Summer Sanity Tip #12 - Learn to Use a Pen Again!
July 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment
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If you’re reading this, you probably spend some time at the computer, no? A little too much at times? Fess up. Summer days have a way of taking us away from the house and into the world. Take a notebook and pen to the park or pool and see what you can accomplish the old fashioned way.
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up
Art Classes for Preschoolers at the NWACCC
July 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The Northwest Arkansas Community Creative Center has several classes remaining this summer for children aged 3-5 and their adult companions.
You can enroll your child in the classes below by visiting www.nwaccc.org. Classes are held at the Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios. If you have any trouble with our online registration, print out the registration form and mail it to 3411 N Nottingham Pl, Fayetteville, AR 72703.
Handmade Printed Cards
July 14-18, M,W,Th 9:30-11am, $45.00
Have a meaningful shared experience making greeting cards together. We
will use printmaking to explore lines, shapes, and textures. Learn to make stamps out of Styrofoam.
Play with Clay: Making Tiles
July 21-25, M,W,F 9:30-11am, $45.00
This adult-child class will explore many ways to add texture to clay. We will make colorful clay tiles to treasure as keepsakes.
Paint and Collage a Story
July 28- July 31, M,W,Th 9:30-11am, $45.00 Together with a child, adults can re-experience the awe of paint! Based on a children’s book by Eric Carle, we will learn how to mix colors, paint at easels, and create a collage from our paintings.
Fayetteville High School Volleyball Camp (3rd grade and up)
July 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The Fayetteville High School Volleyball Camp will be held July 14-17.
Session One is for Grades 3-7 (9:00-11:00 AM/$40.00) and Session Two is for Grades 8-9 (1:00-4:00/$50.00).
The first half of camp will focus on developing and improving fundamental skills of the game, and following sessions will incoporate a camp tournament and competitions. All campers will recieve a Bulldog Volleyball T-shirt. For more information contact Jessica Phelan @ jphelan@fayar.net or 479-841-8343.
Here’s a link to a pdf with more information about the FHS Volleyball Camp.
Fairy Walk at the Botanical Gardens (rescheduled)
July 8, 2008 | 1 Comment
What a perfect evening . . .
Watch the Garden come alive as the sun goes down. Families with children up to 12 years old are invited to watch the magical evening primrose bloom before your eyes, call an owl, and discover fairies’ favorite places in the Garden.
- What: Fairy Walk
- When: Friday, July 11, 2008 from 7:30-9:30pm
- Where: Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks
Seussical The Musical
July 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Arts Live Theatre presents Seussical, The Musical August 1st-August 3rd, 2008 at the Continuing Education Auditorium in downtown Fayetteville.
In Seussical, The Musical, all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and all the Whos of Whoville have been brought to life! With musical numbers ranging in styles from Latin to pop, swing to gospel, and R&B to funk!
Arts Live Theatre, which is committed to enriching the lives of the youth of Northwest Arkansas, offers after school classes in acting for grades K-12 and performance opportunities throughout the year through showcases and mainstage productions.
For ticket information for Seussical and general Arts Live Theatre programming information, visit www.artslivetheatre.com or call 479.521.4932.
Happy 4th of July!
July 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Unexpected travel plans and other commitments have kept me away from my computer this week. However, I have lots of great posts planned for the upcoming weeks – stay tuned!
Have a safe and happy 4th of July.
Have Older Children and Need a Healthy Break?
July 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Take FREE yoga classes (registration required) at the Fayetteville Public Library while your kids enjoy the library. Here are the details:
The Fayetteville Public Library will celebrate summer with a series of yoga classes taught by local instructors. The classes are scheduled on the following days:
- Tuesday, July 8 at 9 a.m.
- Wednesday, July 16 at noon
- Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m.
All classes will be in the Ellipse area, on the library’s second floor, which features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Boston Mountains. Participants should bring a mat or blanket for class and wear comfortable clothing.
To sign up or for more information, call the Reference Desk at 571-2222.
Note: According to library policy, children 8 and under must be attended at all times, and children age 9 to 12 may not be left unattended for more than 1 hour.
