(Click here to view the winners in our digital edition now.)

 

EDUCATION

Childcare Facility

• GOLD: Child Development Center at FUMC Little Rock 

“My son has been going to CDC since he was 1 and he is now about to graduate from the Pre-K program.  I think the staff at CDC is unbeatable??•most of them have been there for many years.  The experience and stability of the staff makes it easy to trust them to take good care of your children,” –Erika Gee

• SILVER: Early Childhood Education Center at Trinity Cathedral
• BRONZE: Children's Learning Center at Pulaski Heights Methodist Church

 

Field Trip

• GOLD: Little Rock Zoo

“No matter how many times you visit, you will always see or learn something new. Plus, the zoo is a great source of entertainment at a good price!” -Anna Haver

• SILVER: Museum of Discovery
• BRONZE: Pinnacle Mountain

 

Private/Parochial Elementary School

• GOLD: The Cathedral School

“I've never seen an environment where the entire child is nurtured – academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically – in such an amazing way. The impact this school family has made on my child will benefit her for the rest of her life.” -Katherine Blackmon-Solis

• SILVER: The Anthony School
• BRONZE: Christ the King

 

Private/Parochial Middle School

• GOLD: The Anthony School

“In addition to academic excellence, we are impressed with the diversity at The Anthony School. With students from more than 20 countries and enrichment classes ranging from roller skating to Spanish to violin, opportunity for unique learning experiences abounds! -Fawn Rechkemmer

• SILVER: Christ the King
• BRONZE: Episcopal Collegiate School

 

Private/Parochial High School

• GOLD: Mount St. Mary's Academy

“My daughter transferred to Mount St. Mary's her sophomore year. The staff and teachers were very supportive, which made for an exceptionally positive transition. I did not graduate from Mount, but every time I am on the beautiful campus I certainly wish I had!” -Mollie Birch

• SILVER: Catholic High School
• BRONZE: Episcopal Collegiate School

 

Public Elementary School

• GOLD: Pulaski Heights Elementary School

“Pulaski Heights Elementary has an incredible staff and the parental involvement only enhances our children's experience.” -Susan Robinson

• SILVER: Baker Elementary
• BRONZE: Bryant Elementary

 

Public Middle School

• GOLD: Pulaski Heights Middle School

“I loved being a Pulaski Heights Panther; I have very fond memories of my time in middle school. PHMS is an excellent school with great tradition, a great faculty and great students.” –Caroline Damron

• SILVER: Cabot Middle School
• BRONZE: Bryant Middle School

 

Public High School

• GOLD: Central High School

“The administration and faculty at Central are top notch. The level of commitment the teachers show their students is phenomenal. I witnessed one of my daughter’s teachers stop her in the hallway to give a compliment on her participation in a recent class discussion. The teacher went on to make suggestions for future study. That exchange was more like one that I would expect to see between a student and a college professor. That deep interest in student success is what is so empowering for students and parents at Central.” –Susan Allen

• SILVER: Parkview High School
• BRONZE: Cabot High School

 

Public School District

• GOLD: Little Rock School District

“In addition to the academic and extracurricular opportunities I saw, I was particularly impressed with the outstanding emphasis on child nutrition in the school breakfast and lunch program. I commend LRSD for recognizing the crucial impact nutrition has on learning and ensuring that children have high quality meals at school.” –Christine Harris

• SILVER: Pulaski County Special School District
• BRONZE: Bryant School District

 

Special Needs Services

• GOLD: ACCESS Schools

“My niece was severely dyslexic (both visuospatial and speech sound difficulties). ACCESS faculty cultivated an individual plan for her and worked with her tirelessly, giving her tools she will use for the rest of her life. Since, she mainstreamed to her local elementary school and is making straight A’s. Our entire extended family is grateful for ACCESS Schools. Little Rock is a lucky city to have such a resource.” –Kristen Heldenbrand

• SILVER: Easter Seals
• BRONZE: Arkansas Children's Hospital

 

