PARTY TIME! HOW TO HOST THE PERFECT B-DAY BASH
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Learn about Little Rock’s celebrated Akbash guardian dogs at Heifer Village & Urban Farm Read the captivating story of sheep guardian dogs Sam and Uno in this beautifully illustrated book for dog lovers of all ages. Learn how this special breed of Akbash guardians work as a team to protect the sheep in their charge. Introduced to the wary sheep at Little Rock’s own Heifer Village and Urban Farm, Sam and Uno prove themselves in a frightening episode. These dependable guardian dogs earn a place in the hearts of the sheep...and they’ll win your heart as well. Learn how guardian dogs Sam and Uno were trained to protect herd animals in this unique, training manual by Dr. An Peischel, a world-renowned small ruminant specialist and breeder of guardian dogs. With more than 30 years managing guardian dogs to protect her commercial and registered goats, Peischel has vast experience in the selection, facilitation and use of these animals. In this book Peischel hones in on the particulars of using these dogs with goats. Whatever one’s uses for guardian dogs, this book is chock-full of important information for putting these animals in service. Buy your autographed copy of Sam and Uno and Guardian Dogs for Goats among the many selections of books for dog and pet lovers of all ages at DogTalkTV. Same-day shipping when you order online at:
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JUNE 2022 NEWS & NOTES YOUTH FISHING DERBY
JUNE 4, 8-10 a.m.
The Environmental Education Pond at Pinnacle Mountain State Park is stocked with hungry catfish for the Youth Fishing Derby. Head out to enjoy a morning of fishing with the park’s interpretive staff. This event is reserved for children 15 years old and younger and is FREE.
MURAL WORKSHOP
JUNE 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
DINOSAUR DAY
JUNE 1
To honor the occasion, head to Hot Springs for “Expedition Dinosaur: Rise of the Mammals,” a new exhibit at MidAmerica Science Museum (May 28-Aug. 20). It explores the fascinating world of dinosaurs — their rise, their extinction and the emergence of mammals.
Join the Arkansas Arts Council and Downtown Little Rock Partnership at the intersection of Eighth and Main streets in Little Rock and help celebrate the arts in Arkansas. Anthony Tidwell, founder of Cutwell 4 Kids, will lead participants through the hands-on process of building a mural. The mural design will be created through their GetSmART! Learning Series, a free virtual workshop held from 10 a.m. to noon June 6. Workshop attendees will develop mural designs that the Arkansas Arts Council will present to Downtown Little Rock Partnership, which has donated a mural space for a community-build mural. Registration: https://fb.me/e/1NGc3sRrH The mural painting event is free and open to the public.
PIONEER DAY CAMP @ HAM
FATHER’S DAY
June 13-17,
JUNE 19
9 a.m.-3 p.m. O Pioneers! Campers will learn about life in Arkansas in the 1800s, then, if they choose, assist with demonstrations during the museum’s 3rd Saturday@HAM. For more information contact casey.marshall@arkansas. gov.
Time to dote on dear ol’ dad. One dad we asked said his perfect Father’s Day would include: “A long bike ride and a really good meal. Maybe some fishing with my son. Going to Fidel or Boulevard for coffee with some other dads. A big gravel ride in Lonoke and brunch at The Grumpy Rabbit.”
WHAT ELSE?
RIVER CITIES DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
NATIONAL YO-YO DAY
JUNE 6
JUNE 10-11, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Lake Willastein Park, Maumelle Head to the lake for two days of fun and festivities! There will be food trucks, activities and, of course, the thrilling races themselves. The kick-off event is Saturday; the races are Sunday. This event raises money for Pulaski County’s abused and neglected children.
The art of the yo-yo may well be lost on today’s kids. Some may never know the joys executing the perfect Walk the Dog or Around the World — but today might be a good day to try. There’s so much to celebrate in June. First of all, it’s summer, which means swimming, barbecuing and snocone-ing. But it’s also National Pollinators Month, so we’d like to send a big shout-out to all the pollinators out there — we see you, and we appreciate you!
SAVVY kids Brooke Wallace, Publisher, brooke@arktimes.com | Katherine Wyrick, Editor, katherinewyrick@arktimes.com | Lesa Thomas, Senior Account Executive, lesa@arktimes.com | Find more at SAVVYkidsAR.com
LET'S GET THIS
PARTY STARTED!
