Arkansas State Park Events

Park ranger shows bug to curious child in a forest.
1 /

Our interpretive guides routinely schedule fun, family-friendly adventures that are designed to help you have a more meaningful park experience and make memories of a lifetime. We offer more than 15,000 activities each year, including outdoor recreation skills demonstrations and workshops, guided hikes, lake tours on park boats, birding walks, kayak tours, living history activities, nature games, bald eagle watches, spring wildflower walks, campfires, school field trips, and much more — there’s something going on all the time! Use the search filters to view specific parks, dates, or topics.

Filters
Showing 1 - 15 of 61
Jul 16 - Sep 20

PAINTING THE ARKANSAS PARKS

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Mississippi River State Park is proud to host the Painting the Arkansas Parks exhibit, a statewide celebration of Arkansas’s natural beauty through the eyes of plein air artists. Organized by the Heart of America Artists Association, the project...
Get Directions
Sep 4
6:30am - 7:30am

SUNRISE HIKE

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Join a park interpreter for a 1/5-mile easy trail hike at dawn while we witness the sunrise. Observe awakening wildlife, light changes, and sounds. Bring water, insect repellent, and wear sturdy shoes. Appropriate for all ages.
Get Directions
Sep 4
7:00pm - 8:00pm

CAMPFIRE STORIES, SONGS & S’MORES

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Stories, trivia, and s’mores return for a cozy evening. Don’t forget a blanket or chair.
Get Directions
Sep 5
10:00am - 11:00am

PAWPAW TREE HIKE: A NATIVE EDIBLE FRUIT

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Join a park interpreter on a guided 1-mile hike to discover one of the forest’s most unique native fruits. You will learn how to observe, identify, and study the pawpaw tree, explore its habitat, and relate its edible fruit to the natural resources...
Get Directions
Sep 5
7:00pm - 9:00pm

SUNSET KAYAK TOUR

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Enjoy an evening kayak ride as the longest day fades to dusk. Watch fireflies emerge, hear frog chorus peak. All skill levels are welcome; no prior paddling experience is required but you should be comfortable around water. Basic paddling techniques...
Get Directions
Sep 6
2:00pm - 3:00pm

BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES WALK

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Join a park interpreter for an easy 1-mile walk to explore the vibrant world of butterflies. September is the peak migration season for some of these beautiful insects. Bring water, insect repellent, and wear sturdy shoes. Suitable for all ages.
Get Directions
Sep 6
5:00pm - 7:00pm

KAYAK TEST DRIVE: STORM CREEK LAKE

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Join a guided kayak introduction where both beginners and experienced paddlers can test their skills on Storm Creek Lake. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided for all participants. Life jackets are compulsory. All skill levels are welcome...
Get Directions
Sep 7
10:00am - 11:00am

BIRDING IDENTIFICATION Hike

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Learn to use binoculars and field guides while spotting local birds. Bring water and insect repellent. Binoculars are available while supplies last.
Get Directions
Sep 7
1:00pm - 1:45pm

Knot Tying

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Learn three essential knots and which to avoid in this hands-on session.
Get Directions
Sep 11
10:00am - 11:00am

SIGNS OF WILDLIFE & ANIMAL SPOTTING HIKE

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Search for animal signs like tracks and scat with a park interpreter on 1/5-mile trail. Bring water, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes.
Get Directions
Sep 11
7:00pm - 8:00pm

CAMPFIRE STORIES, SONGS & S’MORES

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Stories, trivia, and s’mores return for a cozy evening. Don’t forget a blanket or chair.
Get Directions
Sep 12
9:00am - 11:00am

GIRL SCOUTS LOVE STATE PARKS: PROTECTING THE OUTDOORS

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Join a park interpreter to discover how to enjoy the outdoors while protecting its wildlife and trails through fun and hands-on activities. This program will help to work toward badges for Grades K-8. General public is welcome to join this program...
Get Directions
Sep 12
1:00pm - 2:30pm

GIRL SCOUTS LOVE STATE PARKS: WHAT DID THE OWL EAT?

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Explore owl pellets with a park interpreter. Dissect pellets to learn what owls eat and how to identify prey species. Gloves and tools provided. Curiosity encouraged. This program will help to work toward badges for Grades K-8. General public is...
Get Directions
Sep 12
4:00pm - 5:30pm

GIRL SCOUTS LOVE STATE PARKS: WATER DETECTIVE MYSTERY CHALLENGE

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Solve the mystery of Bear Creek Lake’s health. Test pH, turbidity, temperature; discover simple ways to protect the lake. Spot pollution clues. This program will help to work toward badges for Grades K-8. General public is welcome to join this...
Get Directions
Sep 13
9:00am - 10:00am

BREWS, VIEWS, AND BONFIRES

Mississippi River State Park, 2955 State Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360 United States
Savor morning coffee by the fire with a park interpreter. Share stories and enjoy the view. Come and go while supplies last.
Get Directions