FREE! August 2023 www.kidsdirectory.com/nea
2 www.KidsDirectory.com/NEA
A NOTE from the Publisher
Welcome to the August 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 & EditorParents: Ryan and Janie Hay photo by Melissa Donner Photography
4 www.KidsDirectory.com/NEA
COVER KID! LUKE
MEET OUR
Research tells us children learn best through play. It’s only natural that children are more open to learning when they are happy, and more likely to remember a fun experience.
Child care providers are your partners in preparing your child for kindergarten and a future bright with opportunity.
Give your child the best start in life with quality childhood educators that use story, dramatic play and hands-on experience to lead children to learning.
Reach for the stars – visit our website to find star-rated quality early childhood educators.
5 Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
R ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-501-682-8590 Click here to visit our Resource Library. You’ll find activities and tips to help you prepare your child for life. Visit the literacy section of our Family Resource Library for a list of great books for any age. See Bring Books to Life for and learning of books. Learning fun inspired by by Sarah Creese WORD play School of Fish Word play is an open-ended opportunity for learning through play. What is group of zebras called? A group of porcupines? Do you know? Peak your child’s curiosity. Word play leads to discovery of words for collections of animals. Some group names describe the animal or it’s behavior. Some seem just plain silly! Preschoolers might enjoy time with you doing something as grownup as researching for more group names or visit the zoo to see animal groups in person. The more you talk about and research animals, the more new words and animal facts parents and children learn. Awareness of animals and cultures outside of their daily lives also helps build social skills. Children in quality child care have probably had the opportunity to learn lot about animals. your child is new to naming animals, there are dozens of animal books available to borrow at the library. If you have a baby or toddler, you might want to you borrow A School of Fish by Sarah Creese from a library. Toddlers will enjoy the touch and feel parts of the board book, silly illustrations and rhyming text. S P A Parcel of Penguins P Game Pieces 1. Make game pieces from recycled paper envelopes or any blank paper available. Cut and fold like our example. name starts with. 4. On the inside, write the group and animal It’s that easy. See the next page for twelve examples to get started. Scan the code below to visit our Family Resource Library for fun learning activities to enjoy at home. Also en Español. ARBetterBeginnings.com • 501-320-6161 LITERACY Play to learn
6 www.KidsDirectory.com/NEA
7 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 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.
To have YOUR restaurant featured in this listing, email brittney@jonesborooccasions.com
8 Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
Dine on a Dime Your Guide to Where Kids Eat FREE!
9 Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
AUGUST
THROUGHOUT AUGUST
The Judd Hill Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturdays in August from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3350 Aggie Dr. in Jonesboro. Info: visit juddhillfarmersmarket.com or juddhillfarmersmarket@yahoo.com.
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 of characters, the Tinkering Studio, galleries and more. Info: (870) 972-2074 or visit astate.edu/museum.
The Foundation of Arts offers year-round registration for students interested in art, dance, theater and more. More information about art camps, dance camps, dance intensive programs and more can be found online. To register, call (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
Jonesboro Music, formerly Kindermusik of Jonesboro, located at 2617 E. NettletonnAve., Suite B, 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 variety of free exercise classes and summer programs. Tiny Tales Storytime for children up to 24-months-oldnis held every Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. in the Storytime Area. For times and locations of upcoming events, 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.
10 www.KidsDirectory.com/NEA
Calendar
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Animalogy with Bob Tarter in the Round Room from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The event will include an assortment of animals to educate and interact with children. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 3
Jonesboro native Drew Pulliam will perform at The Forum Theater in Downtown Jonesboro at 7 p.m. The performance will celebrate the release of Pulliam’s first EP, “Sixteen Going on 60.” Info: (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4
The Foundation of Arts will present First Fridays at The Forum featuring Jon Bailey and the Heathen Revival at 7:30 p.m. To reserve a ticket, call (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
The Foundation of Arts will present The Originals Series featuring Lauren Richmond, Cason Storey, and the McCauley Brothers. To reserve a ticket, call (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 12, 19, 26
The Foundation of Arts will host Pickin’ in the Plaza every Saturday in August at Rotary Centennial Plaza from 7-9 p.m. This is a free event that provides an opportunity for the public to watch local musicians perform. Info: (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Temporary Tattoo Sleeve DIY from 4-5 p.m. in the Teen Hub. Children can design their own temporary tattoos. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Tabletop Game Day with NEA Gamer’s Guild from 12-5 p.m. in the Round Room. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Lego Architect Challenge from 4-5 p.m. in the Round Room. Children can use their creativity to create real-life objects with Legos, build structures that can withstand the elements, and make art out of bricks. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Friday Night Magic: The Gathering with Ms. Michaela in the Round Room at 6 p.m. Decks and supplies will be provided. Random Fandom Friday will take place afterward where children can watch a movie and enjoy snacks. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Slime Lab in the Round Room from 4-5 p.m. Tweens can learn the science behind slime and make their own slime with different colors, textures and add-ins. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org.
11 Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks! Calendar
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 find out more about local offerings from area libraries, contact one of the libraries listed in our resource guide or follow them on social media.
12 Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
Library Resource Guide
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
13 Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
14 Please say, “I saw it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks! 00451.03.01-0723 Attention Arkansas schools! You could get $2,500 to create a Take Good Care Calming Room and help improve the mental health of Arkansas students. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is celebrating its 75th anniversary by funding the creation of a calming room at a school in each of our 75 counties. Apply by September 22. Recipients announced November 11. Learn more at arkbluecross.com/calmingrooms or scan the QR code.
15
I
it in NEA Kids’ Directory.” Thanks!
Please say, “
saw
16 www.KidsDirectory.com/NEA