
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Park
Categories
Regions
Dixie's Home Front
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 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…
Read more
Wildlife Bingo
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You can explore nature at this park because Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room and discover…
Read more
Map Reading Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
GPS is a handy tool to use getting from one place to another, but what if you are in an area where your GPS does not work? How do you navigate? With a
map and a compass! Join a park interpreter to…
Read more
Journaling the Journey
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Ever spotted something in the park you wished you could take home, but knew you shouldn’t? Nature journaling is the perfect way to capture what you see without disturbing the natural setting. Join a…
Read more
What’s in a Bucket of Soil?
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Examine soil and dirt side-by-side using hand lenses and tools. Learn what makes soil essential for life on Earth. All ages welcome for this hands-on discovery program.
Read more
Nature Connections Stroll
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to connect with nature on the Arboretum Trail. We will use our senses to explore what makes Village Creek State Park Special, all while capturing our discoveries on paper. This…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Meet a Critter
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There are many animals that live in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stop by the visitor center Exhibit Room where a park interpreter has a critter for you to meet up close!
Read more
CSI: Campground Scene Investigation
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Have you ever found tracks and wondered what animal made them? Join a park interpreter and learn how to identify animals found in our park by the evidence they leave behind.
Read more
Lake Chicot Sunset Kayaking
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
The sunset at Lake Chicot State Park is exceptional, but the sunset from a kayak on Lake Chicot is an experience you won't soon forget. Join the park interpreter to view the beauty of Lake Chicot…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Nature Jeopardy
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 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…
Read more
Sunset Cruise
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 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 are required and can be made…
Read more
Talking Turkey
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cherokees who historically inhabited this area were heavily dependent on nature for their livelihood. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater as she explains the importance the wild turkey had to…
Read more
Dutch Oven Cooking Series: Campfire Nachos
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Ready for some easy and delicious campfire nachos cooked in a Dutch oven? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for this Dutch oven dinner! We will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking in this…
Read more
GSI: Game Scene Investigation
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Have you ever wanted
to be a detective? Get your chance to use your investigative skills at Bull Shoals-White
River State Park to determine what happened on a snowy day. The park
interpreter will…
Read more
The Moth Stop
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
When the sun sets, Mount Magazine State Park comes alive with fluttering wings! Join a park interpreter at a glowing moth cloth to meet the hidden pollinators of the night and discover their…
Read more
Fire Building Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 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…
Read more
From Spark to Flame: Fire-Building Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the essentials of campfire building, including the importance of tinder, kindling, and proper structure. Whether you're new to fire-starting or looking to refine your…
Read more
Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 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
Read more

Moonlight Kayak Tour
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake under the moonlight while
guided by a park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking, see what’s visible
in the night sky, weather permitting, and enjoy the…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Snake Sense
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
There’s no such thing as a “bad snake," just misunderstood ones. Join a park interpreter to learn about Arkansas’ six venomous snake species and discover how to stay safe if you ever encounter one in…
Read more