
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Dip Net Discovery
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 3:15 p.m. - 4 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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Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Did you know Lake Ouachita State Park is home to superheroes? From night-vision to superhuman hearing, nocturnal animals have powers that are out of this world! Join a park interpreter to…
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Discovering Nature Journals
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Preserve your memories and outdoor experiences at Village Creek State Park in a journal. Join a park interpreter to make your own journal and learn some outdoor journaling tips. All materials are…
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The Hidden Hunt
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 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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Echoing Footsteps
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
As you walk the Old Military Road Trail, your footsteps echo the footsteps of the past and the future. Meet a park interpreter to learn the stories, history, and hardships of those who walked the Old…
Heart Healthy
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Origami Folding: Forest Friends
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Ready to try your hand at folding origami animals? Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to learn about the native wildlife around Village Creek State Park that call the forest home.…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, August 02, 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, August 02, 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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Arkansas: Unique and United
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 2:15 p.m. - 2:45 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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Casting Contest
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
When it comes to fishing at Lake Ouachita State Park, practice makes perfect! Join a park interpreter to discover the diverse gamefish species found in Lake Ouachita while practicing your casting…
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Picture Perfect
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The protections of Village Creek State Park give us endless opportunities for picture perfect memories. Even though we can’t take pieces of the park home with us, a picture lasts forever! Meet a park…
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Hike the Rainbow
Sunday, August 03, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Village Creek State Park protects a rainbow of relationships! Join a park interpreter on this journey to find colorful connections along the Arboretum Trail (0.5-mile, easy difficulty). Please bring…
Heart Healthy
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Sunday, August 03, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter to learn about common animal adaptations and how they are used. Stick…
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A River Ran Wild
Sunday, August 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join us for a hands-on experience as we explore Lynne Cherry’s powerful tale of environmental change and restoration. Through interactive storytelling and activities, we’ll connect the journey of the…
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Water Safety
Sunday, August 03, 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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Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Sunday, August 03, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Join
a park interpreter at the Exploration Station in Camp Area A to learn about the
local animals that call Lake Ouachita State Park home. Park interpreters will
have pelts, skulls, and tracks and…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, August 05, 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, August 06, 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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Snorkeling
Wednesday, August 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to explore Lake Ouachita in a new way. We will boat out to an island or shoreline in the lake and snorkel around the island shore to see what lies beneath the water's…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, August 07, 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,…
Read more