7 Events for Weekend Fun: Fishing Derby, Summer Reading Kickoff & Riverfest!
Hello, June! It's the time of year that makes you want to sip lemonade on the front porch, root for the home team at the ballpark, reel in a big catch at the lake and more. Enjoy the early days of summer at one of these fantastic events, from the annual Riverfest to the Central Arkansas Library System's Summer Reading Kickoff!
Kids' Free Fishing Derby at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: The annual Kids’ Free Fishing Derby at Pinnacle Mountain State Park is for children ages 15 and under. Snacks, water and registration goodie bags are provided. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including largest and smallest fish. Participants must bring their own fishing poles, bait and tackle. A casting contest will be held at 9 a.m. for those who wish to test their casting skills for prizes. 8-10 a.m. June 4. Info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!
Summer Reading Club Kickoff at Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library and Learning Center: Celebrate with Little Rock Family and CALS as the Summer Reading Club begins! Expect performers, snacks, crafts and more. Plus, families can sign up to participate in the summer-long reading program. And, as a proud sponsor of the Summer Reading Club, Little Rock Family will be on hand with giveaways and games! 10 a.m. June 4. Info: CALS.org. FREE!
Avoid the summer slide! Learn how to sign up for your library's free summer reading program here.
Riverfest & Fireworks in Downtown Little Rock’s Riverfront Park: The 2016 headliners include Chris Stapleton, The Flaming Lips, Goo Goo Dolls and Cole Swindell, with many others rounding out the lineup. Since many of the family-themed events took place during Springfest earlier this year, the 2016 Riverfest event will focus on bands and acts for teens and adults. Though, you can still enjoy the Lowery Carnival midway, featuring a Ferris Wheel! You’ll also find plenty of food and arts vendors. And, of course, don't miss the fireworks display at 9 p.m. June 5. (Want to experience Riverfest like a VIP? Check out Little Rock Soiree's guide here.) June 3-5. Weekend passes $37.50. Info: (501) 255-3378, RiverfestArkansas.com.
Arkansas Travelers vs. San Antonio Missions at Dickey Stephens Park: Watch the Travs run the bases against the Missions for three nights in a row! Before Sunday’s game, kids can attend a baseball clinic on the field, and the first 200 youngsters will receive a free baseball. Plus, the ballpark is a great vantage point to see the Riverfest fireworks! 7:10 p.m. June 3-4; 5:30 p.m. June 5. $6-$12; kids 4-14 are $4 & $5; add $1 day of game. Info: (501) 664-1555, Travs.com.
Bounce houses, the Travs train and more: Click here to read about 6 activities for families at Dickey-Stephens Park!
Youth Theater Series at Garvan Woodland Gardens: The Youth Theater Series with Lanie Carlson is held on the first Saturday of each month this summer. Children ages 5-8 can attend the interactive storytelling at 10 a.m. in which the kids choose characters, costumes and props and act out a story. At 11 a.m., tweens ages 9-12 will act out scenes or chapters from a play or novel. Preregistration is required. 10 a.m. June 4. $10. Info: (501) 262-9606, GarvanGardens.org.
Summer Reading Triathlon Opening Ceremony at Barnes & Noble in West Little Rock: At the Summer Reading Triathlon Opening Ceremony, kids receive journals, take part in activities and cast ballots for their favorite book heroes and can place to win a gold, silver or bronze medal. The special guest for the summer reading kick-off will be The Little Rock Rangers soccer team. A book fair for The Thea Foundation will also be held. 11 a.m. June 4. Info: (501) 954-7646, BarnesAndNoble.com. FREE!
Family LEGO Day at UCA Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center: Children build and take home their own LEGO kit, receive tips for future builds, learn LEGO trivia and have a chance to win prizes! Participants learn the basic steps in making a LEGO movie using licensed software. The course is for children ages 5 and up, and a parent or guardian must be present. Limited seating; registration required. 1-3 p.m. June 4 & 25. Info: (501) 450-3118, UCA.edu.