas and sunset views. Visits and events generally require reservations, so check the farm's calendar before heading out. It may be one of the more unexpected dates you have during your Cannon assignment and definitely one of the fluffiest.

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips Perfect for a Quick Getaway

There are plenty of Cannon AFB things to do close to home, but sometimes you just need to get out of town for the day. One advantage of being stationed in eastern New Mexico is that you can head in almost any direction and find something completely different within a couple of hours. 

From West Texas music and ranching history to UFOs, desert lakes, Route 66, and one seriously impressive canyon, these nearby destinations are perfect for a day trip or easy weekend getaway.

30+ Things to Do Near Cannon AFB in Clovis, New Mexico 

, home of the 27th Special Operations Wing and a community of Air Commandos on the high plains of eastern New Mexico. Located just west of Clovis near the Texas state line, Cannon is part of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC

 and supports specialized missions including precision strike, specialized mobility, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and air-to-ground integration. Aircraft associated with the wing include the AC-130, CV-22, MC-130, and MQ-9.

Cannon’s story actually began long before its current special operations mission. The airfield started as Portair Field, a civilian stop for early transcontinental flights in the late 1920s, before becoming Clovis Municipal Airport. During World War II, it was transformed into Clovis Army Air Base and used to train B-24, B-17, and B-29 aircrews. The installation was officially named Cannon Air Force Base in 1957 in honor of Gen. John K. Cannon, and in 2007 the 27th Fighter Wing became the 27th Special Operations Wing as Cannon transitioned to AFSOC.

A PCS to Cannon puts you in a different setting than many Air Force assignments. The base sits about eight miles west of Clovis at an elevation of roughly 4,300 feet, surrounded by wide-open eastern New Mexico plains. Clovis and nearby Portales provide most of the area's shopping, restaurants, schools, healthcare, and community services, while Cannon itself offers the everyday resources military families need to get settled.

Before you arrive, connect with your sponsor and take a look at the 

. From figuring out where to live and registering the kids for school to arranging temporary lodging, accessing the installation, and finding a job after the move, there are a lot of details to work through. This guide will help you tackle the essentials and start getting familiar with life at Cannon and the surrounding Clovis-Portales community.

Cannon Air Force Base is located in Curry County in eastern New Mexico, approximately eight miles west of Clovis and not far from the Texas Panhandle. The installation is accessible from U.S. Highway 60/84, which connects directly with the 

. Travelers arriving from the Portales area can also reach the installation using New Mexico State Road 467 and the 

For newcomers or visitors who need help with installation access, the 

601 Chindit Ave., Bldg. 2220 Cannon AFB, NM 88103

Whether Cannon AFB is your next duty station or you are simply visiting someone on the installation, knowing which gate to use and what identification to have ready can save you time when you arrive. 

Cannon is a closed installation, so visitors who don’t already have an authorized base-access credential will need to complete the visitor-pass process before entering. 

 is located beside the Main Gate and should be your first stop for most visitor-access questions.

, located off U.S. Highway 60/84 on the north side of the installation, and the Portales Gate, located on the south side. Both gates are open 24/7. Commercial and oversized vehicles must use the Portales Gate and its inspection area.

Welcome to Cannon Air Force Base! Your Guide to Base Access, Amenities, and More

Average Drive Times to Base Gates From Regional Cities

Lubbock is one of the closest larger cities and airport options for families traveling to Cannon. Take U.S. Highway 84 west through Littlefield and Muleshoe, cross into New Mexico at Farwell/Texico, and continue through Clovis. West of Clovis, U.S. 60/84 leads directly toward the 

From Amarillo, take I-27 south toward Canyon, then head west on U.S. Highway 60. Continue through the Texas Panhandle to Texico, New Mexico, where the route connects with U.S. 84 toward Clovis. Continue west through the Clovis area on U.S. 60/84 to reach 

If Roswell is your starting point, travel northeast on U.S. Highway 70 toward Portales. From the Portales area, use New Mexico State Road 467 to approach Cannon from the south and enter through the 

. Cannon specifically recommends this route for travelers approaching from U.S. 70.

