
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Snapshot of Nature: Lake Frierson BioBlitz
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.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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Echoing Footsteps Hike
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
As you walk the 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 Military…
Heart Healthy
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Golf Cart Safari: Life on the Edge
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
What is it like to live on Crowley's Ridge? Join the park interpreter on a golf cart safari to see how The Ridges golf course fits into the mission of Village Creek State Park and discover the animals…
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Pollinators and their 'Buds'
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 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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What's the Catch?
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.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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Things You Otter Know!
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Do otters eat animals that are found in the water? Do they have special adaptations that help them to swim better? Do otters live by the water or further inland? Join a park interpreter to discover…
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Nature's Cleanup Crew: The Hidden World of Dung Beetles
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Explore the vital role dung beetles play at Lake Frierson State Park, helping to recycle nutrients and maintain healthy ecosystems. Learn how these fascinating creatures contribute to the park’s…
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White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 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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Scales, Tails and Survival Tools
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join us to discover how snakes survive without legs! Learn about their amazing adaptations, then build your own custom snake designed for life in the wild. Fun, hands-on, and perfect for children ages…
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Nature Jeopardy
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 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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Firebuilding 101
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What are the three essential things a fire needs to thrive? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park and learn about fire building and safety. We might even have a few campfire stories to…
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Fire Building Basics
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
What’s a camping trip without a campfire? From making s’mores to sharing campfire stories, sitting around a campfire can spark lifelong memories. Join a park interpreter to learn…
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The Guides Above Us
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
In the dark skies of Village Creek State Park, you find eternal guides. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to hear stories about the guides in the sky, lessons these guides have taught…
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Go Outside and Play!
Saturday, October 25, 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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Birding Hike
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 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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Survival Shelter Building
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
What are the main things we need to survive a night out in the woods? Learn these and different shelter types that will work in different situations. Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State…
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White River Hunters and Trappers
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 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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Mammals of Lake Charles
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join the park interpreter to learn about some of the local furbearing residents that call the park home. You will have the opportunity to feel the furs of various mammals as we discuss their…
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Wealth in the Water
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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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