
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Creepy Crawlies Night Hike
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
What creatures can be found lurking around DeGray Lake Resort State Park at night? Join a park interpreter to find out! After diving into the world of creepy crawlies, we will embark on…
Heart Healthy
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Dip Net Discovery (Shoreline by Marina)
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
What tiny fish and other creatures are hiding in the waters of DeGray Lake? This is your chance to find out and discuss the role of these elusive wonders. Meet a park interpreter for this hands-on…
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Kick and Pick
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Remember when you used to go craw-daddin’? Meet a park interpreter to take a short walk to the water of Lee Creek to see what tiny, aquatic living
things live under the rocks in the water. Please…
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Cane Pole Fishing
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fishing is a great pastime. Too often, though, people get caught up in the gadgets rather than the sport. Come out and learn to fish “old school.” Poles and bait will be provided.
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Leave No Trace Tabletop
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
The
choices you make when you are outside make a big difference. The Leave No Trace principles are important for all ages, but especially for girls and boys who are just
beginning to experience…
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Animal Mythbusters
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Can you really catch warts from a toad? Join a park interpreter to “bust” the myths and misconceptions about certain animals that we may have heard all our lives.
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What's the Catch?
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while…
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Exploring Nature
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Looking for an escape from your daily routine? Escape to Lake Fort Smith State Park and explore nature on a much deeper level by making connections to your natural surroundings. Meet at the service…
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Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
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Campfire Trivia and Stories
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for an
evening of Petit Jean State Park trivia. While we enjoy the mountain air, we will be sharing
some legends of the mountain and a good old-fashioned…
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Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about using artificial lures to catch one of Petit Jean State Park's aquatic predators, the largemouth bass. We will learn how to set up your rod, select an…
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Journey of a Water Drop
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join us as we explore the incredible adventure of a water droplet, from its humble beginnings to its grand destination. Through engaging activities and hands-on experiments, participants will learn…
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Drops In The Bucket
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join us for the family-friendly "Drops In the Bucket" program, inspired by Project WET! Through fun, interactive activities, learn about water conservation and the significance of Lake Ouachita.…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.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…
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Hikers and Snakes
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for helpful hints about snakes you may meet on the
trails of Petit Jean State Park. Learn about venomous
and non-venomous species and how to tell the difference, plus some tips…
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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We Can Take It
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 8:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
This motto of the Civilian Conservation Corps inspired the boys of 1933! Join the assistant superintendent to discover their story and the history of Devil’s Den State Park tonight at the…
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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an…
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"Got Water?" Monument Trail Tabletop
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Water is essential to have available on your
outdoor adventures, whether hiking or biking the trails. Learn how to figure
out how much water you need to take on hikes or rides to avoid…
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