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 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.
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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
- Play It Forward: Free Summer Kids Day
- When: Saturday, Aug. 1 • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Hosted by: Coin Goblin Gamers Lounge • 2929 S. Caraway Road, Jonesboro
- Details: This event will have free, unlimited gaming admission for children, as well as free snacks and drinks for them while supplies last.
- 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.
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.
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.
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JULY EVENTS
- Gracie Bullyproof Intro Seminar
- When: Wednesday, July 1 • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Hosted at: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Jonesboro • 3211 Ben J Lamberth Drive, Unit A, Jonesboro
- Details: This event, which is free to attend, will teach kids confidence, respect, safety and more. It is for kids aged 5-12.
- A-State 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: Access 5 at Craighead Forest Park • 4910 S. Culberhouse Road, Jonesboro
- 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.
