Good heart health
starts at an early age.
Dentists can help identify oral symptoms that may be linked to broader health concerns. Regular dental visits support lifelong health.
ROCK DENTAL BRANDS IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION–CENTRAL ARKANSAS, INCLUDING THE HEART WALK AND GO RED FOR WOMEN.
should. Over time, that extra effort can wear the heart out.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin having their blood pressure checked at age 3. Most of the time, kids’ numbers are normal. But early screening helps doctors spot potential issues before they become lifelong problems.
Several everyday habits influence blood pressure, even in childhood. Eating too much salt, getting too little physical activity and spending too much time sitting can all raise risk. Poor sleep, another often-missed factor, also plays a role.
Parents can help by encouraging regular doctor visits, offering foods lower in sodium and keeping kids moving in fun, age-appropriate ways. Even simple habits, like family walks after dinner or choosing water instead of sports drinks most days, can support healthy blood pressure.
Sleep: The superpower hiding in plain sight
Sleep may be the most underestimated health tool for kids and teens. It’s also one of the hardest to protect.
Between school, homework, sports, jobs, social activities and screens, many children aren’t getting the sleep they need. According to the American Heart Association,
children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have higher blood pressure and increased risk of obesity.
Sleep is not just about rest. It’s when the body grows, repairs itself and resets for the
next day. It affects mood, attention, memory and immune health — and it plays a key role in keeping the heart strong.
So how much sleep is enough?
• Children ages 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours per night
• Teens ages 13 to 18 need 8 to 10 hours per night
That may sound unrealistic in busy households, but small changes can make a big difference.
Experts recommend creating a consistent bedtime routine, even on weekends, and keeping screens out of bedrooms at night. The blue light from phones, tablets and TVs can interfere with the body’s sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Families who treat sleep as non-negotiable, just like school or
Tobacco: Starting early makes a difference
Most parents agree that kids shouldn’t smoke. But today’s tobacco landscape is more complicated and more tempting than ever before.
Cigarettes are no longer the only concern. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are often marketed with flavors and designs that appeal to younger audiences, even though they still deliver nicotine and harmful chemicals.
Nicotine is highly addictive. Once the brain becomes used to it, quitting can be incredibly difficult, especially for adolescents, whose brains are still developing. Smoking and vaping damage blood vessels, increase heart rate and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke later in life.
Secondhand smoke also poses a risk. Children exposed to smoke at home or in cars face higher chances of breathing
efit from honest conversations about why vaping and smoking are harm-
but age-appropriate explanations. Adults can set a powerful example by avoiding tobacco and supporting smoke-free environments.
Building heart-healthy habits together
The goal of Life’s Essential 8 isn’t perfection. It’s progress.
Children learn best when healthy choices are part of everyday family life. Scheduling annual checkups, protecting sleep time and talking openly about tobacco help kids understand that heart health isn’t something to worry about later; it’s something to care for now.
By paying attention to these often-overlooked habits, families can lay the foundation for longer, healthier lives — one bedtime, checkup and conversation at a time.
To learn more about Life’s Essential 8 for kids, visit heart.org/Lifes8forKids.
A Celebration of Courage
Inside the 2026 Special Olympics
Arkansas Summer Games
Each May, Searcy becomes the beating heart of athletic pride and community spirit as Harding University welcomes the 2026 Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games. For three days May 21–23, 2026, athletes from across the state gather to compete, connect, and shine on a stage built for bravery. This year more than 1500 athletes will Fuel The Game together! The excitement will begin on Thursday May 21st at 7:30pm for Opening Ceremonies. That evening the Flame of Hope enters the stadium to Let the Games Officially begin. Friday, full competition starts in six different sports.
From the roar of the track to the splash of the pool, the Summer Games offer a full lineup of Olympicstyle competition:
• Track & Field
• Swimming
• Powerlifting
• Tennis
• Bocce
• Softball
• Young Athletes play to sport competition
Every Athlete will play with the Special Olympics athlete oath in mind: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
“Summer Games reminds us of what courage looks like when it’s lived out loud. Every athlete will showcase the spirit of pure sport and joy. Their energy and enthusiasm will truly Fuel The Game, Terri Weir, Special Olympics Arkansas CEO
The Volunteers Who Make It All Possible
Behind the scenes, hundreds of volunteers bring the Games to life. They guide athletes, manage events, support families, and create the welcoming environment that defines
Special Olympics Arkansas. Volunteering becomes a tradition for so many, as they block their calendar each year to be a part of the three-day event.
