Events in Virginia State Parks

Join us as we build a beaver to find out if their teeth, and other body parts, are useful, or just a cruel joke played by Mother Nature.

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.

Have you been fishing before?

Want to save the bees, butterflies, birds, and more?  Just plant native!  Even the smallest pollinator-friendly patch will make a difference.  At our pollinator garden workshop, you'll learn everything you need to know to get started and receive a planning packet to help create your own pollinator habitat at home.

Where does your water go?

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.

Join us for a Kayak Paddle trip to fossil beach!

Summer is a great time of year to take-in Southwest Virginia's beautiful scenery by bike.  This ranger-led bike meet up will go from Foster Falls to Austinville and back (10.4 miles round trip).  Group Ride: Rides will be at a group pace.

The Senior Ranger series is geared towards senior citizens who are interested in learning more about nature, outdoor skills, and history.

Join us on a guided golf cart tour of High Bridge where we will learn about the bridge's history and the role it played in the American Civil War.

Look up and learn about tree diversity in the park!

Explore the wonders of the Tutelo Trail with our park interpreter.

Learn everything you need to know to freshwater fish on your own with our fin-tastic fishing workshop! All you need to bring is yourself and a freshwater fishing license if above the age of 15.

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

The blue crab is one of the most iconic species of the Chesapeake Bay.

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

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!

Imagine spending your afternoon by the water, catching dragonflies and damselflies discovering all the little details you usually miss.

Come meet and greet Ranger Myrtle (our Red-Eared Slider turtle), Ranger Scout (our Western Hognose snake), and Ranger Brutus (our Copperhead snake) to discover what makes these rangers so special to Twin Lakes State Park.  Parks are for everyone.

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

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

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.

It's feeding time in our Chesapeake Bay Lab!

Jump in and explore the underwater side of the Shenandoah River!

Do you know what's living in our lake?

What does making a fire and baking have in common?

Customize your hiking stick and suddenly every trail feels more personal.

Some of Virginia's coolest mammals are rarely seen by humans.

Ever heard of a seed bomb?

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.

From the small eastern screech owl to the great horned owl, eight species of owls call Virginia home part or all of the year.   Get a glimpse into the mysterious world of our elusive nocturnal raptors.

Seine netting is a skill that dates back many centuries ago for people to enjoy the bounty of the seas.

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

Ever wondered what critters are crawling beneath the surface of a stream? Join us on a fun adventure as we search the stream for interesting, tiny critters: freshwater invertebrates.

“The Moon and stars are not above us; they are within us." --John Muir Come join our rangers on an evening hike through the Holly Marsh Trail to view the Full Moon rising above the Potomac River!

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

Join Park Staff for a majestic kayak paddle along the waters of Back Bay by the light of the moon.

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

Our park is known for its biodiversity and is home to many species of birds.

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

Walk alongside lush meadows and forest edges with your park ranger guide to look and listen for grassland birds, forest birds, and soaring raptors. Colorful summer migrants have flown thousands of miles from Central or South America to raise their young in Virginia.

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.

Join a ranger on a guided hike to learn more about different birds, plants, and ecosystems found in the park.

Start your day with a gentle adventure designed especially for young explorers and their families.

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

The York River was home to four manned lighthouses: Bells Rock, Pages Rock, Tue Marshes, and York Spit.

How can we be more sustainable when practicing our favorite hobbies?

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

Most people don't like to drop their camera in the lake, but the rangers at the park will do it on purpose.

Did you know 'creepy crawlies' are some of the world's most important recyclers?

Join us for a serene and fascinating Dragonfly Discovery Walk around the beautiful Oxbow Lake Park in St.

Migrate to the Discovery Center to learn about the fascinating "Fish Hawk".

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

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.

Bees get all the credit, but they're not the only pollinators.

Come celebrate national bird day with this fun Birding Bingo.

Let your creativity run wild as you dive into a world of nature-themed crafting fun. Young artists can choose from a variety of nature-inspired crafts such as animal masks, opossum puppets, butterflies, turkeys, or even a batteau craft.

Nature journaling is the intersection of art, science, and curiosity.

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

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.

Did you know the water you drink was once consumed by dinosaurs?

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our rangers who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Jump in and explore the underwater side of the Shenandoah River!

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

Meet Lake Anna State Park's animal ambassadors Flick, General Raphael, and Julia at the Visitor Center. Learn about the important roles Virginia reptiles play in the environment, snake safety tips, and what you can do to help protect wild reptiles.

Explore the remains of the Goodwin Gold Mine and learn how gold was discovered here by stepping in the stream, getting wet, and learning the techniques to pan for gold! This is a hands-on historical activity demonstration; everything found during panning must remain at the site except gold and pyrite.

The library is coming to the park!

While designing a cool animal tooth necklace, learn how to to identify different animal skulls like a mini wildlife scientist.

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

We can tell a great deal about an animal’s adaptations by looking at their skins and skulls.

Join us for a ranger-led hike highlighting the parks flora and fauna, historical sites, and unique ecology!    Please wear closed-toe shoes.

Dive into the history of the Occaneechi Tribe that once called Occoneechee State Park home.

Ever wondered what stories Douthat State Park holds?

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

Slither, crawl, and shellabrate with us as we dive into the wild world of reptiles.

Frogs, crawdads, and children - oh my!

Are you an expert angler or looking to pick up a couple fishing tips?

Can you track the ranger out on the trail?

Have we sparked your interest?

High Bridge has long stood at the crossroads of technology, war, and community life.

Hike along the riverbanks of the James River through the park's riparian forest to discover the fascinating history and wonders of the pawpaw tree.

Join us at the amphitheater for a warm welcome, camping tips, and marshmallow roasting at our weekly welcome campfire!  Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. .

Try your hand at reeling in some fun with Backyard Bass, an interactive casting game designed for visitors of all ages.

Expand your survival skills by learning how to build a fire!

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Enjoy a canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek!

Enjoy a relaxing evening canoe paddle with a park ranger as they share various ecological and biological features we encounter on our journey. No experience needed; all equipment is provided.

End your week with a relaxing paddle along Swift Creek Lake.

Keep an eye out around the campgrounds for a ranger carrying a fascinating historical or natural item from the park.

Enjoy the beautiful park setting as you are entertained by some of our very own local musicians.

Come join the party!

Start your weekend off right with s’mores and more!

Enjoy a beautiful moonlight paddle on the lower Potomac River.

What is paracord, and what is it used for?

Welcome to Fairy Stone State Park!

Explore an enchanting evening amidst the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night!

Everyone has heard of dancing in the moonlight, but what about kayaking?