From storytime at the zoo to drive-thru goodness (for a good cause) at Camp Aldersgate, there’s plenty of fall fun for families this weekend. Reminder: mask up and follow social distancing guidelines for all events. 

Friday

Food Truck Friday at Simmons Bank Arena 

Simmons Bank Arena is extending their food truck fun into November. Families can still kick the weekend off early with a fun Friday lunch. 

When: Friday | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: VIP parking lot at Simmons Bank Arena | 1 Simmons Bank Arena Drive, North Little Rock

Saturday

Tea Stand with Quaranbling at Abbi’s Teas and Things

Come enjoy tea and a snack at Abbi’s Teas and Things and then support Quaranbling, a group of three talented 7th-grade entrepreneurs. This girl-owned business will have plenty of handmade jewelry available for purchase. 

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Abbi’s Teas and Things | 2622 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock 

Live Book Reading of "Otto the Otter and the Great Arkansas Mystery" at the Little Rock Zoo 

Families across central Arkansas are invited to join KAB and the Little Rock Zoo for a live book reading and educational program. This special day will celebrate the launch of KAB's new book. Activities include photo opportunities with Otto the Otter and an Animal Ambassador presentation where children can learn about different animals at the zoo and receive KAB educational materials. Families who are unable to attend in person can tune in to Keep Arkansas Beautiful's Facebook Live stream of the event.

When: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: Little Rock Zoo's Civitan Amphitheater | 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock More information: Facebook

Argenta Chili Cha-Cha

Sample chili from nine participating bars and restaurants and then vote for your favorite. Located in a two block radius, each participant will have an outside booth to ensure a safe and socially distant neighborhood championship.

When: 1-4 p.m. Where: Argenta Arts District, North Little Rock | 301 Main St., NLR Pricing: $10/ticket Tickets and more information: Eventbrite

Arkansas Children’s Hospital: Virtual Race for a Healthier Tomorrow 

The Race for a Healthier Tomorrow was originally scheduled for April 2020. The race planners have rescheduled and transformed this second annual event into a virtual run. Lace up your running shoes to boost your family’s health while supporting ACH’s promise of a healthier tomorrow for the children of Arkansas. For family-friendly 5K training tips and a profile of race chair Kristen Saffa, check out our April 2020 issue on littlerockfamily.com. 

When: November 7 Where: Virtual, families can get their miles in on their favorite trails Register: $25 for adults 18+ | $10 for children 5-17 | $5 for children 4 and under More information: Event site

Santa's Arrival Parking Lot Parade & Kickoff Event at Bass Pro

Bring your chairs or sit on your truck beds with blankets and help Bass Pro welcome Santa. After the parade, Santa will be available to see you as you drive by.

When: 5-7 p.m. Where: Bass Pro Shop | 1 Bass Pro Dr., Little Rock

Community Connections: Good Night (Hybrid Event) 

Good Night supports Community Connections’ free extra-curricular activities for children with special needs and the support they offer for their families. With COVID-19 regulations, the in-person event will be limited to Good Night sponsors only. Little Rock families can still check out the auction items and bid/participate remotely at maskup.givesmart.com.

When: 6:30-10 p.m. Where: Chenal Country Club | 10 Chenal Club Blvd., Little Rock More information: maskup.givesmart.com | courtney@communityconnectionsar.org 

Sunday

Camp Aldersgate: Drive-Thru Fish Fry

Camp Aldersgate provides year-round camp experiences for people who have medical, physical and intellectual special needs. To support their 2021 programming, the camp is revamping their annual Fish Fry to a drive-thru event. You have two options: you can order online before the event or order the day of. Either way, you’re supporting campers and providing a delicious Sunday lunch for your family. 

When: 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pricing: Single Meal Box: $15 | Family Box: $50 (serves 4)

Pick-Up Locations: 

  • Online Orders: OrthoArkansas | 10301 Kanis Road, Little Rock

  • Day-of Orders & Paper Tickets: Camp Aldersgate, Second Gate | 2000 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock

All Month 

Craft Take-n-Make: Rock Painting Kits at the CALS Main Library

CALS makes having a creative moment with your kids easy with their rock painting kits. Just drive up to get started — all parts and instructions are included for this beginner-level craft. 

When: Oct. 26-Nov. 15 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: CALS Main Library Drive-Thru | 100 S. Rock St., Little Rock 

2020 Stache Dash Virtual 5K

On November 15, the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation is raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer with the 2020 Stache Dash Virtual 5k! Run or walk to support all of the great men in your life. Prostate cancer warriors and survivors, this race is for you!

When: November 1-15 Where: Virtual event More Information: stachedash5k.org

No Shave November

No Shave November is a fun yet impactful way to show support for prostate cancer survivors and for raising money to support the mission of the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation (APCF). Men of all ages across Arkansas are encouraged to take part in the event either individually or as part of a competition in their workplaces or through social or church groups.

When: November 1-30 Where: Your house More information: Facebook 

Anytime Fun: 

Still stumped? Here are a few other ideas:

Create Fall-Tastic Treats

We found pumpkin-based treats to take you from breakfast to dessert. Apples more your jam? Check out these six easy recipes. Weekend plans, enhanced.