Get ready to see nature like never before when you borrow an Adventure Backpack from the visitor center for free.  The visitor center allows guest to check out backpacks Thursday through Sunday so you can explore many different topics, like:          -Nature Discovery         -Birding         -Young Explorer         -Insects              -Nature Art         -Ponds and Streams         You can check out backpacks for two hour time slots.

Happy National Family Literacy Month.

Take time away from the busy holidays to #OptOutside and become a steward of nature.

Take a closer look at Bear Creek Lake.

The park offers one of the few 3D archery ranges in the Central Virginia region.

Bear Creek Lake State Park hosts many different bird species throughout the seasons, whether they choose to make their homes in the park or they are just stopping in for a visit. We invite anyone from beginners to full-fledged ornithologists and everyone in-between to discover various bird here at the park.

This year Claytor Lake State Park is celebrating 75 years of making memories. Take a hike back in time by visiting our tour points located at the same location as our collection of photos and videos from past years at Claytor Lake State Park and Claytor Lake.

Within the trail system lies the Troop 244 5K Cross Country Trail.

Kiptopeke State Park invites visitors ages 4+ to become a Junior Ranger.  By completing the Junior Ranger Booklet kids will take the Junior Ranger Pledge to preserve and protect our parks, and earn their Junior Ranger badge!

Ever wonder what that old motel sign is doing in the park, or why there are concrete ships off the fishing pier?

A new discovery awaits your family with Sky Meadows' Discovery Backpacks.

Discover the different habitats Sky Meadows has to offer on our Kids in Park's TRACK Trail!

Our Junior Ranger brochure allow kids the option of achieving a badge on their own through supervised self-guided activities, or by attending a few park activities, such as nature programs, when scheduled. The brochures are available at the park office during office hours.

Belle Isle State Park has some great activities that you can do on your own schedule.

Belle Isle State Park is looking for the next generation of ranger, are you ready to give it a try?

Contribute to citizen science by helping us create a time lapse of this mysterious site.

Biking is a wonderful activity to do here in the park.

Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect location for fishing.

Are you looking for a great activity for the kids that is both fun and educational?

Discover the secrets of the park through geocaching.

The park has over 12 miles of beautiful hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate.

Join us on a real or virtual hike through Claytor Lake State Park as we take a closer look at some of the beautiful native trees.

The Staunton River Scavenger Hunt is a self-guided program that you can enjoy with family and friends.

Pick up the Staunton River State Park bird identification list in the Visitor Center for this self-guided program.

Pick up the Junior Ranger booklet at the Visitor Center to begin this self-guided program.

Pick up this Ranger Quest guide at the Visitor Center to begin this self-guided program.

Did you know that Haven Howe was an early advocate for environmental reform in Virginia? Participate in person or virtually as we examine the fine craftsmanship of the Howe House and learn of its builder, inhabitants, and history.

Throughout the year various constellations appear in the night sky.

Drop by the kiosk at the Spillway, pick up a special brochure, and get ready to get dirty with our seasonal scavenger hunts for kids.

If you're interested in learning about trees while you hike, this self-guided program is for you.

Stop by the Discovery Center and go inside to grab a booklet that will take you and your kids on adventure through time in Hungry Mother State Park.

Find the special Track Trail kiosk at the corner of Parking Lot 6 to pick up a brochure with fun activities for kids to enjoy around the park.

If you're excited to learn more about our native plants and animals, then you're in the right place.