7 Events for Weekend Fun: Cyberchase at Museum of Discovery, Santa Claus at Magic Springs and More
Here's your weekend round-up! Celebrate Christmas in July, catch a live concert by Disney star Bridgit Mendler, enjoy a parent's night out courtesy of Good Earth Learning Center and more. These are our top seven events for weekend family fun.
1. Cyberchase at Museum of Discovery and Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center: The Museum of Discovery and the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center present a full day of indoor and outdoor activities, highlighting PBS's “Cyberchase” and using its companion educational tools. Take pictures with Digit, play Cyberchase games, snag free summer learning materials from PBS Kids, and enjoy free ice cream from Delta Trust. Plus, with paid admission to the Museum of Discovery, kids can watch an advance screening of "The Cyberchase Movie," which makes it AETN debut at 4:30 p.m. July 22. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 19. For info: MuseumOfDiscovery.org.
2. Bridgit Mendler in Concert at Magic Springs Water & Theme Park: See Disney star and recording artist Bridgit Mendler live in concert at the Timberwood Amphitheater. Mendler’s debut single off the album "Ready or Not", became an international Top 40 hit and was certified gold. Her second single "Hurricane" has been certified gold selling over 500,000 copies. Mendler is also an actress and has appeared on several Disney Channel series and the 2009 made for television film "Labor Pains." In 2009, she became a recurring character for the Disney Channel Original Series "Wizards of Waverly Place." In December of that year, she made her theatrical debut in the film "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel." Nashville artist and Hot Springs native Kimiko will open the concert at 7 p.m. Mendler will go on at 8 p.m. 7 p.m. July 19. Admission to concert included in general park admission. For info: MagicSprings.com.
3. Character Day: Santa Claus at Magic Springs Water & Theme Park: Also at Magic Springs this weekend, Santa will be spreading some holiday cheer! Children can have lunch with Santa Claus in the Lakeside Theater. The fun day with St. Nick will conclude with a fireworks display at 8 p.m. Lunch with Santa is not included with general park admission; tickets are an additional $19.99, children ages 12 and under $16.99. July 18. For info: MagicSprings.com.
4. Saturday Workshop: Animal Portraits at Arkansas Arts Center: Kids ages 6-9 will learn the fundamentals of portrait making in this one-day workshop. This week, they'll focus on animal faces. $55, members $44. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 19. For info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org.
5. WAMA Student Recital at Wildwood Park for the Arts: The students of the Wildwood Academy of Music and the Arts present a unique concert for the public. The afternoon performance will celebrate the culmination of the inaugural seaon of the program. The evening will include a concert by violin and chamber music students, and a reception catered by WAMA students. 4 p.m. July 18. For info: (501) 821-7275, WildwoodPark.org. FREE!
6. Moonlight Matinee: Disney's Frozen at Good Earth Learning Center in Austin: Parents enjoy a night off, while kiddos ages 3-12 have a blast at Good Earth Learning Center in Austin. Children will gather eggs, chase fireflies, tell stories in the teepee and a enjoy a movie on the big screen. This week, they'll see Disney's Frozen! Hot dogs will be served. Reservations requested. 5-9 p.m. July 19. $30 per child. For info: (501) 732-0321, GoodEarthLearningCenter.com.
7. Star Party at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Join amateur astronomers at the visitor center for an evening with the stars and other celestial phenomena. As twilight settles in, the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society will provide telescopes for viewing objects in the night sky. If cloudy skies prevent observation, an indoor program on astronomy will be presented at 9 p.m. 9-11 p.m. July 19. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!
For more weekend events, browse our full online calendar here.