
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Birding 101
Friday, August 15, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
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Resourceful Raptors--Vultures
Friday, August 15, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 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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Nature Jeopardy
Friday, August 15, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 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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Erosion in Motion
Friday, August 15, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Erosion has shaped past, present and future at Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover the unique geology of the park and the stories erosion simultaneously preserves and…
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Dixie's Home Front
Friday, August 15, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.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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Become a State Park Explorer
Friday, August 15, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the State Park Explorer Program, intended for kids aged 6-14 to connect with Arkansas State Parks and our resources. Start your journey to become an…
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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, August 15, 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…
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Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 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.…
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Birding Hike
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on a hike to look for some local feathered flyers. Discover fun facts about these park residents and weary travelers as we identify them. Bring water and binoculars if you have…
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Snapshot of Nature: Lake Frierson BioBlitz
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join us for a BioBlitz at Lake Frierson State Park! Learn how to use iNaturalist, explore different habitats, and help us document the incredible biodiversity right here in the park. Whether you’re a…
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Early Birder Hike
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
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Backyard Bass
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Backyard Bass is the perfect game for beginning anglers of all ages. Join a park interpreter to learn more about fishing and practicing your casting skills while staying high and dry in this fun game!…
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Cast Away!
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Safety With A Splash
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.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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Coyote Callout
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn about coyotes' place in the food chain through an interactive game with a park interpreter! What foods do they eat? How are they beneficial for the health of our ecosystem? Bring your questions…
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The Sound of Silence
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
A silent walk on the trail reveals a world full of music. Get your ears ready and join the park interpreter on the 1-mile Boundary Trail to see how the music of the woods changes…
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Water Safety
Saturday, August 16, 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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Spinning Demonstration
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Far from just being a prop in the story of Sleeping Beauty, a spinning wheel was a common and useful piece of furniture in the homes of Territorial Arkansans. Join a park interpreter to learn how to…
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In Search of the White River Monster
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike along the beach and learn about the history of White River Monster sightings while watching for items that may have been mistaken for this mythical monster in the…
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Nature's Palette: Creating Art with the Outdoors
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discover how nature can be your art studio! In this creative, hands-on program, participants will collect natural materials, like leaves, pinecones, and sticks to make unique artwork. Along the way,…
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