
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Park
Categories
Regions
Bats vs. Moths
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
How do bats catch something as small as a moth at night? How do moths try to avoid getting eaten by bats? Join a park interpreter to learn all about it and play a game of bats vs. moths.
Read more
Bear Cave Hike
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
Heart Healthy
Read more

A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
Heart Healthy
Read more

All About Bats!
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn all about the bat species that call Lake Sylvia home! Learn about their habitat, diet, behavior, and special adaptations. Then make a fun bat-themed craft!
Read more
Match that Mammal
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to test your knowledge of mammals! We will be using a combination of tracks and furs to identify some of the mammals found here at the park.
Read more
Prospectors' Tales
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Travel back in time to experience true stories from Crater of Diamonds before it became a state park. Meet a park interpreter at the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level. Paid admission is required…
Read more
Autumn Arboretum Trail Stroll
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to take a relaxing autumn stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that paint the unique landscape of Village…
Read more
Campground Wildlife Look & Learn Table
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The diverse habitats in and around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities to spot wildlife. The wildlife you encounter while camping may even be one of the most memorable parts of your…
Read more
Wicked Woods Walk
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Boy Scout trailhead by Davies Bridge for a 45-minute, easy hike through the wicked woods
of Petit Jean State Park. Along the way, you’ll discover ghostly plants, twisted…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Arkansas Wildlife Wardrobes
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Not every costume at Halloween is man-made! Drop by the Hearth Room to explore the real-life coats and coverings of Arkansas mammals. From soft furs to tough hides, you'll see what local creatures…
Read more
Skull Sleuth
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
What does the shape of an animal’s skull tell you about that animal? Solve the mystery with a park interpreter as we become skull sleuths!
Read more
Hawktober Hawk Watch
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Cameron Bluff Overlook learn how to help Mount Magazine State Park identify and count broad-winged hawks! Participants could
potentially view broad-winged…
Read more
Resourceful Raptors--Vultures
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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,…
Read more
Hikers and Snakes
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for helpful hints about slithering snakes you may meet on the trails of Petit Jean State Park. Learn about venomous and non-venomous species and how to tell…
Read more
Wicked Webs
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Spiders often get a bad reputation, but did you know they are some of the most skilled engineers in nature? Join a park interpreter to learn more about the incredible world of spider webs and gain a…
Read more
Spider Hider
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What has eight legs and eats bugs? Discover some of the fascinating things spiders do. Learn how they make their homes, find food, and even which ones are dangerous to us. Join a park interpreter in…
Read more
Soaring Scavengers
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
It is not uncommon to catch a glimpse of the undertakers of Petit Jean State Park soaring over our cliffs. Join a park interpreter to investigate the life and habits of a vulture and see if we can…
Read more
White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 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…
Read more
Sunset Kayak Cruise
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What better way to end the day than kayaking Lake Dunn at sunset? Join a park interpreter for a peaceful paddle tour around Lake Dunn where we will search for wildlife and discover who calls Village…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Arkansas, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources you might…
Read more