Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — March 11, 2025 — With Spring Break scheduled for March 24-28 for many area schools, JRN compiled a list of free and inexpensive activities and events to keep you and your family entertained during Spring Break.

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center:

The center, located at 600 E. Lawson Road, will have several free Spring Break events including:

Special Creature Features:

Held on March 22 from 9 a.m. to noon and on March 29, from 1-3 p.m. During the event, staff will give a presentation using one of the nature center’s animal ambassadors at the top of each hour. This includes photo opportunities and a chance to ask a trained staff member your questions. No registration required.

Critter Crunch: Story and DIY Snack:

Held on March 25 from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1-3 p.m. A Nature Center educator will read a story aloud, and then kids in attendance will create a themed snack that goes along with the story. This Critter Crunch will have a fish theme. It is designed especially for preschool-aged children through sixth grade. Space is limited, and registration is required for everyone in attendance. Click here to register.

Introduction to Fishing:

Held on March 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the nature center. This free class will discuss various fish species, different fishing tackle and methods, and more. Participants will leave with their own tackle box and an assortment of lures.

This class is recommended for ages 15 and under. Space is limited, and registration is required. Plus, by registering for this program, you will also be eligible to win some of the door prizes. Click here to register.

Owls of Arkansas:

Held on March 26, from 1-2 p.m. Join nature center staff in this up-close encounter with Arkansas’s largest year-around resident owl and learn about their unique adaptations. Registration is not required.

Snakes of Arkansas:

Held on March 27, from 1-2 p.m. Join nature center staff to discuss the different types of snakes in Arkansas, their diets, where they can be found, their benefits to humans, and more. Space is limited, and registration is required. Click here to register.

Wild Tales: Story with a Puppet and DIY Craft:

Held on March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at the nature center. A Nature Center educator will read a story aloud, and then kids in attendance will create a themed snack that goes along with the story. This Critter Crunch will have a raccoon theme.

It is designed especially for preschool-aged children through sixth grade. Space is limited, and registration is required for everyone in attendance. Click here to register.

Talking Turkey Workshop:

Held on March 29 from 9-11 a.m. This class will go over the basics of turkey calls, the different types of calls and the different sounds turkeys make. Attendees will have the opportunity to make a slate call that they can take home with them. The recommended age for this free class is 10+. Space is limited, and registration is required. Click here to register.

Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library:

The library, located at 315 West Oak Ave, will also be hosting several free Spring Break Staycation events, including:

  • Kids Bingo on March 24 from 2-3 p.m. in the Round Room. Children can practice their number and letter recognition with Bingo.
  • Friendship Crafts on March 25, from 2-3 p.m. in the Round Room. Children will make friendship bracelets and other crafts to share with friends.
  • Pete the Cat Tea Party on March 26, from 2-3 p.m. in the Round Room. Children will drink tea, make treats and meet Pete the Cat. They are encouraged to dress like Pete the Cat for their photo-op.
  • Construction Crew on March 27, from 2-3 p.m. in the Round Room. Children can unleash their inner architect with building supplies and toys.
  • Gaming Day on Friday, March 28, from 2-3 p.m. throughout the Children’s Department. Children can play board and video games.

Lake Frierson:

Families can also find a variety of #ARSpringBreak events at Arkansas State Parks throughout the state, such as Lake Frierson State Park, located at 7904 AR-141 in Jonesboro. Some of the events at Lake Frierson include:

Kayak Cruise: Watershed Wonders:

Held on March 22, from 1-3 p.m. at the park marina. This event is $18 for adults and $12 for children ages 6-12. Join the park interpreter on a kayak to explore Lake Frierson and discover the lake’s history as a watershed and the opportunities watersheds provide. Recreational kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided.

Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, towels, insect repellent, and wear clothes that can get wet. Registration is required. Call (870) 932-2615 or visit the park’s visitor center to reserve a spot as kayak space is limited. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted to participate in kayak tours.

Spring Snapshots:

Held on March 23 and March 28, from 10-11 a.m. at the Visitor Center. This is a free event, during which visitors can join the park interpreter on a hike along the half-mile Dogwood Lane Trail for the Spring Snapshot challenge. Bring water and wear appropriate hiking shoes/boots for this hike.

Cast Away:

Held on March 23 from 4-5 p.m. at the park marina. This is a free event, during which participants can join the park interpreter to test out their casting skills. Fishing poles for the casting game are provided.

Birding Basics:

Held on March 24 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Day Use Area by the trailhead. This is a free event, during which participants can join the park interpreter to learn more about birding and how to get started with the hobby.

Participants will go birding on the 1-mile loop of the Boundary Trail. If you have binoculars, you can bring them. Bring water and insect repellent and wear appropriate hiking shoes/boots for this hike.