From deer and squirrels to migrating birds, animals are preparing for winter. We’ll uncover the survival strategies that keep Petit Jean State Park’s wildlife thriving through…

Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…

Meet at the beautiful Historic Camp Ouachita site to make a fun craft! In this program, you will take time to slow down and enjoy nature while making a leaf splatter painting. The program may take…

How many of us have heard of the cotton gin? You might even know the name of the man credited with inventing the machine. But do you actually know what a cotton gin does and how it works? Join…

What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…

Join a park interpreter for a hike to one of the most scenic and hidden overlooks in the park. Along the way we will explore a rock glade, identify different plants, and admire the beauty of Cedar…

Explore burrowing animals! Learn why animals burrow underground and how it helps them to survive. Win a cool prize by playing a game matching animals to their burrows! 

Drop by the breezeway at Mather Lodge and take on the Autumn Adventure Quest! Pick up a quest card and complete fun seasonal challenges—like spotting fall leaves, discovering wildlife clues,…

What does the fur of a black bear feel like? Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park. You…

Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater to discover more about the nocturnal birds of prey called owls that make Petit Jean State Park their home. Before the evening is over, we will…

Interested in birding but not sure where to start? Join a park interpreter for an introduction to birding basics at the visitor center breezeway. We will take an easy walk around the visitor center…

What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…

This program focuses on the fascinating scientific study of dendrochronology. Learn how scientists use tree rings to track tree growth and past weather events. Then create a cool craft using the rings…

Join a park interpreter for a family-friendly bike ride along the CCC Hike and Bike Trail. We’ll start at the Old Visitor Center trailhead, ride to Mather Lodge with a stop at the Lower…

Join a park interpreter for a special evening under the stars at Petit Jean State Park. November is one of the best months for stargazing, with crisp air and longer nights revealing some of…

Meet a park interpreter to hike to the park's archeology site, Rock House Cave. We will view American Indian rock art and discover more about the windows into the past that these images provide. This…

Falling leaves don’t just disappear, they fuel the forest. Join us to uncover how soil, fungi, insects, and other recyclers turn autumn’s leaf litter into next spring’s growth. Join a park interpreter…

Nestled under rocks, leaves and logs, the forest floor in Petit Jean State Park is a thriving community waiting to be discovered if you take the time to look closely. Join a park interpreter to do…

Learn all about the animal commonly associated with Thanksgiving: the turkey! Learn about this bird's habitat, diet, and behavior! Then, make a fun turkey-themed craft!

How many of us have heard of the cotton gin? You might even know the name of the man credited with inventing the machine. But do you actually know what a cotton gin does and how it works? Join…