Posted July 7, 2015 | Updated June 7, 2017

We have a great big playground chock-full of fun things to do outside year-round in Virginia, and we have parks located from the mountains to the seashore, so we believe you can find "your thing" at a Virginia State Park.

With 41 Virginia State Parks to choose from, it may be hard to get out to see and do it all, so I compiled this second list of 10 more things you'll want to see and do at Virginia State Parks.

I thoroughly enjoy all these things that help me immerse myself in the great outdoors at Virginia State Parks, and hope you will too. Let's see if we can find your thing:

Take the chairlift to the tunnel floor at Natural Tunnel State Park

Traipse the boardwalk along Mulberry Creek to learn about life in the marsh at Belle Isle State Park

Rent something to peddle or paddle at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

1. Paddle/Peddle at Smith Mountain Lake State Park 

This is a great way to sit low in the water in a kayak, canoe, paddleboat or hydro-bike where you can cruise quietly past loons, herons, woodpeckers and kingfishers. The hydro-bikes are rentable from the concessions between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

2. Ride bikes around Chippokes State Park.

This is a flat and easy ride through the historic old plantation and past the fields of peanuts, soybeans an cotton. This park has been a working farm since 1619. Cruise along this bygone era and make a stop at the old farm and forestry museum, ride past the donkeys and farm animals and even pause to catch your breath along the historic James River.

3. Chairlift down to the tunnel floor at Natural Tunnel State Park 

This is a wonderful way to get to the bottom of the tunnel without all the steps going down, and an even better way to go back up. Once at the bottom you can play along the creek and watch the trains as they go through the tunnel.

Bring your camera as this place is bursting

at the seams with Kodak Moments

4. Dine at The Restaurant at Hungry Mother State Park 

This original CCC built restaurant offers some great views of the lake at Hungry Mother State Park. I recommend you sit outside under an umbrella in the fresh air. If you listen carefully you can hear the children laughing and splashing at the swimming beach.

5. Tubing at James River State Park 

You cannot visit the beautiful James River in the Blue Ridge Foothills as it flows effortlessly to the sea without wanting to get in it to cool off, and for that you can rent tubes at The Livery where they will even pick you back up, click here for more details.

6. Picnic on the battlefield at Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park 

Walk in the footsteps of history at this historic Civil War Battlefield. On April 6, 1865, nearly a quarter of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's army, more than 7,700 men, were killed, wounded or captured here. Lee surrendered 72 hours later at Appomattox Court House. Pack a picnic and ponder the tragedy that occurred here 150 years ago, and enjoy the freedom to visit today.

7. Bacon and eggs at Twin Lake State Park 

This state park (which is two-parks-in-one if you want to count it that way) in central Virginia has quaint waterfront cabins that are the perfect place to wake up to bacon and eggs, and a hot cup of coffee with the one you love. There is also a great little campground, which makes you feel like you are a million miles away. Many fond memories are made at Twin Lakes State Park.

8. Concert at Pocahontas State Park 

The Heritage Amphitheater at this state park was first built by the CCC in 1938 and rebuilt in 1997, this outdoor venue holds up to 4,000 visitors. The amphitheater has bench seating for up to 350, and additional spectators take seats on a gentle, grassy slope. The area has an elevated stage with backdrop, restrooms, walkways, and a concession stand. 

9. Boardwalk along the creek at Belle Isle State Park 

Not only do you have trails, playground, picnic area and river frontage to enjoy at Belle Isle State Park, but there is a scenic boardwalk along Mulberry Creek. The park lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. The park lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. 

10. Watch the cargo ships at First Landing State Park 

You can see just about everything on the water from 20th century schooners to war ships, as they navigate the Atlantic Ocean and enter at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay right in front of First Landing State Park. There is a viewing station with binoculars as well if you are eager to get a closer look. The park also has 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage. Don't miss the Trail Center with Bald Cypress swamp directly behind it.

B O N U S

Stay in a new park cabin at Twin Lakes State Park for 25% off 

These new cabins have been built at the park since this article originally ran in 2015, call 800-933-7275 to find out more. Here is the cool bonus part: ANY AVAILABLE CABIN AT ANY VIRGINIA STATE PARK for the upcoming weekend is always 25% off if booked on that Thursday or Friday through our reservation center.

Be spontaneous, pack a weekend bag then make the call to see what fun park you can explore

Check out the living room in the new Cabin 2 at Twin Lakes State Park in central Virginia

We'll put the coffee on and hope to see you soon, 

Click here for a map of all of our Virginia State Parks

Editor's note: Many of the activities above are seasonal. Livery runs are seasonal, as is the chairlift and restaurant, so be sure to call the park ahead of your visit if this is the sole purpose of going to that specific park.

We are replaying this series to introduce you to more great things to see and do at Virginia State Parks. If you have any comments or feedback, please feel free to share with us on our Facebook page here. We are always interested in hearing your thoughts and insight.

See Part 1 of this series here: Things You'll Want to See and Do at Virginia State Parks

Posted July 7, 2015 | Updated June 7, 2017