Virginia State Parks has a reputation for making quite a stir with the toddlers on up, helping to make fond memories for visitors' young and old. From catching their first fish to hiking their first trail before they are even out of diapers.

Some say our Virginia State Parks are proving grounds where kids learn to walk, swim and bike. Where they can tackle some of our hills and easier trails, paddle our smaller lakes and ponds while they are still green. Instilling in these youngsters a love for the great outdoors and sparking interest in one day achieving the bigger mountains and trails like the Colorado Rockies or Mount Whitney, or thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. 

Here are two proud families that did just that, they introduced Virginia State Parks while their kids were still young. Let's stand back and see where they go!

FIRST FISH

Catching bluegill from Beaver Lake at Pocahontas State Park 

I love spending time at Pocahontas State Park. My fondest memory is from May 2014, when I took my 3 year old daughter, Allison, fishing for the first time at Beaver Lake in the park. Allison caught 4 bluegill that day and she wanted her picture taken with each one. Sharing my love of the outdoors with Allison, gives us a great opportunity to create memories we’ll cherish forever.

 - Kevin Potter          

STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

Before they were even a year old they visited their first Virginia State Park

My husband and I decided to take our daughters to Leesylvania State Park for a brisk walk and to capture photos right before their first birthday. We all loved seeing the water, the colors of the leaves, and our girls experienced the swings for the first time.

- Aileen Daly

Thanks for the memories...