Northeast Arkansas Kids Directory by Hidden Values

A NOTE from the Publisher

Welcome to the March 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: Codie and Nicole LaCount photo by Melissa Donner Photography

LUCKY I SPY

HOW MANY OF THESE LUCKY THINGS CAN YOU FIND IN THE BIG PICTURE? FOR SOME EXTRA FUN, FIND OUR FROG MASCOT AND THE FOUR LEAF CLOVER TOO!

We recently asked our readers to weigh in on the best that Northeast Arkansas has to offer for kids, parents and families. From their favorite family-friendly restaurant to the best place for after-school care, our readers have made their favorites known and the votes have been counted. Congratulations to the winners of our seventh annual NEA Kids’ Directory Best Choice Awards for Kids and Families. It is an honor to showcase these individuals, businesses, events and venues that are favorites among families in Northeast Arkansas.

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

Best Family Friendly Restaurant

FAT CITY STEAK & GRILL HOUSE

JTown’s Grill – Finalist

Texas Roadhouse – Finalist

Best Burger

JTOWN’S GRILL

Lemonade House Grill – Finalist

TJ’s Burgers – Finalist

Best Breakfast

FAT CITY STEAK & GRILL HOUSE

The Parsonage – Finalist

Eggcellent Cafe– Finalist

Best Fast Food

CHICK FIL A

Slim Chickens – Finalist

Guthrie’s Chicken – Finalist

Best Pizza

LOST PIZZA

Pizza Chef – Finalist

1812 Pizza – Finalist

Best Ice Cream/Frozen Custard

ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD

Local Culture – Finalist

Cold Stone Creamery – Finalist

Best Birthday Cakes

ABBY CAKES

Nothing Bundt Cakes - Finalist

Southern Confections – Finalist

Best Cookies

INSOMNIA COOKIES

Crumbl – Finalist

Southern Confections – Finalist

Best Day Care Center

HANDS ON PEDIATRIC LEARNING CENTER

Discovery Island – Finalist

Nurture School – Finalist

Best Private School

BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Ridgefield Christian School – Finalist

Crowley’s Ridge Academy – Finalist

Best Public School District

JONESBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Brookland Public Schools – Finalist

Valley View Public Schools – Finalist

Best Preschool Center

JONESBORO PRE K

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School – Finalist

Brookland Preschool – Finalist

Best Kindergarten

JONESBORO KINDERGARTEN CENTER

Brookland Preschool – Finalist

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School – Finalist

Best Elementary School

BROOKLAND ELEMENTARY

International Studies (JPS) – Finalist

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School – Finalist

Best After School Program

BROOKLAND CAT CLUB

Blessed Sacrament – Finalist

Cane Academy (JPS) – Finalist

Best Summer Care Program

BROOKLAND CAT CLUB

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School– Finalist

Cane Academy (JPS) – Finalist

Best Tutoring School

CLARK’S TUTORING

CME, Inc. – Finalist

The Apple Group – Finalist

Best Children’s Consignment/Resale Store

ONCE UPON A CHILD

Rhea Lana – Finalist

Second Hand Shoppe – Finalist

Best Family Grocer

KROGER

Harp’s – Finalist

Aldi – Finalist

Best Movie Theater

MALCO TOWN CINEMA

Malco Studio @ Greensborough Village – Finalist

Best Kids Party Venue HIJINX

Little Latte’s – Finalist

Ultimate Air – Finalist

Best Kids Party Rentals

GRANDSLAM ENTERTAINMENT

Party Zone (R&R Amusement) – Finalist

Bounce Brothers – Finalist

Best Public Park

CRAIGHEAD FOREST PARK

Miracle League Park – Finalist

Crowley’s Ridge State Park – Finalist

Best Public Swimming Pool

PARAGOULD AQUATIC PARK

Jonesboro Pool Center – Finalist

Manila Water Park – Finalist

Best Family Practice Clinic

NEA BAPTIST (WOODSPRINGS) CLINIC

The Children’s Clinic – Finalist

Jonesboro Pediatric Center – Finalist

Best OB/GYN Clinic

ST BERNARDS OG/GYN & ASSOCIATES

NEA Baptist Women’s Clinic – Finalist

Ark Methodist Medical Center – Finalist

Best Pediatric Clinic

THE CHILDREN’S CLINIC

Jonesboro Pediatric Clinic – Finalist

Arkansas Children’s Hospital (Jonesboro) – Finalist

Best Children’s Therapy Provider HANDS ON LEARNING

Jumping Jelly Beans – Finalist

CME, Inc. – Finalist

Best Dental Clinic

JONESBORO PEDIATRIC DENTAL CLINIC (DR. SUMMER TYSON)

Dr. Anthony Bartels DDS Family Dentistry – Finalist

Dental Solutions (Dr Laura Harmon) – Finalist

Best Orthodontic Clinic

FERGUS ORTHODONTICS

Weaver Orthodontics – Finalist

Westrock Orthodontics – Finalist

Best Eye Care for Kids

HILLTOP EYE CARE

Elite Eye Care – Finalist

Visionary Eye Care – Finalist

Best Eye Wear/Dispensary

HILLTOP EYE CARE

Elite Eye Care – Finalist

Vision Care Center – Finalist

Best After Hours Emergency Clinic

NEA BAPTIST URGENT CARE PLUS (APACHE DR)

St Bernards Urgent Care (Red Wolf) – Finalist

St Bernards First Care (Parker Rd) – Finalist

Best Hospital

ST. BERNARDS

NEA Baptist – Finalist

Arkansas Methodist Medical Center – Finalist

Best Pharmacy

THE MEDICINE SHOPPE

Woodsprings Pharmacy – Finalist

Hilltop Pharmacy – Finalist

Best Counseling Center FAMILIES, INC .

