
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Survival Shelter Building
Saturday, June 21, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What are the main things we need to survive a night out in the woods? Learn these and different shelter types that will work in different situations. Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State…
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Light Up the Night
Saturday, June 21, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Discover the science behind glowing wonders in nature! Join us as we learn why certain things glow and how this fascinating phenomenon works in plants, animals, and more.
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Discovering Nature Journals
Saturday, June 21, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Journals are a great way to preserve memories of your trip to the park and your experience the day of the solar eclipse. Join the park interpreter to make your own journal, pick up journaling tips and…
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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, June 22, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
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Arboretum Trail Stroll
Sunday, June 22, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a relaxing stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that make up the unique landscape of Village Creek State Park This is a…
Heart Healthy
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Old as a Tree
Sunday, June 22, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are you as old as a tree? Join a park interpreter to discover how to tell the age of a tree and what happened during its life. You will also have the opportunity to create your own…
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Hiking 101
Sunday, June 22, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join us for a Hiking 101 training session. Learn how to plan for your hiking trip, pack your bag, and exercise your body to meet your future hiking goals. Then join us as we hit the 1.5-mile boundary…
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The Colors of History
Sunday, June 22, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Before the invention of the synthetic dyes we use now, people used the plants, minerals, and sometimes the animals around them to color their clothes. Join a park interpreter to learn more…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, June 22, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a special 2-hour open self-guided tour of the 1872 Courthouse Museum! Learn how Jacksonport became the county seat, what the building was used for after the county seat…
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KNOT-thing to Worry About
Sunday, June 22, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Struggling to keep tackle on your fishing pole? Fret knot! Join a park interpreter as we practice tying knots that are sure to amp up your outdoor survival skills.
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Discovery Hour at Jacksonport
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the fun every Thursday at Jacksonport State Park! Park interpreters will help you explore and understand the history and nature of Jacksonport State Park through action-packed games, crafts,…
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Story and Craft: Paracord Bracelets
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursdays at 2 p.m., children are encouraged to visit the park for story and craft hour all summer long while school is out! Come enjoy hearing about knot tying and survival and make a paracord…
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Scatologist Training
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us for "The Scoop on Poop!" and become a scatologist at Lake Frierson State Park! Explore the fascinating world of animal scat and learn how studying it can reveal what animals eat, where they…
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The Art of Staying Curious
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 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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A SENSE-ational Hike
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.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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Camping for Beginners
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take up camping, but just didn’t know where to start? Join a park interpreter to learn the basics of camping such as tent setup, campfire building, campground cooking and other tips and…
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Kayak Tour
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is from inside a kayak! Whether it's paddling along the shoreline or exploring quiet coves, the beauty of the lake is worth a look. Flatwater kayaks, paddles,…
Heart Healthy
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Summer Snapshots
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Slow down and discover the small, meaningful moments along the trail. Join a guided hike where you’ll capture beauty, color, and fun through a seasonal photo challenge. Bring your camera or phone—and…
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Mammal Furs
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Mammals are found all over Arkansas and come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Join a park interpreter to learn about some of these unique creatures and the roles they play in our world.
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