Tutoring Services

• GOLD: Learning Rx

“Our sons Caleb and Cameron have had a tough time academically. Their struggles have included attention, academic performance and learning difficulties. We tried everything to help them reach their full potential. When we learned of Learning Rx, we looked beyond the cost to the hope of our sons overcoming frustrating learning. It was time and money well spent??•an investment which we expect a great return on in Caleb and Cameron's future.” –Janette Williams-Smith

• SILVER: Sylvan Learning
• BRONZE: ACCESS Schools

 

ENRICHMENT

Arts/Music Class

• GOLD: Arkansas Arts Center

“I am the mother of three girls.  They have all participated in the Junior Arts Academy Summer Program at the Art Center.  They absolutely loved it.  The instructors were terrific and the girls came away with new friends and a new appreciation for art.  They really enjoyed the painting, sculpting, and even the acting classes.” -Gale Long

• SILVER: Art Shop!
• BRONZE (tie): UALR Community School for the Arts & Cathedral School Choir School

 

Dance/Cheer

• GOLD: Shuffles

“My daughter just completed her seventh year of dance at Shuffles & Ballet II.  I have consistently been pleased with the professionalism of the instructors and have enjoyed watching her continued progress.  I am impressed with the studio’s organization, and as a former dancer myself, am pleased with how smoothly the annual recital is run.” –Michelle Elliot

• SILVER: Irby's Dance
• BRONZE: Huff N Puff

 

Day Camp

• GOLD: Lake Nixon

“The outdoor fun is endless at Lake Nixon, and the counselors serve as great role models for our children.” -Jenni Hill

• SILVER: Pulaski Academy
• BRONZE: Little Rock Athletic Club

 

Equestrian

• GOLD: Hearts & Hooves

“Hearts & Hooves is a therapeutic riding center that provides equine-assisted activities to persons with disabilities. I am a volunteer there and I personally get to experience the joy that is brought into the hearts of riders and the volunteers that work there! To watch how the riding helps the students week after week is such a bonus for me!” -Kerry Becton

• SILVER: Midland Farms

 

Gymnastics

• GOLD: River City Gymnastics

“[River City Gymnastics gives] great customer service and [has an] enthusiastic team!” –Rebecca Scott

“I'm so pleased that we chose River City Gymnastics for my daughter. Her coaches provide quality and professional coaching, are easy to approach and responsive to her individual needs, all while keeping gymnastics challenging and fun for her.” –Donna Plunkett

• SILVER: Huff N Puff
• BRONZE: Mega Gym

 

 

Martial Arts

• GOLD: ATA/Karate for Kids

"I have been part of the ATA family since 1996. I myself started at a young age and enjoyed every minute of the experiences I had (from one-on-one lessons to tournaments). Eventually, I had children of my own, and the only place I would send them to learn life-altering skills, responsibilities and respect is our local ATA!” -Crystal Andexler

• SILVER: Unity Martial Arts
• BRONZE: Olympic Style Taekwondo

 

Residential Camp

• GOLD: Camp Aldersgate

“I have a daughter with a disability, and it’s so nice to have a place like Camp Aldersgate where children can go and socialize, have fun, and get that sense of normalcy that children like my daughter are missing a lot of times.” -Lindsey Stone

• SILVER: Camp Mitchell
• BRONZE: Camp Tanako

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Annual Festival

• GOLD: Riverfest

“Riverfest has something entertaining for every member of your family – no matter what age.  There are local and national music acts, arts and crafts on display and to purchase, delicious foods from many cuisines and cultures, as well as hands-on activities for children. Each year, the closing fireworks display at the end of Riverfest weekend is something not to be missed.” -Mary Mulhollan

• SILVER: Greek Food Festival
• BRONZE: Toad Suck Daze

 

Day Trip

• GOLD: Hot Springs

“Hot Springs is our favorite day trip because it's a beautiful drive just to get there from Little Rock, there is a lot to do for all ages (my son likes the aquarium and the alligator farm), and it's nice to just walk around the Spa District, go hang out near the lake, eat a nice meal, or go to Garvin Gardens??•plus, it's a very affordable mini vacation.” -Michelle Cipriano

• SILVER: Petit Jean Mountain
• BRONZE: Pinnacle Mountain State Park

 

