Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 20, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov
Natural Bridge State Park receives national recognition as a certified Nature Explore Classroom
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Children's Discovery Area)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Children's Discovery Area)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Children's Discovery Area)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Children's Discovery Area)
NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. – Natural Bridge State Park’s Children’s Discovery Area has become a certified Nature Explore Classroom, joining a select group of outdoor learning environments recognized nationwide for quality, creativity and engagement.
Located along the scenic Skyline Trail, the Children’s Discovery Area has long been a highlight for families visiting the park. Featuring the interactive Kids in Parks Track Trail and an immersive play space designed with natural materials, it already offered dynamic, hands-on learning experiences.
With its certification, which comes from the Nature Explore program, a division of the nonprofit Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, the Children’s Discovery Area meets stringent standards in design, maintenance, staff training and family involvement.
Natural Bridge State Park is the second Virginia State Park to earn the certification. Sky Meadows State Park’s Children’s Discovery Area became a Nature Explore Classroom in 2018.
“Achieving Nature Explore Classroom certification reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, nature-based learning experiences for children,” said Park Manager Jim Jones. “This thoughtfully designed space is more than just a natural play area; it’s a place where kids can connect with the outdoors and families can make memories.”
The Children’s Discovery Area opened in October 2020. The play space was made possible with support from Advanced Drainage Systems, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Claytor Nature Center, Dominion Power, the Friends of Natural Bridge State Park, the Garden Club of Virginia, Lowe’s and The Freedom Food Festival.
To access the Children’s Discovery Area, guests should park at the Skyline Trailhead. The standard parking fee of $5 per car applies.
For more information about the Nature Explore Classroom at the Children’s Discovery Area, please go to https://certified.natureexplore.org/natural-bridge-state-parkchildrens-discovery-area/.
To learn more about Natural Bridge State Park, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/natural-bridge.
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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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