Pick-Your-Own Farms
April 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment
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Spending time on a farm picking fruits or vegetables is a great outdoor family activity. But sometimes it can be difficult to find out about farms that allow you to pick your own produce. Not anymore. PickYourOwn.org lists pick-your-own farms and orchards by state and county. Here is the page listing pick-your-own farms in Arkansas. Scroll down to find a farm near you. Be sure to read the picking tips page and call ahead before you go.
If any of you have been to any of the listed farms, or know of others in the area, please let me know in the comments or email me directly at allsidesoflife@gmail.com.
Art Explosions Summer Camp
April 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The sixth annual Summer Art Explosion program is now enrolling. This 5 week art camp is for kids ages 10-18.
- What: Summer Art Explosion Camp
- When: Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 pm; weekly, June 19-July 20, 2007
- Where: Art Explosions Community Imagination Studio, Springdale. Directions.
- Cost: From $5 to $50 per week, based upon income
- Transportation: available through Ozark Regional Transit
- More information: click here and scroll down for an enrollment packet and more information on Summer Art Explosion.
Washington Elementary School Home Tour
April 29, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Washington Elementary Tour of Homes is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2007 from 12-5pm. No other elementary school zone in Fayetteville includes as many historic neighborhoods as the Washington zone, so if you love old homes like I do, you should definitely take the tour. The following homes are featured this year:
- Marlon and Ati Blackwell 857 North Woolsey
- Bill and Janie Eldridge 409 East Lafayette
- John and Jennifer Lewis 607 North Park
- Scott and Anne O’Leary-Kelly 220 East Lafayette
- Elliot West and Susan Stoner 830 North Park
- Stuart and Missy Walker 434 West Prospect
- Mark and Katie Zweig 59 East Prospect
Tickets ($20) can be purchased at Washington Elementary School, Arsagas Cafes, French Metro Antiques, and The Gift House.
Free Family Skate Night at the Skate Place in Bentonville
April 29, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Great Day Skate Place in Bentonville hosts a monthly free family skate night to benefit local charities. The May “Disco Fever” event will benefit the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter. Admission is free with a cash donation. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- What: Free Family Skate Night
- When: Monday, May 7, 2007 from 6 to 8 pm
- Where: The Great Day Skate Place, Bentonville. Here’s a map.
Summer Classes at the Arts Center of the Ozarks
April 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The 2007 Summer Class schedule of the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale is full of unique classes for kids and teens, including
- Broadway Bound for 4th-6th graders
- Beginning Guitar for ages 5-12
- Art Exploration for 1st - 4th graders
- Clay Play for 2nd-5th graders
- Strokes of Genius for ages 12 and up
- Fun Mud for 7th grade and up
- Narrative Art for 4th grade and up
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (6-24 month olds)
- Toddler Troupe (2-3 year olds)
- Creative Dramatics (4 year olds through 1st graders)
- KidsTheatre Production Workshop (2nd grade - Jr. High)
- Scene Class (7th-9th graders)
I especially like their Family Classes, like
- Come Play with Me! Family Ceramic Class (kids and adults create joint projects)
- Pencil to Paint for all ages (children under 6 must take class with adult)
- Artsmarts (children under 6 must take class with adult)
- Family Art Workshop (age 6 and older)
Here’s the full schedule with details. ACO is located at 214 South Main Street in downtown Springdale.
Friday Nights at the Movies
April 27, 2007 | 2 Comments
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department has started a new program called Friday Night at the Movies where families can watch movies under the stars at various parks in Fayetteville for FREE. The movies begin at dark (around 8:30pm), and will be shown on a two story screen with a professional sound system. Here’s the 2007 schedule:
- May 4 - Madagascar at Gulley Park
- May 18 — Holes at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club
- June 1 — Monster House at the Lewis Soccer Complex
- June 15 — Kicking and Screaming at Walker Park
- June 29 — Shark Tale at Wilson Park Pool (Dive-in Movie)
- July 13 — Pink Panther at Walker Park
- July 27 — Big Fish at Wilson Park Pool (Dive-in Movie)
You can find out more detail about each of the movies here, and addresses of each of the parks here.
