Events in Virginia State Parks

Are you trying to secure the tarp over your tent, or interested in how to keep your boat or canoe tied up so that it won't float away?

Coastal Viriginia Wildlife Observation (CVWO) will be counting migrating raptors from September 1-November 30.

New to hiking?

Turtles have a complex shield covered in a mosaic pattern. Join us to look closer at these reptile shells as we recreate natures masterpiece.

"Echoes of the Past: Guardians of History" is a park ranger-led program dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of history.

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.

Across Virginia, women made the journey into the wilderness with hearts full of hope.

In celebration of Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day, Twin Lakes State Park is hosting this modernized game of hide-and-seek. Participants will compete to find objects hidden by the opposing team using GPS units.

Girl Scouts are invited to the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park to complete an exciting challenge, which will allow them to apply their skills in concepts such as Leave No Trace, Bear Aware and Know Before You Go.

The trash and litter we leave behind can damage the environment.

The Survival bracelet is the superhero utility belt of the outdoors.

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.

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Get out and get creative with our monthly series of Nature Journaling workshops led by a local naturalist!

Driftwood is nature's canvas!

Have you ever seen a squirrel fly?

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.

Help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun!

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

Come get an in-depth look at the only star in our solar system, the Sun!

Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Come meet one of our ambassador reptiles up close and personal!

Join us during Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend and work on completing different badges.

Join us during Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend and work on completing different badges.

What is paracord and what is it used for?

Come join a ranger at Clinch River State Park for Girl Scouts Love State Parks!

Join us for a guided paw paw hike with Samuels Public Library!

Explore the museum as your learn about the history of Pocahontas State Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

"Echoes of the Past: Guardians of History" is a park ranger-led program dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of history.

Westmoreland State Park is home to four different ambassador animals: Reba the corn snake, Stevie the eastern king snake, and our two red-eared sliders, Venus and Jennika.

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

Slither on over to the Visitors Center for an in-depth look into the fascinating lives of local reptiles.

Westmoreland State Park is home to four different ambassador animals: Reba the corn snake, Stevie the eastern king snake, and our two red-eared sliders, Venus and Jennika.

Across Virginia, women made the journey into the wilderness with hearts full of hope.

Join a ranger to learn how to identify trees based on their different features, see samples of different parts of a tree and create your own unique tree field guide to take with you.

Calling all budding detectives.

The joy of nature journaling is not about being a perfect artist; it’s about curiosity and wonder.

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Frogs, crawdads, and children - oh my!

Wanting to hone your outdoor skills?

Let nature spark your creativity!

Take your camping skills to the next level during this hands-on camping workshop.

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

Come check out this Sippin Series venue at the beautiful Muse Vineyards. Muse Vineyards lies along a dramatic bend of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, which carves its way through the vibrant community of Woodstock.

Join us for a guided tour of the Visitor Center at High Bridge Trail State Park, where history and nature come together!

Explore the life cycle of butterflies.

Are you predator or prey?

Bring a picnic and lawn chair for a family friendly evening of live music at the Park's Interpretive Area!

Discover the art of crafting your own paracord bracelet while learning how this versatile tool can prepare you for the unexpected.

The leaves haven't turned quite yet, but the weather is wonderful for a wagon ride!

You are invited to participate in a guided hike with an interpretive ranger to learn about the medicinal plants of central Virginia.

Can you pitch a tent?

Ever wonder what kind of animals are out and about during the night? Our wetlands serve multiple purposes, but they are excellent hunting grounds for many of our nocturnal animals. We will show you how they use these skills with some hands-on activities. Wear some comfortable closed-toe shoes for this evening tour through our wetlands.

Join astronomers from the Richmond Astronomical Society for a night of awe and wonder.

Step into the quiet, mysterious woods of Douthat State Park after dark for an unforgettable experience.

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

Get down and dirty with this two-hour wild cave tour.

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

Come along on a one-mile hike through our trails with a knowledgeable ranger to learn about the plants and animals who live in Kiptopeke State Park. .

Find out which reptiles and amphibians call First Landing home! Located within the trail center, the Discovery Room is welcome to all ages.

The Nature Mobile is open for discovery!

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners from decades gone by.

"Echoes of the Past: Guardians of History" is a park ranger-led program dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of history.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snakes that live here in our Visitor Center.

In Natural Tunnel: Nature's Marvel in Stone, author and geologist Tony Scales recounts the history of the great feature, from its geologic beginnings to the first written accounts of man's interaction with the Tunnel, through a period of commercial exploitation, to the present-day state park.

Take a closer look at what swims in the James River.

Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.

Northern Virginia is rich in history, and Mason Neck is no exception.

Coastal Viriginia Wildlife Observation (CVWO) will be counting migrating raptors from September 1-November 30.

Have you ever wondered how water can be stored underground?

Our Junior Ranger program is a self-guided, self-paced set of activities geared towards kids of all ages.

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.

"Echoes of the Past: Guardians of History" is a park ranger-led program dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of history.

Can you guess what critter I am?

Have you ever wanted to pan for gold?

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.

There are many stories to tell about Sweet Run State Park.  Some are visual, some will be tactile, and most do not use words.

Do you know how many common "weeds" have historic use as food and medicine?

Interested in learning more about archery while having fun?

From antlions to zebra swallowtails, amazing insects are everywhere!

Ever wonder what dolls of the 18th century frontier looked like or what they were made of?

Step into the buzzing, fluttering world of our planets tiniest heroes-pollinators!

Need a break from your long trip and have a little fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see at our Visitor Center.

Join Leesylvania State Park rangers at Bushey Point Trailhead for a guided hike and discussion on wetlands, their ecology, and their vital importance in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Meet at the entrance of Bushey Point Trail on the south side of Boat Launch 1 Parking Lot for the approximately 1.5 mile hike. This trail is rated as easy in skill level.

Join us for the fourth annual Beats on the Bend - a vibrant concert and family fun day at Seven Bends State Park!

"Echoes of the Past: Guardians of History" is a park ranger-led program dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of history.

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

Do you want to learn the history of the land where Kiptopeke State Park is today?

Trees have magical qualities that provide us with many important everyday items, as well as a large portion of the oxygen we breathe.

Ready, set, crawl on down to the Visitors Center to meet our woodland box turtle, General Raphael!

Are you new to fishing and would like to learn the basics?

The joy of nature journaling is not about being a perfect artist; it’s about curiosity and wonder.

Discover the “bear facts” about Fairy Stone State Park’s black bears at our ranger-led program. Learn about their characteristics, habits, how to avoid conflicts, and much more.

The Appalachian Mountains are home to many unique salamander species.

Focus on wildlife while in the park and elsewhere using a nature journal.

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

Take your camping skills to the next level during this hands-on camping workshop.

We invite you to come out to the Apiary located to the left of the area behind the Discovery Center and observe us in the apiary.