Young Athletes: The Future of the Movement
One of the most joyful parts of the Games is the Young Athletes Event, designed for children ages 2–7. Through playbased activities, these young competitors build motor skills, confidence, and a love for movement. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Their smiles light up the venue. And their unified presence shows that inclusion starts early and grows stronger with community support.
Healthy Athletes: Wellness That Empowers
The Healthy Athletes initiative provides free health screenings and education to athletes throughout the Games. Two hundred volunteers focused on nine different health disciplines come together with a goal of overcoming the health barriers people with intellectual disabilities face daily. These services are offered at no cost and help to move health and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities forward in Arkansas.
“Special Olympics athletes show us what courage looks like—on the field and in everyday life. At Summit Community Care, it’s an honor to support Healthy Athletes and the Strong Minds program, where athletes are encouraged not only to compete, but to care for their whole selves. Seeing someone light up when they learn a new coping skill or feel proud of taking charge of their health is a reminder that confidence changes everything.”- Jamie Ables, LCSW — Whole Health & Equity Director, Summit Community Care;
2026
Clinical Director, Strong Minds Why You Should
Be There
The 2026 Summer Games invites everyone, families, sports fans, community members, and firsttime visitors to help us Fuel the Game for Special Olympics Arkansas Athletes. Whether you are a fan in the stands cheering on pure sport competition, or a volunteer helping to ensure the event is successful, there is room for everyone to celebrate the joy of sports!
Join Us in Searcy
Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games May 21–23, 2026
Harding University Searcy, Arkansas https://www.specialolympicsarkansas.org/summer-games.html
SUMMER GUIDE 2026
Camps | Classes | Programs | Things To Do
Kids have a whole summers ahead of them. Eleven weeks. Eight-plus days. You just added the role of travel agent, agenda manager, and let's not forget maid to more messes. As the parent resource for all-the-things, its our duty (and pleasure) to make this time of year a little less frantic and a lot more fun.
We present to you, your 2026 Summer Guide, where there will be zero excuses to be bored.
From Little Rock to Hot Springs, Conway to Cabot, this jam packed guide gives you a menu of all the summer favorites and things to do. Find camps, classes, and programs that kids can't say no, and you can feel good that this summer will be less about tv and lost hours, and more about excited stories to share about their experiences, and tired in the best way. This guide shares an extensive list of options and ideas to help with your summer planning, June through early August. All program details are verified as of April 2026. Dates, costs, and availability are subject to change. Always confirm directly with the program before registering.
DON'T MISS Outdoor + Wildlife
Little Rock Zoo — Zoofari Camp
Kids think, build, and explore through a mix of science, nature, and creativity. Weekly themes include Comic Con-servation, Designing a Zoo, Cinema Safari, and Wild Card Week. Campers interact directly with keepers and Zoo staff.
Spaces are filling fast — nearly 50% already claimed for 2026. Register now. Ages 6–12 June 1–July 31 (select weeks) | $265 members / $285 non-members | 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock littlerockzoo.com/learn/zoofari-camp
DON'T MISS Performing Arts
Wildwood Park for the Arts — Triple Threat Summer Academy
A three-week intensive in partnership with Rock City Dance Center, combining professional acting, vocal, and dance training. Culminates in a full production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition. This is serious training delivered in a joyful, supportive environment. One of the most complete performing arts summer experiences in the state — and it ends with a real production.
Ages 8–18 | July 6–24 | 20919 Denny Road, Little Rock wildwoodpark.org
DON'T MISS Free Residential Camp
Summer@ASMSA
A fully free, one-week residential camp on ASMSA's Hot Springs campus. Eight track optionsincluding Environmental Science, Physics in Motion, StoryLab Writing, World Languages, andmore. Tuition, housing, meals, and supplies are all covered. It is free. Fully free. And it is residential. That combination is rare anywhere in the country. Current 8th–9th graders (and 7th graders in ASMSA-TIP) | June 14–18 Hot Springsasmsa.org/outreach/summer-at-asmsa
35 years
FREE & LOW-COST PROGRAMS
Great summers don't have to come with a big price tag. These programs offer exceptional experiences at little or no cost.
