Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

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Dad seems to have everything and he probably doesn't need another tie, so why not bring him outside to a park this Father's Day.  We have some fun activities going on just for Dad.

Here are 4 unique ways to celebrate Father's Day June 17 that are only found at Virginia State Parks.

1. | Father's Day Pun Hike at Pocahontas State Park

Happy Father's Day Dad from Virginia State Parks

What did the tree say to the woodpecker? You bore me. Join us for a short hike full of puns and other nature related dad jokes. Bring your friends & family, along with jokes you've collected to explore Ground Pine Path and the "cultural association of patriarchs with puns." Ground Pine Path is approximately .7 miles long and somewhat suitable for strollers. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for hiking.

Pocahontas State Park from 10:00 a.m. to  2:00 p.m. No extra fee. Kids are encouraged to join the fun. Meet at the visitor center.

2. | Father's Day Surf and Turf 

Dad paddles for free, but still gets to do all the work! Virginia State Parks Father's Day Surf and Turf at York River State Park

Treat dad to a day on the water and fossil hunting. This ranger guided program takes our guests to Fossil beach to search for relics of the prehistoric era.  Please call for reservations 757-566-3036. Prepayment required with reservation.

York River State Park 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Yes, an extra fee. Dad paddles for free with paid guest. Canoes are $9/person or $6/person (family of 4+), solo kayaks are $16, and tandem kayaks are $11/person. Kids are encourages to join the fun. Reservations required. Meet at the contact station.

3. | Father's Day Firefly Fireworks

Father's Day Firefly Fireworks at Caledon State Park, Va

Bring an already wonderful Father's Day to a close by taking dad out to Caledon State Park for an evening adventure filled with nature's fireworks. Watch as thousands of fireflies come out for the night. Fun for all ages. To register stop by the visitor center, call 540-663-3861, or email here.

Caledon State Park 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. No extra fee. Kids are encouraged to join the fun. Meet at the visitor center.

4. | Father's Day Kickball Game at Grayson Highlands State Park

Father's Day kickball at Grayson Highlands State Park, Va

Celebrate dad in a fun, active way. Engage in some friendly competition with a park ranger and your fellow campers. Enjoy being with family and making new friends in one of the most beautiful places in the world. When the kickball game ends, be sure to "check out" our Check Out Trunk in the breezeway of the Country Store to borrow some equipment and keep the good times rolling.

Grayson Highlands State Park 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. No extra fee. Kids are encouraged to join the fun. Meet at the Campground field.

BONUS: Annual Wayne C. Henderson Festival the Saturday of Father's Day weekend

Annual Wayne C. Henderson Festival June 16 at Grayson Highlands State Park, Va

The Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition features some of the region's best traditional musicians. Wayne and many of his musical friends are featured performers at the festival, with bluegrass and old-time music dominating the program.

The Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition was established in 1995 to express appreciation for this living legend. A portion of the proceeds from the festival are placed into a scholarship fund to aid local young musicians in continuing their education. Throughout the day of the festival, there will also be free children's activities.

Grayson Highlands State Park 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 16 at the picnic area. Yes, an extra fee. Those who plan to attend the festival will pay the state parking fee at the contact station and a $20.00 entrance fee at the picnic area to enter the festival. Children under 12 are free with paid adult admission to the festival.

Plan C

Spend the day with Dad this Father's Day at a Virginia State Park

It won't hurt our feelings at all if you want to spend the day at the beach having a picnic, or cookout with Dad on June 17. That's what we're here for!

More unique ideas can be found here, and a map of all Virginia State Parks can be found here.

For overnight accommodations just give us a call 800-933-7275, we're here for that too.

#ThinkOutside this Father's Day

 

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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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