- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- home style today articles
- home style today q&a
- traveling today articles
- traveling today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Petit Jean State Park
Meet Mother Nature in Arkansas
By Donna Smith
The park offers many activities for families with children of all ages. "Two must-see locations are the Gravesite Overlook and the Cedar Falls Overlook," says Anderson. "The view from the gravesite overlooking the Arkansas River and the valley below is phenomenal." Both the gravesite and the overlook have boardwalks that are handicapped accessible and have a railing to keep little ones safe and away from the edge.
During the programming season (weekends spring and fall and seven days during the summer), there are interpretive programs so you can learn more about the legend of Petit Jean, the history of the park and nature-related information. On our visit, we went on a night hike. With our flashlights, we walked along a trail to see a beaver's dam, learned how to see spiders in the dark and did owl calls. My kids enjoyed every minute, especially when an owl answered them back!
"All of our programs are kid-friendly," says Anderson. "Hiking is one of the most popular activities here in the park. We have over 20 miles of trails for families to enjoy." Anderson suggests choosing shorter trails if you have young children. "Bear Cave and Rock House Cave are both popular trails for families. While the hike to the foot of the waterfall is extremely popular, there is a fairly steep section that you will have to descend and also ascend on the return. I've seen many parents carrying their children up the final leg of that two-mile trail. Many areas in our park do have drop offs, so keeping a close eye on kids is essential."
On both trips we hiked to the bottom of the waterfall, and did have tired kids on the way back up. But it was worth it! Looking up and seeing how far down you've actually come is inspirational. We sat and admired the waterfall for a while before heading back up. And don't forget your camera – my favorite family picture was taken at the bottom of the waterfall. Bear Cave and Rock House Cave trails are perfect for an early-morning outing and also offer many great photo opportunities.
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||