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Free Fun For Families: January 8-15

January 8th, 2012 | Add a Comment

This Week:

Sunday, January 8 – Free Programs @ Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Winter Waterfowl, 9am – Discover some of the different migratory birds that you may see at Pinnacle Mountain through this presentation. Afterwards, play a game called “Name that Waterfowl.”
East Quarry Hike, 1pm-4pm – the East Quarry peak is an interesting area for unique rocks, plants, animals, park and area history, and amazing vista landscapes. Join us for a mildly strenuous 2 1/2 mile hike. Please bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes; binoculars and cameras are recommended!
Nature Scavenger Hunt, 2pm – Can you find the tree with the scaly bark or the tree with thorns? Meet a park interpreter and test your visual skills with a unique nature scavenger hunt activity.

Wednesday, January 11 – Wednesday Walk-About @ Pinnacle Mountain State Park 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Meet a park interpreter at the Visitor Center for an adventure through forest and field as we go off-trail and explore some of our favorite secluded spots. Wear sturdy shoes and natural colors of the forest for best results. These hikes tend to be moderately strenuous. Binoculars and water are welcome and recommended! CONTACT: (501) 868-5806 pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com

Wednesday, January 11 – Eagle Tour @ Lake Dardanelle State Park, 2:00pm
Lake Dardanelle State Park is proud to offer free winter lake cruises for the best chance of seeing our national symbol, the American bald eagle. Many other spectacular birds may also be in the area for viewing including American white pelicans, ducks, and snow geese. Please dress warmly as temperatures and winds can be more severe on the lake. Call the visitor center at (479) 967-5516 to reserve your seat. We will begin boarding 15 minutes before the tour, at the boat dock near the Fishing Tournament Weigh-In Facility. Also, in case of inclement weather, call 1 hour before tour time for possible cancellations.

Thursday, January 12 – Live at Laman concert featuring The Salty Dogs @ Laman Library, 7:00pm
The Salty Dogs have incorporated hip sounds into their own blend of feel good country music. They won the 2003 Arkansas Times Musician’s Showcase for the “Best Original Band in Arkansas.” The Salty Dogs’ music has been featured on the TLC network hit show, Trading Spaces. The Salty Dogs have shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Kinky Friedman, Hank Williams Jr., Kelly Willis, Jim Dickinson, Old Crow Medicine Show, Tennessee 3, Moot Davis, Dwight Yoakam’s longtime producer/guitarist – Pete Anderson, The Gourds and Junior Brown. Their latest release, Brand New Reason. Brand New Reason was released on Max Recordings – January 26, 2010.

Saturday, January 14 – Lil’ Wild Ones @ Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center, 2:00pm
This class for kids ages 4-8 is held on the second Saturday of each month through the school year. Kids will explore the wildlife and habitats in Arkansas through hands-on activities.

Saturday, January 14 – Eagle Tour @ Lake Dardanelle State Park, 2:00pm
See description on Wednesday, January 11th

Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 14-15 – Eagle Awareness Weekend @ Petit Jean State Park
Come check out a variety of programs devoted the U.S. national symbol, and includes field trips to nearby Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge to look for wintering eagles and other birds. Contact the park at 501-727-5441 for a detailed schedule.

Sunday, January 15 – To Hill and Back Hike @ Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 2:00pm-4:30pm
Experience the adventure of an interpreter-guided hike to a nearby peak without a trail to mark the way. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Moderately strenuous. Contact: 501) 868-5806 pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com

Go Here for events for Kids and Families at Central Arkansas Libraries.

Go Here for events for Kids and Families at William F. Laman Public Library System.

Next Week:

Thursday, January 19 – Eagle Tour @ Lake Dardanelle State Park, 12:00pm
See description on Wednesday, January 11th.

Friday thru Sunday, Jan. 20-22 – Bald Eagle Bonanza @ Lake Catherine State Park.
Activities include lake tours, guided bird walks, guest speakers and live bird demonstrations. For more info, contact: 501-844-4176

Saturday, January 21 – GPS & Geocaching 101 @ Lake Ouachita State Park 9am-11am
This workshop will cover how a GPS works and ways you can use it. Whether you are traveling, hunting, fishing, or geocaching, a GPS can be of great use. By the end of the class, you will know how to enter a waypoint, track a route, determine a distance and find your way home. Bring a notebook and your questions for this free class. It includes classroom instruction and optional hands-on demonstrations outside, so dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. Space is limited, so register early by calling the park (501) 767-9366.

Saturday, January 21 – Fancy Nancy: Design a Tiara & Storytime @ Michael’s Craft Store 10am-12pm
Imaginative fun for crafty little ladies. Make and Take your own fancy tiara while supplies last. Ages 3 and up.

Saturday, January 21 – Archery on the Lawn at Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center, 12pm-2pm
Ages 10 and up can test their archery skills by shooting compound bows at square targets. No experience necessary for this drop-in activity.

Saturday, January 21 – Kindersongs Concert @ CALS Main Library Branch, 10:30am
Come check out local children’s musicians Brian & Terri Kinder as they sing, dance, and entertain during a 45 minute concert for kids of all ages!

Saturday, January 21 – Yurt Dessert @ DeGray State Park, 2pm
Once used exclusively by nomadic herders, the yurt is finding new popularity in the United States. Join a park interpreter at Yurt #2 and learn how to cook a simple Dutch oven dessert while discovering the joys of yurt camping. Disposable bowls and utensils are available but supplies are limited; providing your own is greatly appreciated.

If you have a free event that you’d like to share, please let me know!