
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Color Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center to search for what colors can be found around Woolly Hollow. This program is great for kids of any age and…
Read more
Seeds on the Move!
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Ever wonder how trees and other plants are able to grow in different places? Join Park Interpreter Kara to learn the
many ways seeds are moved throughout the park.
Read more
Safety With A Splash
Thursday, July 10, 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.
Read more
Life in Lake Bailey
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a chance to examine the unseen life that resides beneath the surface of Lake Bailey. We will learn about the unique ecosystem our lake supports, and the aquatic…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Thursday, July 10, 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…
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, July 10, 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!
Read more
Steamboats: Building White River Communities Since 1831
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Most people know that steamboats carried raw materials down the White River to markets in the south and east, but what did steamboats bring back? How did they build the towns and villages along the…
Read more
Snakes of Arkansas
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Calling all snake sleuths! Arkansas is home to a diverse population of snake species. Join a park interpreter in the Ouachita Room to discover the importance of snakes, hone your…
Read more
Intro to Nature Journaling
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Discover a whole new way of seeing the world around you with a nature journal. Join a park interpreter to slow down and observe the beautiful scenery by the river. All supplies provided.
Read more
Story and Craft: Baskets
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursdays at 2 p.m., children are encouraged to come and enjoy story and craft hour throughout the summer break from school. Listen to Native American stories and weave a paper basket.
Read more
Snakeskin Bookmarks
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why a snake sheds its skin? Join a park interpreter to answer this and several more questions about these fascinating animals. You'll even get to make your own snakeskin…
Read more
Nifty Nests
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Just as humans live in different types of houses, birds live in different types of nests! Join a park interpreter to find out which birds live in what nests and how those nests compare to our own…
Read more
Knot Navigator
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
From tying your shoes to tying your boat so it doesn't float away, knots are necessary! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tie different types of knots. Appropriate for all ages.
Read more
Campfire Craft
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Want to learn how to build a fire? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn how to build your own! This program will last around 30 minutes.
Read more
Hiking Basics and Monument Trails
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Did you know that the Monument Trails can also be used for hiking? But which one should you pick for an adventure? Join a park interpreter to learn how to pick the best trail for you and your family,…
Read more
Feeling Froggy!
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Visit with a park interpreter to learn more about the wonderful world of frogs and toads. How are they the same, and what are their differences? Frogs help control the insect population and are a good…
Read more
Camouflage: Blending in to Stay Alive
Thursday, July 10, 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!…
Read more
From Spark to Flame: Fire-Building Basics
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the essentials of campfire building, including the importance of tinder, kindling, and proper structure. Whether you're new to fire-starting or looking to refine your…
Read more
Under the Stars at Lake Sylvia
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 7:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Enjoy the nights sky with a park interpreter! Look through a telescope to see the full moon and learn about the stars.
Read more
Turtley Awesome!
Friday, July 11, 2025 - Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
"Turtley Awesome" is spotlight time for our visitor center celebrities! Stop by and meet Slyder Houdini, Bruno and Henrietta. You might get to feed a three-toed box turtle or watch a yellow-bellied…
Read more