
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Tree Detectives – A Plant and Tree ID Adventure
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Become a nature detective and learn how to identify trees using leaves, bark, and other clues! We’ll use a simple dichotomous key to explore the park’s trails and uncover the secrets of local trees…
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Scales, Tails and Survival Tools
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Join us to discover how snakes survive without legs! Learn about their amazing adaptations, then build your own custom snake designed for life in the wild. Fun, hands-on, and perfect for children ages…
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Bug Builders: Insect Collecting and Pinning
Sunday, August 03, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Get up close with the tiny world of insects! In this hands-on program, young naturalists will learn how to safely collect, observe, and preserve real insects found right here in the park. We’ll…
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There's Something Fishy Going On
Sunday, August 03, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join us to explore the anatomy of fish and the unique species found in Lake Frierson. Learn about where these fish live, how their features help them survive, and discover the diverse aquatic world…
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Women in the Woods: Cache Crawl
Sunday, August 03, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Get in the park van ladies, we’re going treasure hunting! Join a park interpreter to learn the basics of geocaching and then embark on a multi-park adventure to find the hidden caches at Lake Frierson…
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Fishing 101
Friday, August 08, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to go fishing but didn’t know where to start? Look no further! Join the park interpreter to learn the basics of fishing, what gear you need to get started, and how to get in on…
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Incredible Insects: A Closer Look at Bug Biodiversity
Friday, August 08, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
From buzzing bees to fluttering moths, insects are all around us—and each one has a story to tell! In this interactive program, students will explore insect anatomy, learn how scientists group insects…
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B.A.R.K. Ranger
Saturday, August 09, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Calling all dog parents! Join the park interpreter in learning what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger on this PAWsome guided hike along the 1-mile Boundary Trail loop. Then, stick around to get your…
Heart Healthy
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What is That?
Saturday, August 09, 2025
Join the park interpreter for a game of furs, skulls and riddles and see if you can answer one of the most commonly asked questions: "What is that?"
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Grab-bag Adventures
Saturday, August 09, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Are you brave enough to stick your hand into the unknown depths of the nature grab bag and try to guess what's inside? Meet the park interpreter for this hilarious audience participation adventure…
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Dip Net Discovery
Saturday, August 09, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What tiny creatures are hiding in the waters of Lake Frierson? Join a park interpreter in this hands-on activity to discover and discuss the roles of Lake Frierson's macroinvertebrates. Wear clothes…
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Birding Basics
Sunday, August 10, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Birding is a great way to tune in to the sounds and sights of Lake Frierson State Park. Join the park interpreter to learn more about birding and how you can get started with this fun hobby. After…
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The Art of Staying Curious
Sunday, August 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Explore the art of nature journaling and learn how to deepen your connection to the natural world. Through guided exercises, you’ll discover how using your pen to observe, wonder, and record can spark…
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Snapshot of Nature: Lake Frierson BioBlitz
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join us for a BioBlitz at Lake Frierson State Park! Learn how to use iNaturalist, explore different habitats, and help us document the incredible biodiversity right here in the park. Whether you’re a…
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Cast Away!
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
You can cast away your worries and reel in the fun at Lake Frierson State Park. Join the park interpreter to test out your casting skills, see what is in Lake Frierson, and reel in fun opportunities…
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The Sound of Silence
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
A silent walk on the trail reveals a world full of music. Get your ears ready and join the park interpreter on the 1-mile Boundary Trail to see how the music of the woods changes…
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Nature's Palette: Creating Art with the Outdoors
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discover how nature can be your art studio! In this creative, hands-on program, participants will collect natural materials, like leaves, pinecones, and sticks to make unique artwork. Along the way,…
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Kayak Birding Adventure
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a kayaking adventure on Lake Frierson! In this tour of the lake, you can discover many different species of birds making pit-stops along their migratory…
Heart Healthy
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A SENSE-ational Hike
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join the park interpreter for a "sense-ational" hike along the 1.0-mile Boundary Trail! Tune into the trail and have fun putting your senses to the test. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, and…
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Not So Scary Snakes
Friday, August 22, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Think all snakes are scary? Think again! In this fun, fact-filled program, students will discover the truth about snakes—how they move, why they bite (or don’t), and the important role they play at…
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