SUMMER FUN GUIDE – JonesboroRightNow.com – Northeast Arkansas has no shortage of kid-friendly activities for you and your family to take in and enjoy.
Tip for Parents: Library events are entirely free, but spaces fill up quickly on high-heat days, so arriving 15 minutes early is recommended to secure entry before doors close. For sports camps, regional city park events, and theater camp registration, online sign-ups are required directly through their respective organizational web portals.
COMMUNITY FESTIVALS, CAMPS & SPECIAL POP-UP EVENTS
Back on Track Summer Youth Program
- Session 1: Tuesday, June 9 – Thursday, June 25 • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Session 2: Tuesday, July 7 – Thursday, July 23 • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Hosted by: Back on Track • 818 E. Matthews Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: This is an engaging summer experience focused on character development, academic support, life skills, and recreation. Registration is required.
Vacation Bible School
- When: June and July
- Hosted by: Area Churches
- Details: Vary by church. Contact organizations directly for details.
JUNE EVENTS
- Juneteenth Kickoff: All Ages
- When: Friday, June 12 • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Hosted at: Legends BBQ Smokehouse • 1025 W. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro
- What it is: A community-wide evening gathering featuring local food, music, and cultural celebration.
- Judd Hill Farmers’ Market 20-Year Celebration & “Little Locals” Debut: All Ages
- When: Saturday, June 13 • 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Hosted at: Judd Hill Farmers’ Market • 3350 Aggie Road, Jonesboro • 870-972-2084
- What it is: To celebrate two decades of operation, the market is hosting special family-friendly activities alongside its traditional fresh-produce and local-honey vendors. This date also marks the grand debut of “Little Locals,” a mini-market segment run entirely by young entrepreneurs aged 17 or younger showcasing their own crafts, baked items, and projects.
- Regular Market Hours: Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Juneteenth Parade: All Ages
- When: Saturday, June 13 • 9:30 a.m.
- Hosted by: KLEK 102.5 (Lineup begins at 505 E. Washington Ave)
- What it is: Parade marching through downtown Jonesboro celebrating Juneteenth, which commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, TX, were finally informed of their freedom.
- Juneteenth Community Fair at Parker Park: All Ages
- When: Saturday, June 13 • 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Hosted at: Parker Park Community Center • 1506 N. Church St., Jonesboro
- What it is: A free public neighborhood fair featuring food trucks, live music, and regional community resource booths.
- Juneteenth Concert and Fireworks Celebration: All Ages
- When: Friday, June 19 • 6 p.m. (Concert) • 8:30 p.m. gates open • 9:15 p.m. fireworks start
- The Baritone Jazz Junction Concert Hosted at: Library • 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro
- Fireworks Celebration Hosted at: University Lions Park • 502 ½ N. Bridge St., Jonesboro
- Paragould Water Park Miracle Kids Success Academy Greene County Night: All Ages
- When: Thursday, June 25 • 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Hosted at: Paragould Water Park • 3404 Linwood Drive, Paragould
- What it is: Join Miracle Kids at the Paragould water park for a night of fun. There will be giveaway prizes, beach balls, and more! Must have proof of residency.
- Sensory Night at Coin Goblin: All Ages
- When: Monday, June 29 • 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Hosted by: Coin Goblin Gamers Lounge • 2929 S. Caraway Road, Jonesboro
- Details: For guests with sensory sensitivities or anyone who prefers a calmer environment, Coin Goblin hosts a sensory-friendly light without loud noises, bright lights, or big crowds the last Monday of every month.
JULY EVENTS
- Paragould Water Park Miracle Kids Success Academy Greene County Night: All Ages
- When: Thursday, June 25 • 6 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
- Hosted at: Paragould Water Park • 3404 Linwood Drive, Paragould
- What it is: Join Miracle Kids at the Paragould water park for a night of fun. There will be giveaway prizes, beach balls, and more! Must have proof of residency.
- Sensory Night at Coin Goblin: All Ages
- When: Monday, July 27 • 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Hosted by: Coin Goblin Gamers Lounge • 2929 S. Caraway Road, Jonesboro
- Details: For guests with sensory sensitivities or anyone who prefers a calmer environment, Coin Goblin hosts a sensory-friendly light without loud noises, bright lights, or big crowds the last Monday of every month.
AUGUST EVENTS
- Annual Miracle Kids Summer Block Party: All Ages
- When: Saturday, Aug. 22 • 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Hosted at: Cedar Park • Trumann
- What it is: Located just across the county line, this massive free community event is tailored to children of all physical and cognitive abilities. It features an expansive kids’ play zone, safe inflatable games, and interactive outdoor activities.
- Sensory Night at Coin Goblin: All Ages
- When: Monday, Aug. 31 • 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Hosted by: Coin Goblin Gamers Lounge • 2929 S. Caraway Road, Jonesboro
- Details: For guests with sensory sensitivities or anyone who prefers a calmer environment, Coin Goblin hosts a sensory-friendly light without loud noises, bright lights, or big crowds the last Monday of every month.