NatureWorks! at Crystal Bridges at the Massey
June 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Take a peek at how the artists in the Reconstructing Art Walk exhibition at Crystal Bridges at the Massey look at nature, respond to nature and use natural materials in their works of art. Some paint landscapes, some weave baskets, some use gems and clay that are mined from the earth itself. Then get into the act by decorating your own NatureWorks Planter Pot.
No registration necessary. This is a free drop-in program for children ages 5 – 12 and their adult partners.
- What: Discover Art: NatureWorks!
- When: Thursday, July 10, 2008 from 1-3pm
- Where: Crystal Bridges at the Massey in Bentonville
- Cost: FREE!
This Week at the Springdale Public Library
June 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment
(July 1-5, 2008)
LIBRARY CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY –The Springdale Public Library will be closed Friday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. The Library will reopen on Saturday, July 5 for regular hours.
PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME - Pre-Schoolers ages 3 to 5 are invited to Catch the Reading Bug at the Springdale Public Library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Summer Reading Programs will be held June 10 through July 31. Pre-school story time gives children and their caregivers the opportunity to enjoy books, songs, puppets, fingerplays, and a simple craft project.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, July 1 and 2, children will learn about flying bugs with the storybooks The Very Greedy Bee by Steve Smallman and The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle. After singing the song I’m Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee, children will make a buzzing bracelet to take home.
SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAM - School age summer programs for ages 6 to 9 are offered at the Springdale Public Library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. These fun-filled programs feature stories, songs, activities, and crafts. Children of all abilities are welcome!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, July 1 and 2, kids will learn about the good, the bad and the “bugly” — good and bad bugs, that is. After reading the books Ace Lacewing, Bug Detective by David Biedrzycki and Pest Fest by Julia Durango, kids will play the wiggler game, sing the “Shoo Fly” song, and create their own bug hero to take home.
SPANISH STORY TIME FOR FAMILIES - Spanish Story Time for Families is presented primarily in Spanish but does include bilingual materials as well. It’s a great time for bilingual families to enjoy stories, songs, puppets and fingerplays. A simple craft project follows each program. The summer Spanish Story Time programs are presented on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. The July 3 program is entitled “Hooray for Honeybees!” / “¡Hurra por las Abejitas!”.
LAP SIT and TODDLER TIME - Lap Sit at the Springdale Public Library, a program designed for babies who are not yet walking and their caregivers, is held on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. Toddler Time, for children who are walking through age 3, is held on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. Both programs include action rhymes, stories, and songs.
JUNIOR BOOK CLUB - Children, ages 10 to 11, will explore different topics related to insects through book talks, read alouds, cool art projects, and lots of group activities. The Junior Book Club meets Tuesdays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., June 10 through July 29. Bring a friend!
On Tuesday, July 1, school age children will help the Library celebrate our country’s independence and history with several books received through the We The People Bookshelf grant. Activities will revolve around such titles as Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Russell Freedman, and The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln, illustrated by Michal McCurdy with a foreword by Garry Wills. After playing a round of USA Bingo, children will make a special patriotic craft to take home.
INDEPENDENT/READ-TO-ME SUMMER READING PROGRAM - Pick up a reading log at the Children’s Services Desk at the Springdale Public Library. Write down the titles and dates of books read. Bring the reading log into the Library each week and receive a sticker. Older children will read at least one book a week over a five-week period. Books can be read to younger children. All ages are encouraged to participate as well as those children unable to attend regularly scheduled programs. During the last week of July, return the completed sticker card for a certificate and a special prize!
SPECIAL EVENT THURSDAYS - The Special Event Thursdays line up features creepy, crawly creature fun and will be held each Thursday, June 12 through July 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the Library’s Courtyard. Special Event Thursdays are open to all ages, are free, and registration is not required.
On Thursday, July 3, Professor Strings makes his debut at the Library. The Professor will demonstrate the history and versatility of stringed instruments and the varying styles of playing them. Kids will be introduced to the fiddle, fiddle, mandolin, mandocello (a rare instrument from the turn of the last century), banjo (including frailing, claw-hammer and bluegrass styles) and guitar (including finger-picking, flat-picking, blues, gospel and country styles). Don’t miss this educational and musical program!
STEP UP TO THE PLATE @ YOUR LIBRARY AND WIN! – Step Up to the Plate @ your library is your chance to win a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York! It’s also your chance to learn how the Library can help you build your information literacy skills — the skills you need to help you “step up to the plate” in all areas of life.
