
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Wild Wednesdays: What's for Supper?
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Owls are mysterious creatures flying in the night. Join the park interpreter to shed a little light on the mystery. You will have the chance to dissect an owl pellet and discover what makes up an…
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Kayak Demo
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Ever wanted to try your hand at kayaking, but didn’t want to run out and buy a boat? Here is your chance to test a boat. Join a park interpreter at the kayak beach and you will get a chance to paddle…
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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, July 02, 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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Devil's Den Softball
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Everyone is invited to join the park interpreters for softball. Come be a part of this living legacy! We have gloves, bats, and balls, but we need you for a game! Meet at the ball field in Camp Area…
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Colors in the Rocks!
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Meet at the picnic tables by the search area and learn about colorful rocks and minerals found at Crater of Diamonds State Park in this program for kids of all ages!
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Match that Mammal
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the trailhead to test your knowledge of mammals! We will be using a combination of animal tracks and furs to identify some of the animals found here at the park.
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Safety With A Splash
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
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Go Outside and Play!
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Ball and cup, buzz saw, graces, and rolling hoops are just some of the toys that were used by pioneer children. Try your hand with these toys and learn about the life of a pioneer child. Even…
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
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Snake Spirals
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin for a creative introduction to identifying venomous and non-venomous snakes! Participants will have the opportunity to craft their very own snake spiral.
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Snorkeling Adventure
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sign up early for this water adventure! We'll boat out to the main river channel or even an island and snorkel along the shoreline in search of fish, rocks, plants, and more! Masks, fins, and snorkels…
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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, July 02, 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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Fish Cleaning Demonstration
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Would you like to begin utilizing the fish you catch as food to feed your family? Join a park employee and learn how to clean a fish and use the Lake Chicot State Park fish cleaning station.…
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Swim Cruise
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
There's no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than jumping into the cool, crisp waters of Lake Ouachita! Join a park interpreter to go out on a boat and find a perfect place go…
Heart Healthy
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Nature Highrise on Monument Trails
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Much like the towering structures of a bustling city, nature is filled with hidden high-rises that serve as homes for countless creatures. Take a relaxed stroll with a park interpreter and uncover the…
Heart Healthy
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Legends of Petit Jean
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
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Morning Bird Hike
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in front of the visitor center to take a walk through the area in search of our visiting birds. Even if you’ve never birded before, you can enjoy these creatures in a whole new…
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Knot Knowledge
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Whether you are setting up a camp shelter, tying up your boat, or preparing a fishing lure, knowing how to tie knots is important. Come by to learn a few that will meet your needs during a weekend at…
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A Bird's Buffet
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Which birds eat what? Join a park interpreter at the Lake Center to play a fun game and learn how birds use their different types of beaks to eat certain foods. This program will last about…
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Hike and Seek
Thursday, July 03, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
For many animals at Lake Ouachita State Park, a game of hide and seek can be the difference between life and death! Hike with a park interpreter along the ½-mile Dogwood Trail to put your…
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