Sage Advice on Hosting a Successful Birthday Bash By Katherine Wyrick
I
n my 23-plus years of parenting, I’ve hosted (and attended) a lot of kids’ birthday parties. The pre-Pinterest era was like the Wild West, where parents had to rely solely on their wits and imaginations. This was also the pre-evite era, so mailed paper invitations (delivered by the Pony Express) were de rigueur. I appreciate a lovingly crafted handmade invitation, but I’ve made the leap to Paperless Post. I’ve also learned to delegate, outsource and let others do the heavy lifting. For my now 10-year-old, we’ve had parties at: The Little Gym, The Little Rock Climbing Center, DEFY and Dave & Busters (a bust). In recent years, we’ve loved The Happy Glamper for a backyard campout (fun and magical) and Lake Nixon (the perfect spot for an outdoor party). I’m also in favor of birthday parties that give back. At my son’s 10th, we had a dog theme and asked guests to donate to the Humane Society of Pulaski County. My bakeries of choice? Blue Cake and Mickey’s Cakes (always sans fondant). My general rule of thumb for how many kids to invite? One guest for every year of the child’s age plus one. This formula works! Here we offer insights from some other local moms; they share party pitfalls and pro tips, snafus and success stories. There’s so much wisdom you might even want to laminate this, turn it into a magnet and hang it on the fridge for future reference.
JESSICA BARTNIK SAUNDERS HAS BEEN THERE, BAKED THAT: “Even if you love to bake, like I do, always buy a store-bought cake. It is one fewer thing to deal with ... A lot of preteens and teens I know like to make extra money doing face painting and helping with passing out snacks and cake, as well as helping with cleanup. NEVER open presents at the party. There will be duplicates. Someone will cry. Someone will be jealous. Someone will be disappointed. It is not a good way to end a party. Even better, try to let everyone know that presents are optional. And forget about goodie bags. Why do we put pressure on ourselves for items that will get thrown out in 24 hours?
When my son was younger and went to CDC at First United Methodist Church, we would rent their upstairs (and inside) gym for parties. Perfect for February’s unpredictable weather.”
CAROLINE MILLAR OFFERED “AN INTROVERTED FAMILY’S PERSPECTIVE”: “If your child is shy, keep the party small with close family members and a few friends. Use the extra time and/or spending money to serve special food. Also, it’s OK to skip the big party and do something special or out of the ordinary with a couple pals, like going bowling, climbing Pinnacle, horseback riding, dinner/movie, etc. My fondest memory is probably my eighth birthday, when my mom and
dad hired our small-town magician to perform in our living room before our friends. He pulled a live rabbit out of a hat and made a chicken appear in a cage. Our overcrowded living room fell silent. We were in total awe.”
AMY BUCKLEY PUT THE KIBOSH ON PERSONALIZED PARTY FAVORS: “Pro tip: Don’t do personalized favors! I once ended up with a big stack of identical beach buckets with random kids’ names on them!”
NATALIE SANDERS GRAUMANN KEEPS IT REAL AND REAL SIMPLE: “Pro tip: Ask your kids how they envision their birthday. Early on, I assumed mine wanted big birthday bashes. Come to find out, they wanted one or two friends, pizza and a movie. Better suited to our personalities and significantly easier on us all.”
KACKY FULLER SHARED A CAUTIONARY TALE AND ADVICE: “Years ago, we had a piñata snafu at our daughter’s birthday party. I didn’t want to fill the entire piñata with candy, so I added in some mini bottles of bubbles. Well, as you can guess, after whacking this llama over and over, the containers of soapy water all busted — and once the kids finally cracked the piñata wide open, everything inside was soaking wet and sticky. We haven’t had a piñata at any of their birthdays since then.
A L I C E
1 0 7. 7 HEATHER & POOLBOY
Pro tips:
ON DEMAND
• No bubbles or liquid of any kind inside the piñata. • Sleepovers sound fun in theory, but you’ll never recover from that night of sleep you’ll miss. Don’t ever: • Bake your own cake.
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• Have the party at your house. You have to do ALL OF IT and then some. It’s 100% worth the money to have someone else do it at a set time, and then everyone has a far better time. A note for new moms: • Keep it simple. Don’t sweat it and make it over the top. They don’t know how to appreciate it, and you’ll just end up tired and resentful.”
ALLISON HOFFMAN SAID IT’S ALL ABOUT “LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION”: “Fun parties for us were always at the Skatium. If you can, rent it for a private party so you have it all to yourselves! Funland was also a favorite party destination. Renting the Pavilion at War Memorial (across from the Zoo) is another good option. You get it until 10 p.m. — not that you need it that late — and it is right by the splash pad! Another fun idea: Rent a snow cone or ice cream truck!”