Hogwild Pizzeria
April 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
We finally took the advice of several friends, and tried Hogwild Pizzeria in Fayetteville. We were not disappointed — fresh salads, sandwiches and delicious smelling pizza. The casual atmosphere with high ceilings and concrete floors makes the place kid friendly. But, if you are not up for dinner out, Hogwild has drive thru pizza by the slice.
Location: Northeast corner of North Street and Garland Ave. (in the shopping center behind Mr. Burger). Map.
HOLES: Produced by Arts Live Theatre
April 24, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Arts Live Theatre is presenting the stage adaptation of the Louis Sachar Newberry Award Winning book, HOLES. Arts Live shows are performed by local youth actors, and this show will also include guest appearances from local personalities.
Performances will be May 4, 2007 at 7pm, May 5, 2007 at 2pm and 7pm, and May 6, 2007 at 2pm at the University of Arkansas Continuing Education Auditorium, 2 East Center Street, downtown Fayetteville. Map.
Tickets are $7 per person or $5 per person for groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased online, by phone (479-521-4932) or in person at the box office the day of performance.
Kids Eat Free at the Boston Mountain Grill on Monday Nights
April 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment
NOTE: The Boston Mountain Grill Has Closed!!!
The Boston Mountain Grill in Fayetteville is about as kid friendly as it gets. Kids eat free on Monday nights, and the extensive children’s menu includes PB&J roll ups, apple sauce and fresh fruit. Did you forget a bib, baby spoon, or tippy cup? No worries. The restaurant has some on hand. If your kids are good, reward them with Boston Mountain Grill’s signature kids dessert — “bugs in the mud” which includes gummy worms and oreos. Thanks to reader Brandi for the recommendation!
Location: 3251 North College Ave., Fayetteville (on the west side of College, next to Osegueras) Map.
Summer Camps at the Walton Arts Center
April 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Walton Arts Center is offering several half day camps this summer at the Nadine Baum Learning Center, including:
- Drawing and Painting
- Music and Dance
- Theater
- Creative Impulse
- Clay
The WAC camps are always excellent, and include options for preschoolers, too. Go to the Walton Arts Center webpage for more information.
Free Eye Exams for Children Up to One Year of Age
April 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I just learned about the FREE eye exam that Mertins Family Eyecare provides to children up to one year of age. This is part of the InfantSEE program created by the American Optometric Association.
Several other optometrists in the area provide the same service. Click here to find a participating optometrist near you.
Summer Camps at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club
April 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Boy and Girls Club in Fayetteville offers 24 different half day summer camps. Most are for kids in the 1st through 7th grade, but a few are offered to students up to the 12th grade. The camps are small — most have a limit of 15 participants — and the price is right - most are only $40/week. Here’s the list of options:
- Rock Climbing
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Gymnastics
- Cheerleading
- Golf
- Lifeguarding
- Arts & Crafts
- Pottery
- Creative Computer Programs
- Leadership and Team building via rope courses
- Open Recreation
- Healthy Kids
- Spanish
- Triathlon
- Video Gaming
- Swim
- Creative Writing and Reading
- Theater
- Healthy Gardens (at the Botanical Gardens)
You can find out more details on each of the camps here.
A Truck Loving Kid’s Perfect Day . . .
April 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Attending the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas’ Touch-A-Truck event where children can see and climb on big vehicles such as construction vehicles, emergency vehicles, a helicopter, and a news truck.
- When: 10am-2pm on Saturday, April 28, 3007 at the Northwest Arkansas Community College main campus parking lot. Map.
