We're counting down the hours to the weekend. We've had a taste of summer and we want more! More cheering on the home team at Dickey-Stephens Park! More swimming and splashing! More free outdoor movies! More blueberry picking!

We're also excited about these five family-fun events, all happening around central Arkansas this weekend!

Lil' Wild Ones: "Wildlife Garden" at Central Arkansas Nature Center: Held once a month, this workshop for kiddos ages 4-8 includes hands-on activities related to nature. This month, kids can go on a color walk through the native plant garden and discover the many ways that plants help wildlife. 2 p.m. June 13. Info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!

15th Lake Dwellers Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships at Bullneck Lake in Scott: The two-round, world-record capability event features men and women (ages 17 to 21) and boys and girls divisions (ages 16 and under). Some of the world's top junior water ski athletes are expected to compete for titles in slalom, tricks, jumping and overall. Saturday’s preliminary rounds run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; finals run from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. June 13-14. Info: USAWaterSki.org. FREE!

Statehood Day Celebration at Old State House Museum & Historic Arkansas Museum: Families can celebrate Arkansas’ 179 years of statehood at this joint event held at both the Old State House Museum and the Historic Arkansas Museum! Costumed interpreters will show the daily life and work of people in 1836—the year that Arkansas became a state—with games, talks and hands-on activities. Be sure to pick up a packet of clues about which historical figure you are, where you're traveling from and why you are in Little Rock on this special day; use these clues to complete a task specific to your character and win a prize! 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 13. Info: OldStateHouse.org, HistoricArkansas.org. FREE!

Stars & Stripes Concert at MacArthur Park: Honor our country's flag with an outdoor concert featuring the Little Rock Wind Symphony. The program includes several marches, patriotic songs, Broadway show tunes and John Philip Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever as the grand finale. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, or visit the food truck Southern Salt Food Company. Arrive early to visit the exhibits in the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History—the museum will be open to the public at no charge. 7-8:30 p.m. June 13. Rain date: June 14. Info: (501) 376-4602, LRWindSymphony.org. FREE!

Father's Day Sunset Canoe Float at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Celebrate Fathers’ Day a little early and explore the Big Maumelle River with dad as nighttime unfolds. Possible sights and sounds for the night include bats, coyotes, deer, owls, beaver...and maybe even the elusive alligator! Fee includes use of canoe, paddles, and lifejackets. Advance payment is required. 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 14. Price: $40 per canoe Info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com.

For more central Arkansas events, browse our full online calendar here.