There is no denying that Virginia State Parks offer a wide range of programs and activities for all ages. If you’ve ever wondered what activities your kids or grandkids may enjoy during a park visit, Hattie (age 12) and Cam (age 11) share their favorite experiences over the years. Whether you have an aspiring astronomer or artist, a budding scientist or historian, or an adventurous Junior Ranger in the making, there are fun opportunities for all. 

Earning Junior Ranger badges at Machicomoco State Park

How long have you been camping and exploring Virginia State Parks? 

Hattie: As long as I can remember. According to my mom, I started camping at Pocahontas State Park when I was 3 years old and my brother was 2, but my first hike there was when I was a baby. I even learned to ride a bike at Pocahontas. My family has a goal of visiting and camping at all the state parks and we are getting close to completing that goal. 

Learning to ride a bike in the campground at Pocahontas State Park

What has been your favorite state park so far and why?

Cam: I love New River Trail State Park! We got to camp close to the river at Foster Falls and I could hear it all night. From the tent, it sounded really cool with the water flowing over the rocks. The river had shallow areas to play in. We also were able to kayak a few miles.  

Hattie: New River Trail is also my favorite so far. I liked the accessibility to the water. It was so fun to kayak and bike ride. We rode our bikes to the nearby Shot Tower and learned from the ranger about how ammunition was made in the more than 200-year-old tower.   

Due to maintenance issues, the Shot Tower is closed for tours. The parking lot and restrooms remain available. If your family plans a visit to New River Trail State Park in March or later, be sure to check out the Historic Village Tour and the N&W Caboose Tour. 

Exploring the Shot Tower at New River Trail State Park

Checking out the N&W Caboose at New River Trail State Park

What have been your favorite crafty ranger-led programs? 

Hattie: My favorite was Paint the Park at Machicomoco State Park. The ranger led us step-by-step so that anyone with any skill level could paint the scene. All ages could participate, but I liked how it was geared towards older kids and adults. I also have good memories of painting a hiking stick at the Trick Your Stick program at Hungry Mother State Park when I was younger. A couple of years ago, we made macrame and beaded Christmas ornaments at the Winter Holiday Crafting event during a Thanksgiving camping trip at Belle Isle State Park. 

Painting a sunset scene at Machicomoco State Park

Painting a hiking stick at Hungry Mother State Park

Crafting at Belle Isle State Park

Cam: I enjoyed making a shark tooth necklace at Westmoreland State Park. It was really fun to put it together and they provided all the materials. Then, I got to hunt for fossilized shark teeth at Fossil Beach with my family. 

Showing off handmade shark tooth necklaces at Westmoreland State Park

Other craft programs to check out include Nature Journaling (for ages 12+) at Lake Anna State Park or Nature Journaling with a Master Naturalist (for teens and adults) at Powhatan State Park, Crafting Hour at Twin Lakes State Park and March into Spring: Craft Workshop at Douthat State Park. 

What have been your favorite adventurous ranger-led activities? 

Hattie: I loved going on a kayaking tour* at Machicomoco State Park. It was neat to learn about the area from the rangers while having fun paddling around the Catlett Islands. 
*Please note that minimum age requirements, pre-registration and fees may apply to kayak tours. 

Kayak touring at Machicomoco State Park

Cam: My favorite was definitely the hike into the tunnel* at Natural Tunnel State Park. We got to hike through the river to get there, and I learned about the formation of the tunnel and the railway that runs through it from the ranger. A train even went by while we were inside the tunnel! 
*Pre-registration, fee and safety-appropriate footwear are required for the Stock Creek Passage tunnel tour, which is offered during the summer at Natural Tunnel State Park. Additionally, children must be at least 8 years old to participate. 

Hiking into the tunnel at Natural Tunnel State Park

For beginner adventurers, it’s worth signing up for a Let’s Go Adventures program. This series of programs are led by expert rangers on camping, kayaking, hiking, fly fishing, orienteering and archery. 

What have been your favorite educational guided programs? 

Cam: The tour of the mansion at Chippokes State Park was really fascinating and I got to learn about the family that used to live and farm on the land. Plus, looking at all the farming equipment at the Farm and Forestry Museum was great. I also enjoyed panning for gold at James River State Park, where I learned about fool’s gold and mica. I also discovered how disappointing it is to think we’re going to find gold but instead find black sand! However, the rangers showed us that when the black sand dries, it becomes magnetic – which is pretty cool. 

Exploring the Farm and Forestry Museum at Chippokes State Park 

Hattie: The blockhouse tour at Natural Tunnel State Park was one of my favorites. We learned about the history interactively with interpretive guides dressed in clothing from that time period. I also enjoyed the Feeding Friends snake feeding program at Westmoreland State Park. It was unique and I love learning about wildlife. Finally, I got to improve my fire-starting skills with the help of a ranger at Lake Anna State Park in a flint and steel program. 

Playing checkers in the Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park

Learning to start a fire with flint and steel at Lake Anna State Park

Tours of the 19th-century Jones-Stuart Mansion are available Friday through Monday, April through October and other times by reservation for groups. Feedings of snakes, reptiles and other critters are offered at various parks throughout the year. 

Any other highlights? 

A previous event at Twin Lakes State Park, the Avalanche Ice Cream Challenge

When asked if there are any other activities or programs that stood out during their many park visits, both Hattie and Cam enthusiastically declared a certain event at Twin Lakes State Park as a highlight. The Avalanche Ice Cream Challenge ran for over a decade until 2020, then in 2022 returned for one day only. Hattie and Cam joined forces and demolished 20 scoops of ice cream, plus toppings, in under an hour and became the youngest participants to place. They took second place and left with full bellies and great pride.  

Discovery Backpack at Natural Tunnel State Park

Homeschool programs and summer camps 

Virginia State Parks provide natural playgrounds and educational classrooms for families with kids of all ages. Part of a homeschool group? Several parks offer programs for homeschoolers. Looking for summer activities for your kids? Parks like First Landing, York River and Leesylvania offer kid’s camps.  Check online for more kids' camps. 

Find a fun program for your family 

Opportunities for all interests and skill levels abound, so be sure to continually check the events page for up-to-date programs at your local state park. When arriving at a campground for overnight visits, ask a ranger about the activities on the schedule during your stay. And don’t forget about National Kids to Parks Day on May 17, 2025! Take it from these two outdoor-loving kids – you’ll never get bored at Virginia State Parks!