Beginning June 1, 2008, visit the Springdale Public Library to pick up a playbook or you can enter online at www.ala.org/baseball/ Use the Library’s resources to help you answer the playbook questions and return your entry to the Library. The first 100 entries will receive two free tickets to the August 10 Northwest Arkansas Naturals ballgame! All entries will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a trip for two the National Baseball hall of Fame and to have your picture taken with Northwest Arkansas Naturals players for several “Read” posters. All entries received by the Library will be mailed to the American Library Association by the contest deadline, August 31, 2008.
For information, contact 479-750-8180 or visit the Library’s website at www.springdalelibrary.org
Bentonville High School Wrestling Camp
June 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Bentonville High School is hosting a two day wrestling camp July 17-18, 2008 for K-12th graders (K-6th graders in the morning, 7-12th graders in the afternoon).
For more information, click on this link to go to the Northwest Arkansas Times article about the camp.
Mud Town Days in Lowell
June 25, 2008 | 1 Comment
Don’t miss the Lowell Mud Town Days this weekend. Activities include
- Parade
- Fireworks
- Carnival
- Kids Fishing Tournamet
- Kids Bingo
- BMX Races
- Pancake Breakfast
For details, click on the link to download a pdf Mud Town Days Flyer.
Pet Show and Parade at the Fayetteville Public Library
June 25, 2008 | 1 Comment
The Fayetteville Public Library will hosts its annual pet show and parade on Wednesday, July 2 at 1 p.m.
Children are encouraged to bring their favorite pet dressed up as a bug and join in the pet show. Dogs and cats must have current vaccinations and be on a leash or in a crate.
The pet parade will be in the library’s parking garage, Rock Street Entrance. Students can sign up for the Summer Reading Club at the Children’s Desk or at www.faylib.org.
For more information, call the Children’s Desk at 571.2222 x 4370.
Summer Sanity Tip #11 - Mandate Peace and Quiet!
June 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Maybe mandate is a bit strong, but you are the parent after all. Designate a time each day that, if not for full-on napping, is at least used in a fairly silent, solitary activity. After lunch is a good time, but don’t let that limit you. Go with whatever works for your brood.
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up
Passport to Art at the Community Imagination Studio
June 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Explore art from around the world during the Community Imagination Studio’s Summer Passport to Art program. No need to pack a suitcase for this vacation, everyone is invited to travel along1
From Australia to France, you will be making art from a different country each Saturday from 10am - 4pm, June 14th - August 23rd. Participants will receive their very own passport to keep track of their travels, and they will end the journeys with an International Art Show at The Studio.
This week’s theme is Egypt! Come and make Egyptian themed dioramas, Egyptian styled jewelry, and hieroglyphic paintings! The painting studio will also be open. Please stop in for as long as you’d like between 10 am and 4 pm.
The Passport to Art program is $5 per participant, free to the parents of participating children.
The Community Imagination Studio is located at 818 N. Sang Ave. in Fayetteville. For more information, contact Alison Carter at 442-8585, alison@communityimaginationstudio.org, or visit www.communityimaginationstudio.org.
Two Go Diego Go! Tickets for Sale
June 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Life+Kids reader Katie is has 2 Go Diego Go! tickets to sell for the Saturday at 2pm show ($30 each).
If you are interested, send me an email at terri@lifepluskids.com with your contact information, and I will forward it to Katie.
Red White and Blooms! at the Botanical Gardens
June 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Join the 50-piece Arkansas Winds Community Concert Band Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 6-8pm for an evening of patriotic favorites on the Great Lawn at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks.
Bring your blanket and lawn chairs. Free with admission to the Gardens ($5 adult, $2.50 children, under 5yrs free)/free to BGO members.
Summer Sanity Tip #10 - Settle on a Summer Bedtime!
June 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I remember fondly the good old days when my children went to bed at 8:00. I had time to think, to read, to watch grown-up TV shows. Oh wait – that was like two weeks ago. What happened? Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean we have to let these little monsters run wild. Find a bedtime everyone can live with and stick to it! (Hint: it’s the ‘stick to it’ part that’ll get ya!)
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up
We Have A Winner!
June 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Congratulations to Life+Kids readers Jessica, Jennifer, Tricia and Kristal. They each won a free ticket to Go Diego Go! at the Walton Arts Center this Sunday.
