
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Kayak Birding Adventure
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a kayaking adventure on Lake Frierson! In this tour of the lake, you can discover many different species of birds making pit-stops along their migratory…
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Animal Signs Hike
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Sometimes we don't see the animals that live at Lake Poinsett State Park because they're nocturnal or good at hiding. How else can we see signs of these critters at the park? Join a park interpreter…
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Inching Along Big Ben Hike
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 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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Go Outside and Play!
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.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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Color Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter to search for what colors can be found around Village Creek State Park. This program is great for kids of any age.
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A SENSE-ational Hike
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join the park interpreter for a "sense-ational" hike along the 1.0-mile Boundary Trail! Tune into the trail and have fun putting your senses to the test. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, and…
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Water Safety
Sunday, August 17, 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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Fur Trapping and Trading
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the exhibit area of the visitor center to learn more about one way to make a living in Arkansas Territory! Fur trapping and trading was an important part of the economy in…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a special 2-hour open self-guided tour of the 1872 Courthouse Museum! Learn how Jacksonport became the county seat, what the building was used for after the county seat…
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Echoing Footsteps
Thursday, August 21, 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…
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Pollinators and their 'Buds'
Thursday, August 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about the wildflowers and pollinators of Village Creek State Park, then create a take-home paper flower memento. This program is fun for the whole family.
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Mammals of Village Creek
Thursday, August 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age!
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What's the Catch?
Friday, August 22, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while uncovering the secret…
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Not So Scary Snakes
Friday, August 22, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Think all snakes are scary? Think again! In this fun, fact-filled program, students will discover the truth about snakes—how they move, why they bite (or don’t), and the important role they play at…
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Nature Jeopardy
Friday, August 22, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Here is a chance for you and your family to be in the “hot seat!” Bring your whole family to this fun game and challenge your brain on every aspect of the nature of Arkansas. Meet a park interpreter…
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The Hidden Hunt
Friday, August 22, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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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Pollinators in Action
Friday, August 22, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Learn about the different types of pollinators found in the park, how they support plant life, and what we can do to protect them. Explore the fascinating world of bees, butterflies, birds, and more!
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Wealth in the Water
Friday, August 22, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discover the fascinating world of White River pearling as the residents of Jacksonport experienced it at the turn of the 20th century. See the equipment used by divers and learn about the multitude of…
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White River Hunters and Trappers
Friday, August 22, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Hunting and trapping served an important role on the White River and contributed to Jacksonport's economy. Join a park interpreter to learn what animals were hunted and trapped in this area. Learn…
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Picture Perfect
Friday, August 22, 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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