- How much: $5 per person or $20 per family
- More information: 479-685-9954
Bubble Magic Show: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 7pm
April 19, 2007 | 1 Comment
Tom Noddy (the Bubble Guy) will perform at a free public show for families in the Arkansas Union Ballroom on the University of Arkansas campus. The show begins at 7:00, and no tickets are required. Here are excerpts from the press release:
What do carousels, volcanoes, and a break-dancing caterpillar made of soap bubbles have to do with math and science? Tom Noddy, the Bubble Guy, makes good, clean and, yes, educational fun with his show, Bubble Magic. Engaging children in science and math can be a challenge, but Bubble Magic makes many of these concepts - from angles and shapes to nature and physics - fun not only for children but for adults as well.
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What: Bubble Magic
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When: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 7pm
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Where: Arkansas Union Ballroom on the University of Arkansas campus
Find out more about the show and Tom Noddy on his webpage: www.tomnoddy.com
Springfest: Saturday, April 21, 2007
April 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Project Playhouse: April 20th - May 5th, 2007
April 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I have found the perfect birthday gift for the child who has everything: a one of a kind playhouse from Project Playhouse. The playhouses will be displayed and sold by silent auction (and one by raffle) at the Northwest Arkansas Mall and Pinnacle Hills Promenade from April 20th through May 5, 2007 as part of Project Playhouse. The designs are all very unique — there is even a “green” playhouse designed with sustainability and accessibility in mind.
Don’t feel guilty about the money you spend — it all goes to a good cause — CASA of Northwest Arkansas (court appointed special advocates for children).
Puppets in the Park: April 22, 2007
April 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Fayetteville’s First Annual Puppets in the Park will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2007 from 2 to 4pm at Wilson Park. Bring a blanket and see giant puppets, stilters, and shows from artists like Toucan Jam. Your family can participate in a parade, and your kids can create their very own puppet shows.
Here’s a flyer with more information. Download festival_flier1.pdf
Devil’s Den Outdoor Festival: April 28-29, 2007
April 14, 2007 | Leave a Comment
There will be an Outdoor Festival at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29, 2007. The festival will include pancake breakfasts, hiking (including kids hikes), caving, land navigation classes, mountain biking, kayaking demonstrations, prizes, food, music, and more.
You can view the schedule on the Lewis & Clark Outfitters website, as they are a sponsor of the event.
Surely the weather will clear up by then . . .
Battle of Fayetteville Commemorative
April 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The annual Battle of Fayetteville Commemorative “The Blue and the Gray” will take place Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Headquarters House in Fayetteville. This event is sponsored by the Washington County Historical Society, and is a neat activity for military history buffs and their families. Here’s a schedule:
- Beginning at 9:00 - Living History & Continuous Civil War Demonstrations: Tent tours~Period Dancing~Spinning~Cooking
- 9:30 - 11:30 - C.W. Webb’s collection of Confederate artifacts & Curt Fisher’s collection of Union artifacts display and presentation
- 11:00 - Heritage School Presents “The Blue and the Gray” and Singing and dancing performance
- 11:30 - Commemoration of Battle of Fayetteville–Chris Martens
- 12:00 - Civil War Luncheon, Headquarters House (Free as long as supplies last! Donations appreciated!)
UPDATE: The Education Station’s blog includes resources to learn more about the Battle of Fayetteville and Civil War reenactments in general. That blog will post more on the Battle later this week. Link.
More Summer Camp Options: Arts Live Theater
April 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Arts Live Theater has several summer camps planned, including a High School Musical camp and a Comedy Improv camp. The ALT camps are always fun, and the kids actually learn a lot about theater. Go here for more details.
