Events in Virginia State Parks

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with this monthly series of true nature walks!

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Self-Guided Activity  New River Trail State Park has more than 127 bird species; you're sure to see waterfowl, songbirds, and the occasional Bald Eagle and Osprey.

New River Trail State Park has more than 127 bird species including ducks, songbirds, and Bald Eagles.

The park is proud to be a part of this annual birdwatching event by providing a place for you to participate.

Join the park (and the world) in participating in the 28th annual Great Backyard Bird Count held Friday, February 13, through Monday, February 16, 2026.

Self-Guided Activity  James River State Park has a wide variety of bird species; you're sure to see waterfowl, songbirds, and the occasional Bald Eagle and Osprey.

Self-Guided Activity  James River State Park has over 186 bird species; you're sure to see waterfowl, songbirds, and the occasional Bald Eagle and Osprey.

Rangers from Leesylvania State Park will take your little ones on a nature adventure with reading, games, and crafts.

From the small eastern screech owl to the great horned owl, eight species of owls call Virginia home part or all of the year.   Get a glimpse into the mysterious world of our elusive nocturnal raptors.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Let your Friday afternoons be filled with natural  and historical wonders.  Join us for a closer look at some of the interesting things about our ecosystem and region.

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

As winter continues, it becomes harder for our feathery friends to find food.

Join us this cool February to witness the vibrant colors of soaring birds amongst the snowy landscape.

Take a night time saunter with one of our interpreters and discover how owls master life after dark.

"The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson With the use of a Celestron telescope, view the astral bodies up close and learn about the history of the stars.

'Whooo' will hear 'whooo' first?

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an international event held every year to help understand and protect our birds.

Have you ever seen or heard an actual owl call in the night?

Need a night out?

Discover the secrets of the night as we explore the nocturnal world of coyotes and foxes.

Start your Saturday with a peaceful hike as we search for some of the park’s most beloved bird species.

The park is proud to be a part of this annual birdwatching event by providing a place for you to participate.

This program explores the lives of the thousands of enslaved people who freed themselves by moving toward Union lines during the final months of the war.

Event Registration is full!

Join the park (and the world) in participating in the 28th annual Great Backyard Bird Count held Friday, February 13, through Monday, February 16, 2024.

Join us at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park for our “Birding in the Gap” series, held on the second Saturday of each month during the months of February, April, June and November.

Staunton River Battlefield has a wide variety of habitats such as rivers, woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands that offer an abundance of bird species.

Do something special for your heart- your own heart, your sweetheart, and those dear to your heart!

Find out which reptiles and amphibians call First Landing home! Located within the trail center, the Discovery Room is welcome to all ages.

This program will train guests to focus on the present moment, observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and enhance their awareness of the mind-body connection.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir Join our rangers on a guided hike and learn about our native species, park history, and wetland habitat.

There are many stories to tell about Sweet Run State Park.

Join the rangers to give back a bit of your time and help maintain the beauty of York River.

Love birds?

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Fall in love with the great outdoors this Valentine’s Day!

Teens and adults are invited to slow down, step outside, and discover how nature journaling can change the way you notice the world around you.

Celebrate love and nature this Valentine’s Day with a romantic Sweetheart Stroll at Douthat State Park.

Dust off your wings, grab your bow and arrows, and see what it takes to become just like Cupid.

Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea.

Have you ever wondered about the birds in your area?

No one loves us better than our four-legged companions!  Join us for a tail-wagging adventure along the scenic Bluebell Trail of Shenandoah River State Park!

Ready to play detective?

Join us on Valentine's Day to observe the birds around us, using the ebird and Merlin Bird ID apps.

Is it love for life, within the animal kingdom?

Have you ever wanted to identify the different birds in your yard or even start bird watching as a hobby?  If so, this program is for you.  We'll go over the basics of finding and identifying birds, the basic equipment you might need, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your birding adventures!

Come celebrate national bird day with this fun Birding Bingo.

Join the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry (NOVAAR) Club as their model rockets go up, up, and away.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Did you know that about 90% of all bird species are monogamous?

This Valentine's Day, skip the chocolates (or work them off) and show your heart some love on the trail.  Join us for a fun, feel-good hike that gets your heart pumping while you enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and great company.

Bring songbirds to your backyard!

Join us for a guided winter hike to discover the hidden homes of park wildlife and special B.A.R.K.

Slow down and take in the beauty of the James River and its vibrant landscapes!

Think you can’t draw?

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a wild twist.

Let's walk back in time through the exhibits here at Occoneechee State Park and learn about the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation.

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

Love is in the air!  There's no better gift for Valentine's Day than to bring your special someone to a state park!

Dust off your wings, grab your bow and arrows, and see what it takes to become just like Cupid.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Join Rangers for an afternoon of valentine's themed crafting!

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

This Valentines Day, we are giving some love to our animal ambassador Maverick!

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Description: Join a ranger for an eye-opening look at nature’s clean-up crew!

You may know of Cupid, the cherub with a fist full of arrows with which to pop love into hearts, and a symbol of Valentine's Day.

Is your belt loop or heart feeling a little empty?

Celebrate the beauty of nature with an array of nature-themed crafts including friendship bracelets, air-dry clay, painting, and more.

Bundle up and join us for a peaceful winter walk as we explore the James River State Park in search of its seasonal birdlife!

Through trail, stone, and timber, the CCC carved a legacy that still shapes Douthat today.

Come out for an enchanting hike into the Highlands as day blends into the evening hours.

Experience Sky Meadows, an International Dark-Sky Park, at this monthly astronomical celebration!

Have you ever seen a 'timberdoodle' dance in the twilight sky?

James River State Park is a designated International Dark Sky park.

Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.

Take advantage of our remote location far from city lights to see brilliant night skies over the lake.

It is time to search for even more birds!

The park is proud to be a part of this annual birdwatching event by providing a place for you to participate.

This program explores the lives of the thousands of enslaved people who freed themselves by moving toward Union lines during the final months of the war.

Join your fellow bird-lovers around the world in counting birds for science on February 13-16 for the Great Backyard Bird Count.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snakes that live here in our Visitor Center.

Explore the great outdoors with our fun and interactive Bird Bingo!

Explore the calming practice of bird journaling.

From finches to falcons, each bird beak serves a purpose.

Humans aren't the only ones who build amazing structures.  Insects, birds, and mammals are among the many animals who create complex homes for themselves.  Let's take a look into the world of these master builders of the animal kingdom.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Slow down, observe, and discover what’s happening in the woods.

There are many stories to tell about Sweet Run State Park.

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Take a fascinating hike and discover the rich history of James River State Park, from ancient fossils to the American Civil War and beyond.

Did you know Westmoreland State Park has a beach where you can find fossils?

Winter birding is a hobby enjoyed by enthusiasts around the world.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir Join our rangers on a guided hike and learn about our native species, park history, and wetland habitat.

Have you seen the Blue Bird Boxes at Mason Neck and wondered who lives there, and why they are necessary? This program is perfect for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the small but important conservation efforts happening right here in the park. After the discussion, we will go for a short walk to view some of the boxes. Meet interpreters at the Visitor Center. .

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket weaving and unlock your creativity with this hands-on workshop.

It is time to search for even more birds!