Indoor Playground

• GOLD: The Wonder Place

“The Wonder Place is great. My 2- and 3-year-olds LOVED it. I had to carry them out so that we could leave at closing time.” -Jillian McCambridge

• SILVER: Church at Rock Creek
• BRONZE: Chick-Fil-A

 

Museum

• GOLD: Museum of Discovery

“The reason I love the Museum of Discovery is because when I was a child my mom took me and my brother there often for Saturday afternoon activities. These are some of the fondest memories I have from around Little Rock. I look forward to taking my children there when I become a mother and allowing them to enjoy some of my favorites, which would keep us entertained for hours!” –Tina Banks

• SILVER: The Wonder Place
• BRONZE: Arkansas Arts Center

 

Outdoor Park/Playground

• GOLD: Pinnacle Mountain State Park

“Pinnacle's playground has new, modern equipment my kids can't find anywhere else. When they're worn out we can take a short nature walk to find lizards and dragonflies.” -Marjorie Greenberg

“I love Pinnacle because you can go there for exercise or just hanging out!  My children always enjoy the playground, too, which has the only seesaw in town!” –Elizabeth Clark

• SILVER: Burns Park
• BRONZE: Peabody Park

 

Party Entertainer

• GOLD: Derrick Rose, Magician

“Derrick Rose is a very wonderful magician and he’s great with kids and adults alike!”  -Nicky Arendt

“We were looking for some entertainment for our son's first birthday. We have a large family, with cousins of all ages. Derrick was perfect. His jokes cross age ranges – like Shrek – and everyone loves his animal balloons. We were very pleased, and everyone went home happy!” -Leigh Ann Biernat

• SILVER: Brian Kinder
• BRONZE: Tommy Terrific

 

Party Facility

• GOLD: JumpZone

“We have had birthday parties at JumpZone two years in a row for my son and he absolutely loves it!” -Tesha Holley

• SILVER: Playtime Pizza
• BRONZE: Chuck E Cheese

 

Place to Ride Bikes

• GOLD: Big Dam Bridge

“I value any opportunity to teach my boys bike etiquette and the Big Dam Bridge/River Trail is an excellent place to do that.” -Anna Landers Swaim

• SILVER: Two Rivers Park
• BRONZE: Arkansas River Trail

 

Place to Take Visitors

• GOLD: River Market

“The River Market is the first place I take my friends when they are visiting from out-of-town. We love the Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning, spending time in the water park of Riverfront Park and of course the many choices of great restaurants. People who visit Little Rock always say the city has a good mix of big and small town, and that’s the feeling of the River Market district.” -Alison M. Melson

• SILVER: Clinton Library
• BRONZE: Big Dam Bridge

 

Pool/Water Park

• GOLD: Wild River Country

“The ability to stay cool outside while four kids stay entertained for hours (with little to no whining) is pretty awesome.” -Michelle Jones Swinford

• SILVER: Crystal Falls
• BRONZE: Little Rock Athletic Club

 

Sporting Event

• GOLD: Arkansas Travelers

“I love that we have such a beautiful ballpark right here in our own backyard.  Travs games are great because the whole family enjoys going and has a great time.  And, there's no better hot dog in town!” -Julia Grayson Hamra

• SILVER: Razorback Football Game
• BRONZE: UALR Basketball Game

 

FOOD

Birthday Cake

• GOLD: Mickey's Special Affairs

“Not only does Mickey's have the best tasting cakes, but they will make special designs and decorations just the way you want it. THE best cakes hands down!” –Tara Austin

“The folks at Mickey's jump through hoops to make your cake more than just batter and icing. Every cake I've ordered has been a masterpiece for the palate and the eye. Order the cake, then plan the party around it!” -Katherine Blackmon-Solis

• SILVER: Blue Cake Company
• BRONZE: Community Bakery

 

Burger

• GOLD: Arkansas Burger Co.

