
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Kayak Test Drive
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the kayak beach near the visitor center to take one of the park’s kayaks out for a test drive. This is a perfect opportunity for those who want to try kayaking but don’t…
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Discovery Hour at Jacksonport
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the fun every Thursday at Jacksonport State Park! Park interpreters will help you explore and understand the history and nature of Jacksonport State Park through action-packed games, crafts,…
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Opossums are Awesome
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Did you know opossums don't carry rabies? Join Park Interpreter Mystina to discover the many misconceptions of these fascinating critters.
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Dazzling Dragonflies
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Dragonflies are unique creatures that tell us a lot about the environment. Join a park interpreter to discover their characteristics and why they are helpful!
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Safety With A Splash
Thursday, June 05, 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.
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Disney Animals
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Did you know some of the animals seen in Disney's animated movies can be found at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join Park Interpreter Mystina to find out which of your favorite Disney animals live here…
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Story and Craft: Necklace Making
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Come hear the story of the bead that traveled with the De Soto Expedition all the way to the village of Casqui in 1541 and make your very own bead necklace.
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Sensory Grab Bag
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Can you identify
items in nature? Join Park Interpreter Kara to discover how well you can
identify things in nature by using just your sense of touch! It’s not as easy
as it sounds, but it’s really…
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Nature Items Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
There is great diversity in habitat and animals at Lake Dardanelle, making it easy to explore and enjoy nature here. We will see how many of the nature items on our list you can find. There will be…
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The Weird and Unusual
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Many things can be found in nature that are weird and unusual. Some even
look alien! Join Park Interpreter Mystina to stretch your imagination to guess
what these strange things are.
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How Long Will It Last
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join Park Interpreter Kara for a fun game about recycles and learn some interesting facts about how long some of our trash lasts!
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White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Step into the past of Jackson County and discover the economic power of King Cotton. This white gold was the economic backbone of the south during the 19th century and allowed the people of Jackson…
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35th Annual Bat-O-Rama
Friday, June 06, 2025 - Sunday, June 08, 2025
It's time to celebrate one of the most beneficial and misunderstood creatures in the world, BATS! Join us this weekend for the 35th Annual Bat-O-Rama to check out some bat-focused programs to learn…
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Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend
Friday, June 06, 2025 - Sunday, June 08, 2025
Find out what fish are swimming in Lake Fort Smith! Enjoy the free fishing weekend in Arkansas and Lake Fort Smith State Park without fishing licenses or trout permits. Regulations for Arkansas…
Heart Healthy
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Birding on Beaver Lake Kayak Tour
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join
our park interpreters and spend the morning birding from inside a kayak. Learn
the basics of kayaking and enjoy the spring scenery on the lake, weather
permitting. All equipment is provided.…
Heart Healthy
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The Stories on the Lawn
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center for this fun story time and craft designed for children under 5 to learn about and explore nature and the many creatures that…
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Oh, I am on a Mountain!: A Dripping Springs Trail Hike
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
While it’s great to immerse yourself in all the trees of Mount Magazine State Park, it can be easy to forget one is on Arkansas’ tallest mountain. A hike down Dripping Springs trail serves as one…
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Bat Habitat Hike
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What do bats need to be happy in their habitat? Join a park interpreter to discover the answers as we hike the moderate 1.5-mile Devil’s Den Trail. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring insect…
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Lookin' for Tiny Critters
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
We may not always know it, but there are tiny living things all around us. Join Park Interpreter Mystina to uncover the many insects, arachnids, and other tiny critters that secretly make Lake Fort…
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Bug Bonanza
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter on a buggy scavenger hunt around Lake Frierson State Park. Discover where bugs hide, how they help the forest, and why they’re more awesome than you think! This hands-on…
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