If you did not win, don’t despair. There are still tickets available. So head over to the Walton Arts Center website and order online.
Thanks so much to the Walton Arts Center for providing the tickets for the giveaway!
Fayetteville is one of the Best Places For Families with Kids to Buy an Old House
June 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
This Old House Magazine touts the Walker Park neighborhood in Fayetteville as one of the best places in America for families with kids to buy an old house. Follow the link.
Go Diego Go! Giveaway Deadline Extended to 3pm Monday
June 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Notice of the Go Diego Go! ticket giveaway did not hit email inboxes until Saturday, and I want to be sure those of you who receive the Life+Kids emails at the office get the opportunity to enter the giveaway of FREE Go Diego Go! tickets.
So, I am extending the deadline to enter the drawing to 3pm on Monday, June 23, 2008. I will hold the drawing later that evening.
Click here for more information on the drawing for a FREE ticket to Go Diego Go! at the Walton Arts Center (link).
Go Diego Go! Ticket Giveaway!
June 20, 2008 | 17 Comments
I have a free Go Diego Go! ticket to give away to FOUR lucky Life+Kids readers. Use the money you save on the free ticket to buy dinner or ice cream after the show.
- What: FREE ticket to Go Diego Go!
- When: Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 5pm
- Where: Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville
How do you enter the drawing to win one of the free tickets? It’s easy. Leave a comment (any comment) on this post or email me at terri@lifepluskids.com with “Diego” in the subject line.
You can increase your chances of winning by emailing your friends to let them know about Life+Kids and copying me on the email (terri@lifepluskids.com). Your name will be entered in the drawing once for each friend you email about Life+Kids.
Entries must be received by noon on Sunday, June 22, 2008. Four names will be drawn and the winners will be announced by noon on Monday.
Thanks for reading Life+Kids — I hope you enjoy the Giveaway!
2nd Annual Day for Kids at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers
June 18, 2008 | 1 Comment
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Arkansas and the LPGA are hosting the 2nd Annual Day for Kids. This is a kick-off event for the LPGA NW Arkansas Championship (held June 30 – July 6, 2008).
The Day for Kids event will be held at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers on Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Entertainment, interactive booths, games, hands-on challenges, and giveaways will all be part of this event and free t-shirts will be offered to the first 3,000 kids in the door.
A star attraction will be the appearance of Jason Earles, who plays Jackson in the Disney series “Hannah Montana.” He will be available at the Crest exhibit from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. for photos and autographs.
Jamin at the Jones Center Outdoor Concert
June 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Several Life+Kids readers have attended the free Jamin at the Jones Center outdoor concerts and reported that they are a blast.
All concerts take place on a Saturday night and begin at 7pm. Some families bring their own picnic, but the concessions are affordable, too (Eddy’s ice cream bars for 50 cents)! Here’s the lineup for the rest of the summer:
- June 21 — Kemistri with Niki Parrish
- July 12 — Benjamin del Shreve
- July 26 — Trout Fishing in America
Music on the Lawn at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade
June 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Every Saturday during the summer from 6-8pm you can enjoy music at the center court fountain area of the Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers. Bring a blanket or lawn chair if you like, for this fun family event.
This Saturday night (June 21, 2008) Angela Brook and Mike Moser will present an acoustic-jazz folk sound that is all their own. (link).
Summer Sanity Tip #9 - Remember How You Got Those Kids!
June 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
It’s easy to get burnt out during the summer. Take some time alone with your mate. Summer sizzles when you save room for date night. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive. It doesn’t even have to take too long. But it may just save your sanity.
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up
Dive-In Movie at Wilson Park Pool
June 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation department is hosting a dive in movie this Friday night at the Wilson Park Swimming Pool in Fayetteville. Bee Movie will be shown on a multistory screen while viewers float in the pool. Gates open at 7:30 and the show will begin at dark.
- What: Bee Movie dive in movie
- When: Friday, June 20, 2008. Gates open at 7:30pm
- Where: Wilson Park Swimming Pool, Fayetteville
Trout Fishing in America at the Botanical Gardens
June 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Local favorites Trout Fishing in America will make an appearance this summer on Thursday, June 19 at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.
