The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center overlooks the Arkansas River and is within the Julius Breckling Riverfront Park.

Make tracks to your next field trip. Conservation education is easy at Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center. Students will discover nature downtown as they learn about the fish and wildlife of Arkansas and the places those creatures call home. Participants can also build outdoor skills and knowledge.

Field trip options include educational programs, exploring the nature center and outdoor activities. Thanks to the 1/8-cent conservation sales tax, all visits to the nature center are free! Recommended field trip length is one to two hours and can be combined with other museums downtown for a full day of education!

The Monarch Butterfly loves the native plant garden at the nature center and you will too!

Visiting the Center

Education programs at the Nature Center meet and enhance state curriculum standards.

  • Students can see a 9,000-gallon aquarium filled with fish native to Arkansas.
  • A watchable wildlife lobby features live animal displays.
  • As part of your class experience, take guided hikes along the Arkansas River Trail, through the Butterfly Native Plant garden, on a wetlands boardwalk or through the Sculpture Garden.
  • Students can enjoy outdoor skill building by trying activities such as archery, fishing, birding, nature photography, geocaching and more!
  • Learn about the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and its Natural Resource History through a fun exhibit or animal hunt activity.
  • The best part? All of this is free!

Education animals such as the American Alligator can be seen and learned from at the nature center.

Plan Your Visit
Address: 602 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock
Phone: 501-907-0636
Website: AGFC.com
Cost per person: Free
Age range: Grades pre-K-12
Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m Sunday

Program Options

WATER CONSERVATION

Kindergarten - 12th

  • Wetland Wonders

Third - 12th

  • The Incredible Journey

Fourth - 12th

  • Watershed Concepts
  • Fishable Waters
  • Water Conservation Field Experience
  • Inseine Adventures

ANIMALS

Pre-K - Third

  • First Impressions
  • What’s Wild?

Pre-K - Fifth

  • Monarch Growing and Going
  • Wood Duck Diaries

Pre-K - 12th

  • Mammals of Arkansas
  • Going on a Bear Hunt
  • All About Alligators
  • A Day in the Life of a Box Turtle
  • Talkin’ Turkey
  • Nuts for Squirrels
  • Elk: Something to Bugle About!

K - 12th

  • Making Tracks
  • What Does the Fox Say?

First - 12th

  • Herp, Herp, Hurray!

Fourth - 12th

  • Dissection Connection: Fish ID and Biology
  • Jewelry With a Purpose

NATURAL HISTORY

First - 12th

  • The Lure of Fishing

Fourth - 12th

  • Natural Divisions of Arkansas
  • Come Back Specials
  • Trappers Cabin

Sixth - 12th

  • Wild Jobs!

HABITATS/ADAPTATIONS

Pre-K - Fifth

  • Best Nest
  • What Color is Camouflage?

Pre-K - Eighth

  • Bird Beak Buffet

First - 12th

  • Call of the Wild

Third - Sixth

  • Predator Prey Game

Third - 12th

  • The Great Migration Challenge

Fourth - 12th

  • Owl Pellet Study
  • Whitetail Headgear

OUTDOOR SKILLS

Pre-K - 12th

  • Know Fish, Go Fish
  • Birding Expedition

Second - 12th

  • Watching Wildlife: Nature Journal

Fourth - 12th

  • Archery
  • Basics to Fishing
  • Geocaching
  • Nature Shots: Outdoor Photography

GUIDED HIKES

Pre-K - 12th

  • Wetland Boardwalk Hike
  • Birding Hike
  • Fish of Arkansas Aquarium Tour
  • Native Plant Butterfly Garden Tour

Fourth - 12th

  • Arkansas Natural Resource History Exhibit Tour
Return to Little Rock Family's 2019 Field Trip Guide

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