Summer@ASMSA
Free — tuition, housing, meals & supplies included. Hot Springs campus. Grades 8–9. asmsa.org/outreach/summer-at-asmsa
Little Rock Parks Summer Day Camp
$100 registration fee. Field trips, arts, sports, 7 weeks. Multiple LR locations. littlerock.gov/parks-summer-day-camp
AMFA Summer Art Camps
$160 members / $200 non-members per week. Half-day visual & performing arts camps. arkmfa.org
Pulaski County Youth Services Programs
Free enrichment, creative arts, literacy & workforce programs for underserved youth. pulaskicounty.net/youth-services-programs
Halberg Ecology Camp
$100 ($65 members). One week overnight for 4th–6th graders. Lunch & t-shirt included. museumofdiscovery.org
Camp Aldersgate
Sliding-scale based on income/eligibility. Serves kids & young adults with chronic conditions. campaldersgate.net
PULASKI COUNTY
— OUTDOOR & NATURE —
Arkansas Outdoor School Summer Day Camp
Nature-based day camp with canoeing, archery, swimming, rock climbing, and weekly themed programming focused on environmental education and outdoor skills. Ages: 9–13 | Dates: June–August | Cost: $300–$380/week
C.A. Vines 4-H Center, 1 Four H Way, Little Rock | 501.821.6884 4h.uada.edu/programs/4h-center/arkansas-outdoor-school/summer-day-camps
Lake Nixon Outdoor Center — Summer Day Camp
Outdoor adventures including swimming, hiking, canoeing, and small-group camp programming. Extended care and shuttle service available. Overnight camp also offered. Ages: Rising 1st–8th grade (Day) | Rising 3rd–12th (Overnight) | Dates: Day Camp: June 1–Aug 7 Overnight: June 7–July
31Cost: Day $299–$379/week | Overnight $649–$899/session
18500 Cooper Orbit Road, Little Rock | 501.744.8878 lakenixon.com
Ferncliff Camp
Classic outdoor camp with day and overnight options — canoeing, nature exploration, small-group activities, and cabin traditions.
Ages: Rising 1st–12th grade (varies by program) | Dates: June 1–August 7 | Cost: $299–$899 (varies by program)
1720 Ferncliff Road, Little Rock | 501.821.3063 ferncliff.org
Pine Hill Ranch — Ranch Foundations
Kids learn horsemanship fundamentals including grooming, tacking, groundwork, and beginner riding, alongside real ranch life and teamwork.
Ages: 7–14 | Dates: June 12 | Cost: $125 19513 Congo Ferndale Road, Little Rock thepinehillranch.com
Arkansas 4-H Center — Adventure Camps
Weekly day camps featuring archery, canoeing, rock climbing, swimming, and outdoor education through 4-H programming.
Ages: 4–12 | Dates: June 1–July 17 (weekly sessions) | Cost: $195/week (early registration)
1 Four H Way, Little Rock | 501.821.6884 4h.uada.edu/programs/4h-center
Camp Aldersgate
Inclusive camp serving children and young adults with chronic health conditions, developmental differences, and disabilities. Financial assistance available on a sliding scale.
Ages: Varies by session | Dates: Multiple sessions through summer | Cost: Sliding scale based on income/eligibility
2000 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock | 501.225.1444 campaldersgate.net
Diventures — Summer Splash Sessions
Accelerated swim lessons meeting Monday–Thursday for 30-minute daily sessions, designed to build confidence and skill quickly.
Ages: All ages | Dates: Weekly sessions, summer-long 1222 Westpark Dr., Little Rock | 501.666.3483 diventures.com
— ARTS, MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS —
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) — Summer Camps
Half-day, weeklong camps exploring visual and performing arts. Sign up for both a morning and afternoon camp for a full-day experience.