MARISSA HICKS SAID YES TO FUN DAY SUNDAY AND NO TO FRETTING OVER FOOD:
FITS MEET LELAND: OUTDOORSMAN, VETERAN, EVERYDAY HERO
“Being outdoors with other veterans that have been through similar experiences really helps you heal and recover in ways being indoors and around technology can’t.”
read more about leland arledge and how snell provided him with a better fitting prosthesis at snellarkansas.com
“We have found that Sunday afternoon is a great time to have a party because most people don’t have a lot going on. We’ve also found that less is more with food! Adults rarely eat the food, and kids are too busy playing to eat a lot. I used to have a whole themed spread, and it rarely got eaten. Also, not everything has to be planned out. Friends being together usually results in some sort of fun.”
A MOM, WHO PREFERS TO REMAIN A-MOMYMOUS, OFFERED THIS PERSPECTIVE ON KIDS WHO HAVE ALLERGIES: “We have a different approach to birthdays, in that we never did big ones until milestone ages like 5, 10, etc. When they were little, our philosophy was ‘don’t make it a big deal.’ Your kid doesn’t care — and you have a baby and a lot on your plate already — so get a cupcake and call it a day. This fit our personalities because we’re not into all the pomp and
RESTORING MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE SINCE 1911
800-342-5541 Little Rock n Bryant n Conway n Fayetteville n Fort Smith n 800-342-5541 Hot Springs n Mountain Home n North Little Rock n Pine Bluff n Russellville
circumstance. For our son’s first birthday, we just bought cookies, and we have plenty of good memories and photos of the occasion — plus it didn’t cost a lot of money or mental and physical energy. “When we did birthday parties for a group, we always paid to have it somewhere that would do cleanup. We had a piñata for one birthday and had their Taekwondo instructor kick it open, which was fun. The kids were wildly excited as the candy flew across the room. “We rented a bounce house once, which was a huge hit. I paid for them to set up/take down, and then I was just providing snacks. Most kids didn’t even want to stop to eat, though, so that was a super simple event. And, they usually rent the house longer than your party, so let your kids bounce before friends arrive and after their guests leave. It’s a great way to decompress and get out excess energy. “As a parent of kids with food allergies, it’s so hard to come to a party where my kids aren’t able to have any of the food. It’s usually pizza, cake and ice cream — a trifecta of trouble for us. I don’t expect the host to provide food — and I’m happy to bring safe snacks — but it means so, so much when the host asks about allergies and then offers to find a suitable snack. Again, we don’t expect it, but it really makes the kids feel included.”
ARKANSAS TIMES STAFF WEIGHS IN: SARAH HOLDERFIELD SHARED THIS PRETTY SPECIFIC “DON’T”: “Do not hike up Pinnacle with six-year-old twins while it’s raining, flooding and 40 degrees.”
BROOKE WALLACE OFFERED A WIN-WIN, OR WINWINE AS THE CASE MAY BE: “Have your party in the afternoon! This way you avoid the stress that comes along with getting everything together for the big day. When the kids were little, I would sometimes have the party at 10 a.m. and would stress out about getting everything done in a short amount of time. “No to sleepovers: “As parents, we know how fun these were when we were kids, but what a hassle they are for us as adults. Where is everyone going to sleep? Is there enough food? Are they going to stay up all night and keep us up? Are they going to run out of things to do? Is someone un-invited to the sleepover? Oh the drama! “This year, I told my daughter to invite only her best friend, and I would take them to a hotel with an indoor pool, order them pizza and let them have a ball. That way, mom can enjoy a nice glass of wine poolside while the kids get all of their energy out before it’s time to crash. Win-win.”
end to write thank-you notes. So no presents ever, for any reason, is the best policy.”
A FAIL-SAFE FORMULA FOR THE PERFECT PARTY: The road to the perfect party begins with some celebratory yard art from Yardazzles and segues into a birthday extravaganza at the Museum of Discovery (for some science-related fun), Big Rock Fun Park (for a little action and adventure) or Larry’s Pizza (for, well, pizza, of course!).
Silas Wyrick's 9th birthday in 2020 (not pictured: Happy Glamper tent in backyard).
PIZZA PARTY Larry’s Pizza now has 10 locations, but the Cantrell Road location has a game room and plenty of space to accommodate a birthday party. And who doesn’t love Larry’s?! As if pizza and arcade games weren’t already a recipe for success, Larry’s offers a wide variety of dessert pizzas to choose from — not that you’ll want to forgo a cake, but you could.
YARDAZZLES You’ve seen them, you know them, you can’t miss them — colorful yard art emphatically announcing b-days and other occasions. Kids love them; it makes them feel extra special on their big day and sets a festive tone. Go big or go home? We say go big AT home!
SURPRISE SOMEONE
ON THEIR BIRTHDAY!!
