
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Be an Explorer Look & Learn Table
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 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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Devil's Den Softball
Friday, August 01, 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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Feeding Time at the Lake
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wildlife requires a proper diet for their survival, and you can help. Meet a park interpreter as we discuss native foods that are essential for our wild and curated animals and also take part in their…
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Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, August 01, 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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Pioneer Play
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center, you will discover what pioneer kids did to pass the time while the exploration and progress of their parents forged the…
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Discovering Nature Journals
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Preserve your memories and outdoor experiences at Village Creek State Park in a journal. Join a park interpreter to make your own journal and learn some outdoor journaling tips. All materials are…
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CSI: Campground Scene Investigation
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Have you ever found tracks and wondered what animal made them? Join a park interpreter and learn how to identify animals found in our park by the evidence they leave behind.
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Guess That Critter!
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
How much do you know, or think you know, about the critters that make Jacksonport State Park their home? From mammals to birds to reptiles, this is a chance to hone your cognitive skills with other…
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Introduction To Geocaching
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Do you enjoy puzzles and spending time in the outdoors? If so, join us to find out how you can start geocaching today! Learn the basics of geocaching and try your luck locating the geocaches hidden in…
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Icky, Sticky Spider Webs
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Ever wondered why some spider webs look like wheels while others resemble tangled threads? Join a park interpreter and discover the fascinating secrets behind the many web designs crafted by different…
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The Hidden Hunt
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 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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Arkansas Black Bear
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Did you know that Arkansas used to be called the Bear State? Join a park interpreter for a fascinating program on the history and present habitat of bears in Arkansas. This program is full…
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Bat Behavior
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Bats are some of the most efficient communicators in the animal kingdom! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about these fascinating animals and have the chance to see a few.
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Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
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Creatures of the Night
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is home to many creatures. Discover some of Lake Dardanelle State Park’s nocturnal residents. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater and learn what animals come out…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops, and unique islands. Seating is limited—reservations can be made beginning…
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Sunset Kayak Cruise
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kayaking on Lake Frierson offers you a link to many different worlds! Join the park interpreter in discovering the stories our lake provides and protects as we rove the coves of Lake…
Heart Healthy
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Night Owl Prowl
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
"Who" wants to join a park interpreter on a quest to talk with our nighttime buddy, the owl? Meet at the amphitheater to learn a few quick interesting points about our feathered friends. Then take a…
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Creepy Crawlies Night Hike
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 8:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
What creatures can be found lurking around DeGray Lake Resort State Park at night? Join a park interpreter to find out! After diving into the world of creepy crawlies, we will embark on…
Heart Healthy
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Saturday, August 02, 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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