Ages: Rising K–12th grade | Dates: June 8–July 31
Cost: $160 members / $200 non-members per week
501 E. Ninth St., Little Rock | 501.372.4000 arkmfa.org
Ballet Arkansas — Story Time Dance Camp
Enchanting dance programs bringing beloved fairy tales and classical ballets to life through movement, storytelling, and performance.
Ages: 4–7 | Dates: June 8–12 & June 15–19 | Cost: $185/week
520 Main St., Little Rock | 501.223.5150 balletarkansas.org/spring-summer-camps
Ballet Arkansas — Junior Intensive
Dance training by professional Ballet Arkansas dancers across multiple disciplines, culminating in a showcase for families.
Ages: 8–14 | Dates: June 8–12 & June 15–19 | Cost: $260/week
520 Main St., Little Rock | 501.223.5150 balletarkansas.org/spring-summer-camps
years
Ballet Arkansas — Summer Intensive
Multi-level training including Pointe & Partnering, Boot Camp, and full Summer Intensive with guest artists and performance opportunity.
Ages: 10–18 | Dates: June 22–July 31 (multiple sessions) | Cost: $415+
520 Main St., Little Rock | 501.223.5150 balletarkansas.org/spring-summer-camps
Wildwood Park for the Arts — Triple Threat Summer Academy
Three-week partnership with Rock City Dance Center offering professional acting, vocal, and dance training. Culminates in a full production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition.
Ages: 8–18 | Dates: July 6–24
20919 Denny Road, Little Rock | 501.821.7275 wildwoodpark.org
Wildwood Park for the Arts — Nature & Arts Camp
Introduction to theater, visual arts, music, and nature in a beautiful woodland setting. Ages: 7–12
20919 Denny Road, Little Rock | 501.821.7275 wildwoodpark.org
Arkansas Repertory Theatre — Summer Academy & SummerStage
Weeklong performing arts intensives by grade group covering craft, voice, collaboration, and theater. Need-based scholarships available.
Ages: Rising 3rd–12th grade (three separate sessions) | Dates: July 6–10 (9th–12th) | July 13–17 (6th–8th) | July 20–24 (3rd–5th) | Cost: $275/week per session
601 Main Street, Little Rock | 501.378.0405 therep.org
The Painted Pig — Camp PIG
One-day workshops exploring clay, glass fusion, tie-dye, and mixed media. Small class sizes.
Ages: Rising 1st–8th grade | Dates: Weekly sessions, June–August | Cost: $35–$45/session
5611 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock | 501.280.0553 thepaintedpig.com
Bella's Kitchen & Wellness — Summer Cooking Camp
Weeklong camp where kids cook scratch-made recipes, build culinary skills, and work as a team in a chef-led environment.
Ages: 7–12 | Dates: August 3–7 | Cost: $375
7700 Ohio St., Little Rock | 501.951.0864 bellaskitchenandwellness.com
— SCIENCE, STEM & ENRICHMENT —
Museum of Discovery — Summer Camps
Weekly themed camps covering everything from Minecraft and Dino Discoveries to K-Pop Science. Each week includes experiments, creative projects, and outdoor time.
Ages: 6–12 | Dates: June 1–August 7 | Cost: $350 members / $375 non-members per week
500 President Clinton Ave., Suite 150, Little Rock | 501.396.7050 museumofdiscovery.org/summer-camps
UA Pulaski Tech — Youth Culinary & Baking Camps
Five-day morning camps at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Institute. Separate tracks for younger kids (ages 6–9), general (ages 10–17), and Teen Takeover (ages 13–17).
Friday tasting event for families.
Ages: 6–17 (varies by session) | Dates: Multiple weekly sessions | Cost: $375/week
13000 I-30 Frontage Road, Little Rock uaptc.edu/youthchef
Pulaski Academy — Summer at the Academy
Flexible weekly enrollment in all-day Day Camp or morning Enrichment Camps with themed arts, crafts, hands-on activities, and field trips.
Ages: 4 and up | Dates: June 1–July 24 | Cost: $275/week (Day Camp)
12701 Hinson Road, Little Rock | 501.604.1910 pulaskiacademy.org/community/summer-at-the-academy-2026
Episcopal Collegiate — Summer at the E
Eight discovery day camps and more than 15 enrichment camps across sciences, arts, drama, cooking, and more.