AUSTIN BAILEY BELIEVES THE REAL GIFT IS NO GIFT: “Your 1-2-3-year-olds do not know about/care about any party; they’re only in it for the cake. Huge parties are overstimulating for the littles, and they will cry. And honestly, nobody but the grandparents wants to go to those things anyway. So save your money and energy for later birthdays when expectations will be ridiculously high. “There’s no humiliation like being told by a 5-year-old in front of everyone in the Jump Zone party room that it would have been better if you’d made everyone treat bags. I think the Jump Zone is shut down now, but you should still always do treat bags. “Invite everyone in the class or just don’t do it at all. Exception: boys only or girls only parties, obviously.
Katherine Wyrick at Putt-Putt circa 1978, in simpler times.
“Saying ‘no presents’ on the invitation is a gift to everyone: they don’t have to run out to Walgreens for a lastminute gift card, and you don’t have to hound your child for weeks on
yardazzles Call or text today, 501-351-4142
now at
In AlegreMENTE | Happy Brain: Celebrating Early Connections guests celebrate loving, playful connections together in a whimsical forest full of families of all kinds, both human and animal! Caregivers explore alongside their children through dance, storytelling, and more, discovering they’re equipped with everything they need to support early brain development and build healthy connections with infants to 6-year-olds. En AlegreMENTE | Happy Brain: Celebrando las conexiones tempranas, los visitantes celebran las conexiones cariñosas y divertidas juntos en un bosque mágico lleno de familias de todo tipo, ¡tanto humanos como animales! Los cuidadores exploran junto a sus hijos a través del baile, los cuentos y más, y descubren que están preparados con todo lo que necesitan para apoyar el desarrollo temprano del cerebro y establecer conexiones saludables en niñas y niños de 0 a 6 años. In collaboration with
museumofdiscovery.org
k r a P n u F & lf o G i in M k c o R Big AR LONG! YE L AL K EE W E TH F O Y DA Y ER EV PEN O
501-455-3750 | BigRockFunPark.com 11411 Baseline Road Little Rock (Near Bass Pro Shops)
• Ren t th e entire par k for you r ch urc h or sc ho ol outing • Am azi ng Ma ze • Aer ial Adv enture • Go -K arts • Min i Go lf • Bum per Boats • Bat tin g Cag es • Birth day Pac ka ges
After Yardazzles has worked their magic, it’s time to plan that party — or, better yet, let someone else do it. Here are two superlative choices — different but equally awesome.
MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY For the science-minded kid, there’s no better combo than beakers and birthdays. Museum of Discover has forever been one of the most popular places to host a party — and for good reason. There are different packages and themes to choose from — and the cost is affordable considering all that’s included. The Discovery Party Package ($250 nonmuseum members/$225 museum members) includes: • A choice of invitations available via email • Private party room reserved for two hours • Party host/hostess • Admission for 20 guests (including birthday child, family members and adults) to the Museum of Discovery for the entire day of the party • Supplies: plates, napkins, utensils and Museum of Discovery decorations table coverings • Souvenir Museum of Discovery cups. Birthday party features/themes for a broad range of interests can be added for $60. (Know that some also have additional materials fees.) Feature/Theme Options: Animal Adventures Party — If you have an animal fan in the family, this is the party for them. Your party will be hosted by one of MOD’s animal rescuers. From creepy and crawly to cuddly and cute, your guests will meet four animal residents and have the opportunity to take photos with them and get autographs (this last part isn’t true — animals can’t write!) For ages 3-12.
Frozen Science Party — Let it go and let it snow! Enjoy a frozen science demo with liquid nitrogen. There is a $40 upcharge for liquid nitrogen ice cream. For ages 3-12. Mad Scientist Party — One of the museum’s resident Mad Scientists will lead your guests through a variety of exciting experiments and activities. There is a $20 upcharge for slime. For ages 4-12. LEGO Engineering Party — Guests will take part in challenges from creating and testing LEGO racers to building their very own city, zoo or theme park. Let them unleash their inner engineer! For ages 4-12. For questions, call Beth Nelsen at 501-537-3073 or email bnelsen@ museumofdiscovery.org. You’re only responsible for the cake, beverages and any outside food.
BIG ROCK FUN PARK Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park hosts birthday parties for children of all ages. Their party packages include: • Up to 10 participants and 20 guests (Extra guests $10 each) • One-and-a-half hours in a section of the party room • Table setup and cleanup • Pizza and concessions available for purchase Also, each participant receives one activity of his or her choice, a $5 Fun Card and a fountain drink. The birthday child gets to spin the prize wheels. Activities include: bumper boats, batting cages, “lazer” frenzy maze, mini golf, amazing maze, go-karts, aerial adventure high ropes course and arcade. It’s everything kids could want and then some. The birthday party packages include: “Big Fun,” “Arcade Crazy” and “Big Adventure.” Check bigrockfunpark.com for pricing.