
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Safety With A Splash
Thursday, July 17, 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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Go Outside and Play!
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Ball and cup, buzz saw, graces, and rolling hoops are just some of the toys that were used by pioneer children. Try your hand with these toys and learn about the life of a pioneer child. Even…
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Story and Craft: Butterflies
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursdays at 2 p.m., children are encouraged to visit the park for story and craft hour during the summer break from school. Join us as we tell Native American stories and make fun butterflies.
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Dream Weavers
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Like us, American Indians from this area might have wanted protection from bad dreams. Join the park interpreter to learn the stories of the old ways and weave a dream catcher to help with your own…
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Our "Boxy" Friends
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Do you know who your friends are that live in a “box," it is box turtles! Join a park interpreter to learn more about our “boxy” friends, and what to do if you come across one.
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Dixie's Home Front
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
With their fathers, brothers, and husbands gone off to fight in the Civil War, Southern women had to do not only their own housework, but learn to take on the jobs of their male relatives, too! Join a…
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Where the Rivers Meet
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The confluence of the Black and White Rivers have shaped the past
and will shape the future of Jacksonport State Park and the surrounding area. Join
a park interpreter to
learn about "stewardship" and…
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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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Talk Like A Sailor 101
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered where some of the phrases we use came from? Surprisingly, many originated from steamboat lingo. Join a park interpreter and learn how these phrases may or may not have changed…
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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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Arboretum Trail Stroll
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a relaxing stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that make up the unique landscape of Village Creek State Park This is a…
Heart Healthy
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Resourceful Raptors--Vultures
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Eagles and hawks are not the only raptors soaring overhead. Join a park interpreter to unlock the secrets of success which vultures have mastered. From eyesight and smell to teamwork and smarts,…
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Evening Kayak Tour
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8:30 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…
Heart Healthy
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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Most of the critters living at Lake Poinsett State Park are nocturnal and only come out at night. Join a park interpreter to discuss these nighttime critter calls, behaviors, and how to spot them…
Heart Healthy
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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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Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the
history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’
most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike.…
Heart Healthy
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Fly Fishing 101
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Think fly fishing can only be done in world-class trout rivers? Think again! Fly fishing can be done anywhere that conventional tackle is used, but with special considerations for certain types of…
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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 Journaling
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Nature journaling isn't just about drawing! Join a park interpreter to learn a few different ways to nature journal and start your own journal about your time at Lake Poinsett State Park. Materials…
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White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.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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