The three-time Grammy nominees will perform a family concert outdoors on the Garden’s Great Lawn 6:30pm. The gate opens at 5:30. Tickets to this concert are $15 for adults and $10 for children 5-12. Children 4 and under will be admitted free of charge.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, but no coolers or pets will be permitted. Refreshments will be available.
For tickets or more information, visit bgozarks.org or call 479-750-2620.
Kindersongs for Preschoolers at Northwest Arkansas Libraries
June 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Brian and Terry Kinder are appearing at various Northwest Arkansas libraries this week to present Kindersongs, their upbeat sing-a-long show any preschooler will love. Here’s where you can catch the show (from the Kindersong website):
- Tuesday, June 17 at 10:30am — Fayetteville Public Library
- Tuesday, June 17 at 2pm — Siloam Springs Public Library
- Wednesday, June 18 at 10am and 2pm — Rogers Public Library
- Thursday, June 19 at 10am — Springdale Public Library
- Thursday, June 19 at 2pm — Bentonville Public Library
Summer Sanity Tip #8 — Shop with Your Kids!
June 13, 2008 | Leave a Comment
What? Has she gone insane already, only eight days into summer? Let me re-phrase – if you must shop with your kids, make it bearable by making it fun for them. If they’re old enough, have them cross items off the list or push the cart. Even very little kids can do a scavenger hunt. Have them look for apples, crackers, ice cream – whatever they’re into. It just may keep them from begging at the store.
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up
Summer Sanity Tip #7 - Play Tradsies!
June 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Sharing isn’t just for kids. Find a friend or neighbor with same aged kids and trade off. One gets the little darlings for a few hours in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Or you can alternate days. It’s a double bonus — the company while they’re at your house and freedom when they’re not!
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up.
Young Eagles Flight Orientation Program: Free First Flights for Young People
June 11, 2008 | 1 Comment
The Experimental Aircraft Associationis offering free first flights for young people ages 8-16 at Drake Field in Fayetteville on Saturday, June 21, 2008. Each child must be accompanied by a parent.
The children will fly with pilots that are certificated through the Federal Aviation Agency in the pilot’s own plane. Children will usually be able to handle the flight controls and actually fly the airplane. It is a fairly short flight of about 20 minutes over Fayetteville.
Registration starts at 8:00am. The children will participate in a short class of about 30 minutes to explain what is going to happen, then the flights will begin. The children will receive a certificate after the flight.
For more information call:
Warren Jones 841-3791 or reply to :warren.jones1@cox.net
These flights are part of the Association’s Young Eagles Flight Orientation Program.
Huge Clearance Sale at Once Upon a Child
June 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Once Upon a Child(Fayetteville’s best place to buy gently used kids stuff) is holding a clearance blowout sale this Friday, June 13, 2008. The store is open from 9am to 8pm and the discounts get better by the hour. Don’t miss it.
Once Upon a Child is located in the Fiesta Square Shopping Center in Fayetteville. Fiesta Square is on the West side of Hwy 71 (North College Avenue) at the intersection of College Avenue and Rolling Hills Drive.
Summer Sanity Tip #6 - Eat Cold Cereal for Dinner!
June 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Okay – maybe you do this already, but those perfectionist among us need a little reminder that we don’t have to do everything just right every day. I promise the kids will love you for it. Who doesn’t appreciate the occasional pass on healthy, food-group eating?
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up.
Festival of Ozark Civil War Heritage
June 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Pea Ridge National Military Park is hosting its second annual Festival of Ozark Civil War Heritage Reunion this weekend. Saturday’s schedule includes:
- A “Battlefield Archeology”presentation from 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. by Dr. Doug Scott at the Visitor’s Center
- Civil War Era music at the Elkhorn Tavern from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Webb Civil War antique collection from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Visitor Center
- Civil War soldier’s cooking demonstration presented by Doug Laman from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elkhorn Tavern
- Artillery and infantry demonstrations featuring the 15 th Northwest Arkansas Infantry from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elkhorn Tavern
- 19 th century tinsmith demonstrations presented by Robert Stone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elkhorn Tavern
For more information, see this article from the Benton County Daily Record.
Summer Sanity Tip #5: Practice Saying No
June 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I’ll never understand how summer can somehow become more scheduled than the school year. Yet, in my panic to keep kids busy, I often end up saying yes one too many times. Say no, say it often, say it now! For more advice on keeping your family’s schedule in check, click the link.