Summer Camp Options for the Two Income Family
April 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Most summer day camps are half day programs geared toward families with stay at home moms (or dads) or some type of supplemental childcare. What if you both work and need childcare until 5:30 or so? You will be glad to know that there are several options for full time summer care:
- Camp Central at the Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. Central runs a highly respected daycare program that includes a summer program for K-6th graders (M-F 7:15am-5:30pm)
- Camp Get Away is held at Happy Hollow Elementary School by professional educators. I have heard good things about this program. Here is an application with more information. Download camp_getaway_2007.doc June 25 through August 3, 2007 for K-6th graders (M-F 7:30am-5:30pm)
- The New School in Fayetteville offers full day summer camps for K-7th graders (with special programs for preschool and kindergartners) June 5 through July 28, 2007. The New School has an excellent reputation both for its preschool program and summer camp.
- The Montessori School in Fayetteville opens up its summer program to non-students to the extent space is available. I am rather biased toward Montessori, as my children have attended that school (and its summer program) for the past several years. Call for more information (479)442-2904.
- The Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club offers lots of summer options, including an extension of its SKC afterschool program which will be held at the Holcomb Elementary and Vandergriff Elementary gyms for K-6th graders (M-F 7:30am-5:30pm).
These programs are all Fayetteville based. If you are aware of options in other Northwest Arkansas cities (or ones I have missed in Fayetteville), add them in the comments or email me directly at allsidesoflife@gmail.com.
TheatreSquared’s Summer Drama Academy
April 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment
If you are not familiar with TheatreSquared, you should be. It is the only resident professional theater company in Northwest Arkansas. I love that TheatreSquared produces a mixture of adult and children’s theater, and hosts several drama camps and workshops for kids and families throughout the year. In fact, I like them so much that I recently became a member of the TheatreSquared Board of Directors.
TheatreSquared’s 2007 summer Drama Academy is an excellent program for children who are 4 years old through the 12th grade. During the one and two week sessions, students will explore every aspect of the company’s upcoming summer production of The Jungalbook. Each registration includes a student ticket to The Jungalbook.
The Academy will be held at the Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios in Fayetteville. You can find the dates and times on the TheatreSquared webpage.
For more information, call 479.445.6663. To register, call 479.443.5600.
Wildflower Weekend at Devil’s Den April 14-15, 2007
April 8, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Northwest Arkansas is definitely in bloom, which make it one of the most beautiful times to go to Devil’s Den State Park. If you enjoy learning about wildflowers and butterflies, don’t miss the Wildflower Weekend at the park on April 14 and 15, 2007. Park interpreters will lead guided walks so you can learn about different types of wildflowers, and on Saturday evening there will be a program about butterflies in the amphitheater led by Joyce Mendehall.
Admission is free. Contact the park for details (479)761-3325.
For the Night Before Easter: Resurrection Cookies
April 7, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I ran across a recipe for Resurrection Cookies that would make a perfect tradition for the night before Easter. Through the process of making and eating the cookies, you tell the Easter story.
Finding a Babysitter Just Got a Lot Easier
April 6, 2007 | 2 Comments
You may have noticed the banner for Sittercity on this site. It is the babysitter/parent matchmaking site that has been featured on the Today’s Show, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and Real Simple magazine.
When I first saw the site, I thought it was a great idea, but assumed no sitters would be listed for Northwest Arkansas. Just for fun, I entered my zip code and . . .32 potential babysitters within 8 miles! I was shocked.
If you are looking for a nanny or babysitter, try Sittercity. If you decide to join, be sure to enter the promo code ALLSIDES and you will receive 10% off your registration fee.
Razorfest: April 14, 2007
April 6, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Razorfest is a huge fan appreciation event on the University of Arkansas campus (in and around the football stadium). The festivities start at 10am on Saturday, April 14, 2007 and last into the evening. Click here to see a detail of all the activities.
- Fan Appreciation Day — 10am-Noon
- Pep Rally — Noon -12:30pm
- Free family Activities — Noon-7:30pm
- UA Alumni 7on7 Football — 1-4pm
- Spring Red/White Football Game — 6pm
Go hogs!
Art Classes at the Arts Center of the Ozarks
April 5, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale is offering several kids art classes that look like lots of fun.
