A NOTE from the Publisher
Welcome to the May issue of NEA Kids’ Directory, part of the Occasions Publishing Group family of publications.
NEA Kids’ Directory has many features that make it a valuable resource for parents, teachers, grandparents, and childcare professionals – anyone who is involved with children. It is compact in size, making it a handy resource to keep in your purse or car. In addition, it offers valuable coupons for use at kid-friendly businesses and includes a calendar of events so you know what’s going on across Northeast Arkansas each month. You’ll even find a convenient dining guide inside that lists restaurants offering free or discounted kids’ meals!
Our goal each month is to help inform our readers of the many opportunities, events, products and services available for families in Northeast Arkansas. Please remember to support the businesses that advertise in this publication each month and tell them that you saw their ad in NEA Kids’ Directory interested in advertising in NEA Kids’ Directory please call us at 931-0012.
Audrey Poff, Publisher & Editor
Parents: Marco & Ariana Olvera
photo by Melissa Donner
parents, with purse
MAY FLOWERS
COLOR THIS BOUQUET TO BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY!
GO OUT TO EAT!
MONDAY
Bliss Cupcakes Kids 10 and under get a free mini cupcake or frosting shot with the purchase of a regular cupcake. (10 a.m.-9 p.m.)
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
TaMolly’s Kids eat for $1.99 from the kids’ menu (nights only).
TUESDAY
Chicken Salad Chick Free Little Chick meal after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal. Dine in only.
Pizza Hut Free kid’s buffet with adult buffet purchase.
Pizza Inn Free kids’ buffet with adult buffet purchase (nights only).
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
WEDNESDAY
IHOP Kids eat free with purchase of adult entrée from 4-10 p.m.
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
THURSDAY
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
FRIDAY
Schlotzsky’s Deli Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult meal from 4 p.m. until close.
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
SATURDAY
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
Qdoba Mexican Eats $1.75 kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entrée
SUNDAY
BA Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
Qdoba Mexican Eats $1.75 kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entrée
Slim Chickens 1 free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchase.
MAY
THROUGHOUT MAY
The Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, located at 600 E. Lawson Road in Jonesboro is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center offers visitors the chance to experience a unique piece of North America and its wildlife through multi-sensory movies, exhibits, trails, native gardens, nature programs and activities. Admission is free. Info: (870) 933-6787.
The Arkansas State University Museum, located adjacent to the Dean B. Ellis Library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During these hours, visitors can enjoy the Family Reading Castle based on the museum’s Mother Goose collection characters, the Tinkering Studio, galleries and more. Info: (870) 972-2074 or visit Astate.edu/museum.
Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
The Foundation of Arts offers year-round registration for students interested in art, dance, theater and more. For more information, call (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
Jonesboro Music, formerly Kindermusik of Jonesboro, offers music and movement classes for children ages birth to 7 years old. Year-round enrollment is available. Info: (870) 761-6570 or visit Kmusikofjonesboro.com.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library offers a wide range of free events and activities, including Bookish Babies, Toddler Time, Pre-K Storytime, Family Literacy Night, yoga classes, and more. For event times and locations, call (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
The Lawrence County Library offers programs for children of all ages. Check the Lawrence County Library News or Facebook page for updates on upcoming events. Info: (870) 886-3222 or visit lawrencecountylibrary.com.
Calendar
SATURDAY, MAY 3
The Delta Crawfish Festival will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at The Gardens at Harmony, located at 4517 E. Parker Rd. Guests can enjoy fresh crawfish from The Cajun Café, BBQ from Legend’s Smokehouse Lounge and handcrafted drinks from Simply the Main Squeeze. Live music will be provided by The Arkansas Brothers. Tickets are $40 for adults, $10 for children and $100 for a family bundle. Proceeds will support community initiatives organized by the Jonesboro Business Association. For more information, visit jonesborobusinessassociation.com.
The Judd Hill Farmers Market opens for the 2025 season at 3350 Aggie Rd. in Jonesboro. The market will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday. Local vendors will offer fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items and more. Info: (870) 919-6166 or visit juddhillfoundation.org
SATURDAY, MAY 10
The Delta Symphony Orchestra will present Spring Without End, the season finale concert, at The Fowler Center at Arkansas State University at 7:30 p.m. The performance will feature musical selections from Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.1. Info: (870) 761-8254 or visit deltasymphonyorchestra.org.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Library Game Day with the NEA Gamer’s Guild from noon to 5 p.m. in the Round Room. Participants can enjoy a variety of tabletop board games for all ages. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org
FRIDAY, MAY 16
Local Mpact will host its annual Butterflies & Bloom Event at The Gardens at Harmony, located at 4517 E. Parker Road in Jonesboro, at 7 p.m.
Participants are invited to enjoy a butterfly release, flower-themed activities and more. All proceeds will benefit families that have endured infant loss. For more information, visit localmpact.net.
Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
Calendar
FRIDAY, MAY 16 AND SATURDAY, MAY 17
The Forum Theatre in Downtown Jonesboro will present The Foundation of Arts’ Spring Showcase at 7 p.m., featuring student performances in dance, music and theater. Tickets are available online or at The Forum Box Office. For more information, call (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 17
Hope Found of Northeast Arkansas will host the Story of Hope Benefit Brunch at 9 a.m. at 801 S. Gee Street in Jonesboro. The event will include brunch items from Native Brew Works, Southern Confections, and IV Kings Coffee. Floral backdrops will be installed courtesy of Generations Floral Company and Bearded Bouquet, and there will be live music on the patio by Natalie Pineda. Tickets are $55 each and include brunch and three drinks. Proceeds benefit human trafficking initiatives. Info: (870) 902-0677 or hopefoundnea.org.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a free ACT Practice Test from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Round Room, presented in partnership with Beacon Tutoring Co. Students may pre-register online or in person. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org.
Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
THURSDAY, MAY 29 – SATURDAY JUNE 1
The Skirmish Delta Gravel Festival will be held from Thursday-Friday in Jonesboro. The local cycling community is invited to this multi-day celebration of gravel biking in the Delta. Rides range from 20 to 100 miles, with workshops, live music, food trucks, and vendor booths throughout the weekend. For more information, visit skirmishjonesboro.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 31
Open Studio and Field & Light Design Co. will host a free Arts & Craft Fair at 304 S. Gee Street in Jonesboro from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will include handmade art and crafts from local artisans, vendors, food trucks and more. Info: (870) 206-8039 or openstudiojonesboro.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Hope Found of Northeast Arkansas will host the Annual Ride Against Trafficking, a community event uniting bikers, cyclists and families to raise awareness and funds to end human trafficking. The event will take place at Craighead Forest Park beginning at 8 a.m. and will include scenic bike routes, a dice run with cash prizes and a free BBQ lunch for all participants. Bikers, cyclists, and families are invited to participate. Info: (870) 761-1090 or hopefoundnea.org.
Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
