Three years ago, we shared the news that your next visit to a Virginia State Park could be free when it starts at the library. We were excited to launch a wonderful partnership between the Library of Virginia, Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia.

At that time, one hundred thirty-five libraries across Virginia received four nature backpacks each to make available for families to check out and learn about nature in their backyard, local park, or at one of Virginia’s 38 state parks. 

Nature journaling with a Virginia State Parks library backpack 

“Today children spend less time outdoors and even less immersed in nature-based activities,” commented Craig Seaver, Virginia State Parks Director. “These backpacks will provide opportunities for families to venture out to a park.”

Backpacks feature: pocket guides to bugs and slugs, animal tracks, Virginia birds, mammals, and Virginia trees and wildflowers; port-a-bug field observation container; Big Foot Leave No Trace Ethics Card; magnifying lens; dip net; and laminated sheets with suggested activities designed by both Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia.  

Kids explore parks for free with nature backpacks from the Library of Virginia

“How I wish there had been a resource such as this when my daughter was young,” Librarian of Virginia Sandra Treadway said.  “The Library of Virginia is delighted to help make these backpacks available to Virginia families through community-based public libraries across the Commonwealth.”

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant to the Library of Virginia. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.

Click here for an interactive map of participating libraries and our Virginia State Parks. We recommend a call to your nearest library to reserve your backpack.

NATURE PROGRAMS

Virginia State Parks offer a great lineup of outdoor, nature, and natural history educational programs throughout the year. You may enjoy stargazing and astronomy, arts and crafts, canoeing, fishing, and even self-guided programs like geocaching and fun scavenger hunts.

To find a park program, search our events database here.

ADVENTURE BACKPACKS

When you arrive at a park, you may also enjoy our "Nature Adventure Backpacks" program which allows you to borrow unique backpacks filled with fun learning items to enhance your adventures, and is available at many of our parks. Just inquire at the park.

MORE WAYS TO VISIT FOR FREE

Another way to visit more state parks for free

Click map to learn more about three parks for the price of one

Did you know that with any regular parking pass you can visit as many state parks as you wish for that same day?

And if you're staying overnight, you have free access to any park during the range of time on your hang tag. 

For example, when you visit Hungry Mother State Park, you can also use your hang tag to visit other nearby parks like Grayson Highlands State Park and New River Trail State Park on the same day (or duration of your stay if you are lodging in the park, camping or cabins). See the Google map above for more info on those parks.