Experience life in the early 19th century with live music, blacksmiths, cooking, period camp, boats, and much more. This event will focus on two important parts of history from this area that had a profound influence on transportation and music in America: “batteaux and banjos.” See what it was like to live in the middle of the 19th century.

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

10 and 2, 10 and 2, get into the rhythm of fly fishing.

Have you ever wondered what owls look like, what they eat, or where they live?

What better way to enjoy the many sights and sounds of the park than by kayak?

Kids’ Activity Book: This free book contains activities for the young (or young at heart).

Have you ever wondered about the birds in your area?

From woodlands to wetlands, fields and pastures, let's investigate the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.

The use of bows to shoot arrows has been a part of global history for thousands of years whether for defense, survival, or sport.

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Hot diggity dog, the Friends of False Cape are having a FUNdraiser!

Come visit the discovery table to observe some of nature's most amazing treasures!

Explore all about the Northern Flying Squirrel and why they call Grayson Highlands State Park their home.

Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.

Ahoy Matey!

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

Ever wonder what animals call Kiptopeke home or what those shells on the beach are called?

During the spring and summer, osprey dominate the skies over Leesylvania as they build nests and raise their young.

Do you want to learn how to identify the different species of dragonflies found at Mason Neck State Park?

Walk through history by touring historic Mount Bleak House.

Like them or loathe them, snakes are important to our ecosystems.

Enjoy historical interpretation inside the Brick Kitchen to learn more about this ancient, practical, and culinary craft tradition that is at the center of European cuisine.

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 travel to the site.

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

Hungry Mother State Park's interpreters are always finding cool things around the park and thinking up new activities and crafts.

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Leesylvania makes its own worm compost!  Join rangers as we take a closer look at worms and how they can benefit your kitchen and backyard.

The Bear Creek Lake State Park Archery Club is open to beginner and intermediate level archers 18 years old and older.

Want to learn how to play the outdoorsman’s version of BINGO?

Stop by the ranger's tent on the way to the pool for fun a peek at some critters and a cute craft.

Challenge yourself to name various songbirds found around Smith Mountain Lake. Join the park interpreter and see how many of our common birds you can identify.

Find the "roving ranger" as they travel around the waterfront to learn how YOU can save a skunk and the other wildlife that call the park home.

Sunday Funday anyone?  Swing by our interpretive table in the picnic area to add some fun to your Sunday picnic!

Watch park staff feed "Ranger Shelly," our resident pet turtle, and learn fascinating facts about turtles.

Bring home a piece of history from Westmoreland as you learn to create shark tooth necklaces.  All resources are provided, including shark teeth that you can choose from to create your super cool necklace that can be shown off to all your friends.

Visit a ranger and learn about bear safety.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will host a special Father’s Day “Lunch on the featuring local father/son duo Joey & Evan O’Quinn This father/son duo first appeared on stage together fifteen years ago at the June Toliver Playhouse with the Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama.

Pottery is one of the oldest forms of decorative but functional art forms and is found in cultures across the world.

10 and 2, 10 and 2, get into the rhythm of fly fishing.

Take a guided kayak paddle through beautiful Back Bay to look for wildlife and learn about this spectacular freshwater ecosystem.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boomtown. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

Join certified Forest Therapy volunteer, Tina Hayes, for a relaxing program made to calm the mind.

Frogs, turtles, and fish, oh my! Explore the life that exists in the pond while learning about the abundance of animals that call this ecosystem home.

Ready, set, crawl, to join General Raphael, our non-releasable rescue eastern box turtle, as we explore more about her and the animal friends she shares her habitat with.

Explore the life cycle of butterflies.  Learn what is special about the monarch butterfly.  What do they like to eat?

Explore fascinating natural treasures at the Park Office, where a park ranger will showcase intriguing items you can see, touch, and learn about.

Come by the Ranger table near the beach to get a quick lesson on stewardship and learn how you can help keep First Landing clean - it takes a village!

Meet at the Big Water Visitor Center and help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun!  Learn about different turtles that call Kiptopeke home and why it's important to keep wildlife wild.

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic areas and beaches with interesting animal or historical artifacts from the park.

Join us to learn about insects and the different jobs they do here at Fairy Stone State Park and in your own backyard. Our adventure will continue as we search the area to find examples of these important members of our neighborhood.

Mason Neck State Park is home to many species of turtles. Whether they’re basking by the pond or laying eggs by the road, these animals can be found everywhere! Come touch some real turtle shells and learn about their physical and behavioral characteristics, and make sure to stop by the Visitor Center and see our very own Red-Eared Slider, Myrtle!

Invaders are taking over Fairy Stone State Park and your own backyard.

Are there beavers at Smith Mountain Lake?

Take a short walk with a ranger and explore the history of Douthat State Park.

Children can experience Virginia’s frontier like never before.

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

Interested in the giants around you?

Experience life in the early 19th century with live music, blacksmiths, cooking, period camp, boats, and much more. This event will focus on two important parts of history from this area that had a profound influence on transportation and music in America: “batteaux and banjos.” See what it was like to live in the middle of the 19th century.

Who wants to be a junior ranger?  Join us for our junior ranger camp for ages 10-14 from Monday, June 17 - Thursday, June 20.

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the calming and health-promoting benefits of the forest.

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park.

What some people call creepy crawlies are actually some of the most interesting and beneficial animals in our area.

Find out what lurks below the surface of the swamp in the fun dip-netting adventure!

Perched upon a small hill overlooking the old Norfolk & Western railway station sits the old Foster Falls Hotel.

While most of the adventure on the New River takes place above the water, there is no shortage of things to see below the water!

Come be a scientist for the day with our park rangers!

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our on-the-go naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.  Don't be surprised if he has a photo or two to share with you.

Find out what it takes to be an avid birder!

Douthat State Park is home to many mammals including black bears.

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 travel to the site.

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Want to go on a scavenger hunt in the wilderness?

Do you love art and nature?

You walk around trees all the time, but have you ever taken a chance to get to know what you're walking past?

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Perched upon a small hill overlooking the old Norfolk & Western railway station sits the old Foster Falls Hotel.

Take a half of a hike with a park ranger.

Animals have some amazing feats and hold some amazing records.

Stop by this Chesapeake Bay display on your way to the beach to hear a short talk about one of the nation’s most valuable waterways.

Join us at the Wood Warbler Boardwalk, across from the Camp Store, to learn about the 7 Leave No Trace principles while we come together to clean our beaches.  Buckets and trash grabbers will be provided. .

Every Monday you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

Evening is the perfect time to search for salamanders.

Children can experience Virginia’s frontier like never before.

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Interested in the history of Westmoreland State Park?  Join a ranger to learn about the creation of Westmoreland State Park, and the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

The Fairfield Foundation opens the Timberneck house for free walk-in tours every Tuesday.

We need your help.

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals.

Every week the Rangers at First Landing will show off some of our fabulous animal ambassadors to provide an up-close look at the reptiles and amphibians that call First Landing home!

Bring your creativity and express your individuality and join Leesylvania State Park Rangers throughout the park for a unique crafting experience!  Each session is a one of a kind experience.  See you there!

Ever wonder what the fish are doing when they dive deep under water?

Join us at the Big Water Visitor Center for a feeding frenzy.  You will be able to observe a variety of animals in our saltwater fish tank while they eat.  Learn how to identify the different animals and what they all like to eat.  Great for all ages!   .

A face only a mother could love?

Join the Rangers each week to learn a new skill to help you survive in the wild.