
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Nocturnal Superheroes
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Did you know Lake Ouachita State Park is home to superheroes? From night-vision to superhuman hearing, nocturnal animals have powers that are out of this world! Join a park interpreter to…
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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.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.
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The Hidden Hunt
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Nature has a secret hidden side, if you are willing to search for it.
Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center to go on a scavenger hunt and
investigate what you might miss upon first glance. This…
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Knots and Navigation on the Trail
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Carrie to put your knot tying skills to the test. Then join in to find a hidden spot using your navigation abilities. This program lasts about 30 minutes.
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Arkansas: Unique and United
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover the uniqueness of Arkansas, whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. Immerse yourself in the rich geology, history, and culture that connect us all. Experience what makes…
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DIY Wire Wrap Rock Picture Holder
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what to do with the rocks you take home from the Crater of Diamonds State Park search area? Join a park interpreter to make your very own rock picture holder using your finds from the…
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Watercolor Wildflowers
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Capture the beauty of wildflowers blooming in the park with a watercolor painting! Join park interpreters to observe types of wildflowers, study flower shapes and parts and create your own art to take…
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Story and Craft: Beaded keychains
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursdays at 2 p.m., children are encouraged to visit and enjoy a story and craft hour throughout the summer break from school. Come see us, hear Native American stories, and do a fun craft and make a…
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Smelly Skunks
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Why do skunks smell bad to some people? What is the reason they spray? Learn the answers to these questions and more by joining Park Interpreter Kara as we discuss one smelly animal, the striped…
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In-seine Adventure
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the fishing pier for your chance to pull a seine in Lake Bennet! Once we have seined, we will identify what we catch. Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes for…
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Community Square Dance
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Stop by the Ozark Folk Center's 1,000-seat indoor music venue, Ozark Highlands Theater, and enjoy this timeless Ozarks tradition from 7-9 p.m., weather permitting. Admission is free and on-lookers…
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Bike the Park
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to see Daisy State Park by bike! Meet at the main pavilion for this evening bike tour around the park. We will see the entire park on this exciting evening ride and learn some…
Heart Healthy
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Summer Serenade: The Frogs of Lake Bailey
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Every summer evening the lake comes alive with a chorus of frogs! Meet a park interpreter to hear their song and learn the froggy faces behind our summer serenade.
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S'mores Meet and Greet Campfire
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and other park staff at the main pavilion area for a warm fire provided with marshmallows for s'mores for park guests to gather around and talk about the exciting programs…
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Bat Discovery Hike
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 8:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Bats aren't blind, they won’t get stuck in your hair—and they’re some of nature’s most important nighttime hunters! Join a park interpreter for a short, guided hike to uncover the truth about these…
Heart Healthy
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Independence Day Activities
Friday, July 04, 2025 - Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Come celebrate Independence Day at Historic Washington State Park! There will be a variety of unique patriotic, family-friendly activities available such as: festive surrey rides, candle and weaving…
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Turtley Awesome!
Friday, July 04, 2025 - Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
"Turtley Awesome" is spotlight time for our visitor center celebrities! Stop by and meet Slyder Houdini, Bruno and Henrietta. You might get to feed a three-toed box turtle or watch a yellow-bellied…
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July 4th - Parade Setup
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Bring your bike to the amphitheater and decorate it for the bicycle parade! Pre-decorated bikes are fine, too.
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level to walk through the search area and learn about the best places to search for diamonds. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of past…
Heart Healthy
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