Ages: Rising Pre-K4–6th grade | Dates: June 1–July 31 | Cost: $175 half-day / $280 full day per week (enrichment varies)
1701 Cantrell Road, Little Rock | 501.372.1194 episcopalcollegiate.org/student-experience/summer-at-the-e
Mathnasium of Little Rock — Summer Math Programs
Unlimited structured math sessions followed by problem-solving games. Two tracks by age group.
Ages: 5–18 (separate sessions) | Dates: June–August | Cost: $400/month (ages 5–13) | $450/ month (ages 13–18)
12800 Chenal Pkwy., Suite 15, Little Rock | 501.522.9101 mathnasium.com/summer-math-programs
Unity Martial Arts — Adventure Camps
Weekly martial arts, dodgeball, laser tag, puzzles, and story games in an active, energetic environment.
Ages: 4–12 | Dates: June 1–July 17 (weekly sessions) | Cost: $195/week (early registration)
1524 Garfield Drive, Little Rock | 501.664.0604 unitymartialarts.com/summer-camps-events
— PARKS & RECREATION —
Little Rock Parks & Recreation — Parks Summer Day Camp
Neighborhood-based day camps with field trips to local museums, swimming, skating, arts, and outdoor activities. Multiple locations across Little Rock.
Ages: 6–15 | Dates: Registration opens May 1 | Cost: $100 non-refundable registration fee | Multiple locations, Little Rock littlerock.gov/residents/parks-and-recreation/programs/youth-programs/parks-summer-day-camp
FAULKNER COUNTY
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) — Summer Camps
A wide range of hands-on programs including music, art, robotics, computer programming, foreign language, writing, athletics, strength and conditioning, and Model United Nations. Multiple sports-specific camps also run through UCA Athletics.
Ages: Rising K–12th grade | Dates: May–August (varies by program)
Cost: Varies by program
201 Donaghey Ave., Conway | 501.450.5272 uca.edu/camps
GARLAND COUNTY
Mid-America Science Museum — Curiosity Camps
Week-long science camps emphasizing hands-on learning, exploration, and creativity. New in 2026: Junior Curiosity Camp for recent kindergarten completers, offered as a half-day session June 8–12.
Ages: 6–12 (Junior Curiosity Camp: kindergarten completers) | Dates: June–July (weekly)
500 Mid America Blvd., Hot Springs midamericamuseum.org
Summer@ASMSA — Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences & the Arts
Free residential camp on ASMSA's Hot Springs campus with eight track options including Environmental Science, Physics in Motion, StoryLab Writing, and World Languages. All costs fully covered.
Ages: Current 8th–9th graders (and 7th graders in ASMSA-TIP) | Dates: June 14–18
Cost: FREE — tuition, housing, meals & supplies included 200 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs | 501.662.5100 asmsa.org/outreach/summer-at-asmsa
Brookhill Ranch Summer Camp
One of Arkansas's most popular overnight camps. Dance, pickleball, beach volleyball, wakeboarding, riflery, go-carts, and more. Electronics-free environment. Military and multi-child discounts available.
Ages: Grades 2–12 | Dates: Multiple sessions, June–July
431 Brooks Lane, Hot Springs Village | 501.623.5983 brookhillranch.com
The Pocket Community Theatre — Children's Musical Theater Camp
Musical theater camp presenting Disney's Aristocats Kids, with rehearsals, performance skills, and a final production.
Ages: Grades K–8
170 Ravine St., Hot Springs | 501.623.8585 pockettheatre.com
SALINE COUNTY
Benton Parks & Recreation — Summer Day Camps & Sports
Youth day camps, sports programs, and recreational activities throughout the summer months.
Various locations across Benton bentonparks.com
Bryant Parks & Recreation — Summer Programs
Youth summer activities including sports, arts, and community recreation programs. Various locations across Bryant cityofbryant.com
LONOKE COUNTY
Cabot Parks & Recreation — Summer Camps & Sports
Youth day camps and sports programming throughout the summer season. Various locations across Cabot cabotar.gov
FIND THE FULL LIST ONLINE
The complete, searchable Summer Guide — with filters by age, county, and category — is available at KIDCENTRALAR.COM. Bookmark it. Share it. We update it all season.
