Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
What's for Lunch
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 5:30 a.m. - 6 a.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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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Saturday, December 20, 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…
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Bear Cookie Drop
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Let gravity be your friend 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 ages 7-12
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Fire Building 101
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Campfires sit at the heart of campouts literally and figuratively. If it weren't for them, where would we cook our smore's, tell our stories, or simply grow closer to our family and friends? Join the…
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Diamond Mining 101
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter on the upper level of the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Turkey Tabletop: Let's Talk Turkey!
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The Eastern wild turkey is one of the largest birds in North America with fossil records dating back 5 million years. Did you know that a turkey can fly fast enough to break the posted speed limit on…
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Tree Cookie Ornaments
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to paint your own tree cookie ornament! All supplies provided. This is a come and go station.
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Critter Tree Suet Ornaments: Part 1
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
With all the hustle & bustle around Christmas, we can’t forget about our feathered & furred friends. Meet in the Queen's Restaurant to make critter-friendly ornaments to hang on a tree…
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Talk Like a Sailor 101
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Have you ever wondered where some of the phrases we use came from? Not surprisingly, many originated from steamboat lingo. Join a park interpreter in the day-use area (1st picnic table nearest…
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Shaped by Water: Watercolor Painting
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
At Village Creek State Park, water is powerful. Join a park interpreter to learn some of the many ways water has the power to shape the park we see today, all while creating a watercolor painting that…
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DIY Wire Wrap Rock Picture Frame
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what to do with the rocks you take home from the Crater of Diamonds State Park search area? Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center classroom to make your very own rock…
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Dendrochronology Detectives
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Trees can reveal mysteries of the past. Put your detective skills to the test and learn how to decode the ancient secrets of trees with a park interpreter. This cryptic case will take place at the…
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Tools of Survival
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
How did early Arkansans survive without modern tools? Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to explore the traditional tools and weapons used for…
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Wonder House Tour
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What is the Wonder House? More than just a place, it’s an experience. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this unique home offers a glimpse into life nearly a century ago. Join a park…
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Know Your Knots
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Whether you’re fishing or camping, or just securing gear at home, knowing the right knot for the job can make all the difference. Join a park interpreter to learn the ropes, literally! Spend an hour…
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Canstellations
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Learn about the importance of the night sky here at Cane Creek State Park. Then take trash and turn it into a neat star-gazing decoration with the park interpreter. All materials are provided.
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Diamond Mining 101
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter on the upper level of the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Finding Woody
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover the many woodpeckers that make Petit Jean State Park their home. The program will include a short walk by Lake
Bailey for a chance to see a few. Bring…
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Art in The Park
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Memories are made here at Lake Catherine State Park! Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to discuss the natural beauty of Lake Catherine during this lakeside painting activity.
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