Northeast Arkansas Kids Directory

A NOTE from the Publisher

Welcome to the May 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: Katelyn & Zack Day

photo by Melissa Donner Photography

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 buffe purchase.

Pizza Inn Free kids’ buffet with adult buffe 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

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 ffn out more about local offerings 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

THROUGHOUT MAY

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) 9336787.

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 or call (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: k musiko� onesboro.com or call (870) 761-6570.

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library o� ers a variety of free exercise classes and summer programs. For times and locations of 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Tai Chi Wellness with Paul Nunis at 10 a.m. in the Round Room. There will be a presentation on health and a demonstration of Tai Chi. No registration is required. Info: visit libraryinjonesboro.org or call (870) 935-5133.

THURSDAY, MAY 4

St. Bernards Baby State will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Bernards Auditorium. The event will include opportunities to win prizes and receive valuable education about what to expect when starting a family. No registration is required. Info: visit stbernards.info/events or (870) 207-7300.

FRIDAY, MAY 5

The Foundation of Arts will present First Fridays at The Forum featuring Mike Hewlett and The Racket at 7:30 p.m. To reserve a ticket, visit foajonesboro.org or call (870) 935-2726.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Comic Book Day from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Children can take home a free comic book and make buttons or magnets with comics and manga. Info: visit libraryinjonesboro.org or (870) 935-5133.

The Foundation of Arts will present The Original Series at The Forum Theater in Downtown Jonesboro featuring John Butler, Jon Bailey, and Clayton Herndon at 6:30 p.m. To reserve a ticket, visit foajonesboro.org or call (870) 935-2726.

FRIDAY, MAY 12

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Friday Night Magic gathering from 4-6:45 p.m. in the Round Room. This is a free monthly game night for teens ages 13-18. Info: (870) 935-5133 or libraryinjonesboro.org.

The Gardens at Harmony will host a Butter �i es and Bloom Celebration at 7 p.m. This is a charity event to bene�t Local Mpact, a non-pro� t that supports local families throughout infant loss. Info: visit harmonygardensonline.com or (870) 268-6500.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host the monthly NEA Gamer’s Guild from noon to 5 p.m. in the Round Room. This is a free drop-in event for children of all ages. There will be a variety of tabletop games and free door prizes. Info: visit libraryinjonesboro.org (870) 935-5133.

The Bradbury Art Museum will host a Flower Monotype Printing Workshop from 2-5 p.m. Participants will receive free instruction on how to print monotypes using plants and water-soluble inks. The workshop will include a museum tour, plant gathering, and collaborative print activity. Supplies will be provided by Bradbury Art Museum, and you will leave with a print to take home or frame as a Mother’s Day gift. Info: visit bradburyartmuseum.org or call (870) 972-3687.

THURSDAY, MAY 18 – SATURDAY, MAY 20

Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center will host the Arkansas Elvis Festival endorsed by Graceland. The festival will include � ve performances featuring di� erent eras of the king. Info: (870) 619-4482.

FRIDAY, MAY 19

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host an author visit beginning at 5:30pm in the Round Room. Award-winning author, Thanhhà L�i, will present a public lecture and Q&A session. Info: visit libraryinjonesboro.org or (870) 935- 5133.

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will host Foodstock 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at 3414 One Place Dr. This free, family-friendly event will include live music, food, in�a tables, lawn games and more. Email jgri� n@foodbankofnea.org to sign up to volunteer or call (870) 932-3663 for more information.

FRIDAY, MAY 19 – SATURDAY, MAY 20

The Foundation of Arts will present its Spring Showcase titled “Stories from the Heart.” To reserve a ticket, visit foajonesboro.org or call (870) 935-2726.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a free Practice ACT from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Civic League Room. Students should bring a calculator. Info: visit libraryinjonesboro.org or 870) 935-5133.

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center will host a Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2605 A Street in Jonesboro. Outdoor activities will include �shing, BB gun shooting, archery, canoeing, �sh cleaning, cooking and more. Lunch will be provided at the event. Participants should bring � shing gear and a valid �shing license. To register, visit agfc.com or call (870) 933-6787.

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Librar y will hold the � rst Asian American Paci�c Islander Festival, formerly known as the Arts and Crafts Fair, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn. The event will include arts, crafts, activities and more. Info: visit libraryinjonesboro.org (870) 935-5133.

TUESDAY, MAY 30 – THURSDAY, JUNE 8

The Foundation of Arts will host its Young Artist Theater (YAT): Aristocats Kids Camp from noon to 4:30 p.m. at The Forum Theater in Downtown Jonesboro. The camp is for children ages 7-13. Auditions for the show will be held on the �rst day of camp. Showtimes for Aristocats Kids will be June 9 (5:30 and 7:30) and June 11 (2 p.m.). To reserve a ticket, visit foajonesboro.org or call (870) 935-2726.

MAY FLOWERS

COLOR THIS BOUQUET TO BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY!