
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Hikers and Snakes
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.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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Dip Net Discovery (Shoreline by Marina)
Monday, June 23, 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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Regurgitation Station
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are you inquisitive and brave? If so, try to stomach this fascinating, hands-on activity. We’ll search for clues to solve the mystery of an owl’s last supper by dissecting an owl pellet. All…
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Vulture Watch
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn all about the vultures of Petit Jean State Park. Why do they have a bald head, and what is carrion? Bring your binoculars if you have some, otherwise we will have some…
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A Life Source's Transformation
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lake Fort Smith is a life source that has transformed over the years. Each transformation brought life and challenges to the wildlife and people of the area. Join a park interpreter to…
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Color Scavenger Hunt
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center to search for what colors can be found around Woolly Hollow. This program is great for kids of any age and…
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Kick and Pick
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.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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Birding 101
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Interested in birding but not sure where to start? Join a park interpreter for an introduction to birding basics. We will walk a relatively easy 1/2-mile section of the Seven Hollows Trail, and you…
Heart Healthy
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Biomimicry
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Plants and animals have been adapting to their surroundings for ages. It seems only natural that people would look to nature for innovations to help us adapt and create. Meet a park interpreter in the…
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Knot Navigator
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
From tying your shoes to tying your boat so it doesn't float away, knots are necessary! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tie different types of knots. Appropriate for all ages.
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, June 24, 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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Think Like a Fish
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Want to catch more fish? Want to know more about what fish eat and where they live? Meet a park interpreter to think like a fish and discover more about the fish that live in Lake Fort Smith.
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Snakes of Arkansas
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Calling all snake sleuths! Arkansas is home to a diverse population of snake species. Join a park interpreter in the Ouachita Room to discover the importance of snakes, hone your…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, June 24, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, June 24, 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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Disc Golf Crash Course
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to receive a crash course in this sport that is sweeping across the nation, from city parks to college campuses. You will learn the basics and then put them to…
Heart Healthy
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A Bird's Buffet
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Which bird eats what? Join a park interpreter for a fun activity while discovering how different birds use their special adaptations to eat certain foods.
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Spider Hider
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
What has eight legs and eats bugs? Discover some of the fascinating things spiders do. How they make their homes, find food, and even which ones are dangerous to us. Join a park interpreter in the…
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Campfire Trivia and Stories
Tuesday, June 24, 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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We Can Take It
Tuesday, June 24, 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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