Wake your family up from their winter slumber and attend one of the fun family events this weekend! The Avengers are coming to town to save the world and Big Rock Fun Park is hosting its first Big Arcade Contest, too.

And, despite the frigid winter weather, there are multiple opportunities to discover nature and get outside. Learn about wood ducks and whitetails at indoor presentations at the Central Arkansas Nature Center. Or, bundle up and head outside for eagle-spotting and gorgeous hikes at state parks. (We advise that you consult the latest weather updates or call the park before you adventure outdoors, as weather conditions may change or become hazardous. And dress accordingly!)

1. Marvel Universe Live! at Verizon Arena: The first ever Marvel Universe Live tour will bring iconic superheroes to Verizon Arena, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk and more. The family-friendly production is a scripted, live-action spectacular showcasing the battle between good and evil. The original story is framed around the battle over the Cosmic Cube, the source of ultimate power in the Marvel universe. The Avengers, including Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Spider-Man and Wolverine battle villains like Green Goblin, Madame Hydra, Doctor Octopus, Electro and others. The special effects will include 3D projection, aerial action and impressive stunts from the performers. $21-$51. Show times: 7 p.m. Jan. 9; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Jan. 10; and 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Jan. 11 For info: (501) 975-9000, VerizonArena.com.

2. Big Arcade Contest at Big Rock Mini Golf and Fun Park: Take your gaming skills to Big Rock for an arcade contest! Games include air hockey, Hoop Fever, Harpoon Lagoon, Tokyo Drift, skee ball, Big Buck Bonus (Birds only), and Dance Dance Revolution. Trophies and a grand prize will be awarded. There is no entry price, for the contest, only the cost of tokens to play games. 2 p.m. Jan. 10. For info: (501) 455-3750, BigRockFunPark.com.

3. Eagle Awareness Weekend at Petit Jean State Park: Join park interpreters for two days devoted to our national symbol: the bald eagle. A variety of programs are planned, including field trips to nearby Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge to look for wintering eagles and other birds. Contact the park for the schedule. Jan. 10-11. For info: (501) 727-5441, PetitJeanStatePark.com. FREE!

4. "The Wizard of Oz" at Colonel Glenn 18+ Xtreme: Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment invite you on magical journey down the yellow brick road when The Wizard of Oz returns to select cinemas. The fantastical 1939 musical starring Judy Garland will be shown in the same aspect ratio as when it was originally released in cinemas. Rated G. 2 & 7 p.m. Jan. 11 & 14. For info, click here.

5. Lil' Wild Ones: "Wood Duck Diaries" at Central Arkansas Nature Center:Lil Wild Ones is held on the second Saturday at 2 p.m. each month; the program includes hands-on, nature-related activities for children ages 4-8. This month, youngsters can discover the life of a Wood Duck through pictures, sound and touch. 2 p.m. Jan. 10. For info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!

6. Beginners Tea & Tatting Workshop at Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park in Scott: Join a museum interpreter to learn tatting, an age-old American art in lace-making. Enjoy sipping an assortment of hot teas, while joining others in the frolic of tatting knotted patterns. Take home new ideas and homemade memories. Please pre-register as space is limited; fee covers class and materials. $10. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 10. For info: (501) 961-1409, ArkansasStateParks.com/PlantationAgricultureMuseum.

7. Eagle Lake Cruises at Jolly Rogers Marina: Join Pinnacle Mountain State Park interpreters for a cruise on Lake Maumelle to seek wintering bald eagles. Guests may see several eagles and migratory waterfowl. Dress in layers for extreme cold and windy lake weather. Advance payment and registration is required. $15; children 6-12 $8. Cruises are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Jan. 10. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.

8. Whitetail Headgear at Central Arkansas Nature Center: Did you know that male Whitetail Deer grow a new pair of antlers every year? Learn more about deer in Arkansas, and find out when and where to search for antler sheds. This program is geared for children elementary age and older. 2 p.m. Jan. 11. For info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!

9. East Quarry Hike at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Often overlooked, the East Quarry peak is an interesting area for unique rocks, plants, history, and amazing landscape views. Join an interpreter for a mildly-strenuous 2.5-mile hike. Please bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes. Binoculars and camera are recommended. 2-4 p.m. Jan. 11. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!

10. Heifer Hour: South America at Heifer Village: Learn about South America during this month's program. Heifer Hour is a free interactive family event with something new to learn and share. The program includes a reading and fun activities on the second Saturday of each month. 11 a.m.-noon Jan. 10. For info: (501) 907-2697, H. FREE!

For more weekend events, browse our full online calendar here.