Northeast Arkansas Kids Directory

Welcome to the December 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

Parents: Adam & Amber Henry photo by Melissa Donner Photography

Libraries Make Learning FUN!

Whether online or in person, public libraries are a great resource for parents with young children. Many public libraries in Northeast Arkansas expanded online activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and are striving to make more services available. To nd out more about local o erings from area libraries, contact one of the libraries listed in our resource guide or follow them on social media.

Library Resource Guide

CRAIGHEAD COUNTY

Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library

Phone: (870) 935-5133 Website: libraryinjonesboro.org

Caraway Public Library - Caraway Phone: (870) 482-3394 Website: libraryinjonesboro.org

Kohn Memorial Library - Monette Phone: (870) 486-2515 Website: libraryinjonesboro.org

McAdams Public Library - Lake City Phone: (870) 237-4407 Website: libraryinjonesboro.org

LAWRENCE COUNTY

Lawrence County Library - Walnut Ridge Phone: (870) 886-3222 Website: lawrencecountylibrary.com

Bobbie Jean Memorial Library - Imboden Phone: (870) 869-2093 Website: imbodenlibrary.wordpress.com

Driftwood Public Library - Lynn Phone: (870) 528-3506

GREENE COUNTY

Greene County Public Library - Paragould Phone: (870) 236-8711 Website: mylibrarynow.org/greene

POINSETT COUNTY

Poinsett County Library Phone: (870) 578-4465 Website: libraryinjonesboro.org

Goldsby Library - Lepanto Phone: (870) 475-6144 Website: libraryinjonesboro.org

Marked Tree Public Library - Marked Tree Phone: (870) 358-3190 Website: libraryinjonesboro.org

West Poinsett Memorial Library - Weiner Phone: (870) 684-2235 Website: libraryinjonesboro.org

MISSISSIPPI COUNTY

Blytheville Public Library Phone: (870) 762-2431 Website: mclibrary.net

Manila Public Library Phone: (870) 561-3525 Website: mclibrary.net

Osceola Public Library Phone: (870) 563-2721 Website: mclibrary.net

Wilson Public Library Phone: (870) 655-8414 Website: mclibrary.net

Keiser Public Library Phone: (870) 526-2073 Website: mclibrary.net

Leachville Public Library Phone: (870) 539-6485 Website: mclibrary.net

Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!

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.

Fazoli’s Kids 12 and under eat for $.99 with adult meal from 5-8 p.m.

Pizza Hut Free kid’s bu et with adult bu et purchase.

Pizza Inn Free kids’ bu et with adult bu et 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.

To have YOUR restaurant featured in this listing, email brittney@jonesborooccasions.com

DECEMBER

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

Christmas at the Park is back at Joe Mack Campbell Park for an unforgettable holiday experience. The attraction includes a half-mile drive-thru of more than 400,000 holiday lights and displays. Family-fun events include the Santa Shu e Fun Run, Community Christmas Caroling, Night of Fireworks and more. Closed December 24-30. For a complete schedule or to purchase tickets, visit christmasattheparknea.com.

First Community Bank Ice Skating Rink, located at the corner of Union Street and Monroe Avenue, opens for the 2022 season on Dec. 2 from 4-11 p.m. For a complete schedule, visit Jonesboro Winter Wonderland on Facebook. Info: (870) 933-4604.

Winter Wonderland, located at 215 W. Monroe Ave., opens for the 2022 season from 4-11 p.m. This free exhibit includes animated displays, festive lights, a Trail of Trees and more. Info: (870) 933-4604 or visit Jonesboro Winter Wonderland on Facebook.

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public library will provide a Winter Photo Booth starting on Dec. 1. Children and families can enjoy winterthemed photo backgrounds and props for free. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org.

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 o ers 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.

Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!

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 of characters, the Tinkering Studio, galleries and more. Info: astate.edu/museum or (870) 972-2074.

The Foundation of Arts o ers year-round registration for students interested in art, dance, theater and more. To register, visit foajonesboro. org. Info: (870) 935-2726.

Jonesboro Music, formerly Kindermusik of Jonesboro, located at 2617 E. Nettleton Ave., Suite B, o ers music and movement classes for children ages birth to 7 years old. Year-round enrollment is available. Info: kmusiko onesboro.com or call (870) 761-6570.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

The 75th Annual Jonesboro Christmas Parade, presented by The Foundation of Arts, will take place in Downtown Jonesboro beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “A Creative Christmas.” The parade will begin at the intersection of Cate Avenue and Main Street. It will continue south down Main Street ending at Oak Avenue. Info: Visit foachristmasparade.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

JoyFest, Downtown Jonesboro Alliance’s annual holiday event, will begin at 4 p.m. in Downtown Jonesboro. Located on Union Street, the event includes live music, shopping, family-fun activities and more. Monthlong attractions include the First Community Bank Ice Skating Rink, Ferris wheel, holiday train and more. Info: Visit Downtown Jonesboro Alliance on Facebook or call (870) 919-6176.

A-State Alumni Association will host Pancakes and PJs from 8-10 a.m. with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Howl and Scarlet. Info: Visit astatealumni.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Jonesboro will host a Gingerbread House Competition at The Glass Factory in Downtown Jonesboro from 4-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include a gingerbread house kit and Christmas sweets. There will be awards for the best design, most creative and people’s choice. Info: Visit jonesborohabitat.com or call (870) 203-9898.

Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!

Calendar SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

The Tarkington Family Christmas Extravaganza will be held at The Forum Theater in Downtown Jonesboro beginning at 2 p.m. There will be an additional performance at Central Baptist Church on Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. Info: Call (870) 935-2726 or (870) 935-1950.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

The 2022 Santa Shu e Fun Run/Walk will take place at Joe Mack Campbell Park at 6:30 p.m. This unique, family-friendly event features more than 400,000 lights and attractions. Registration is $25 and includes a long sleeve Santa Shu e T-shirt and entry to the park. To register, visit raceroster.com/events.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Goodfellows and Christmas for Kids 2022 will be held at Nettleton Baptist Church in Jonesboro from 8-11 a.m. To sign up online, visit the event’s Facebook page and click “tickets.” Info: Call (870) 932-4960.

The Gardens at Harmony, located at 4517 E. Parker Road in Jonesboro, will host Breakfast with Santa for ages 3-8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $20 per person. Photos with Santa will be available for purchase. Info: Call (870) 243-5301.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

The Foundation of Arts will present the holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” at The Forum in Downtown Jonesboro. Tickets may be purchased online or at The Forum Box O ce. Info: (870) 935-2726 or foajonesboro.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

The Foundation of Arts will present “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dinner Theater at Embassy Suites in Jonesboro. Dinner will start at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the show at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or at The Forum Box O ce. Info: (870) 935-2726 or foajonesboro.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

New Year’s Eve with Night of Fireworks will be held from 5:30-9:30 p.m. in conjunction with Christmas at the Park, Jonesboro’s half-mile drivethru of more than 400,000 holiday lights and displays located at Joe Mack Campbell Park. To purchase tickets, visit christmasattheparknea.com.

Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!