Albuquerque is farther away, but it is another major airport and travel hub families may use during a PCS. Head east on I-40 toward Santa Rosa, then connect with U.S. 84 toward Fort Sumner. From Fort Sumner, U.S. 60/84 continues east through the high plains toward Cannon AFB and the 

Need Base Access? Here's What You Need to Do

If you already have an authorized DoD Common Access Card, military dependent ID, retiree ID, or another credential accepted for installation access, you can present that credential at the gate. Visitors who do not already have authorized access generally need a sponsor and must be processed for a visitor pass.

For same-day personal visits, guests without an existing DBIDS pass or approved Entry Authorization List access should report to the 

 with their sponsor for identity verification, background vetting, and pass issuance. Cannon's current visitor page lists the Visitor Control Center as open seven days a week from 0600–1800. For passes outside normal VCC hours, Cannon directs visitors to contact the Base Defense Operations Center at (575) 784-4111 for guidance.

If you know about a visit ahead of time, don’t wait until your guest arrives at the gate. Cannon requires advance access requests and additions to an Entry Authorization List to be submitted at least five days before the visit. Guests can also use the 

 to create a visitor profile in advance. Pre-enrollment can shorten processing time, but it does not grant base access by itself; the visitor still needs to complete the required process with the Visitor Control Center.

Since May 7, 2025, visitors relying on a state-issued driver's license or identification card to enter a military installation need a REAL ID-compliant credential or another federally accepted form of identification. DoD-issued military, dependent, CAC, and similar federal credentials already satisfy installation-access identification requirements.

 Present your valid DoD-issued credential at the gate.

 Bring a valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state identification card, or another acceptable federal credential such as a U.S. passport or passport card.

 Be prepared to provide a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance when processing your pass.

 Visitors without independent base-access credentials should expect to complete identity verification and a background check before a pass is issued.

 Unofficial foreign-national visitors are not permitted unescorted access. They must report to the Visitor Control Center with appropriate identification or passport documents, complete the required vetting, and remain escorted by an approved ID-card holder while on the installation. Cannon may issue an escort-required DBIDS paper pass for up to 30 days after successful processing.

If you are unsure whether your identification will be accepted, check the 

 information or call the Cannon AFB Visitor Control Center at (575) 784-2400 before you make the trip. Base-access policies can change with security conditions, so confirming current procedures is always a good idea before bringing visitors onto Cannon.

Getting around Cannon AFB is fairly straightforward once you know which entrance fits your route. The installation has two primary gates, the Main Gate off U.S. Highway 60/84 and the Portales Gate off State Road 467, and both are currently open 24/7. Visitors who need a base pass should plan to stop at the 

r near the Main Gate during its operating hours.

 is Cannon’s primary entrance and is located on the north side of the installation off U.S. Highway 60/84, making it the most convenient gate for anyone approaching from Clovis, Texico, Lubbock, or Amarillo.

 is located immediately beside this entrance at 601 Chindit Avenue, Building 2220. Visitors who don’t already have authorized installation access should report here for identity verification, required background screening, and visitor-pass processing.

 is located on the south side of Cannon AFB and provides convenient access for anyone approaching from Portales, Roswell, or U.S. Highway 70. Travelers coming from the south can take State Road 467 directly toward the installation.

The Portales Gate is also the required entrance for commercial and oversized vehicles, which must use the inspection area at this gate rather than entering through the Main Gate.

Your first stop after arriving at Cannon depends on when you get there. During normal duty hours, newly assigned service members should connect with their sponsor and report directly to their gaining unit’s Commander Support Staff (CSS). Your CSS will then coordinate your installation in-processing and provide information about the documents and appointments you will need to complete. Cannon guidance states that members should be scheduled for in-processing within 24 hours of arrival.

If you arrive after duty hours, on a weekend, or on a holiday, report to the 

before checking in with your unit on the next duty day. Caprock Inn serves as Cannon’s after-hours arrival point and on-base temporary lodging facility.

New Air Commandos should also expect newcomer briefings as part of the transition to Cannon. One Cannon-specific program is 

 a newcomer orientation designed to explain healthcare at the 27th Special Operations Medical Group, including TRICARE, patient advocacy, pharmacy services, mental health resources, EFMP, health promotion, and other medical support. Cannon currently maintains 

 for newly arriving personnel and families.

