
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Cast Iron Connections: Cooking with a Dutch Oven
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Gather around the fire for a hands-on cooking experience using a traditional Dutch oven. Participants will explore the history of cast iron cooking, learn basic techniques, and help prepare a tasty…
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Nature through the Looking Glass
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Art can make a lasting impact. Join the park interpreter to learn about the impact a local stained glass artist has had on Lake Frierson State Park. Then, get inspired by nature to create stained…
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Opt Outside: T.R.A.I.L.S
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
It's the perfect time to hit the TRAILS with the park interpreter at Lake Frierson State Park. Learn tips and tricks for hiking in the summer season a with a hike in nature. We will be hiking the…
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Bug Builders: Insect Collecting and Pinning
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Get up close with the tiny world of insects! In this hands-on program, young naturalists will learn how to safely collect, observe, and preserve real insects found right here in the park. We’ll…
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Tree Detectives – A Plant and Tree ID Adventure
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Become a nature detective and learn how to identify trees using leaves, bark, and other clues! We’ll use a simple dichotomous key to explore the park’s trails and uncover the secrets of local trees…
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An Owl's Last Supper
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Owls are mysterious creatures flying in the night. Join the park interpreter to shed a little light on the mystery and discover what makes up an owl’s meal.
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Night Hike: Nocturnal Powers
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
When we hike into the darkness, the powers of animals come into the light. Grab your flashlights and join the park interpreter for a night hike along the 0.5-mile Dogwood Lane Trail. Enjoy some games…
Heart Healthy
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Summer Snapshots
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Slow down and discover the small, meaningful moments along the trail. Join a guided hike where you’ll capture beauty, color, and fun through a seasonal photo challenge. Bring your camera or phone—and…
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Cast Away!
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You can cast away your worries and reel in the fun at Lake Frierson State Park. Join the park interpreter to test out your casting skills, see what is in Lake Frierson, and reel in fun opportunities…
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Birding Basics
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Birding is a great way to tune in to the sounds and sights of Lake Frierson State Park. Join the park interpreter to learn more about birding and how you can get started with this fun hobby. After…
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Wildflower Walk
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the park interpreter for a leisurely walk to view some of Lake Frierson State Park's native wildflowers. Discover how important these flowers are to the park and learn how you can enjoy them for…
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Nature’s Palette – Art from the Outdoors
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Get creative with the colors and textures of nature! In this hands-on program, families will use leaves, pinecones, sticks, and more to craft one-of-a-kind nature art. Along the way, we’ll talk about…
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Snapshot of Nature: Lake Frierson BioBlitz
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join us for a BioBlitz at Lake Frierson State Park! Learn how to use iNaturalist, explore different habitats, and help us document the incredible biodiversity right here in the park. Whether you’re a…
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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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Secrets of the Forest: Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a guided scavenger hunt at Lake Frierson State Park to explore the forest’s hidden secrets. Use clues to uncover how plants, animals, and the environment all work together to create a…
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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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The Sound of Silence
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
A silent walk on the trail reveals a world full of
music. Get your ears ready and join the park
interpreter on the 1-mile Boundary Trail to
see how the music of the woods changes along
Crowley's…
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Time Travelers
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Let's go back in time at Lake Frierson State Park! Join the park interpreter to become time travelers on Crowley's Ridge and see how the park has changed through time with a hike on the 1-mile…
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Paddling through the Wild: A Kayak Exploration of Lake Frierson
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Glide across Lake Frierson on a guided kayak tour to discover the plants and animals that call it home. Spot turtles, birds, and frogs while learning how they survive—and how we can help protect their…
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Sssnake Sleuths
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Snakes share the trails with hikers at Lake Frierson State Park. Join the park interpreter (and scaly friend) to discover the importance of snakes to the park. Become a snake detective and sleuth out…
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