Paddle through the Catlett Islands on a Ranger led kayak tour which explores the diverse wildlife, ecosystems, and history of the park (Pre-registration and additional fees required).

Come test out your aim as we learn about an ancient weapon used before the bow and arrow, the atlatl.

Join a park ranger for a guided tour of Mulberry Hill at Staunton River Battlefield State Park for a look at Virginia Judge Paul Carrington and his family, the McPhail's, and their experiences through the Wilson-Kautz Raid in 1864.

Explore a bird's eye view of the various nesting habitats and how birds utilize them for survival.

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

Bows and arrows have been a part of human society for thousands of years and used for survival and sport.

Come by the program area next to the Riverbend Campground to pick up an Arks for Parks adventure pack.

The Children's Garden Workshops are a great way to get your little one up, moving, creating and learning.

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!

Join our friends with the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail for a day of fishing fun!

Take a walk and discover life in four different aquatic ecosystems.  We will hike to a small woodland and marsh stream, freshwater pond, and brackish/saltwater river.  With nets, we will capture and identify different crustaceans, fish, and take note of plant life. .

Take a journey into the past with a park ranger to learn the natural and human history of Cabin Creek. Participants will discover the unique natural history of Cabin Creek Gorge and how humans have had an effect on it. About halfway through the hike you will come across a majestic waterfall, and on the way back you will be walking an old railroad bed.

Inspired by our very own Red-Eared Slider, Myrtle, come learn about all the turtles that call Mason Neck their home and what makes them so turtle-y awesome.

Step back in time and participate in games played in the 18th century.

Just because we don’t always spot them, we know the animals are around by the tracks and traces they leave behind.

Many animals migrate.

Ever wonder what animals call Kiptopeke home, or what those shells on the beach are called?  Ask a Park Ranger as they set up touch tables at the beach.  Set up near North Beach entrance.  Great for all ages!

Join us for a true Bald Cypress Swamp adventure.

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

Been itching to go fishing?

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!

Which bird of prey are you?

What will we scoop up this time?

Mosey on over and try your hand at panning.

Second only to humans in the ability to change their environment to fit their needs, learn just how smart a beaver can be.

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

The summer is in full swing at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Follow your nose to the Log Cabin to see what is cooking on the hearth.

The forge is fired up and the blacksmiths are hard at work showing off their skills.

Drop by the Discovery Room at noon to observe whatever critters we may have on display enjoy their lunch.

Join us while we feed our snake ambassador real mice!

Beavers are Nature's architect!  Meet one of our rangers, at the Bay View Trail head for a short hike down the Trail to the marsh to see evidence of Mason Neck's resident family of beavers.

Swing by and visit with a ranger to create your very own butterfly while learning more about butterfly adaptations and conservation efforts.

Enjoy some water field day fun and create your own patriotic craft.

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.

Explore this interactive exhibit and aquarium space in order to discover the creatures that inhabit the bay, what makes a watershed, why the Bay is so important and so much more!

The Jones-Stewart Mansion is a stunning example of an antebellum plantation house.

What's a benthic organism and how do they survive in the creek?

What's that buzzing?

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.

Ever wanted to touch the fur of a skunk or an opossum?

July 4th is right around the corner!

What's under Claytor Lake?

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.

The are many different wildlife that call Leesylvania State Park their home.

Visit a ranger and learn about bear safety.

Migrate to the beach, under the tent below the pavilion, to learn about the fascinating "Fish Hawk". Learn interesting facts about our visiting ospreys: how do you tell the male from the female?

In our park's nature center, you can see many different native animals of Virginia. Join us on Saturday to observe these beautiful animals during their dinner time. From snakes to turtles to fish, you will be able to see all of these park animals devouring a meal. Park staff will provide information about the animals and will then show you what types of diets are best for them.

Did you ever wonder why butterflies and moths have such amazing colors and patterns?

Have you ever wondered how snakes can swallow something as big as their own heads?

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect "Fairy Stone" that everyone is looking for.

We would like to introduce you to “Boxer” the box turtle.

While technically it's not a crustacean but more closely related to spiders and scorpions, this living fossil is quite interesting.

Join as at the visitor center and let's venture out into ancient times. Our park interpreter will show you how to dig for fossils that were buried in the ground thousands of years ago. You will get a chance to learn all about the ancient creatures that used to roam the land of what is now Staunton River State Park.  There is no fee for this program.

Independence Day is a time to celebrate our country's birth.

What can the creatures that live in the river tell us about the water?

Can you imagine not having a TV or cell phone?

Come out and join us for three fun activities all Saturday evening. Staring with "Skins and Bones", where you'll get up close and personal with the some of the mammals that live in the park. Participants can touch pelts and bones and at the same time discover how they are adapted to various habitats of Virginia.

Want to learn how to survive while in the back country?

Celebrate Virginia's woodland box turtle by making your very own paper box turtle.

We are on an expedition to have some fun, make a splash, and discover some of the tiny creatures that inhabit the shoreline of the Rappahannock River.

Become more black bear wise and learn how to keep your picnic basket safe.

Slither on down and join the Park Ranger for an in depth look into the fascinating lives of some local reptiles.

Join a ranger to learn about the different types of pollinators as well as the vital role they play in our ecosystem.

Do you like surprises?

Come create your own fire starter for your next camping adventure.

Come celebrate the 4th of July at Natural Tunnel State 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.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area by a man who was born in Buckingham County in 1810? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Take the arts outdoors and bring a fun new project home from Kiptopeke.  Art projects range from nature journals to bird houses and more.  Meet at Picnic Shelter #2.  Great for all ages!

Gather at Cullers Overlook to gaze across the river valley as we learn of the winding river and surrounding mountains.

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.

Who made those footprints?

Meet local 'shellebrity', Ranger Shelly, our Red-eared Slider turtle as she suns herself and enjoys some enrichment at the beach area.

Come on out to the park and test your paddling skills. Our park interpreter will escort everyone to the private lake on our park property and will then demonstrate some basic techniques and tricks that will help as you venture out onto the water.

Enjoy all of the fun of fishing with none of the mess.

Have you ever wondered what type of trees you might find here at Belle Isle?

Take a wagon ride to the scenic Tye Overlook and enjoy the prettiest view for miles around.

Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sky Meadows' campground provides you with a fantastic place to enjoy peaceful rejuvenation, but how much do you know about this wonderful park?

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.  No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.

Gather around the fire with your fellow campers for s'mores and discovery...we will learn all about the amazing and ancient world of rocks.

Ever hear a noise at night and wonder what it is?

Spend an entertaining evening sitting around the campfire with an interpreter.

Explore some of Machicomoco’s best views during golden hour while stopping in to talk with a Ranger about some of their favorite park topics.

Join us for an original play highlighting the moonshining activity in our local area.

Join a ranger for an interactive evening by the campfire as we discuss the unique stories and critters of Pocahontas State Park and the Virginia State Park system.

Tonight's evening with owls begins with s'mores and an owl craft.

Learn about Douthat State Park's forest nightlife as we immerse ourselves in the night time world of nature.

Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.

How I wonder what you are...

Join us for a night time tour of our beautiful park. Staunton River State Park is a certified international dark sky park, so it is a excellent place to take a look into the cosmos at the stars, planets, constellations, and galaxies that are very far away. Take in the cool summer evening air as we make our way through the park.

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

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

Are you ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city?

Bring the kids to the Discovery Center to learn how to read a map and compass, what trail markers are and more, as they search the park for Captain John Cox’s lost gold!

Rise and shine for a deep dive into the history of Swift Creek Lake.

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

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