LITERACY, CRAFTS & STEM ACTIVITIES
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • Unearth a Story Summer Reading Challenge
- All Summer Long: 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro • 870-935-5133
- Summer Reading Track: The library’s free Unearth a Story Summer Reading Challenge features three distinct tracks:
- Read-Together (ages 5 & under)
- Reader (1st–3rd grade)
- Tween (4th–6th grade).
- Sign-ups are open daily at the Youth Services Desk.
JUNE EVENTS
- Public Library Jurassic Jamboree: Pre-K through 3rd Grade
- When: June 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Hosted by: Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: Weekly dinosaur-themed literacy, building, and craft activity sessions. Note: Doors close at 2:15 p.m. to minimize disruption once the project begins.
- Tweens: Squishy Science: Grades 4-6
- When: Tuesday, June 16 • 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Hosted by: Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • 315 W. Oak Avenue, Jonesboro
- Details: A messy, hands-on science program specifically for older kids, featuring insects preserved in amber slime and simulated fossil excavations.
- Introduction to 3-D Printing: All Ages
- When: Tuesday, June 16 • 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Hosted by: Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: Free educational session hosted alongside guest instructor Chris Turner of the NEA 3-D Printing Club. Covers printer mechanics, safety, and custom 3-D design fundamentals.
- Pipe Cleaner Craft Night
- When: Thursday, June 18, 6 p.m.
- Hosted by: Something Art Cafe • 211 S. Main St., Jonesboro
- Details: Cost is $5 and includes supplies.
- Tweens: Fossil Scavenger Hunt: Grades 4-6
- When: Tuesday, June 23 • 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Hosted by: Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: A fast-paced photo scavenger hunt across the library facilities where older kids track down and digitally log hidden regional fossils.
- Boston Tea Party Boat Building: All Ages
- When: Monday, June 29 • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Hosted by: Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: Hands-on engineering workshop where kids utilize raw materials to build and buoyancy-test custom model boats.
JULY EVENTS
- Public Library Jurassic Jamboree: Pre-K through 3rd Grade
- When: July 7, 9, 14, 16 • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Hosted at: Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: Weekly dinosaur-themed literacy, building, and craft activity sessions. Note: Doors close at 2:15 p.m. to minimize disruption once the project begins.
- Kids Cooking Camp
- When: July 27 – July 31 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Hosted by: Biscuits & Grace at Judd Hill Farmers’ Market • 3550 Aggie Road, Jonesboro
- Details: Cooking classes for kids at the Judd Hill Farmers’ Market. Cost is $30 per day or $125 for the full camp. T-shirts are available for an additional $10. • Ticket Purchase
LIVE THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
Academy & Theater Camps: Ages 4 – 10
- When: Summer Arts Academy • June 1 – July 31
- Hosted by: The Foundation of Arts – Forum Theater • 115 E. Monroe Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: A comprehensive summer program that infuses daily childcare with structural theater, dance, and fine arts classes, plus weekly field trips around town.
JUNE EVENTS
- Wizard of Oz: All Ages
- When: June 12 – June 14 • Evening & Matinee Shows
- Hosted at: The Historic Collins Theatre • 120 W. Emerson St., Paragould
- Details: Uncover the mystery of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as Dorothy tries to find her way back home to Kansas. Ticket purchases are required.
- Magic Mr. Nick’s Dinosaur Crew: All Ages
- When: Wednesday, June 17 • Two Sessions • 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Hosted at: Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: High-energy, completely free educational magic and theatrical performance hosted in the library community room.
- Sunset Sessions at Craighead Forest Park: All Ages
- When: Saturday, June 20 • 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Hosted at: Craighead Forest Park • Bandshell • 4910 S. Culberhouse Road, Jonesboro
- Details: Free outdoor community music series featuring regional acoustic artists, local food truck vendors, and family activities on the grass.
- Something Rotten!: All Ages
- When: June 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28 • Evening & Matinee Shows
- Hosted at: The Foundation of Arts – Forum Theater • 115 E. Monroe Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: High-quality, family-friendly live community theater performance of the hit Broadway musical comedy farce. Ticket purchases are required.
JULY EVENTS
- Puppet Show: Henny Penny – The British are Coming!: All Ages
- When: Wednesday, July 1 • Two Sessions • 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Hosted at: Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: Free community puppet theater showcase followed by an interactive puppet-making workshop for children.
- Moana Jr. Theatre Production Camp: Ages 12-18
- When: July 6-17 • Multi-Day Camp
- Hosted at: The Foundation of Arts – Forum Theater • 115 E. Monroe Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: An advanced, two-week performance camp exploring vocal work, stagecraft, and choreography. Online pre-registration required.
- Runaway Puppet Theater: All Ages
- When: Wednesday, July 15 • Two Sessions • 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Hosted at: Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library • 315 W. Oak Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: Presenting “Tall Tales, Tiny Heroes” live on stage. A free, high-energy storytelling performance in the community room.
- Live Production: Moana Jr.: All Ages
- When: July 17-19 • Weekend Performance Run
- Hosted at: The Foundation of Arts – Forum Theater • 115 E. Monroe Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: Live public musical performances showcasing the work of the intensive teen summer campers. Ticket purchase required.
