Events in Virginia State Parks

Have you ever touched bear fur or looked at the teeth of a beaver?

Try your hand at panning for gold in the James River while discovering Virginia’s unique geology.

Beat the heat at our River Bend Discovery Center!

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Have you ever wondered what swims in the shallows at Kiptopeke?

No matter how you say it, "si-kay-da" or "si-kah-da", you've got them around your neighborhood.

Do you know North America's favorite marsupial?

“What does the fox say?” Did you know that there are two different foxes found in Virginia, the red fox and the grey fox?

Discover our remote ranger station tucked into the salt marsh and learn about this unique ecosystem.

The Appalachian Mountains are home to many unique salamander species.

Slow down and take in the beauty of the James River and its vibrant landscapes!

Whether you're fascinated or a little rattled, snakes are a vital part of healthy ecosystems, and they’re not as scary as they seem.

Step into the spirit of America’s fight for independence with this ranger-led VA250 bingo game at Fairy Stone State Park.

Ever cared to create art outdoors?

Everyone loves a relaxing evening especially out on Hungry Mother Lake.

Hop on over for a hands-on adventure into the world of frogs. Join park staff as we search for some of Virginia’s native frog species and their tadpoles.

Take a float as day turns into twilight, and the creatures of the night arise.

Been itching to go fishing?

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Get ready for adventure!

Calling all bird lovers, do you know how to identify a bird by its song?

Have you ever shot a bow and arrow before?

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail (0.81mi.).

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Take a fascinating hike and discover the rich history of James River State Park, from ancient fossils to the American Civil War and beyond.

Enjoy a relaxing morning by taking a guided kayak paddle through the marshes of Back Bay.

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Birds need a home for their babies to survive, just like people.

Art or Trash?

Second only to humans in the ability to change their environment to fit their needs, learn just how smart a beaver can be.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

Animals have some amazing feats and hold some amazing records.

Fly through the gardens of Twins Lakes State Park on your quest to find resources and claim your flower before it's gone! Join us for this "musical chairs" based program competing to keep your resources before habitat loss ensues.

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Ever wondered what makes coyotes such successful survivors in our backyards and beyond?

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Step into the shoes of an archaeologist and uncover the secrets of an owl’s diet!

Whirling winds and random rainstorms, who knows what the summer weather will bring!

This program is a part of our blast to the past week!

It's feeding time in our Chesapeake Bay Lab!

Express yourself on the trail with a stylish and unique hiking stick you designed and decorated yourself.

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Trees are vital to our environment.

Who made those footprints?

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother.

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

Step into the quiet, mysterious woods of Douthat State Park after dark for an unforgettable experience.

Kayak season is here!

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Explore historic Prince Edward Lake on this guided canoe tour led by rangers.

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Bent Creek and Canoe Landing!

Get ready for adventure!

National Canoe and Kayak Day is here and we want you join us for a Kayak Paddle trip to fossil beach! Westmoreland sits upon cliffs filled with fossils that are revealed over time and polished by the Potomac River. Come learn about the features and creatures of our river while enjoying beautiful views of our cliffs along the way!  Never kayaked?

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

Meet with a ranger and go on a one-mile guided hike along the Oak Hickory Trail, rated as a moderate hike.

Explore the park’s different ecosystems that provide habitats for an array of unique mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and birds.

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

Beat the heat at our River Bend Discovery Center!

If you're curious about trees, satisfy your curiosity on this Arbor Adventure!  Join a ranger on Chippoax Trace Trail to identify Chippokes' fauna, specifically trees.  This trail takes visitors from rolling farm fields, into canopied woodlands, and to a worthwhile scenic view of the beautiful salt marshes of Chippokes.

Find out what lurks below the surface of the swamp in this fun dip-netting adventure!

Join a park ranger for a 1.5 mile hike along Eagle's Rest Trail at Hayfields State Park.

Look at all the trash around us; near our homes, along the roadsides, in farm fields, at the park.

Description: Join a ranger for an eye-opening look at nature’s clean-up crew!

Are you Bear Aware?

Ever wonder what the fish are doing when they dive deep under water?

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat State Park.

How can you determine the approximate age of a box turtle?

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Insects may be ugly to some folks, but that "ugliness" allows for them to survive.

What will we scoop up this time?

Discover what the tiny creatures living beneath the water’s surface can tell us about the health of a stream.

Paddling a kayak gives you a new perspective of the world.

Find out what's at Staunton River State Park!

Meet Natural Tunnel's wildlife ambassador, Popcorn the corn snake.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

The rangers will have a variety of craft materials available so you can let your creativity flow like Swift Creek. This program encourages artistic expression, enhances fine motor skills and encourages teamwork.

Visit a ranger at Massie Gap to learn about different creatures that live within the park.

Can you recall taking a break on a hot summer day and sitting under the shade of a maple tree, or swinging on a tire swing hung from a giant oak? Trees provide many benefits including food, shelter, and oxygen, to both humans and wildlife.

Join us to create your own "LOVE" sign while discovering the story behind Virginia's famous slogan "Virginia is for Lovers"!

Ever wondered what a skunk’s fur feels like, or how big a bobcat’s skull really is?

This is a “casting” call for miniatures enthusiasts and historic craft fans!

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

Have you ever wondered what swims in the shallows at Kiptopeke?

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boom town. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

Get creative when you build your very own bug at this ranger-led program.

Build your very own bug hotel to help provide a habitat for beneficial insects. Your creation will offer pollinators a special space where they can breed and grow!

Come say hello to Ranger Shelly, our red-eared slider and local shellebrity. Join us at the beach as she enjoys some sunshine and enrichment time.

Trees have magical qualities that provide us with many important everyday items, as well as a large portion of the oxygen we breathe.

First Landing is home to many creatures both large and small.

Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Let us keep the kids entertained while the adults set up or take a break from setting up and stop by for a quick craft; discussion of Belle Isle's history; or a lesson on critters.

Camp out by the Natural Bridge and spend the night on Cedar Creek Trail.

Attract the local pollinator friends with these seed bombs for your garden!

Come explore the historic town of Fries! A park ranger will share stories of local history and show what remains of the once thriving textile industry.

Ready to hit the water with confidence?

Do you know the rich history of Virginia's Eastern Shore?

Join our rangers as we create owls with pine cones and other natural elements found in the park.