Family trips here run on a different rhythm than a couples or solo trip — shorter activities, more built-in flexibility, and a couple of reliable, low-effort stops to fall back on when energy runs low. Broken Bow has a decent lineup of these, most of them clustered on the Hochatown strip or just inside the park.
Overview
The Hochatown Petting Zoo is a local favorite with younger kids. Old West Town Mini-Golf is an 18-hole course watched over by a muffler-man landmark, a fun, slightly odd local detail kids tend to remember. Inside the park, the swinging bridge and the easier hiking trails (see our hiking guide) round out the outdoor side.
Why Visit
These are the activities that don’t require negotiating with tired kids or worrying about difficulty level — low commitment, high payoff, and mostly forgiving of however much energy is actually left in the day.
What to Expect
An hour or two covers both the petting zoo and mini-golf at a normal pace, longer if the kids take over the schedule (which, reasonably, they will). Low difficulty across the board — none of this requires any particular fitness or experience. Cost is modest for both stops compared to the bigger activities like ziplining or boat rentals. This is built specifically for families with younger kids, though older kids and even adults tend to enjoy the mini-golf course on its own merits.
Local Tips
Go mid-morning in summer, before the heat sets in — there’s limited shade on the mini-golf course specifically. Both of these also work as a rainy-day backup in a pinch, though check current conditions, since outdoor attractions can still be affected by weather.
Pair the swinging bridge and an easy trail like Cedar Bluff with the petting zoo or mini-golf for a full family day that mixes outdoor time with lower-key stops, rather than committing to one long activity that risks losing everyone’s attention halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Broken Bow with kids?
The Hochatown Petting Zoo, Old West Town Mini-Golf, and the swinging bridge and easier trails inside Beavers Bend State Park cover most of what families build a day around.
Is the Hochatown Petting Zoo good for young kids?
Yes — it doubles as a wildlife rehabilitation center and is a common family stop on the Hochatown strip.
How long does mini-golf take at Old West Town?
A round typically takes about an hour, depending on pace — it's an 18-hole course.
What's a good backup activity if the weather is bad?
See our Rainy Day Activities guide — indoor options like the Forest Heritage Center Museum and winery or brewery tasting rooms work when outdoor plans don't.
Are the Beavers Bend hiking trails safe for kids?
The Cedar Bluff loop is flat, shaded, and manageable for younger kids; the steeper Skyline Trail is better suited to older kids and adults. See our hiking guide for the full breakdown.
Where to Stay Nearby
A cabin with a game room or bunk space nearby the petting zoo and mini-golf keeps the whole day within a short drive.