As with any PCS, keep the important paperwork with you instead of packing it in your household goods. Hand-carry your orders, military and dependent IDs, travel documents and receipts, medical and dental records, school records, vehicle documents, housing paperwork, and any documents your gaining unit has asked you to bring. Your sponsor and CSS should be your primary points of contact if you are unsure where to report or what you will need during your first few days at Cannon.

Once you make it through the gate and start settling into Cannon AFB, there are a handful of places you will probably visit sooner rather than later. From healthcare and housing questions to replacing an ID card, sorting out PCS pay, and finally restocking the refrigerator, here are some of the Cannon facilities worth saving in your phone.

 provides healthcare for eligible Cannon AFB beneficiaries. The clinic offers primary care, pharmacy, laboratory and diagnostic imaging, dental care for active-duty personnel, mental health services, immunizations, optometry, women's health, and other specialty and preventive services.

One thing to know before you need it: Cannon does not have an emergency room. For an emergency, call 911 or use an emergency department in Clovis or Portales. Cannon does provide 24-hour ambulance response on the installation.

 Most services operate Monday–Friday, generally 0730–1630; Wednesday hours may begin later depending on the clinic

Housing is one of those PCS tasks that is much easier when you start asking questions before the moving truck arrives. The 

 assists service members and families with privatized housing, off-base rentals, relocation assistance, and other housing concerns. You can also use the 

 before your PCS to begin communicating with the housing office at Cannon.

 401 James Boatwright, Chavez Housing Area

Lost ID, new dependent, promotion, name change, or DEERS update? The 

 handles CACs, dependent and retiree ID cards, DEERS updates, passports, and other personnel services.

Appointments for CACs, dependent IDs, retiree IDs, and DEERS updates are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, while Wednesdays are reserved for walk-ins. Adults receiving a new ID should bring two forms of unexpired identification, including at least one current photo ID. Appointments can be scheduled through the 

 Monday–Friday: 0800–1400; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: Appointments; Wednesday: Walk-ins

PCS money has a way of becoming complicated exactly when you have enough other things to deal with. 

The 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron Finance Office

 can assist with military pay, travel entitlements, PCS vouchers, allowances, and other financial matters connected to your move or assignment.

Newly arriving Airmen should know that inbound travel vouchers are handled as part of the Cannon in-processing appointment scheduled through the unit CSS. Cannon also encourages customers to use virtual finance resources when possible before heading to the office.

 110 E. Alison Ave., Bldg. 600, Suite 1110,

 Monday–Friday: 0830–1430. Closed weekends and federal holidays. Closed the first Friday of the month for training

Whether you need a power of attorney before a deployment, want a lease reviewed, are preparing a will, or simply have a legal question that followed you through the PCS, the 

 provides legal assistance to eligible service members, retirees, and family members.

The office offers legal consultations, wills, powers of attorney, notary services, and other assistance. Wills and most legal-assistance consultations require an appointment, while notary and certain power-of-attorney services are available during designated walk-in hours. You can also use the 

 to complete worksheets for wills and powers of attorney before your visit.

 Monday–Friday: 0730–1630. Closed for lunch: 1100–1200

 Monday–Thursday: 0900–1600; Friday: 1000–1200

Little Rock AFB is located in Jacksonville, Arkansas

, just northeast of Little Rock in the heart of central Arkansas. The installation may be best known for its C-130 mission and strong airlift community, but the surrounding area offers plenty to explore once you get settled. From museums, parks, trails, lakes, and local restaurants to festivals, family attractions, and easy weekend trips, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your time both on and off base.

Families, couples, pet owners, and solo adventurers can all find something that fits their interests and budget. Plan a kid-friendly adventure, explore a dog-friendly patio, spend the day outdoors, or enjoy a quiet date night. You may be surprised by just how many fun things there are to do near Little Rock AFB.

5 Military-Friendly Things to Do Near Little Rock AFB

 or an outing that helps a new duty station feel more like home? 

 and the greater Little Rock area offer several ways for service members, spouses, retirees, and military families to explore local history, enjoy affordable attractions, and connect with the community beyond the gates. 