- Clay Play (k-5th)
- String Art (k-5th)
- Potential Picassos (k-5th)
- Open Art Studio (7th-12th)
- Pencils to Paint (all ages)
- Art Smarts (all ages)
Unfortunately, the session started this week! The ACO website has more details, including costs and times. If you are interested, give ACO a call (479-751-5441). Maybe space is still available for the remaining classes.
Take a Train Ride on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
April 5, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Does anyone in your family love trains? The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad provides a passenger service with excursions in refurbished passenger or parlor cars. The Spring schedule resumes on Friday, April 6, 2007 and the excursion trains run on Fridays and Saturdays. Here are the timetable and schedule. You board the train in Springdale and travel to Van Buren. After a 3 hour stay to eat and shop in Van Buren, the train returns to Springdale. If that trip is too long for your little ones, don’t worry. The railroad offers several shorter special excursions throughout the year.
Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn of Old Main
April 4, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Gamma Beta Phi honor society is hosting the “Hunt on the Hill” Easter egg hunt on the lawn of Old Main. All local children are invited and should bring an Easter basket.
What a perfect place for an Easter egg hunt!
- When: 2-4pm on Saturday, April 7, 2007
- Where: University of Arkansas campus — Old Main lawn.
Kids Eat Free at O’Charley’s Every Night! — UPDATE
April 4, 2007 | 1 Comment
UPDATE: The O’Charleys restaurant in Fayetteville has closed. According to the O’Charley’s website, the Rogers location remains open.
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Did you know that kids always eat free at O’Charleys? The restaurant has two locations in Northwest Arkansas. One is in front of the Target store in Fayetteville, and the other is at 401 North 46th Street in Rogers. If you have not been to O’Charley’s yet, you can see the menu here.
Appledoodles — Custom Monogramming in Northwest Arkansas
April 3, 2007 | 2 Comments
A local internet business, Appledoodles, sells cute monogrammed baby and kid gifts at affordable prices. And, they gift wrap for free! Go to the Appledoodles website to see the items that are offered.
TIP: avoid shipping charges by picking up your order directly from Christa Davis of Appledoodles.
April After School Workshops at the Fayetteville Public Library
April 2, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Fayetteville Public Library’s After School Workshops continue this month. These workshops are an excellent, free, after school activity for elementary school students (K-5th). The workshops begin at 4pm on Thursdays in the Walmart Storytime Room. Registration is required — 571-2222, Ext. 4370.
- April 5 — Martial arts with Randy Edwards of Impact Martial Arts
- April 12 — University of Arkansas international students from India
- April 19 — Sieve in the Sand science workshop, including a discussion of Fahrenheit 451
- April 26 — Button making with Emily Puckett
What to do This Week: April 2-8, 2007
April 1, 2007 | 2 Comments
Hopefully, the weather will be nice, because there are lots of outdoor activities planned for Easter weekend:
- The Farmer’s Market on the Square in downtown Fayetteville begins its 2007 season on Saturday, April 7, 2007. This is one of my favorite family activities in Northwest Arkansas. If the weather is good, there will be lots of people milling around, drinking coffee and choosing fruits, vegetables, flowers and other items at great prices. Children love hearing the musicians, seeing the jugglers, and climbing around on the rock fountain. Fayetteville at its finest.
- Ozark Mountain Bike Festival at Devil’s Den State Park, April 7-8, 2007. Guided bike rides for riders of all experience levels. Contact the park for details devilsden@arkansas.com
- Kite Day at the Siloam Springs Airport — 10am-1pm, Saturday, April 7, 2007. They will be building and flying sled kites. Bring a lunch and your kite and join the fun.
- Easter sunrise services on Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville (Sunday, April 8, 2007 at 6am) and at the Christ of the Ozarks monument in Eureka Springs (Sunday, April 8, 2007 at 7am).
- Do not forget the local Easter Egg Hunts I listed in a previous post.
Have a great week, and thanks for reading All Sides of Life!
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