
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
One Fish, Two Fish
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Did you know that the shape of fish's tail can affect how fast it swims? Join Park Interpreter Kara to learn about how the fish survive here at Devil's Den State Park and make your own 3D paper…
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Apex Excitement: Bears and Baldies
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
At Magazine Mountain State Park, becoming acquainted with black bears makes one much more familiar with bald eagles, (and vice versa), and delivers nothing less than apex excitement! …
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Fish Prints
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle’s fishery is healthy and diverse. We’ll be using the fishery as inspiration to make some beautiful creations. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center…
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Where the Water Goes: Understanding Our Watershed
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Explore the journey of water in this interactive program! Learn about watersheds, how Lake Frierson fits into the bigger picture, and discover ways to protect our water through hands-on activities and…
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Arkansas: Unique and United
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 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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Owl Pellet Dissection
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join the park interpreters in the classroom as we investigate the life of an owl. This is a fascinating, sanitary hands-on activity for all ages!
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Tunstall's Racehorses and Steamboats
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Thomas Todd Tunstall was the founder of Jacksonport and a fascinating man. He made, lost, and made again several small fortunes throughout his life from his two passions, racehorses and steamboats.…
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Camouflage: Blending in to Stay Alive
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Camouflage is an important survival strategy in the animal kingdom. Whether animals are hunting for their meal or trying to avoid being eaten, blending into their environment is important!…
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Be an Explorer Look & Learn Table
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Arkansas State Parks' Explorer Program is intended for young people ages 6-14 (although anyone is welcome to participate) who care about nature, history, safety, and fun! Participants will work to…
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Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.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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Devil's Den Softball
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.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!
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The Hidden Hunt
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Nature has a secret hidden side, if you are willing to search for it. Meet a park interpreter to go on a scavenger hunt and investigate what you might miss at first glance. This program is great for…
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Journaling the Journey
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Ever spotted something in the park you wished you could take home, but knew you shouldn’t? Nature journaling is the perfect way to capture what you see without disturbing the natural setting. Join a…
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Arkansas, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources you might…
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Nature Jeopardy
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Here is a chance for you and your family to be in the “hot seat!” Bring your whole family to this fun game and challenge your brain on every aspect of the nature of Arkansas. Meet a park interpreter…
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Meet a Tree
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…
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Campfire Treats and Trivia
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Evenings are often a good time for a quick orientation to the park. Join a park interpreter to earn a sweet prize and to test your knowledge of the natural world around you! Supplies…
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Nature Arts and Crafts: Pine Needle Masterpieces
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the main pavilion to create a wonderful masterpiece using natural materials such as Arkansas' state tree, the loblolly pine! We will use pine needles to create unique pieces…
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Campfire Treats and Trivia: Across the Creek
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a 2/3-mile round trip hike (1/3-mile each way) that includes a scenic and shallow crossing over Lee Creek. On the other side, a campfire awaits with s'mores and a chance to…
Heart Healthy
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White-tailed Deer of the Ozarks
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about these common residents of the park and how they thrive in this area. Uncover the history of deer in Arkansas and discover some interesting facts about…
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