“We love Arkansas Burgers!  The staff is friendly and very accommodating! Their burgers remind me of old fashioned hamburgers??•just what you want when you are in the mood for a good burger.” –Donna Smith

“I usually eat lean meats, fruits and veggies, but on the occasions I want to [splurge], ABC is my top choice. The burgers are so juicy, and the buns are to die for!” -Susan Robinson

• SILVER: Cheeburger Cheeburger
• BRONZE: 5 Guys

 

Dessert

GOLD: Trio’s Restaurant

“Normally, I try to stay away from dessert at lunch, but when our server brought around the display tray, it was difficult to keep myself from ordering one of each. I ended up with the chocolate cheesecake, which was a gift sent straight from heaven.” -Bekah Caraway

• SILVER: Purple Cow
• BRONZE: Copeland's

 

Family Breakfast

• GOLD: IHOP

“IHOP has a great variety for breakfast, for kids and adults – my picky daughter loves their Silver Five pancakes and scrambled eggs, and my “try anything” son loves the Funny Face chocolate chip pancakes and turkey bacon. The service is fast and friendly too!” -Vicki Crockett

• SILVER: Cracker Barrell
• BRONZE: Ozark Mountain Smokehouse

 

Family Restaurant

• GOLD: The Purple Cow

 “My kids are 3 and 6, so we go there often. They love it! And I do too, especially the brunch on weekends. And of course we always have to get some purple ice cream. -Kristy Hart Morris

• SILVER: Dixie Café
• BRONZE: Cracker Barrell

 

Kids Eat Free

• GOLD: Shorty Smalls

“My kids love Shorty Smalls for two reasons:  the fried cheese sticks (logs) and the wait staff is always so nice when we go there. The waiters always act happy to see the kids and answer all 100 questions that my children ask. The kids also like the “tale” behind the restaurant, and love the bear at the entrance.  It’s very kid-friendly in all respects.” -Diane Holitik

• SILVER: Larry's Pizza
• BRONZE: Zaxby's

 

Pizza

• GOLD: Larry's Pizza

“The parade of pizza is perfect for us because it allows us to stay seated with our children. As parents with special needs children, it’s always comforting to be in an ‘accepting’ atmosphere and not feel as though your family is viewed as disruptive. Not to mention they have great pizza, an awesome salad bar and very reasonable prices.” -Brandi Shinn

• SILVER: U.S. Pizza
• BRONZE: Jim's Razorback Pizza

 

HEALTHCARE

Family Dentist

• GOLD: Kitchens Pediatric Dentistry

“Kitchen’s Pediatric Dentistry deals with children all day every day. They know how to get a reluctant child to open up wide. My daughter loves their new office space because it ‘looks like outside’ with its forest theme. My kids think it is fun to go to the dentist!” -Melissa Wilcoxson

• SILVER: Dr. Gerald Friend
• BRONZE: Kevin Jones, DDS

 

Orthodontist

• GOLD: Orthodontic Associates

“My husband got braces later in life. We've gone up there with our toddler and they don't mind her joining him on the chair. The staff is friendly, very knowledgeable and accommodating. Dr. Barry listens to questions and concerns and is willing to give the explanation so that you understand what he is talking about. Convenient location and nice office, but best of all, they’re GREAT people!” - Kelly Elrod

• SILVER: Daniel Orthodontics
• BRONZE: Phelan Orthodontics

 

Pediatric Group

• GOLD: All for Kids

“All for Kids not only cares about physical health but also about the mental and spiritual health of children. I am grateful that they care for children through their teen years." -Pam Keefover
“Dr. Dawn Martin has been our family's doctor since our daughters were born; I cannot see our family using any other pediatric facility in Little Rock!” -Jenny Matthews

• SILVER: Little Rock Children's Clinic
• BRONZE: Arkansas Pediatric Clinic

 

Place to Give Birth

• GOLD: Baptist Health Medical Center

“I loved having my baby at Baptist; I didn't want to go home! All of the nurses were very helpful and caring for me and my baby!” –Daynette White

“They are professionals who treat you with care and respect, but most importantly, they are willing to work with various types of birth plans making it a personal experience for each family.” – Angela Willard

• SILVER: St. Vincent Health System
• BRONZE: UAMS

 

