A NOTE from the Publisher
Welcome to the October issue of NEA Kids’ Directory, part of the Occasions Publishing Group family of publications.
NEA Kids’ Directoryhas 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’ Directoryplease call us at 931-0012.
Audrey Poff, Publisher & Editor
MEET OUR COVER KID!
MALLORY
Parents: Larkin and Gracie Day 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.
THROUGHOUT OCTOBER
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, located at 2705 Paula Dr., 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 kmusikoo onesboro.com.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library o ers a wide range of free events and activities, including Bookish Babies, Toddler Time, Pre-K Storytime, Family Literacy Night and more. For event times and locations, call (870) 935-5133 or visit LobraryInJonesboro.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.
The Judd Hill Farmers Market, located at 3350 Aggie Road, will be open every Saturday in October from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shoppers can browse a variety of local goods, including fresh produce, baked items, handmade crafts, and more. Info: (870) 919-6166 or visit juddhillfoundation.org.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
Toby Mac, MercyMe, and Matthew West will perform at First National Bank Arena, located at 217 Olympic Drive in Jonesboro, at 7 p.m. For tickets and details, contact the A-State Central Box O ce at 870-972-2781 or visit FNBArena.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
The Foundation of Arts will present The Addams Family musical at The Forum Theater in Downtown Jonesboro. Showtimes are Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.; and Monday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online or at The Forum Box O ce. Info: (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host the Your Library, Your Story Youth Book Swap in the Round Room from 4-6 p.m. Readers of all ages are invited to browse and choose free books. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
The Blessed Sacrament Fall Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1107 E. Highland Drive in Jonesboro. This family-friendly event features carnival games, in atables, live entertainment, food booths and a petting zoo, with proceeds supporting the church, school and local charities. Info: (870) 932-2529 or visit fallfestival.com.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a Family Literacy Night: Out of This World from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a scavenger hunt, story time, drinks, alien themed activities, and dessert. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
The Inflatable Planetarium will visit the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library from 4-6 p.m. Families can step inside the dome for an out-of-this-world experience exploring stars, planets and constellations in an immersive setting. Admission is free. For more information, visit libraryinjonesboro.org or call (870) 935-5133.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
The Help Them Stay 5K to bene t King’s Ranch Ministries will be held at 8:30 a.m. at Craighead Forest Park Pavilion 1 in Jonesboro. Participants can run or walk to support children from traumatic beginnings, with chipped timing, water stations and race shirts available for registrants. Packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m. Register online at Race Roster or contact Rachel Dunbar at (870) 283-9615 or rachel@kingsranch.net for more information.
The Downtown Jonesboro Alliance Fall Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Union Park, 405 Union Ave. in Downtown Jonesboro. This free, family-friendly event features live music, food trucks, local vendors, kids’ activities, seasonal fun and more. For more information, visit downtownjonesboro.com or call (870) 919-6176.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Game Day with NEA Gamer’s Guild will be from 12–4 p.m. in the Round Room. All ages can drop in for a free afternoon of tabletop and board games. Participants can enter to win drawings for prizes. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
The 5th Annual Pink Warrior Fun Run/Walk will take place at 8 a.m. starting at St. Bernards Health & Wellness, located at 1416 East Matthews Ave. in Jonesboro. Proceeds bene t breast cancer services and programs through the St. Bernards Cancer Center. The cost is $40. Registration is available online at stbernards.info.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13
The Kids’ Block Party at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will be held from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Kids K-6 are invited to drop into the Children’s Department to build with Legos and engage in fun building challenges. For more information, visit libraryinjonesboro.org or call (870) 935-5133.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
The 5th Annual Jonesboro Oktoberfest takes place from 4-8 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran School (corner of Rains Street and Highland Drive). Families are invited to enjoy German food, live music, dancing, kids’ games, ra es, costume contests and more. Info: visit catholicjonesboro.org or email oktoberfest@allsaintsjonesboro.org.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library and Beacon Tutoring Co. will host a free ACT Practice Test from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Round Room. Teens can pre-register online or in person. Info: (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro. org.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30
The Foundation of Arts will host its annual House of Villains, a family-friendly experience, at The Forum Theater Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 29-30. To purchase tickets, visit foajonesboro.org.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
The A-State Alumni Association will host a Homecoming Alumni Tailgate from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Cooper Alumni Center. Alumni, family and friends are invited to celebrate with food, drinks and kids’ activities before the game. Info: visit astatealumni.org or call (870) 972-2586.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
The Sixth Annual Halloween Skele-Bration will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Jonesboro Overhead Door, 925 E. Parker Rd. The event includes trunk or treating, photos with Drewster Dragon Pirate Ship, hot dogs, popcorn and more. Admission is free.
The Mayor’s Youth Advancement Council’s “BOO in the ’BORO” will take place from 6-8 p.m. at Union Park, located at 405 Union Ave. in Downtown Jonesboro. This free, family-friendly Halloween trunk-or-treat event features candy, games, crafts, entertainment, a photo booth and face painting. For more information, contact MYAC at myacjonesboro@gmail.com.
