A NOTE from the Publisher
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
Parent: Justin and Rachel Haller 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.
DECEMBER
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
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.
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 Foundation of Arts o ers 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, o ers music and movement classes for children ages birth to 7 years old. Year-round enrollment is available. Info: (870) 761-6570 or visit kmusiko onesboro.com.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library o ers a variety of free events and activities including yoga and Zumba classes, story times, puppet theater and more. For times and locations of other upcoming events, call (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
The Lawrence County Library o ers 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.
Christmas at the Park returns to Joe Mack Campbell Park for an unforgettable holiday experience through Dec. 23. The attraction includes a half-mile drive-thru of more than 450,000 holiday lights and displays. Family-fun events include the Santa Shu e Fun Run, Community Christmas Caroling, Jingle Express, Wild Ones Ranch Petting Zoo and more. General admission for one standard passenger vehicle (eight or less) is $20 Sunday-Thursday and $25 Friday-Saturday. For a complete schedule or to purchase tickets, visit christmasattheparknea.com.
Santa’s North Pole, located at 4502 Access Road in Jonesboro, will be open through Dec. 24. This indoor animated Christmas display features scenes with Rudolph, Penguins, Santa’s elves and other North Pole friends. Customers can also visit Santa’s Gift Shop, write a letter to Santa, take photos with Santa, and enjoy sweet treats from the Gingerbread House. Info: visit santasnorthpolejonesboro.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
Santa at The Silos will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at The Silos, located at 1757 CR-380 in Bono. The event will include pictures with Santa, holiday crafts for kids, free milk and cookies and Christmas music. Admission is $5 per person (cash only). Children under 2 get in free. Pictures with Santa will be $10 per picture by Amy Reeves Photography. The Silos will be collecting canned goods for the backpack program at Westside Schools. Info: (870) 819-8932 or visit thesilosbarn.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
The 2024 Santa Shuffle Fun Run will take place at Joe Mack Campbell Park at 6:30 p.m. This unique, family-friendly event features more than 450,000 lights and attractions. Register through Race Roster for the Fun Run ($10) and a T-shirt ($25 while supplies last) or pay at the event. Participants can come early or stay after to take photos with Santa, purchase hot chocolate, enjoy Christmas sights and exercise. Info: visit christmasattheparknea.com.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Snow-Themed Family Literacy Night at 5:30 p.m. in the Round Room. The event will include a cozy winter story time and snow-related activities. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
The 77th Annual Jonesboro Christmas Parade will take place on Union Street in Downtown Jonesboro from 7-9 p.m. The event will transform downtown Jonesboro into a festive wonderland celebrating “Movies on Main Street.” For more information, visit jonesborochristmasparade.com.
Winter Wonderland, located at 215 W. Monroe Ave., opens for the 2024 holiday season following the Jonesboro Christmas Parade. This free exhibit includes animated displays, festive lights, a Trail of Trees and more. Normal hours will be Wednesday through Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday from 1-9 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Info: (870) 933-4604 or visit Jonesboro Winter Wonderland on Facebook.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Dr. Elizabeth Nix, artist Brittney Osborn and Dr. Kerri Bennett have teamed up to publish a children’s book, “Monty the Mongoose Can’t Sleep!” A book signing will be held at Occasions Publishing Group, located at 318 S Main Street in Downtown Jonesboro, from 10 a.m. to noon. Families are invited to get their copies signed just in time for the holiday season. A limited number of books will be available for purchase at the event, with additional copies sold on Amazon. Refreshments will be provided.
The A-State Alumni Association will host Pancakes and PJs at the Cooper Alumni Center from 8-10 a.m. with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Howl and Scarlet. Tickets are $20 per adult, $15 per child (ages 3-12), with children ages 2 and under admitted for free. Info: (870) 972-2586 or visit astatealumni.org.
Joy Fest, Downtown Jonesboro Alliance’s annual holiday event, will begin at 3 p.m. in Downtown Jonesboro. Located on Union Street, the event includes a Christmas Tree lighting, live performances, activities and more. Info: (901) 5908757 or visit downtownjonesboro.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
The Foundation of Arts will present “The Nutcracker Ballet” at The Forum Theatre in Downtown Jonesboro. To reserve a ticket, visit foajonesboro.org or call (870) 935-2726.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Library Game Day with NEA Gamer’s Guild from noon to 4 p.m. in the Round Room. The event will include a day full of tabletop board games and entry into exciting door prizes. All ages are welcome. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Winter Crafts Workshop in the Round Room from 4-5 p.m. Kids can participate in whimsical winter crafting and create handmade gifts for friends and family. Info: (870) 9355133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Kids Winter Staycation: Noon-Year’s Day Party from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Round Room. Kids from kindergarten through third grade are invited to ring in the New Year with friends at the library. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
