A NOTE from the Publisher
Welcome to the June 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. If you are interested in advertising in NEA Kids’ Directory please call us at 931-0012.
Audrey Poff, Publisher & Editor
MEET OUR COVER KID!
SAWYER LEE
Parents: Shane & Katie Lee photo by Melissa Donner
LET’S 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.
JUNE
THROUGHOUT JUNE
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.
The Summer Arts Academy at The Foundation of Arts offers full-day creative fun for ages 3 through 6th grade, running June 2–27, Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Campers explore theater, dance and visual arts through age-appropriate activities. Snacks are provided; bring lunch and a water bottle. Flexible schedule options range from $440–$700/month. Children must be potty trained. Register at foajonesboro. org or call (870) 935-2726.
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.
The Judd Hill Farmers Market, located at 3350 Aggie Road, will be open every Tuesday in June from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shoppers can browse a variety of local goods, including fresh produce, baked items, handmade crafts and more. Info: (870) 9196166 or visit juddhillfoundation.org.
MONDAY, JUNE 2 – FRIDAY, JUNE 6
The Foundation of Arts in Jonesboro will host a “Wicked” themed Combo Camp from 12:30 to 4 p.m. each day. This camp invites students ages 7-11 to explore theater, art and dance through the magical world of “Wicked.” Campers will build performance skills and creative confidence in a fun, themed environment. The cost is $200. Registration is available at foajonesboro.org or by calling (870) 935-2726
TUESDAY, JUNE 3
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host the PBS Literacy Program on the Madison Street Lawn and in the Round Room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event will feature a PBS presentation, story time, free books, a meal and a visit from the Bookmobile. Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy a day of learning and fun. Info: (870) 9355133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Color Our World: Cards and Gaming for Tweens from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Round Room. Designed for children in fourth through sixth grade, this free event offers an exciting afternoon of board games, card games and video games on the big screen—all centered around creativity and fun. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Hope Found of Northeast Arkansas will host its 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.
MONDAY, JUNE 9 – FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Children ages 5-6 are invited to take part in the “Mary Poppins” themed Combo Camp at The Foundation of Arts, located at 328 S. Main Street in Downtown Jonesboro. This engaging camp combines art, dance and theater, running from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. Participants will prepare a special pre-show performance for The FOA’s mainstage production of “Mary Poppins” on June 14. A daily snack is provided. The cost is $215. Registration is available at foajonesboro.org or by calling (870) 935-2726.
The Foundation of Arts in Jonesboro will host the Paint Like Picasso Art Camp from 9:30 to 10:30 each day. Students will learn painting techniques inspired by Picasso’s iconic style. The cost is $115, and registration is available at foajonesboro.org or by calling (870) 935-2726.
The Foundation of Arts will host the Sparkles (ages 5–6) and Diamonds (ages 7+) Dance Team Camps from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Young dancers will train in choreography, teamwork and performance as part of FOA’s competitive teams. The cost is $150 per camp with registration available at foajonesboro.org or by calling (870) 935-2726.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
St. Bernards Baby State will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. at St. Bernards Auditorium. This free, drop-in event invites growing families to meet the region’s leading maternity care team and learn about the full range of services St. Bernards offers. Attendees can enter to win door prizes and visit with experts in infant care, lactation, pain management, car seat safety, sleep safety and more. Specialty baby vendors and the hospital’s women and children’s team will be available to provide valuable resources and answer questions. For more information, visit stbernards.info.
Magic Mr. Nick will return to the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library for two exciting performances from 2-3 p.m. and again from 5:30–6:30 p.m. in the Round Room. This family-friendly magic show features the beloved Magic Mr. Nick, known for his interactive, high-energy performances that delight children of all ages. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host A Splash of Color: Water Balloon Royale for Tweens from 3-4 p.m. in the Round Room. Designed for children in 4th through 6th grade, this free event will explore the science behind blue—the rarest color in nature—followed by a fun and refreshing water balloon battle. Participants should wear clothes that can get wet and bring a beach towel. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 – SUNDAY, JUNE 22
The Foundation of Arts will present “Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical” at The Forum Theater in Downtown Jonesboro. Performances will be held June 13–15 and June 20–22. Tickets are available online or at The Forum Box Office. Info: (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
The Jonesboro Achievement Collaborative will host the Run4TheKure 5K at 9 a.m. on the campus of Arkansas State University. Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in this community event to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the GEARS Foundation Inc. For more information or to register, visit jonesboroac.org or email info@ jonesboroac.org.
KLEK will host the Juneteenth Parade and Community Fair, with the parade beginning at 9 a.m. in Downtown Jonesboro and the Community Fair taking place from 4-7 p.m. at Parker Park Community Center. To learn more about KLEK’s Juneteenth in Jonesboro events, call (870) 203-9951 or visit klekfm.org.
MONDAY, JUNE 16 – FRIDAY, JUNE 20
The Barbie Dance Camp at The Foundation of Arts offers a fun, themed introduction to movement and music for young dancers. Designed for ages 5-6, this camp will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 328 S. Main Street in Downtown Jonesboro. Campers will explore basic dance skills in a playful, Barbie-inspired environment that encourages creativity and confidence. The cost is $115, and registration is available at foajonesboro. org or by calling (870) 935-2726.
The Nature Art Camp at The Foundation of Arts will take place from 11 a.m. to noon at 328 S. Main Street in Downtown Jonesboro. Children ages 5-8 are invited to explore their creativity through the beauty of the natural world. This camp introduces young artists to a variety of materials and techniques as they create nature-inspired artwork. The cost is $115. To register, visit foajonesboro.org or call (870) 935-2726.
TUESDAY, JUNE 17
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Animology with Bob Tarter, with sessions at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Round Room. Children of all ages can enjoy fun facts, stories and live animals in this interactive presentation. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
MONDAY, JUNE 23 – FRIDAY, JUNE 27
The Barbie Dance Camp at The Foundation of Arts offers a fun, themed introduction to movement and music for young dancers. Designed for ages 3-4, this camp will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 328 S. Main Street in Downtown Jonesboro. Campers will explore basic dance skills in a playful, Barbie-inspired environment that encourages creativity and confidence. The cost is $115 with registration available at foajonesboro.org or by calling (870) 935-2726.
The Foundation of Arts will host a Sculpture Art Camp from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 328 S. Main Street in Downtown Jonesboro. Children ages 9–12 will have the opportunity to explore three-dimensional art. This camp introduces students to sculpting techniques and materials while encouraging creativity and artistic expression. The cost is $115. To register, visit foajonesboro.org or call (870) 935-2726
TUESDAY, JUNE 24
Lady Chops will perform at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library with two interactive shows from 2-3 p.m. and 5:30–6:30 p.m. in the Round Room. Known for her dynamic energy and rhythm, Lady Chops—a former percussionist with the Broadway production “STOMP”— will lead an engaging performance that introduces children to the power of percussion and creative expression. Kids of all ages are welcome to attend. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Tween Tie Dye Party from 3-4 p.m. in the Round Room. Open to children in 4th through 6th grade, this creative event invites participants to bring personal items to tie dye while learning about the history of tie dye and the unique significance of purple. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
