Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with the family. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for some fun activities to do together, there’s something for everyone in this article.

Get Ready for Camp

• Camp welcomes young anglers aged 10-15 for a three-day fishing camp at the Hunt Family Nature Center in Springdale.
• The camp is designed for youths who have attended the center’s previous basic fishing camp.
• It’s a day-camp setup, so parents can drop off their children at 9 a.m. and pick them up at 3 p.m.

This summer’s camp will delve into fly fishing, spear fishing, and learning about regulations from game wardens. The camp will conclude with a canoe fishing trip, providing an unforgettable experience for all participants.

Explore the Buffalo River

• Buffalo National River Partners will host a cleanup of the middle portion of the river from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday.
• The float will be from Tyler Bend to Gilbert.
• Meet at the Tyler Bend pavilion, and Buffalo River Outfitters will provide canoes to the first volunteers who register.

Volunteers may bring their own canoe or kayak, and they should bring lunch and drinks, as well as any tools they may need. Registration is available on the Buffalo National River Partners website, and volunteers can also bring their own equipment.

Be an Outdoors Woman

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will host the summer Becoming an Outdoors Woman weekend from Friday to Sunday morning at the Ozark Natural Science Center in Madison County.

Women can sign up for four classes, choosing from many that are offered. Most classes start indoors and move outdoors, while some are held off-site. The terrain around the center is rugged and can be difficult to walk, so it’s essential to consider this when registering.

Campsites are available for those wishing to camp, and lodges with bunk beds are also available with three to five women per room. The cost for the weekend is $280.

Walks in Rogers and Bentonville

• Ozark Hill Hikers invites all interested walkers to join a walk in Rogers on Saturday.
• Registration is 8:30 to 9 a.m. at Jiffy Kwik, 219 S. Arkansas St. in Rogers.
• The fee is $4 for all walkers, and the walk will start and end at Jiffy Kwik, where participants will choose a 5- or 10-kilometer route.

Free parking is available across the street and next door. A walk will also be held on July 15 in Bentonville, with registration starting at 8:30 to 9 a.m. at the Casey’s Convenience Store, 100 S.E. J St. in Bentonville.

Get a Free Reel

Free used fishing reels are available at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Hunt Family Nature Center, 3400 N. 40th St. in Springdale.

The reels were donated by Bass Pro Shops in Rogers after their reel upgrade trade-in event. Free spinning and bait cast reels are in bins near the center’s main entrance.

Catch Carp, Get a Prize

• Bella Vista Property Owners Association members and their guests can remove grass carp with hook and line or bowfishing.
• Anglers taking a grass carp should register their catch with the lakes ranger at (479) 876-9581 or the fisheries staff, (479) 855-5068.
• Each catch is good for a ticket that’s entered into a monthly drawing for a $100 prize.

The more carp taken, the more tickets one receives. Drawings are held at the end of each month through October.

Bats and Bluegrass

Illinois River Watershed Partnership will host Bats and Bluegrass from 5 to 9 p.m. on July 19 at the partnership sanctuary in downtown Cave Springs.

This event includes bluegrass music, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, and possible gray bat sightings as they fly from the sanctuary’s cave. Tickets are $10 to $30, and can be purchased at Eventbrite.

Train Dogs for Duck Hunting

Learn all about dogs for duck hunting from 9 to 11 a.m. on August 9 at the Hunt Family Nature Center in Springdale.

Representatives from Retriever Ridge Kennels will talk about how to select the right dog for your goals, basic training principles, and what to expect for the first season with your dog. Instructors ask that patrons not bring their dogs to the program.

Registration is required, and can be done at register-ed.com or by calling the center at (833) 356-0847 for information.

Go for the Grand Slam

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission invites anglers to fish for a 2025 Grand Slam Award.

Resident and nonresident anglers of any age are eligible to participate. Catch at least one trout, bass, catfish, sunfish, and crappie during 2025.

There is no minimum size requirement on any fish. Bass can be any species called bass, such as largemouth bass, striped bass, or white bass. Submit a photo and information about each fish to qualify.

Grand Slam winners get a colorful Grand Slam Award sticker.