Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Twin Lakes State Park has a pretty strong message for you:

Time to stop piddling about the house and start paddling around the lake, and more!

Time to paddle at Twin Lakes State Park

Spring has returned to central Virginia. The grass is growing, the first flower blossoms are showing, and everywhere there are signs that the days are getting longer and warmer. 
 
Pretty soon the air won’t just be filled with the buzz of bees and birdcalls but that other of sign of spring: excited children out of school for Spring Break!
 
Here is our challenge to you, where we throw down the gauntlet
This year, instead of kids spending the week inside playing video games and complaining of nothing to do, why not get them outside to learn new things at an award winning Virginia State Park
 
At Twin Lakes State Park we’re welcoming Spring Break with two incredible weeks (March 27-April 12, 2015) of programs designed specifically to get everyone out of the house and engrossed in nature.
 
Here are just a few of the thirty-plus programs featured during our Spring Break Event. The full list of activities can be found here:
 

 It's time to disconnect the Xbox and reconnect with nature

It’s time to disconnect the Xbox and reconnect with nature
 

With over six miles of wooded trails, Twin Lakes State Park offers some great chances to discover wildlife in a natural setting.
 
One of the great things about the arrival of spring is seeing all the flora and fauna reemerge for another year. From slip-sliding turtles and galloping fawns to dogwood blossoms opening at dawn, you never know what you will find. 
 
During our Spring Break celebration, we will have daily guided or self-guided hikes for all ages. Whether it’s learning all about our native trees, about the different edible and inedible plant-life you may find in the woods, or about the habits and habitats of beavers, we’ll have a nature program fit for you.
 

 Learn to paddle at Twin Lakes State Park

It's time to quit piddling about the house and start paddling around the lake
 

Learn how to paddle your own canoe!

Learn the ins and outs of canoeing and enjoy a splashing good time on the lake. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned paddler, you will love this fun packed family program. Closed toe shoes required and there is a minimum age of 6.

 

It’s time to put Game of War on hold and learn about some games of old
Our Good Ole Games program does this that and more. In this age of smart devices and instant digital gratification, it’s important to step away every once in a while and remember what it was like to be a kid in the old days. Adventure back into the 1850s and learn about the types of games children enjoyed in the antebellum era. You will even get to make and take home a replica game of your own.

 

Archer at Twin Lakes
It's time to put down the phone & tablet & pick up a bow & arrow

 

Now we’re talking! 
Join us for one of our Archery programs and learn the ins and outs of hitting the bull’s-eye. Our interpreters are trained marksmen and will have you hitting your target in no time, while also instilling the importance of safety and patience (relax, mom; we’ve got this covered).  

 

Fishing at Twin Lakes

It’s time to quit sitting and get fishing!

 

The spring time is a great time to learn the basics of fishing 
With the water warming and fish becoming more active, our Fishing 101 program is the perfect opportunity for anyone to learn the very basics of angling. We provide everything but the fish for this program; the fish are on you.

 

Geocaching at Twin Lakes
It’s time to quit button smashing and discover geocaching

 

Not every activity in the woods today is without technology 
Come learn the new way to scavenger hunt. Hint: it involves satellites. Our interpreter will teach you all the basics of geocaching, then release you to see how many of ours you can find. Geocaching is a fun way to explore our park and a great activity that involves both the mind and body being active. 

 

It’s time to stop digging holes with your mom and start panning for gold with us
Join our interpreter for an exercise in prospecting. 

In this program, you will learn what it was like to be part of the gold rush and learn the technique involved in gold-panning. 

 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be Indiana Jones?

Well then, have we got the program for you!  Our interpretive staff will teach you all about archaeological discovery, complete with your own mock dig. What treasures will you find? Note: Battling Nazis for sacred artifacts is always a possibility when becoming an archaeologist, so wear comfortable shoes. 

 

It’s time to quit wasting hours and start building fires
Ever wanted to learn survival skills? 
Our trained interpretive staff will teach you everything you need to know about safely building a campfire in all sorts of weather conditions.

 

And while it’s true that I could keep coming up with ridiculous ways of saying ”go outside and play" during Spring Break, and how we’re the perfect place for fun adventurous outdoor activities, all good things must come to an end...
 
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? 
 
Note: Some programs require additional fees. For more information, please contact the Park Office at (434) 392-3435 or email here. We’re centrally located in the state and also offer waterfront overnight cabin accommodations

 

 

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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