FREE! July 2023 www.kidsdirectory.com/nea
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A NOTE from the Publisher
Welcome to the July 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 & Editor4 www.KidsDirectory.com/NEA
MEET OUR COVER KID! DELANEY
Parents: Tyler and Leslie Wilson photo by Melissa Donner Photography
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.
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SCIENCE Ingredients 1) Honey 2) Light corn syrup (add food coloring) 3) Blue or green dish soap 4) Cooking oil 5) Rubbing alcohol (add food coloring to contrast with the dish soap) Step1: Prepare your container. Measure the height of your container and divide by six. Give the oil two times as much space as the other ingredients. Mark the portions on the container Step 2: Prepare your ingredients. Determine your color scheme and add food coloring to the clear liquids. Step 3: Slowly pour each ingredient in the order they are listed above. Aim for the center of the container as you pour ingredients through 4. Don’t pour number into the center! The alcohol needs to be gently dripped down the inside wall of the container using pipette or a drinking straw. (See how to use a straw as a pipette below. Something unexpected is going to happen! See if you can guess by looking at the finished Rainbow in Jar photo. What is happening? Here’s the science: The liquids remain separate because their densities are different. The ingredients are added in order so that the most dense liquid is on the bottom. Oil is the least dense of the liquids, so it floats to the top. How to use a straw as a pipette: and cover the other end firmly with your finger. This creates small vacuum that holds liquid in the straw. Lift your finger from the straw to release the liquid to gradually transfer liquid from one container to the other. 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. EXPERIMENTS Make a Rainbow in a Jar our science library. Click here! Don’t miss the fun! Experiments should always have parental participation. the top? tight-fitting lid A pipette or a drinking straw A permanent marker or grease pencil Play to learn 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
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on a Dime Your Guide to Where Kids Eat FREE!
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
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Dine
J u l y
THROUGHOUT JULY
The Judd Hill Farmers’ Market, located at 3350 Aggie Rd., offers locally-grown produce, plants and a variety of vendors including ranchers, bakers and crafters each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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. Nettleton Ave., 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 has a variety of free exercise classes and summer programs. Tiny Tales Storytime for children up to 24-months-old 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.
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MONDAY, JULY 3
Nettleton Baptist Church will host Food Trucks and Fireworks at 7 p.m. The event will include a fireworks display and food truck vendors. The First Community Bank fireworks display will begin at 9:15 p.m. Admission will be free. Info: (870) 932-4960.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Monday Matinee every Monday at 1 p.m. in the Round Room. The event will feature kid-friendly movies for the whole family. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
TUESDAY, JULY 4
Jonesboro Radio Group will host Freedom Fest at Southside Softball Complex at 9:30 p.m. Families can gather for a free fireworks show and music broadcast by Jonesboro Radio Group. For more information, visit thefox1049.com.
East Arkansas Broadcasters will host the Red, White & Blue Color Run at Joe Mack Campbell Park at 9 a.m. Tickets will be $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ag for Autism. Info: visit kfin.com.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 5
L.E.A.P. FORWARD, a youth leadership training program for ages 13-18, will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. featuring Michelle Kirkwood, program director, and Dr. Brenda Randle, leadership consultant. Info: (870) 206-793 or visit theleapforwardmovement.com.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Ukulele Club with Bianca every Wednesday from 5-6:30 p.m. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 7
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host History Whodunit? Mystery Night from 7-9 p.m. in the Round Room. Children will participate in a fun murder mystery game. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
The Foundation of Arts will present First Fridays at The Forum featuring Ben Atkins at 7:30 p.m. and Stereo Blue at 8:30 p.m. To reserve a ticket, call (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
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MONDAY, JULY 10 – WEDNESDAY, JULY 19
The Foundation of Arts in Jonesboro will host its Young Artist Theatre: Sondheim
Tribute Revue. Camp dates will be July 10-19 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Students in this camp will work on theatrical and vocal techniques as they prepare for two outdoor grand finale performances. Every participant who registers will be featured in a solo or duet part. Tuition assistance is available. Performance dates will be July 20-21. Info: (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
THURSDAY, JULY 13
Bradbury Art Museum will host the opening reception for “Transit Terrain and Other Spatial Narratives,” a solo exhibition by Mary Ann Strandell. The reception will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The exhibition will be open through Aug. 30. Viewing hours are Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Info: (870) 972-3687.
FRIDAY, JULY 14
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Polymer Clay Earrings Event from 5-6:30 p.m. Participants will be instructed on how to craft their own pair of earrings. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
MONDAY, JULY 17 – FRIDAY, JULY 21
The Bradbury Art Museum will host BAM Art Camp from 1-5 p.m. for children ages 8-12 years old. Participants will visit Bradbury Art Museum for 5 days of art-making and exploration in order to create a collaborative group art exhibition inspired by the work of Mary Ann Strandell. Students will receive a tour of Strandell’s solo exhibition “Transit Terrain and Other Spatial Narratives.” Artwork created in the camp will be displayed in the hallway gallery. The cost is $25. Info: (870) 972-3687 or visit bradburyartmusuem.org.
MONDAY, JULY 24 – SATURDAY, JULY 29
Rhea Lana’s Family Shopping Event will take place at Nettleton Baptist Church starting at 9 a.m. Rhea Lana’s is an award-winning semi-annual children’s consignment event offering gently used, highquality children’s clothes, shoes, toys, books, DVDs, baby equipment, gently-used maternity clothes and more at affordable prices. Info: (501) 514-4047 or email autumn@rhealana.com.
FRIDAY, JULY 28
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will offer a Vinyl Record Art Class in the Round Room from 3-4:30 p.m. Participants will create art using vintage records. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Tie-Dye Drop-In from 5-6:30 p.m. Participants will be instructed on how to create their own tie-dye item to take home. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
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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.
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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
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