Events in Virginia State Parks

Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea.

Have you ever wondered about the birds in your area?

No one loves us better than our four-legged companions!  Join us for a tail-wagging adventure along the scenic Bluebell Trail of Shenandoah River State Park!

Ready to play detective?

Join us on Valentine's Day to observe the birds around us, using the ebird and Merlin Bird ID apps.

Is it love for life, within the animal kingdom?

Have you ever wanted to identify the different birds in your yard or even start bird watching as a hobby?  If so, this program is for you.  We'll go over the basics of finding and identifying birds, the basic equipment you might need, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your birding adventures!

Come celebrate national bird day with this fun Birding Bingo.

Join the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry (NOVAAR) Club as their model rockets go up, up, and away.

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.

Did you know that about 90% of all bird species are monogamous?

This Valentine's Day, skip the chocolates (or work them off) and show your heart some love on the trail.  Join us for a fun, feel-good hike that gets your heart pumping while you enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and great company.

Bring songbirds to your backyard!

Join us for a guided winter hike to discover the hidden homes of park wildlife and special B.A.R.K.

Slow down and take in the beauty of the James River and its vibrant landscapes!

Think you can’t draw?

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a wild twist.

Let's walk back in time through the exhibits here at Occoneechee State Park and learn about the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation.

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

Love is in the air!  There's no better gift for Valentine's Day than to bring your special someone to a state park!

Dust off your wings, grab your bow and arrows, and see what it takes to become just like Cupid.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Join Rangers for an afternoon of valentine's themed crafting!

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

This Valentines Day, we are giving some love to our animal ambassador Maverick!

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Description: Join a ranger for an eye-opening look at nature’s clean-up crew!

You may know of Cupid, the cherub with a fist full of arrows with which to pop love into hearts, and a symbol of Valentine's Day.

Is your belt loop or heart feeling a little empty?

Celebrate the beauty of nature with an array of nature-themed crafts including friendship bracelets, air-dry clay, painting, and more.

Bundle up and join us for a peaceful winter walk as we explore the James River State Park in search of its seasonal birdlife!

Through trail, stone, and timber, the CCC carved a legacy that still shapes Douthat today.

Come out for an enchanting hike into the Highlands as day blends into the evening hours.

Experience Sky Meadows, an International Dark-Sky Park, at this monthly astronomical celebration!

Have you ever seen a 'timberdoodle' dance in the twilight sky?

James River State Park is a designated International Dark Sky park.

Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.

Take advantage of our remote location far from city lights to see brilliant night skies over the lake.

It is time to search for even more birds!

The park is proud to be a part of this annual birdwatching event by providing a place for you to participate.

This program explores the lives of the thousands of enslaved people who freed themselves by moving toward Union lines during the final months of the war.

Join your fellow bird-lovers around the world in counting birds for science on February 13-16 for the Great Backyard Bird Count.

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

Explore the great outdoors with our fun and interactive Bird Bingo!

Explore the calming practice of bird journaling.

From finches to falcons, each bird beak serves a purpose.

Humans aren't the only ones who build amazing structures.  Insects, birds, and mammals are among the many animals who create complex homes for themselves.  Let's take a look into the world of these master builders of the animal kingdom.

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

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.

Slow down, observe, and discover what’s happening in the woods.

There are many stories to tell about Sweet Run State Park.

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Take a fascinating hike and discover the rich history of James River State Park, from ancient fossils to the American Civil War and beyond.

Did you know Westmoreland State Park has a beach where you can find fossils?

Winter birding is a hobby enjoyed by enthusiasts around the world.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir Join our rangers on a guided hike and learn about our native species, park history, and wetland habitat.

Have you seen the Blue Bird Boxes at Mason Neck and wondered who lives there, and why they are necessary? This program is perfect for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the small but important conservation efforts happening right here in the park. After the discussion, we will go for a short walk to view some of the boxes. Meet interpreters at the Visitor Center. .

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket weaving and unlock your creativity with this hands-on workshop.

It is time to search for even more birds!

