Virginia State Parks for the last 85 years has been called a tonic for the mind, body and spirit. In the United States with the statistics being overwhelmingly negative about healthy lifestyles, with at least one in every five children being overweight, we think you will agree playing outside is a great idea.

Friends having fun outside at Bear Creek Lake State Park

When you are actively doing something and focused on having fun then it is only natural to feel better doing it. Going outside to play can burn calories and energy you weren't even aware of until you get those playtime hunger pangs and head back to campsite for a snack.

We feel better when we play outside

As adults, our kids are counting on us as role models to be outside, and that is another aspect of what visiting a Virginia State Park is all about. By providing a safe and fun environment for everyone to engage in physical activity, Virginia State Parks can add an essential element to your healthy lifestyle.

PART 7: THE LIFESTYLE

Summer fun and memories at Natural Tunnel State Park

Get on your bike and ride like the wind at a Virginia State Park campground

CAMPING

Campground fun involves riding bikes, playing games, discovering wildlife, insects, and new friends. Many of our park visitors choose prime campsites that are in the heart of it all versus those with more privacy so that their children and grandchildren are able to interact with the other kids and have fun, on their own, exploring.

WATER

Summertime fun involves cooling off in one of our lakes, rivers, creeks, bays, ocean or swimming pools. This means you can use your outside voice as you ramp up the excitement at the play area and make a splash!

Mother-daughter paddle a kayak at Hungry Mother State Park

TRAILS

Hiking is a low-impact, inexpensive and healthy activity that can involve everyone, including your four-legged family members. Did you know that more than 160 miles of the park system's 626 miles of trails are reserved for hiking, and hiking is allowed on more than 397 miles of multi-use trails? You can learn more about our trails here.

Virginia State Parks Pocket Ranger app – Detailed trail maps that may be cached before your trip and used even when there's no cell service. We highly recommend this app!

Pets are part of a healthy lifestyle like this happy dog at High Bridge Trail State Park 

Family archery at Twin Lakes State Park

PROGRAMS

Park programs are a great way to try your hand at something new, the programs are for young and old, and can be found at every Virginia State Park. When you visit a park you will receive a listing of current and upcoming park programs. You can visit the events database here 24/7 to search for an event near you, by date, location or type of program.

What's happening at your favorite park?

Fall Fossil Frenzy at York River State Park

Family fun at the Strawberry Festival at Sky Meadows State Park

SPECIAL EVENTS

Beyond park programmings like fishing, nature and outdoor ranger-led activities, and past self-guided programs like geocaching, there are also special events at Virginia State Parks throughout the year.

Some of the events may be arts and crafts festivals, wine festivals, music festivals, or ongoing themed festivals like the "Pork, Peanut and Pine Festival" that is held every year in July at Chippokes State Park. Or the Douthat State Park "Apple Day: A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage and Arts and Crafts Fair" is held in October each year. Wilderness Road Heritage Festival, Colors of Hungry Mother Fall Festival, Festival of Trees, James River State Park festival, Winter Wildlife Festival, Gobble Wobble 5K, and so on.

Search our events database here regularly for updated/added special events