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up.
Are You a Mother of Multiples? Do I Have a Group for You!
June 9, 2008 | 2 Comments
The NWA Mother’s of Multiples is a group of 70+ moms of twins, triplets, or more. Their regular meeting is held the last Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. The July meeting will be an open house with snacks and door prizes. That might be the perfect time to see if the group is right for you.
For more information you can contact Becky Seauve at seauvefamily@cox.net.
Looking for a Unique Sport? What about Fencing?
June 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment
This afternoon I met Margaux Isaksen, a 16 year old modern pentathelete from Fayetteville, Arkansas who just qualified for the Beijing Olympics. You can see a recent USA Today article about Margaux by clicking here and here is a link to her website.
One of the events in the modern pentathlon is fencing, and Margaux learned the sport at the Arkansas Fencing Academy in Springdale. But, don’t worry if you and your child are not Olympic material. The Arkansas Fencing Academy provides opportunities for all skill levels, from novice to expert. For example, I also met a father who is taking fencing lessons with his 11 year old son. They both highly recommend trying the sport.
So, I thought I would repost the following post from last year to make sure those new to Life+Kids are aware of the Arkansas Fencing Academy that offers world class fencing coaches right here in Northwest Arkansas. Who knew??
A favorite pastime at my house involves Light Saber battles between my two sons. So, imagine my boys’ excitement when they visited the Arkansas Fencing Academy’s exhibit at the AAO Family Fun Festival last weekend. They waited patiently in line to dress in full fencing gear and participate in a fencing bout. Needless to say they loved it.
I was very impressed by the young fencing students from the Academy, so I asked for more information from one of the instructors. From the materials:
Are you looking for an exciting active sport that gives your mind and body a real sweat? The Arkansas Fencing Academy offers one of the best fencing facilities in the country. Its world class coaches will teach you to workout, compete and give you the opportunity to socialize, travel, and obtain scholarships while having a good time.
The beginner classes last 6 weeks and cost $80. The Academy has gear to borrow for the classes. For more information check out the Arkansas Fencing Academy website.
- What: Arkansas Fencing Academy
- Where: 5131 Central Drive, Springdale, Arkansas
- Phone: 479.872.6605
Summer Sanity Tip #4: Stay dry at Silver Dollar City
June 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you’re planning a trip to Silver Dollar City in Branson, you should know that there are rides that get you wet! Take along trash bags with holes cut for heads and arms. It’ll save you from buying and carting around a poncho and you just toss the bags when you’re done. For more information about a Branson vacation click the link.
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up.
Reader Question: Infant Swim Lessons
June 7, 2008 | 6 Comments
I received the following question from a reader in Bentonville:
Do you know of any place that offers swimming lessons for babies? My
son is 8 months and I would like to get him into a class this summer.
I’m thinking Mommy and Me type classes, but the only ones I know of are in Fayetteville.
Readers, do you have any suggestions? Leave them in the comments or email me directly at terri@lifepluskids.com. If you receive these posts by email, click on the headline of this post to go to the Life+Kids website where you can leave a comment.
Online Summer Reading Clubs
June 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Life+Kids reader Mary emailed me links to several summer reading clubs. Follow the links (and add ones we missed to the comments!).
- Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Log – earn a Free Kid’s Book
- Scholastic summer reading program — Read and Log 4 books and Scholastic will donate one book to a child in need
- Half-Price Books reading program — earn a shopping card or free CiCis Pizza buffet.
Kids Ride Free on Ozark Regional Transit
June 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Kids ages 7 and up ride free on Ozark Regional Transit fixed routes from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you have a child who is not quite old enough to drive, but is looking for a bit more freedom (and responsibility) — learn more about ORT. The scheduled routes service locations like the Northwest Arkansas Mall, the Jones Center, skate parks and activity centers, libraries, and public pools in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville.
Ozark Regional Transit will also be starting a new route Monday June 9th, that will service the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club and also Owl Creek Elementary where they are serving free lunches all summer for kids.
For more information (including a list of schedules and maps), go to the ORT website.
More Info on the Art of Motion Summer Camps
June 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Remember the cute cowgirl, princess razorback and mermaid camps I posted about yesterday? I forgot to include the cost — the camps are $45 each. If you sign up for more than one camp, the additional ones are $40 each.
