You don't have to be an avid hiker to experience the benefits of being outside at a Virginia State Park. The parks are great stomping grounds for walks, bike rides, swimming and even just getting muddy can be good old fashioned, healthy fun.

Hiking to the top of Molly's Knob Trail at Hungry Mother State Park

Let's turn back the tide of time and explore some of the things that used to get us outside:

• When you were a kid did you ever play in a creek?
• When you were a kid did you ever roller-skate?
• When you were a kid did you ever bike ride?
• When you were a kid did you ever build a fort?
• When you were a kid did you ever make sandcastles or mud pies?
• When you were a kid did you ever run through the sprinkler?
• When you were a kid did you ever play on a fallen log?
• When you were a kid did you ever fish with grandpa?

Fishing with Grandpa at Claytor Lake State Park

Riding bikes at Lake Anna State Park in the Fall

Bring a shovel and bucket to build a fine sand castle 

Have some fun, go ahead

There is no reason we can't do some of these things today. Are we wound up so tight that we have forgotten what fun really is?

Spending time outside can help boost your focus, unplug and allow yourself to see and hear the little things that you may have overlooked like children laughing or birds singing. You can let go of the worries of the day and actually recharge your batteries. Fresh air, sunshine and even getting a little dirty can be the right recipe for what ails you (mentally and physically).

We've got you covered

For 80 years Virginia State Parks has been your sprinkler, sandcastle, fort, creek, trail and fishing hole. If you haven't been to a Virginia State Park lately, we hope you can come and check us out soon, we are your stomping ground.

It feels great to play outside and it does a body good