Joplin has a median household income of $37,912, according to Census figures between 2009 and 2013; in the same period, 19.2 percent of our population is below the poverty level. Both of those figures are below state averages ($47,380 and 15.5 percent). 

My family is above that Joplin median, and finding the money for regular family entertainment is tough. Thank goodness video games and Netflix are a great investment in terms of dollars spent versus time entertained. 

There are plenty of great opportunities for families to entertain themselves in Joplin, but how many are really free?

Art classes and sports lessons come with costs. Activity-based clubs take some investment. Booster clubs work hard to make sure their children have necessary resources. 

That’s why plenty of parents and children go to Joplin’s parks. That’s why the Joplin Public Library packs ’em in during story times and stays busy through most of the day. 

And it’s why Third Thursday is well attended by families and draws thousands downtown. 

There are so many activities for kids to do each month, from creating works of art to jumping in a bounce house. Some kids star in performances with local dance schools or music groups. And there’s even more kids hanging out in front of the Commerce Bank building not doing any of those things. 

And it’s always been that way — children started going to Third Thursday long before it changed into the carnival.

Parents brought their kids to check out the art displays and more. Though ArtWalk organizers are going for a date-night feel, there has never been a no-kids-allowed mentality.

I’m not saying that kids entertainment is completely responsible for artists’ disillusionment with Third Thursday’s transformation from a cultural event to a carnival scene.

ArtWalk artists had some genuine reasons for expressing disappointment with the Downtown Joplin Alliance, yet they also understand that organizing an event takes work. I think both of these events are going to be pretty successful. 

But I also know that parents are always on the hunt for good, cheap entertainment. We’re going to find the free movie nights in Neosho, the fireworks displays across the region, the free concerts and cheap plays aimed at our kids. 

Let’s face it: The reason there are bounce houses on Main Street every third Thursday is because there was a demand. I think parents would agree that there’s no such thing as “too much to do” where kids are concerned.

Joe Hadsall is features editor for the Globe. Contact him at jhadsall@joplinglobe.com.

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