The Practice – Finalist

True Hope Counseling – Finalist

Best Family Practice Law OMG LAW FIRM

Oldham Law Firm – Finalist

Rees Law Firm – Finalist

Best Hair Care for Kids SPORTSCLIPS

Great Clips – Finalist

Vanstone – Finalist

Best Infant/Child Photographer

MELISSA DONNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Lauren Tyler Photography – Finalist

Alyssa Burks Photography – Finalist

Best Family Photographer

MELISSA DONNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Lauren Tyler Photography – Finalist

Elena Brown Photography – Finalist

Best Music Store (Instruments)

BACKBEAT MUSIC

All Star Music – Finalist

Mr. Crisso’s – Finalist

Best Children’s Clothes

CUTIE PATOOTIE

Once Upon A Child – Finalist

Dillard’s – Finalist

Best Children’s Shoe Store

CUTIE PATOOTIE

Dillard’s – Finalist

Once Upon a Child – Finalist

Best Children’s Costume Store

GOLDEN GROTTO

Spirit – Finalist

Target – Finalist

Best Party Supply Store for Kids

GOLDEN GROTTO

Hobby Lobby – Finalist

Target – Finalist

Best Sporting Goods Store for Kids

ACADEMY SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

Play It Again Sports – Finalist

Gearhead Outfitters – Finalist

Best Toy Store

THE TOY STORE

Cutie Patootie – Finalist

Target – Finalist

Best Art School

THE CREATIVITY LAB

The Foundation of Arts – Finalist

Dale Case Art – Finalist

Best Cheerleading Facility

JONESBORO CHEER ACADEMY

Cheer Unlimited – Finalist

Priscilla’s Cheer – Finalist

Best Dance Studio

CHRISTIE MCNEIL DANCE STUDIO (CMDS)

The Foundation of Arts – Finalist

Erin’s Dance – Finalist

Best Gymnastics Center

JONESBORO GYMNASTICS ACADEMY

Champions – Finalist

Heartland Gymnastics – Finalist

Best Karate/Martial Arts

ATA MARTIAL ARTS

Gracie Jiu Jitsu – Finalist

Morgan Family Martial Arts – Finalist

Best Music Instructions Program for Kids

JONESBORO MUSIC

Back Beat Music – Finalist

Audrey Geisel Music – Finalist

Best Sports Training for Kids

RALVIS TRAINING CENTER

Perfection Training Academy – Finalist

Max Velocity – Finalist

Best Swim Instruction Program for Kids

SHARK WAVE AQUATIC CLUB

Jonesboro Jets – Finalist

Genesis Swim Lessons - Finalist

MARCH

THROUGHOUT MARCH

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, activities and more. Admission is free. For more information, call (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, 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: (870) 761-6570 or visit Kmusiko onesboro.com.

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library o ers a variety of free events and activities including Pre-K Storytimes, Toddler Time, Bookish Babies 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.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 – SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Rhea Lana’s of Jonesboro will host the Spring 2025 Children’s Consignment Event at a new location at 384 CR 4021 (behind Bennett’s Landscape and Design). This semi-annual event o ers families the opportunity to buy and sell gently used, high-quality children’s items, including clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby equipment and more. For more information, visit jonesboro.rhealana.com or call (501) 514-4047.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Hieroglyphics and Secret Codes from 4-5 p.m. in the Round Room. During the event, tweens (4th-6th graders) will learn about scripts, ciphers and codes. Info: Call (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

Blippi: Join The Band Tour will perform at the First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro at 6 p.m. This live show features Blippi and his friends exploring the world of music with singing, dancing and live musicians, making it an engaging event for children and parents. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Info: visit fnbarena.com or call (870) 972-2781.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Phi Delta Theta fraternity will host its inaugural ALS Ride/Walk/Run at 2 p.m. beginning at the A-State Pavilion with options for one-, three- and six-mile routes. The cost is $20 per participant with proceeds going to Eric Brown, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, and ALS research. For more information, follow Phi Delta Theta on social media.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Springtime Suncatchers Workshop from 4-5 p.m. in the Round Room. Tweens (4th6th graders) will make their own colorful window suncatchers to brighten up both rainy and sunny days this spring. Info: Call (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

The Monster Truck Nitro Tour will visit First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro at 7:30 p.m. The event will showcase the awe-inspiring power of 10,000-pound, carcrushing giants performing jaw-dropping stunts and high- ying action. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit monstertrucktour.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 24

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Kids Bingo from 2-3 p.m. in the Round Room. Kids will have the opportunity to practice number and letter recognition during this spring break bingo activity. Info: call (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Papercraft Party from 4-5 p.m. in the Round Room. Tweens (4th-6th graders) will learn to fold origami, make paper airplanes and play pen-and-paper favorites like tabletop football, tictac-toe and more. Info: Call (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host Construction Crew from 2-3 p.m. in the Round Room. The event will allow kids to unleash their inner architect with building supplies and toys. Info: Call (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Spring Break Gaming Day from 2-3 p.m. in the Children’s Department. Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy the last day of spring break with a variety of board games and video games. Info: Call (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 1

The A-State Alumni Association will host Bark at the Park 2025 at Tomlinson Stadium – Kell Field at 6 p.m. Members and their dogs are invited to support the Red Wolves as they play against the University of Central Arkansas. Attendees who show their membership card at the alumni tent will receive a special gift for their dog. Info: call (870) 972-2586 or visit astatealumni.org/events.

Dine on a Dime

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.)