Fishy Family: 8 July Fishing Derbies, Workshops and Exhibits
From beginners to collectors, each family member can catch one of these fishing-themed events this month. Kids can drop a line and compete for prizes at MacArthur Park, little artists will paint sharks at the Arkansas Arts Center and fishing-enthusiasts of all ages can learn the basics of the sport at the Central Arkansas Nature Center.
29th Annual City of Little Rock Fishing Derby at MacArthur Park: Kids ages 6-15 are invited to fish in the lake at MacArthur Park at this event sponsored by the City of Little Rock and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. Participants will have the chance to win prizes. Cane poles only. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 17. For info: (501) 371-6858, MacArthurParkLR.com. FREE!
Antique Tackle Roadshow at Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center: Find out what your old fishing tackle is worth and the history behind it. Members of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club will evaluate, identify and appraise any old fishing items brought to the event. Enjoy other events and fishing-themed activities, too (10 a.m.-3 p.m.); tackle appraisal drop-in and learn (1-2 p.m.); Real Women Fish: a historic look at women and fishing (2-3 p.m.). 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 26. For info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!
Basics to Fishin' at Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center: Fisherman of all ages and skill levels learn tips on gear, bait and where to fish in Central Arkansas. 10 a.m.-noon. July 15. For info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!
Beginner's Fly Fishing Seminar at Bass Pro Shops: Fishermen/women/kids of all ages are invited to a beginner's fly fishing seminar led by Jack Shock. 7-9 p.m. July 15. For info: (501) 954-4517, BassPro.com. FREE!
Family Summer Camp at Bass Pro Shops: Free family activities include workshops on fishing, archery, kayaking, camping, water safety and backyard adventure. On weekends, fish in a catch & release pond and pose for a free souvenir photo. Tue., Thu., Sat. & Sun. through July 13. For info: (501) 954-4517, BassPro.com. FREE!
Saturday Workshop: Shark Attack! at Arkansas Arts Center: Students ages 10-14 will study sharks in their natural habitat and create their own original shark scene watercolor painting. $55, members $44. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 26. For info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org.
Women's Fishing Workshop at Bass Pro Shops: Danalee Lofton, accomplished outdoor enthusiast, leads a workshop for women who like to fish or are interested in learning. 7-9 p.m. July 8. For info: (501) 954-4517, BassPro.com. FREE!
Exhibit: Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and other Riches at Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs: This exhibit takes you to seven ports of call along the most biologically diverse river in the world: the Amazon. Here, visitors encounter amazing creatures including notorious piranhas, enormous anacondas, beautiful stingrays, and mysterious pink dolphins. Through hands-on activities, original multimedia presentations, computer interactives, story telling, live fish in uniquely designed tanks, original artifacts, dance, music, and live demonstrations, guests will investigate the region's incredible biodiversity, encounter field researchers making incredible new discoveries, and participate in a celebration of the Amazon River. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sun. through Aug. 10. $10, kids ages 3-12, military & seniors are $7, kids under 3 are free. For info: (501) 767-3461, MidAmericaMuseum.org.
For more events, browse our full online calendar here.