
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
July 4th - Bicycle Parade
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The parade route will begin and pass through all the campgrounds. Small children riding in the parade must be accompanied by an adult.
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Ultimate Frisbee
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Ultimate frisbee is a classic sport that mixes elements of soccer, basketball, and American football. Kick off the 4th of July with your park neighbors in this intense frisbee game.
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Catch of the Day
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Thanks to the healthy fishery of Lake Dardanelle, you can experience the thrill of nature and the success of the catch. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to…
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July 4th - Snail's Pace Bike Race
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet back at the amphitheater parking area for a competition to see who can ride their bike the slowest!
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The Washington Evening News - 1832
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Travel back to 1832 for this live radio show
featuring bumbling news anchors reporting from Washington, Arkansas Territory.
Using real historical events as today's headlines, join…
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Venomous Snake and Tick Safety Monument Trail Tabletop
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
These 2 groups of creatures are the most dangerous that you could encounter when hiking or biking at Hobbs. Discover more about these creatures and how to avoid them. A 15-minute program…
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July 4th - Foot Race
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet near the statue and chimney for a 60-meter foot race!
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Let's Go Birding!
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Lake Fort Smith State Park is home to many kinds of birds from vultures to warblers. Meet a park interpreter to go on a birding stroll to look for the many birds in the park. Binoculars are provided.…
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Basketball Challenge
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Lace up and join in this basketball shoot-out challenge
suitable for all ages! Age groups will be determined on site. Basketballs are
provided. No registration necessary. Who will be crowned this…
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Be an Explorer Look & Learn Table
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Interested in becoming an Arkansas State Parks Explorer? Meet a park interpreter in the visitor center to learn how to get started! The Explorer Program is intended for young people ages 6-14 (though…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, July 04, 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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Fire Building 101
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Campfires sit at the heart of camp outs literally and figuratively. If it weren't for them, where would we cook our s'mores, tell our stories, or simply grow closer to our family and friends? Join the…
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July 4th - Wheel Barrow Race
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Partner up and be prepared to walk on your hands!
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Ouachita Watercolors
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Throughout time, water holds power at Lake Ouachita State Park! Discover the history and importance of Lake Ouachita and its powerful water by joining a park interpreter during this lakeside…
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The Reading and Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Friday, July 04, 2025 - Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Hear
the Declaration of Independence read, as was commonly done in the 19th century, at the 1874 Courthouse. Afterwards, sign your own "John Hancock" to a copy of the Declaration that you may take…
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July 4th - Three-Legged Race
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Partner up for this traditional race that demands cooperation.
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July 4th - Hula Hoop Contest
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.
See who can keep a hula hoop going the longest!
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July 4th - Petit Jean Kick Ball Game
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join the park staff for a fun, family game of kick ball – Petit Jean style.
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Color Scavenger Hunt
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter to search for what colors can be found around Village Creek State Park. This program is great for kids of any age.
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