If you have kids or grandchildren, chances are you have summer activities on your mind. Visiting one (or several) of Virginia’s state parks should be at the top of the list! Set a bucket list goal of experiencing fun outdoor adventures together and find something the whole family can enjoy at these ten parks. 

1. Grab a paddle and hit the lake at Hungry Mother State Park.

Hungry Mother’s 108-acre lake is a great spot to try paddleboarding, but there are several watercraft options to suit your family. Boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and paddleboats are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. For additional convenience, the swimming beach has a bathhouse and concession area.  

Bonus parks: Bear Creek Lake, Holliday Lake, Pocahontas, Twin Lakes, Fairy Stone, Occoneechee, Douthat and Smith Mountain Lake also offer seasonal boat rentals. Looking for more speed? Claytor Lake, Occoneechee and Smith Mountain Lake state parks’ boat rentals also include motorboats.  

Click here for more information on boat rentals. 
 

2. Bike on a former railroad line at New River Trail State Park. 

Four Virginia State Parks have a rails-to-trails trail, but New River Trail is the oldest and the longest. The 57-mile linear park includes 39 miles of trail that runs parallel to the scenic and historic New River. The gentle slope is conducive for cyclists of all ages. Plus, the two tunnels, views of kayakers and a historic Shot Tower visit along the way make it exciting. Seeking extra adventure? The Hoover Mountain Biking Area offers five loops with seven trails. 

Bonus parks: High Bridge, Staunton River Battlefield and Wilderness Road are also rails-to-trails state parks. 

Click here for more information on biking rails-to-trails. 
 

3. Cast a line at Douthat State Park. 

Not only does Douthat have a 50-acre lake stocked with trout during the fee season and offer excellent largemouth bass fishing, but those family members 12 years old and under will love the special kids-only fishing area. Be sure to check the stocking schedule, licenses and permit requirements, and other details on the park’s webpage. 

Bonus park: Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean fishing on your list? Kiptopeke State Park has a large, lighted fishing pier, providing great access for your fishing adventures.  

Click here for more information on fishing. 
 

4. Aim for the bullseye at Bear Creek Lake State Park. 

Excelsior bales, 3D and paper or mesh targets are ready to help you sharpen your archery skills. Certified instructors are also available to help make a first-time experience fun and educational. At Bear Creek Lake, visitors will find a 10-lane archery range and equipment rentals on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Bonus: Learn the basics of archery in the Let’s Go on an Archery Adventure. This 1-to-2 hour program for ages 10 years and older is offered at several state parks as part of the Let’s Go Adventures series of programs. 

Click here to learn more about the Let’s Go on an Archery Adventure program. 
 

5. Float down a river at Powhatan State Park. 

A flat 2-mile stretch of the James River, between Launch A and Launch C, provides a leisurely way to cool off during the warm summer months. Always check the current swimming and boating conditions of the James River before beginning your float. Learn safety tips in this video. Powhatan State Park offers several guided tubing tours during the summer. Space is limited and children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult, but this is an ideal way to float the river. The $20 registration fee per participant includes interpretations of wildlife and history, as well as a shuttle. 

Bonus park: The seasonally operated Boat and Bike Livery at Foster Falls in New River Trail State Park offers shuttles and tube rentals, as well as boat and bike rentals.  

Click here to learn more about floating on the James River in Powhatan State Park. 
 

6. Sleep like the ancient at Kiptopeke State Park. 

While several Virginia State Parks offer this modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter, Kiptopeke’s yurt accommodations include one with deluxe features. All four yurts are tucked away in wooded areas with privacy, shade and bay views, but the deluxe unit sleeps six and provides air-conditioning, heat and a refrigerator. Staying overnight in a state park opens up even more time and opportunities for adventure. Why not make it a unique and fun stay? 

Click here to read about how to make the most of a yurt stay at Virginia State Parks. 
 

7. Play all day at Twin Lakes State Park.  

When kids have the chance to go from building sandcastles on the shore to building imaginations and friendships in a water playground, endless entertainment ensues. That is what Twin Lakes provides at its seasonally guarded swimming beach.  

Bonus parks: Bear Creek Lake, Holliday Lake and Fairy Stone also offer seasonally guarded swimming beaches with in-water playgrounds. 

Click here to learn more about swimming beaches. 
 

8. Experience tunnel vision with a unique hike at Natural Tunnel State Park.  

Kids ages 8 years and up will love channeling their inner Daniel Boone and walking in the footsteps of early adventurers. This ranger-guided hike that requires crossing boulders, rocks and the creek will reward you with a stunning inside view of the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Check the schedule for Stock Creek Passage tours and note that pre-registration and fee are required as well as appropriate footwear. A train may even pass through while in the tunnel providing an extra thrill. If not, the park’s chairlift is always an option for a thrilling adventure!  

Bonus parks: The energetic family will enjoy the scenic views from the strenuous 4-mile Molly’s Knob Trail at Hungry Mother. Little Mountain Falls Trail at Fairy Stone provides a moderate 3.5-mile loop through the forest with fun creek crossings and a waterfall. At James River State Park, those with various levels of hiking experience appreciate the Tye River Overlook by hiking the easy 3-mile Dixon and Cabell Trail loop.  

Click here to learn more about hiking. 
 

9. Treasure hunt like a pirate at Westmoreland State Park. 

Beachcombing takes on a new level of adventure at Fossil Beach in Westmoreland. Hunting for fossilized shark teeth along the shores of this stunning secluded beach provides hours of fun for all ages. 

Bonus parks: Shark teeth hunting opportunities can be found at Chippokes and York River as well. Have a family of pirates but are unable to travel to the coast? Check out Fairy Stone State Park’s dig site. 

Click here for the treasure map of Westmoreland. 
 

10. Make a splash at Pocahontas State Park. 

Nothing says summertime quite like a swimming pool. At Pocahontas, the seasonally operated Aquatic Recreation Center is more than just a pool. A toddler pool, fountain wet deck, 3-foot and 5-foot deep leisure pools, two tubular water slides and an activity pool make this spot a fun place to cool off with the family. 

Bonus parks: The Splash Park at Occoneechee provides refreshing summer enjoyment and the unique water park facility, Splash! in the Park, at Breaks Interstate Park offers exciting water fun. And don’t forget those natural pools! Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded lake beach swimming is available at Douthat, Hungry Mother, Claytor Lake, Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake and more. 

Click here to learn more about swimming at Pocahontas. 

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Looking for more summer activity ideas for the family? Click here to visit the events database for a variety of events taking place at Virginia State Parks.