
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
The Hidden Hunt
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 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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Nature Connections Stroll
Friday, July 25, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to connect with nature on the Arboretum Trail. We will use our senses to explore what makes Village Creek State Park Special, all while capturing our discoveries on paper. This…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions have at our park. This is a 0.5-mile…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Water Safety
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Dunn? 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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Dendrochronology Detectives
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 2:15 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Trees have been telling stories longer than we have. Did you know that you have the ability to learn to read their stories? Join a park interpreter to decode the secret life of trees and learn what…
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Journey of a Water Drop
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Join us as we explore the incredible adventure of a water droplet, from its humble beginnings to its grand destination. Through engaging activities and hands-on experiments, participants will learn…
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Drops In The Bucket
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 3:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join us for the family-friendly "Drops In the Bucket" program, inspired by Project WET! Through fun, interactive activities, learn about water conservation and the significance of Lake Ouachita.…
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Evening Kayak Tour
Saturday, July 26, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Looking for a unique summer evening adventure by the lake? Join a park interpreter for a peaceful kayak tour around Lake Dunn where we will search for wildlife and discover who calls Village Creek…
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Birding 101
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
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Fish Name Game
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Want to brush up on your fish ID skills? Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to play the Fish Name Game. We will learn what features can help you identify different fish, then put our…
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Leave No Trace
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what's the harm in leaving that orange peel on the trail? Find out what it really means to Leave No Trace as you attend a family friendly Leave No Trace Program. Learn the Seven Principles…
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Water Safety
Sunday, July 27, 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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Trail Tales
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Put on your detective caps and figure out what the animals have been up to in Lake Ouachita State Park. Animal signs can be found all around us here in the park, and they tell us the stories of the…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Kayak Koving
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Kayaking gives you the opportunity to interact with Lake Ouachita in a fun and engaging way. Join a park interpreter as we paddle out to explore nearby coves. Kayaks, paddles and…
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Swim Cruise
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
There's no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than jumping into the cool, crisp waters of Lake Ouachita! Join a park interpreter to go out on a boat and find a perfect place go…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Inching Along Big Ben
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Little things at Village Creek State Park can lead you on big adventures! Join a park interpreter to hunt for natural objects one inch or smaller in size as we hike along the 0.5-mile Big Ben Trail…
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Know Your Knots-Go Fishing!
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever lost a fish off your line because the hook slipped the knot? Tying a good knot helps all anglers to have the best fishing experience in Lake Ouachita. Come join a park interpreter to…
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