
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Nature Cabin
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Stop by the nature cabin to discover the things that make Lake Catherine State Park so special. Park interpreters will be available to give short programs; help start your explorer program or answer…
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Diamond Mining 101
Sunday, July 20, 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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Feel the Furs
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what a bear felt like? What about a bobcat? Join a park interpreter to learn about the mammals that call Withrow Springs State Park home. Featuring our park fur collection, this…
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Water Safety
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Austell? Join a park interpreter to talk about ways to stay safe (while having fun) in and around the water! This is a free, family-friendly event and no…
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Macroinvertebrate Mayhem
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to search for the tiny creatures that live in our waterways while learning about their importance to the ecosystem. We will meet at the Kingfisher trailhead. Please wear shoes…
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Mr. Whitney’s Cotton Gin
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cotton plants grow fluffy white bolls, but you can’t just pick them and turn them into cloth. Join a park interpreter to learn how one important machine built an entire industry in the past…
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Naturally Nocturnal
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Although the dark may seem kind of scary to some people, there are many animals that depend on the cover of night for survival. Learn how the animals of Logoly State Park use their senses to get…
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Who Goes There?
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There are many creatures that call Lake Dardanelle home. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to discover who they are and what clues they leave behind as they move about. After looking through…
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Bug Out! - A Game of Bug Bingo
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us for a fun, hands-on bug bingo adventure where kids and families learn to identify local insects and arthropods. Discover the important roles bugs play in the park’s ecosystem while exploring…
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Dip Net Discovery
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
What tiny creatures are hiding in the waters of Lake
Ouachita? Join a park interpreter in this hands-on dip netting activity to
discover the roles of Lake Ouachita’s mighty macroinvertebrates. Please…
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Friends of Hobbs Speaker Series: Prescribed Fire for Healthier Forests
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join one of our own Hobbs State Park staff, Park
Ranger Fred Sutton, as he discusses why prescribed fire is a valuable tool for maintaining
healthy forests, and the work that goes into planning and…
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Disney Animals
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Did you know some of the animals seen in Disney's animated movies can be found at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join a park interpreter to find out which of your favorite Disney animals live here in the…
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Critter Cafe
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join Park Interpreter Kara to play the role of an animal dining at the imaginary Critter Café. Learn what type of food your animal eats and where they would find it in the park.
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Snake Sense
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
There’s no such thing as a “bad snake," just misunderstood ones. Join a park interpreter to learn about Arkansas’ six venomous snake species and discover how to stay safe if you ever encounter one in…
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Birding Basics: Bear Creek
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ever wonder what kind of bird was sitting in the tree by your campsite, or which one was singing a song to wake you up? Join a park interpreter to discover the joy of birding on Bear Creek Trail. We…
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Bear Cookie Drop
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Let gravity be your friend in this Plinko-style interactive program that helps you get-to-know the American black bears of Mount Magazine State Park! All ages
will enjoy this program, especially…
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Critter Feeding
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to join a park interpreter in feeding our resident critters– snakes, frogs, turtles and more!
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Visitor Center Turtle Races
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cheer on your favorite turtle at Cane Creek State Park's first turtle races! Checkered flag and all during the month of July! The first race will occur on Independence Day at the visitor center.…
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter at the Lake Center to discover common animal adaptations and how they are used.…
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Arkansas: Unique and United
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 3:15 p.m. - 4 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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