11 Events for Weekend Family Fun
With gorgeous weather in the forecast, spring is really starting to bloom in central Arkansas. Take advantage of the sunny temps with a variety of activities including baseball games at Dickey-Stephens, Easter egg hunts and more!
Friday
Eggshibition at the Jack Stephens Center: Youth Home's Eggshibition is celebrating its 26th year with live and silent auction items, original hand-blown glass from James Hayes, delicious food and libations. David Bazzel and Chris Kane are hosting and Craig O'Neill is this year's auctioneer. Tickets are $50; $75 patron access. April 7 from 7-9:30 p.m. For info: (501) 821-5500, website. PARENTS' NIGHT OUT!
Saturday
Downtown Dash at the JLLR Headquarters: The race starts at 8:30 am at the Junior League Building on Scott Street, and features Downtown Little Rock landmarks, such as the River Market, Clinton Library and Arkansas Arts Center. The race is handicap and stroller accessible. In addition to the 10K/5K, this year's event includes a Kids 1K event. The Downtown Dash, Jr. begins at 8:00 a.m. Race registration costs $10-$40. April 8 from 8 a.m.-noon. For info: (501) 375-5557, website.
Heroes for Hope Race at Simon Park in Conway: This race benefits the Children's Advocacy Alliance, a nonprofit that helps abused or neglected children. The race features 1K, 5K and 10K options. Activities include a costume parade, music, face painting, a bounce house, games, vendors, a fire truck, arts and crafts and more. Race registration costs $10-$35. April 8 from 8 a.m.-noon For info: (501) 255-3378, website.
"All About Oz" at the Arkansas Skatium: The Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club presents its spring show, "All About Oz" inspired by and featuring the music of "The Wizard of Oz", "The Wiz" and "Wicked." The show features guest skater and National Novice Bronze Medalist Pooja Kalyan. Tickets are $10; $5 for students; free for kids 4 and younger. April 8, 6-7:30 p.m. For info: (501) 442-1190.
Easter Egg Hunt at Excell Park in Jacksonville: Bring your basket to Jacksonville’s largest Easter egg hunt! Children who are walking through age 10 participate in this holiday tradition in a fun and safe environment. All participants must arrive at Excell Park by 10 a.m. The Easter bunny will make a special appearance, too! The schedule is: walking to age 3 (field 2) at 10:15; ages 4-5 (field 3) at 10:30 a.m., ages 6-7 (field 2) at 10:45 a.m., and ages 8-10 (field 3) at 11 a.m. In case of rain, all ages meet at the Jacksonville Community Center at 10 a.m. April 8 at 10 a.m. For info: (501) 982-4171, website. FREE!
Season Opening at Magic Springs: Magic Springs Theme and Water Park will host a Grand Opening ribbon cutting celebration to welcome the start of the 2017 operating season at 10:30 a.m. Throughout all of April, admission is discounted to only $15 plus tax per person on weekends! April 8 at 10:30 a.m. For info: (501) 624-0100, website.
Sunday
Super Sunday Free Family Funday at Arkansas Arts Center: Take part in this free art-making experience for the whole family! April 9, noon-3 p.m. For info: (501) 372-4000, website. FREE!
Friday-Sunday
The Compassion Experience at Saint Mark Baptist Church: This free event features an interactive journey through the true stories of children living in developing countries like the Philippines, Kenya, Uganda and the Dominican Republic. Register online. April 7 from 10 a.m.-5:40 p.m.; April 8 from 9 a.m.-4:40; April 9 from 9 a.m.-4:40 p.m. For info: website. FREE!
"The Little Mermaid" at Little Rock Christian Academy: Join Little Rock Christian as they go “Under the Sea” for a spectacular production of the Broadway musical, Disney’s "The Little Mermaid!" Performances at 2:30 p.m. on April 8 and 9 and 7 p.m. on April 7 and 8. Tickets are $5. For info: (501) 868-9822, website.
Parkview Theatre's "Mary Poppins" at Parkview Magnet High School: Follow the Banks family to London where a mysterious young woman, Mary Poppins, turns the family's life upside down by taking them on memorable adventures that bring them all together. April 7 and April 8 at 7:30 pm and April 9th at 3 p.m. Tickets $5-$10. For info: (501) 447-2359, website.
Arkansas Travelers play at Dickey-Stephens Park: The Travelers open the 2017 season at home against the Corpus Christi Hooks and follow it up with a series against San Antonio. Tickets range from $6-12. April 7 at 7:10 p.m., April 8 at 6:10 p.m. and April 9 at 2:10 p.m. For info: (501) 664-1555, website.