For more information, click on this Art of Motion Dance Studio link or call 444-7779.
Summer Sanity Tip #3 - Quash Sibling Squabbling with a Tattle Tub
June 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you’ve got more than one child, you know that summer fun comes with an equal portion of sizzling fights over markers, Cheetos, and turns on the Slip-n-Slide. As long as there’s no blood, the arguing is bearable. Set up a tattle jar and make kids deposit a pre-agreed upon toy for every tattle. If you like this tip, click the link to learn how to teach kids to listen.
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up.
Does Your Little Girl Love Princesses, Cowgirls or Mermaids?
June 5, 2008 | 1 Comment
If so, check out the Art of Motion Dance Studio’s mini dance camps for 3-7 year olds. The camps run from 10am-noon for two days and include refreshments, crafts and souvenier photo. $45 per camp. If you sign up for two or more camps, the additional camps are $40 each. Here are the themes:
- Fairy Princess (June 24-26)
- Ride ‘em Cowgirl (July 8 & 10)
- Mermaid Adventure (July 22 & 24)
- Razorback Cheerleader (August 5 & 7)
For more information, go to the Art of Motion webpage or call 444-7779.
We are proud to have The Art of Motion as a sponsor of Life+Kids!
$1 Movies this Summer at Malco Theaters
June 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Malco Theaters in Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale will be hosting a Kids Summer Film Fest every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from June 3 through July 30. The shows start at 10am and admission is only $1 per person. Here’s the lineup (not necessarily in this order at every theater):
- Bee Movie
- Over the Hedge
- Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
- Surf’s Up
- Shrek the Third
- Alvin and the Chipmunks
- Charlotte’s Web
- Flushed Away
- Open Season
Proceeds benefit the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Go here for more details on the shows at the Razorback 6 in Fayetteville. Go here for more details on the shows at the Rogers Towne Cinema. Go here for more details on the shows at the Sunset 9 in Springdale.
Grasshopper Catches a Ride at the Fayetteville Public Library
June 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Sing, dance, hear stories and help illustrate the newest children’s book Just the Way We Are by the husband-and-wife duo of Jeremy Hess and Peggy Treiber.
This family event is part of the Fayetteville Public Library’s summer programing. Everyone is welcome.
- What: Grasshopper Cathes a Ride
- When: Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 10:30am
- Where: Fayetteville Public Library, Walker Community Room
Color Burst at Crystal Bridges at the Massey
June 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The fresh fruit and vegetables at the Farmers Market are bursting with color! The works of art on view in the Reconstructing Art Walk exhibition at Crystal Bridges at the Massey are, too! Observe how the artists use color to describe, to communicate and to beautify the stories they tell through their art. Then get into the act by making your own Color Burst Fruit & Veggie Portrait Painting.
No registration necessary. This is a free drop-in program for children ages 5 – 12 and their adult partners.
- What: Discover Art: Color Burst
- When: Saturday, June 14, 2008 from 10am-12pm
- Where: Crystal Bridges at the Massey in Bentonville, AR
- Cost: FREE!
Jitter Bug Jam at the Fayetteville Public Library
June 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The Sugar Free Allstars will swarm the stage at the Fayetteville Public Library’s Jitter Bug Jam on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 4pm. Here’s a link to the band’s myspace page to get a feel for their music (link).
This free family event is part of the Fayetteville Public Library’s extensive summer programing.
Summer Sanity Tip #2 - Have a Water Balloon Fight!
June 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment
For a couple of dollars, you can give your kids the memory of the summer. Added bonus: it’s a great way to cool off. The kicker is that you’ve got to join in. Make a big deal of it and then play it to the hilt. Spend some time filling balloons and setting ground rules. Then get everyone in bathing suits and get to war! For more fun with balloons, click the link.
Summer Sanity Tips are sponsored by Lela Davidson and After the Bubbly. Real life is the real party – lap it up.
Fairy Walk at the Botanical Gardens
June 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Come to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and discover the garden never sleeps. This family event is part of the Fayetteville Public Library’s summer reading club events. Everyone is invited.
- What: Fairy Walk
- When: Friday, June 13, 2008 from 7:30-10pm
- Where: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
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