RETAIL

Book Store

• GOLD: Barnes & Noble

“Our family likes Barnes & Noble the very best because it’s very kid friendly. You can play with the train, have a pretend ‘concert’ or ‘fashion show’ on the kids’ stage or just sit back with your little one snuggled in your arms reading them their favorite books. It is the best of the best free entertainment in Little Rock??•almost like the best kept secret!” -Jenny Manning

• SILVER: WordsWorth Books & Co.
• BRONZE: Books a Million

 

Children's Clothing

• GOLD: The Toggery

“The Toggery is a one-stop shopping place for children, where we can buy cute boutique clothes, shoes–even our school uniforms–and let’s not forget the matching hair bow! Plus, after 36 years, I have carried on the tradition to my own 4-year-old daughter from when my own mother shopped for me...as I remember The Toggery just being a 'little closet' in the Heights!” -Jenny Manning

• SILVER: Children's Place
• BRONZE: Gymboree

 

Children's Furniture

• GOLD: Kid's Furniture

“They’re so accommodating in helping you pick out just the right piece of furniture to fit your space and style. Picking out a crib for our first newborn was turning into a tough decision, but with their guidance we are completely satisfied with our investment! The fun accessories and decor that they offer is icing on the cake!” -Diana McDaniel

• SILVER: Pickles & Ice Cream
• BRONZE: Tuck & Cover

 

Children's Haircuts

• GOLD: Pigtails & Crewcuts

“The atmosphere and staff at Pigtails & Crewcuts are so wonderful, my son forgets he is there to get his hair cut,” -Alysia Colon

“We drive all the way from Alexander to go there. Her favorite things about it are the kid shows on TV and the special chairs that look like cars and spaceships.” -Heather Edwards

• SILVER: Sport Clips
• BRONZE: Great Clips

 

Children's Shoes

• GOLD: The Toggery

“The shoe department at The Toggery is a store inside a store. As a parent, I feel like a kid in a candy store! You can find all the many brands that we know in the South??•such as Keds, Willits, Jumping Jacks, Saltwater Sandals, and of course, the in-high-demand TOMS.”  -Jenny Manning

• SILVER: Heel to Toe
• BRONZE: Shoe Connection

 

Consignment Store/Sale

• GOLD: Rhea Lana's

“Rhea Lana allows me to dress both my grandsons for an entire season, in adorable brand-name clothes and provide them with good quality toys I couldn't buy otherwise. Plus, I can do it all in one day.” –Terri Sanders

“The quality and condition of the clothing is consistently the best among seasonal consignment sales, and I can outfit both of my kids…for a fraction of what I would pay in a store” –Donna Plunkett

• SILVER: Duck Duck Goose
• BRONZE: Caroline's Consignment

 

Family Photographer

• GOLD: Lizzy Yates Photography

“I truly love the photographs Lizzy took of my girls. She made them feel at ease but kept control. I thought the photographs captured the personalities of my children as well??•these portraits will become family heirlooms!” -Kari B.

• SILVER: Ocken Photography
• BRONZE: Cunningham Photography

 

Shopping Center

• GOLD: Park Plaza Mall

“I’ve always loved the layout of Park Plaza Mall. Its oval shape allows for stores to be easily found, and the glass ceiling allows for a nice ‘open’ feel. It’s lovely on a sunny day when the mall is brightened with ambient light. They’ve got a nice selection of stores; I particularly appreciate the gigantic Forever 21 on the bottom floor.” –Bekah Caraway

• SILVER: Pleasant Ridge Town Center
• BRONZE: Midtowne Little Rock

 

Toy Store

• GOLD: Toys “R” Us

“I'm not only a parent but also a shopper for our preschool.  I love that Toys “R” Us has a variety. You can shop for all ages and even get the bigger outside items for children to play on. It's in a great central location and you can also shop online. Being a parent of a 3-year-old and an 11-year-old, I can get something that they will both like at the same location.” –Yolanda Traylor

• SILVER: Heights Toy Center
• BRONZE: Toy Up

 

Women's Clothing

• GOLD: Belk

“They offer quality items at affordable prices for me and my kids.” -Kay Wilcox

• SILVER: Dillard's
• BRONZE: Kohl's