School break and graduation are here, so let's find some cool things for young adults to do this summer at Virginia State Parks. This is part 2 and we'll explore fun stuff to do for teenagers, aged 13-18.

1. l STANDUP PADDLEBOARDING

This sport benefits athletes with a strong core workout and unlike surfing; paddleboarding is very easy to learn. Within one hour you can become very comfortable in the water and on your board. 

Variations include flat water paddling for outdoor recreation (this is the main idea for SUP at Virginia State Parks), fitness, or sightseeing, racing on lakes, large rivers and canals, surfing on ocean waves, paddling in river rapids (whitewater), Paddleboard yoga and even fishing.

Click here to find a SUP rental at your favorite Virginia State Park.

2. | BOULDERING

Grayson Highlands State Park is known as the best bouldering site in Virginia. On the park’s mountainous slopes are four main boulder fields and three smaller fields with more than 700 named climbing routes, also known as problems. The park’s geology, which is unique in the Southeast, makes it well-suited to bouldering. Climbers will find rhyolite at higher elevations as well as a metaconglomerate in a quartzite matrix elsewhere in the park. These provide steep faces with angular features including rails, flakes and edges that ensure bouldering opportunities for climbers of all skill levels.

The summer weather at the park is ideal for bouldering. Several boulder fields have an elevation of more than 4,900 feet, with temperatures in the 70s and cool breezes that allow climbing throughout summer.

Climbing is inherently dangerous; all safety precautions should be taken. Stop by the contact station or office to register as a climber in case of an emergency. The park has two crash pads available for rent. It also sells chalk, chalk bags, cleaning brushes and the Grayson Highlands Bouldering Guidebook. For more information about the bouldering opportunities at Grayson Highlands, visit the Mountain Project.

 

3. | CAVING

Get down and dirty with this two-hour wild cave tour at Natural Tunnel State Park. Explore the underground world of caves in their true form. Crawl through crevasses and waddle through tunnels. View the archeology room, soda straws, and columns. There are no special effects/lights or sidewalks in the caves. Guests will be given a helmet, with a LED light on it, along with gloves and knee pads. Expect to get dirty during exploration.

To register or for more information, call (276) 940-2674. Click here to search for the next Wild Cave Tour. Pre-registration required. For your comfort and safety appropriate pants and close-toe shoes are required. 

 

4. | ARCHERY

Bows and arrows have long been a part of human culture and a part of how we relate to the natural world. At this basic archery program at Bear Creek Lake State Park, learn about recurve and compound bows and how to use them.

Take your best shots, and get tips on how to shoot better. The equipment is not suitable for children under eight years of age. $5.00 per person, family rates available. Limited spaces are available as this is a specific park program. Advance registration is required through the Park Office, call to find out the next available date. Water and restrooms are not available at the range.

 

5. |  MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain biking is a popular outdoor sport at Pocahontas State Park, with competitions like the Adventure Series and for recreational riders. 

More than 25 miles of directional mountain biking trails including traditional single-track, machine-built flow trail, and hand-cycle friendly trails. These trails, along with the James River Parks Systems trails, combine to form the IMBA bronze level Richmond Regional Ride Center.

See the current bike trail status here.

Multi-Use - About 33 miles of forest roads and trails help comprise the trail system for combined use by hikers, bikers and equestrians. Standalone forest roads provide roughly 12 miles of additional opportunities. (Photo credit: Shelly Liebler)

 

6. | DISC GOLF

Want to learn how to play the sport of Disc Golf? You are in luck, at Staunton River State Park we have a brand new trail dedicated as a Disc Golf Course. Join our park interpreter and other experienced Disc Golfers and test out your skills with the disc. Discs are provided at the visitor center, but you may bring your own if you wish. The program fee is $2.00 per person. A parking fee is required for those who are not staying in a cabin or the campground.

Find the next Disc Golf Intro program here, or just try it out any time on your own. You can still rent the discs at the park.

 

7. | SURVIVAL SKILLS 

What do you do if you find yourself in an emergency situation outdoors? Take this Survival Skills program at Mason Neck State Park to find out. We will take a look at basic outdoor skills such as fire starting, shelter building, and safety, and also work in teams to create your own fire and shelter.

This is a hands-on activity, so be sure to wear outdoor clothing and dress for the weather. Click here to search for the next survival program at Mason Neck, or other state parks.

 

8. | DIVE IN

Cool off this summer at a swimming beach at a state park, like this one at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. The park’s 500-foot beach is one of two public beaches on the lake. Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. Weather and other issues may at times force the suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is not advised.

Find other fun swimming holes here.

 

9. | PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT

Explore Fairy Stone State Park from a different point of view. Bring along your camera or smartphone to photograph unique areas and items located throughout the park. Hike along trails, walk along the beach and discover species of trees and animals you may not realize are in the park. This activity serves as a perfect memento of your trip to Fairy Stone State Park.

Stop by the Visitor Center or Park Office to collect your scavenger hunt list. Return with the pictures collected during your stay to receive a free prize.

 

WHAT ELSE CAN THEY DO?

Visit our events database here to find more fun events for your 'Tweens at Virginia State Parks. You can search by date, park or event type.

If you're interested in a specific program listed above, please go to the park's webpage or give them a call for the details. Reservations may be required for a program, so they'll know how many to anticipate. Be sure to follow us on Facebook here, check out Part 1: Little Angels here, and Part 2: Tweens.

To find a place to escape the heat, click here to search for swimming at Virginia State Parks. To learn more about fishing, click here.

STAY A FEW NIGHTS

Learn more about overnight lodging in our campgrounds, yurts and camping cabins here. If you would like to spend a few nights in a cabin or group lodge, click here.

Call 800-933-7275 to reserve your family getaway today.