The park is proud to be a part of this annual birdwatching event by providing a place for you to participate.

Sweet Run may not be the first place that comes to mind for a backyard bird count, but this land has supported an active community of farmsteads and residences since the 1840s.

The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a volunteer organization of interested citizens who actively support the park. The group works on behalf of the park by assisting in daily programs, special events, fund raising, and public education. The partnership provides a mechanism to use the skills, contacts, and resources of private citizens and businesses to improve services that may not otherwise be available.

"A track is a window to the past of an animal.

Got a little explorer who’s beyond crawling, but isn’t ready to hike with the Kindergarten siblings?  The Tyke Hike is the perfect fit for little legs.  The hikes are less than a mile and mostly stroller friendly.  The ranger will help your little one discover neat things in nature in this one hour adventure.

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

Help support the park you love.

The Friends of Powhatan State Park is a group made up of citizen volunteers from Virginia’s Piedmont region who are passionate about supporting the park’s mission.

This program is designed to introduce young participants to the wonders of the natural world and foster an appreciation for the environment.

"A track is a window to the past of an animal.

The Senior Ranger series is geared towards senior citizens who are interested in learning more about nature, outdoor skills, and history.

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

Join a ranger to learn about science, history, and nature at Leesylvania State Park!

From the small eastern screech owl to the great horned owl, eight species of owls call Virginia home part or all of the year.   Get a glimpse into the mysterious world of our elusive nocturnal raptors.

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.

Let your Friday afternoons be filled with natural  and historical wonders.  Join us for a closer look at some of the interesting things about our ecosystem and region.

 Join our rangers as we take a short guided hike down the Poplar Trail searching for wild winter edible species while connecting with the natural world.

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

Explore an enchanting evening amidst the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night!

Have you ever seen or heard an actual owl call in the night?

"As long as a live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing." -- John Muir Widewater State Park is pleased to offer Bird Walks from November 2025 thru March 2026!  Join an experienced birder on an exploration of our incredibly diverse park throughout the cooler months.

Join our Rangers and Volunteers in keeping our beach free of litter!

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

Start your weekend with fresh air, beautiful scenery, camaraderie, and a feeling of accomplishment.

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Think opossums are just pesky critters?

If you enjoy fly fishing or plan to try it someday, consider learning to tie your own flies.  Considered a hobby on its own by many, tying flies is both an art and a science.  Our Fly Tying Workshop will teach you the fundamentals of the craft and walk you through creating at least one fly to take home.  The workshop is free but advanced sign up is required.  All equipment and materials are provided by Trout Unlimited.   SIGN UP HERE.

Join us for a guided Winter Discovery Hike along the Buck Lick Trail and experience the quiet beauty of the forest in its cold-weather stillness.

Join us at Occoneechee State Park for a Ranger- led hike through the Beaver Pond Trail.

Join one of Mason Neck's interpreters along the Bay View Trail to discover the rich history of Mason Neck State Park. This program explores the changing relationships between people and the land, from early river-based communities and agricultural use to modern conservation efforts that preserve wildlife habitat and open space.

We let the dogs in! Stop by the Visitor Center during a special visiting hour and learn to follow the B.A.R.K Ranger principles, complete a paw-friendly activity, and take the pledge.

Did you know if Americans recycled one-tenth of their newspapers it would save 25 million trees a year?

Have you ever wanted to identify the different birds in your yard or even start bird watching as a hobby?  If so, this program is for you.  We'll go over the basics of finding and identifying birds, the basic equipment you might need, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your birding adventures!

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

Practice your detective skills by uncovering snakes hidden in images of their habitat, and discover how best to avoid those with venom.

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.

Read a tale as you walk the trail. Begin at the CCC Museum to begin your exploration and story time at your own pace.

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.

This popular activity gives you the chance to glean the makings of a s'more while enjoying a geocaching adventure.

On April 6, 1865, Lucy Hillsman and Catherine Brown huddled in the farmhouse basement, bracing their children as thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers clashed all around them.

Have you ever found yourself in need of a length of string while out in the wilderness?