Events in Virginia State Parks

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

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

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals. Hike around the park and see if you can spot some of these homes. Remember to think outside the box on this one. Some animals live in trees, some live in the ground, and some live in the water.

Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for 'treasure hunters' all over the world.

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Energy makes sense; it helps all living things grow but is not always the same.

Join the Rangers on a guided hike through our most popular trail!

Ever wonder how the early bird gets the worm?

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

Have you ever wondered what makes an owl such a skilled night hunter?

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 head to the site.

Ahoy Matey!

This program is all about learning how to identify wild animals by the tracks that they leave behind.

The batteau was a historically significant boat used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Want to turn your white shoes brown?

Step into the shoes of an archaeologist and uncover the secrets of an owl’s diet!

This land-based, hook-free fishing game is a fun and safe way to learn how to cast, but even those who are fishing fanatics will enjoy trying to beat out the competition in this game of limited resources.

Begin your journey along the Wilderness Road towards Cumberland Gap as an interpreter takes you on a guided tour of the museum.

Meet a ranger for a leisurely paced afternoon walk at Cliffview.

Want to save the bees, butterflies, birds, and more? Just plant native! Even the smallest pollinator-friendly patch will make a difference. Come to our pollinator garden workshop and learn everything you need to know to get started.

Cryptids (animals commonly not believed to be real) like the Moth Man may be folklore, but the cryptic adaptations of moths are very real.

We all love the great outdoors and enjoy nature. Sometimes we are in a hurry and miss out on all the little things nature has to offer. The James River and its lush landscapes have always been a source of life and inspiration. So, let's take that inspiration and have a “brush” with nature while we paint what we see and talk about what we are painting.

When it comes to carrying survival materials with you on the trail, every little bit of space counts, so hikers come up with creative ways to carry their gear.

How much do you know about Douthat State Park's past?

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Seine netting is a skill that has allowed countless people over time to enjoy the bounty of the seas.

Did you know that coyotes are not naturally native to Virginia?

Who made those footprints?

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

Come explore the historic town of Fries.

Slip on your closed-toe shoes and get ready to explore the creek.

What do you have in common with the largest rodent in North America?

Night programs in a day-use park are a special treat, especially in the heat of summer!

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother State Park.

Experience the park in a whole new light, without the light!

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

Join us along the New River for a FREE hour-long guided yoga flow session, led by a Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor.

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the trail around High Bridge with interesting historical items from the park.

Have you ever heard a bird call and wanted to know what bird made that noise?

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

Join a ranger on a guided hike to learn more about different birds, plants, and ecosystems found in the park.

Start your day with birdsong and discovery by joining a park ranger for a bird-watching walk.

Color your world while developing your creative skills through watercolor painting at this weekly outdoor program led by a recognized local artist.

The York River was home to four manned lighthouses: Bells Rock, Pages Rock, Tue Marshes, and York Spit.  Bells Rock was the uppermost, just two miles below West Point.  Pages Rock was the only other light above the Coleman (Rt.

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

See First Landing in a whole new lens in this guided program through one of the most vital ecosystems around: the marsh!

Come explore aquatic life in the James River!

This place, this land, is as old as time itself.

Find time to head down to the Tunnel Platform where you’ll find amazing views of the 300-foot-tall amphitheater walls of the Natural Tunnel, rock pigeons, and if you’re lucky, a train.

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat State Park.

Discover the fascinating world of creepy crawlies with a park ranger.

It may be summer, but it's never too early to start wishing for snow.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

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.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

As you make your way to the shoreline, stop and visit the live creature displays of fish & shellfish that were recently captured in the York River and Woodstock Pond.  The ranger on duty will share about these creatures and their role in the ecosystem.

Are all snakes venomous?

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 head to the site.

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

The American Black Bear is one of our largest mammals in Virginia and people occasionally come in contact with them while enjoying outdoor spaces.

Meet at the Big Water Visitor Center and help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun! .

What do you think of when you hear term wildlife?

Join a ranger on for some fishing fun, on dry land!

Join us for "Turtle Time" at Holliday Lake State Park and meet our beloved turtle, Harrold Holliday!

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

The Bay can hold many secrets.

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Join us at the Big Water Visitor Center to watch us feed our residents in the salt water fish tank.

Do you enjoy coffee, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables?

Have you ever wondered how a flower eats? Learn more about the function of native wildflowers with a flower dissection that will reveal the mysteries of these beautiful plants.

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.  Participants must be ages 10 and over.

Why are animals' teeth different?

What's that roosting in the rafters?

Think you can stump a ranger?

Come out to South Beach to learn how to use different types of nets to discover what animals are hiding offshore.

Get creative when you build your very own bug at this ranger-led program.

What's under that rock?

Holliday Lake State Park is buzzing with life this time of year.

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Get creative and discover the magic of upcycling! Join us in repurposing glass bottles that were headed to the landfill by painting your own vase.

One Fish, Two Fish, I-Don’t-Know-Who Fish!

You never know what critters you will see around Belle Isle, there's dozens to pick from.

What will we scoop up this time?

Ever wondered what critters are crawling beneath the surface of a stream? Join us on a fun adventure as we search the stream for interesting, tiny critters: freshwater invertebrates.

Fly on over and learn how to make a bird feeder from natural materials which you can keep.

Can not seem to get your campfire lit?

Learn how Native Americans made spear tips, and then practice your aim using a traditional spear-throwing tool called an atlatl.

Take a closer look at the world around you through nature journaling.

Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek!  View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening.

End your week with a relaxing paddle along Swift Creek Lake.

The blue crab is one of the most iconic species of the Chesapeake Bay.

Enjoy the sounds of local musicians as you take in our beautiful park.

Come join the party!

Come chow down at the campfire and share some s’mores as we settle into the weekend and leave our marks on a fiery take-home souvenir!

Who-who-whoooo's calling?

Join us at the amphitheater for a warm welcome to the park, camping tips, and fun activities!

Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.

Welcome to Staunton River State Park!