Summer break is here for some of us and just around the corner for everyone else, so let's check out some cool things for families with kids to do this summer at Virginia State Parks.

Grab a paddle and hit the water at Douthat State Park

If you're looking for some fun and adventure this summer, then you might want to check out this list. These seven parks offer up seasonal adventures that your teens, tweens and younger children are sure to enjoy. 

1. GIDDY UP HORSEBACK RIDING - NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK

Horseback riding at New River Trail State Park

Go for a ride at New River Trail State Park. Bringing your own horse? The 57-mile multi-use trail is great for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Except for a two-mile section from Galax to Cliffview, the trail is available for horseback riding. Horse trailers must be parked at the Austinville, Cliffview, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe, Pulaski (Dora Junction) and Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex (Foster Falls) entrances

2. HOOK LINE AND SINKER FISHING - HUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK

Fishing for quality time, or you might catch a lunker at Hungry Mother State Park

Many parks offer fishing programs like Hungry Mother State Park. Also, there is no fishing license required if you are under 16, so it's a great chance to learn something new. The 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake within the park supports a host of sport fish, including largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid striped and spotted bass, as well as crappie, channel and flathead catfish, carp, sunfish, rock bass, muskellunge and walleye.

There are fishing programs at many of our parks. Click here to find one.

3. PADDLEBOAT RACES - FAIRY STONE STATE PARK

Your paddleboat armada at Fairy Stone State Park awaits

Boat rentals are available daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day at Fairy Stone State Park.  Boat rentals may be unavailable because of inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Be sure to call ahead if this is the sole reason for your visit. Rowboats, paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes may be rented during the summer season.

Paddleboats are just $15 an hour, and after an hour of peddling them around the little Fairy Stone lake, you'll probably be ready for a swim. Rates and fees for all park equipment rentals can be found here.

4. STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW ARCHERY - BEAR CREEK LAKE STATE PARK

Beginner basic archery at Bear Creek Lake State Park

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 park has a 10-lane archery range with excelsior bales and 3D targets. The range, which is managed by the staff of Bear Creek Lake State Park, is open from the first weekend in March through the first weekend in December. Archery instruction sessions, overseen by a USA Archery-certified instructor, are offered regularly to the public.

5. HYDRO-BIKING - DOUTHAT STATE PARK

See the lake from your very own hydrobike at Douthat State Park

Rent a Hydrobike at Douthat State Park and explore the lake. Funyaks and Jon boats, with and without electric motors, can be rented from the first Saturday in April through the end of October. Also, canoes, paddleboats, hydrobikes and paddleboards may be rented from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Guests should go to the camp store for rentals. The boathouse is located adjacent to the swimming beach. Get in on this fun for just $10 per hour. Call if you have any questions: 540-862-8100.

6. WATER PLAYGROUND -  TWIN LAKES STATE PARK

Endless summer fun at Twin Lakes State Park

The swimming beach in-water playground provides endless hours of fun for the little ones at Twin Lakes State Park. Unguarded swimming is available in the designated swimming area of Goodwin Lake year-round at no cost. 

WHAT ELSE TO DO?

Visit our events database here to find more fantastic fun for your whole family 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 or subscribe to the eNews.

To find a place to escape the heat, click here to learn about 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 adventurous family getaway today.