- Sunset Sessions at Craighead Forest Park: All Ages
- When: Saturday, July 18 • 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Hosted at: Craighead Forest Park • Bandshell • 4910 S. Culberhouse Road, Jonesboro
- Details: Free outdoor community music series featuring regional acoustic artists, local food truck vendors, and family activities on the grass.
- Jungle Book Young Artist Performance Camp: Ages 7-11
- When: July 20-31 • Multi-Day Camp
- Hosted at: The Foundation of Arts – Forum Theater • 115 E. Monroe Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: A creative performance camp tailored specifically for younger children, focusing on building basic stage presence, vocal projection, and theatrical teamwork.
- Live Production: Jungle Book Kids: All Ages
- When: July 31 – Aug. 2 • Weekend Performance Run
- Hosted at: The Foundation of Arts – Forum Theater • 115 E. Monroe Ave., Jonesboro
- Details: Weekend public performances live at the Forum Theater, showcasing the young artist summer campers. Ticket purchase required.
SPORTS, OUTDOOR & HIGH-ENERGY ATHLETIC CAMPS
PERMANENT COUNTY OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL AREAS
- Craighead Forest Park Playgrounds & Splash Pad • 4910 S. Culberhouse Road, Jonesboro
- Features multiple modern playground structures tailored to different age groups, along with a free public splash pad open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Brookland City Parks • Brookland, AR
- Wide open public play spaces for families just north of town.
- Monette City Park & Caraway City Park • Monette, AR / Caraway, AR
- Excellent, slower-paced green spaces located across the eastern side of Craighead County, offering public playground equipment and shaded pavilions perfect for a rural afternoon picnic.
| CHECK OUT: Hikes and Swimming Holes in NEA
JUNE EVENTS
- 3v3 Live Youth Soccer Tournament: Ages 5-18
- When: Saturday, June 6 • Starting at 9 a.m.
- Hosted at: Joe Mack Campbell Park • 3021 Dan Ave., Jonesboro • 870-933-4604
- Details: A fast-paced, small-sided tournament format with separate competitive divisions ranging from U6 brackets up to teens.
- Nike Tennis Camp (Session 1): Ages 8-18
- When: June 8-11 • Multi-Day Camp
- Hosted at: Arkansas State University Tennis Courts
- Details: Comprehensive court instruction, skill drills, and match play for all skill levels.
- Premiere Training Academy Open Scrimmage: All Skill Levels
- When: Friday, June 12 • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Hosted at: Joe Mack Campbell Park • 3021 Dan Ave., Jonesboro • 870-933-4604
- Details: Cost is $10 per player. Players will be placed in competitive games with minimal coaching. Open Scrimmage is the perfect opportunity for players of all skill levels to get quality game reps in a low-pressure setting.
- Nike Tennis Camp (Session 2): Ages 8-18
- When: June 15-18 • Multi-Day Camp
- Hosted at: Arkansas State University Tennis Courts
- Details: Second multi-day court camp installment for players ranging from absolute beginners to advanced tournament teens.
- Ryan Pannone Basketball Camp (Session 1): Grades K-8
- When: June 22-25 • Multi-Day Camp
- Hosted at: A-State Red Wolf Center • 2501 Aggie Road, Jonesboro
- Details: Running daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the direct instruction of A-State men’s basketball head coach Ryan Pannone. Focuses on fundamentals, teamwork, and active gameplay. The cost is $185 and includes a camp shirt and a player photo.
JULY EVENTS
- ASU Museum Community Field Trip Day: All Ages
- When: Wednesday, July 8 • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Hosted at: Arkansas State University Museum • 320 University Loop, Jonesboro
- Details: A coordinated youth discovery morning open to local families, featuring interactive touchpoints, live wildlife displays, and short nature paths.
- Beginning Fishing: All Ages
- When: July 10, 17, 24, & 31 • 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Hosted at: Craighead Forest Park • 4910 S. Culberhouse Road, Jonesboro • Access 5
- Details: Want to learn how to go fishing but not sure how to begin? This class will provide you with the basic information to get started. Appropriate for all ages, it will cover rod and reel types, basic fish biology, bait and lure selection, and how to tie two fishing knots. All materials are provided.
- Archery Program at Forrest L Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center: Ages 6 and up
- When: Tuesday, July 14 • 9:30 a.m.
- Hosted at: Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center • 600 E. Lawson Road, Jonesboro
- Details: For beginners to experts, this session teaches and helps with practice. Wear closed-toed shoes. Registration is recommended.
- Ryan Pannone Basketball Camp (Session 2): Grades K-8
- When: July 20-23 • Multi-Day Camp
- Hosted at: A-State Red Wolf Center • 2501 Aggie Road, Jonesboro
- Details: Running daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the direct instruction of A-State men’s basketball head coach Ryan Pannone. Focuses on fundamentals, teamwork, and active gameplay. The cost is $185 and includes a camp shirt and a player photo.
