
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Morning Breeze Cruise
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Smooth water, cool morning air, breathtaking views – these are but a few of the many alluring qualities of DeGray Lake in the morning. Beat the heat on this refreshing and relaxing cruise of the lake…
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"Sense"-able Hike
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
When is the last time you stopped to watch a bird land in a tree? What about stopped to smell a cedar tree? Join a park interpreter to spend time outdoors and use all of your senses on…
Heart Healthy
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Sunrise Symphony
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Rise and shine! Join a park interpreter to enjoy the sunrise symphony taking place in Withrow Springs State Park. Learn more about why birds sing their songs and how to identify the birds responsible.…
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Little Wild Ones
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
These nature programs are designed for young children ages 3 - 5. Join members of the Central Arkansas Master Naturalists and a park interpreter for an hour of fun nature learning. Contact the visitor…
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Discovery Hour at Jacksonport
Thursday, July 24, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Hands-On History: Derricks, Pumping Units and Dinosaurs
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
What is a derrick? What about a walking beam? And what do dinosaurs have to do with gasoline pumps? Find out the answers to these questions, as we explore the museum's galleries and learn about the…
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Watercolor Bugs
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cossatot River State Park is home to many tiny, crawly creatures that have colorful features and patterns. Think of a red ladybug with spots, or a beetle with a smooth, green body. Join a park…
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Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join
a park interpreter at the Exploration Station in Camp Area A to learn about the
local animals that call Lake Ouachita State Park home. Park interpreters will
have pelts, skulls, and tracks and…
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Ranger Beads
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are we there yet? If you were hiking a trail or blazing your own path without the luxury of modern GPS technology, how would you know how far you had traveled or how far you had left to go to reach…
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Life on the Edge at the Devil's Racetrack Monument Trail
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Do you know what an edge habitat is? Join a park interpreter to find out as we wander along part of the southern terminus of the Devil’s Racetrack Monument Trail!
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Safety With A Splash
Thursday, July 24, 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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Possum Passel
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
You've probably seen one squashed on the side of the road, and you might have even driven through the town of Possum Grape, but how much do you really know about these elusive creatures? Join a park…
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Wildlife Hike
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
You can explore nature at this park because Lake Dardanelle State Park's diverse habitats sustain many living creatures. Meadowbrook Trail is home to many of these creatures. Join a park interpreter…
Heart Healthy
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
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Orienteering
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
No service at your campsite? No worries! Forgo the online map and learn how to use a compass with a park interpreter. We will discuss how to navigate using paper maps and brush up on basic compass…
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Scenic Lake Cruise
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops and unique islands. Seating is limited; reservations can be made beginning…
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Jasper Bingo
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the picnic area near the mine entrance to learn about one of the park's most useful minerals and see how many colors of jasper you can find! Regular admission to the diamond…
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Story and Craft: Canoes
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursdays are story and craft hour during summer break from school. Join us as we learn about the travel and trade along the river and carve our own dugout canoes from bars of soap.
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A River Ran Wild
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join us for a hands-on experience as we explore Lynne Cherry’s powerful tale of environmental change and restoration. Through interactive storytelling and activities, we’ll connect the journey of the…
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