Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Park
Categories
Regions
Nature Bingo Hike: Christmas Edition
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
It’s easy to overlook the wonders around us when we’re focused on the trail ahead. Meet a park interpreter for a 1-mile hike along the Spring Trail paired with a special edition of Christmas Nature…
Read more
Eagle Watch Tour
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita provides remarkable habitat for bald eagles. Join us for an eagle watch tour on Lake Ouachita to look for these majestic birds in their natural environment. Dress warmly and bring…
Read more
Handmade Holidays: Pinecone Owl Ornaments
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Meet in the Hearth Room to turn your pinecone into an owl ornament with the help of a park interpreter. We’ll provide all the supplies you need to craft a whimsical owl, perfect for decorating your…
Read more
What's for Lunch
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
/ 5:30 a.m. - 6 a.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter on the upper level of the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
Read more
Constellation Can Lanterns
Thursday, December 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Craft a lantern using real star patterns. Bring your own can or use one provided. This is a fun, hands-on way to celebrate the night sky while learning about constellations visible from Arkansas.
Read more
Constellation Can Lanterns
Thursday, December 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Craft a lantern using real star patterns. Bring your own can or use one provided. This is a fun, hands-on way to celebrate the night sky while learning about constellations visible from Arkansas.
Read more
Monument Trails: Plate to Paths
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a gentle 2-mile hike along the Monument Trails as we enjoy the fresh air and winter scenery. Take a break from the holiday bustle, stretch your legs, and connect with…
Read more
Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a tour of this architectural park gem. Discover some secrets of the past and gain insight into the undergone changes of one of Arkansas’ most treasured landmarks.
Read more
Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
Read more
DIY Fire Starter
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Having trouble getting your campfire started? Join a park interpreter to learn fire-building techniques and how to make your own fire starter from materials around your home. We promise this…
Read more
Twilight Toasts
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Gather at the historic CCC-built Café Pavilion for a warm, relaxing evening by the fire. Enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider while connecting with friends, family, and nature. Take in the glow of the…
Read more
What's for Lunch
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 5:30 a.m. - 6 a.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
Read more
Woodland Wandering
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the Bear Cave trailhead for a woodland wandering along the Boy Scout Trail. We will hike along the Boy Scout Trail across the Wild Hog Crossing and explore the…
Read more
Merry Mountain Biking 101
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cane Creek State Park is the destination in December for fun-filled, hands-on demonstration of cycling. Meet a park interpreter to discover the working parts of your bicycle, as well as safety tips…
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter on the upper level of the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
Read more
Let's Make a Deal: Arkansas River Edition
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
In the early 1800s, the Arkansas River connected diverse communities through trade and exchange. Goods carried stories, relationships shaped survival, and every deal mattered. Meet a park…
Read more
Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
Read more
Nosey Nelly
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Learning not to use our eyes and rely on our other senses is difficult for some. It can be a very rewarding experience if we give it a chance. Join the park interpreter in the visitor center…
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter on the upper level of the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
Read more