From military museums to family entertainment and on-base adventures, these stops are worth adding to your central Arkansas list.

The Jacksonville Museum of Military History

 is an especially fitting first stop for families stationed at Little Rock AFB. Located near the installation, the museum explores Arkansas military history from the Civil War through modern conflicts, with exhibits on the Jacksonville Ordnance Plant, the Titan II missile program, uniforms, vehicles, and military equipment. 

Military visitors receive discounted admission with identification, making it an affordable way to learn more about the community’s long-standing connection to the armed forces.

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

Located inside Little Rock’s historic Arsenal Building, the 

 preserves the stories of Arkansas service members and the state’s military heritage. The building is also the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur, giving military families a chance to explore both national and local history in one visit. 

Admission is free, and the museum also hosts educational programs, temporary exhibits, and a free monthly military-film series with refreshments.

 is an easy family outing with animal exhibits, educational programs, seasonal activities, and plenty of space to spend a few hours away from the PCS checklist. 

Active-duty military members and veterans receive reduced admission with valid identification, while children age two and younger enter free. The zoo’s central Little Rock location also makes it easy to combine the visit with nearby parks, museums, or restaurants.

 offers a casual option for date nights, family outings, birthdays, or group get-togethers. The park includes miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, an arcade, batting cages, a maze, and other activities spread across more than seven acres. 

Military members and first responders receive $1 off each attraction with appropriate identification, making it a fun option when you want several activities in one place.

Little Rock AFB Outdoor Recreation and Strike Zone Bowling

You don’t have to leave the base to plan a fun day or start exploring Arkansas. 

 offers equipment rentals and organized adventures such as horseback riding, white-water rafting, skydiving, cave exploration, and other outdoor programs. 

 provides open bowling, food, family matinees, and recurring events like Cosmic Bowling. 

 is also worth checking for seasonal celebrations, workshops, pool events, and family activities.

35+ Fun Things to Do Near Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville

Where to Eat Near Little Rock AFB: 5 Local Favorites

One of the best ways to get familiar with a new duty station is to eat your way through the local community. Jacksonville has several locally owned restaurants serving barbecue, Southern comfort food, Vietnamese dishes, seafood, burgers, and made-from-scratch desserts, all within an easy drive of Little Rock AFB. 

These five restaurants are a good starting point when you are ready to explore beyond the installation.

 is a locally and family-owned Jacksonville restaurant serving breakfast and lunch in a relaxed bistro setting. Breakfast options include biscuits, breakfast tacos, omelets, avocado toast, and traditional plates, while the lunch menu features burgers, sandwiches, salads, and rotating specials. 

Visit Four Elms Bistro for a casual brunch, spouse meet-up, or meal after finishing appointments on base.

 is a local favorite for smoked meats, Southern sides, and U.S. farm-raised catfish. The menu includes brisket, pulled pork, ribs, wings, fried and grilled seafood, sandwiches, and traditional barbecue fixings, with takeout and catering also available. 

Located north of Jacksonville on Highway 107, it is a delicious dining choice for families looking for generous portions and classic Arkansas barbecue.

 is a casual Jacksonville seafood spot known for fried catfish, hush puppies, coleslaw, fries, and other Southern comfort-food favorites. 

Its straightforward menu and relaxed atmosphere make it an easy option for lunch or dinner, especially when you want a traditional Arkansas-style catfish plate without driving into downtown Little Rock.

 brings Vietnamese and other Asian flavors to downtown Jacksonville. The locally operated restaurant is best known for Vietnamese noodle soup, with additional rice, noodles, appetizers, and Asian-inspired options available for lunch or dinner. 

Pho and More is a welcome alternative when you want something warm, flavorful, and different from the barbecue and Southern fare commonly found around central Arkansas.

 is a family-owned Jacksonville restaurant serving hand-pressed burgers, fries, frozen custard, and fried pies made from scratch to order. Pie fillings range from traditional fruit and cream flavors to savory options, and guests can even turn a favorite pie flavor into a custard shake. 

Fried Pie is an especially unique experience for families or newcomers who want to try a sweet Arkansas-style treat while exploring the area around Little Rock AFB.

Dorothy Vetterl

Military Spouse & Contributing Writer

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