Explore amazing insects, discover the world of rocks and minerals, learn about a remarkable tree and how you can help bring it back from the brink of extinction, and get up close and personal with some of our reptile friends.

Children Ages 7 - 13 Wednesday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Children can experience Virginia’s frontier like never before.

Do you want to witness the art of Gyotaku fish printing, an ancient craft where you can create your own fish masterpiece!

Kayak season is here!

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?

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park. Our interpretive ranger will lead the hike on River Bank Trail and talk about the exciting history of the Staunton River and our beautiful State Park.

Bring your phone and take a walk on the Sensory  Explorers’ Trail with Alex Newhart, a Virginia Master Naturalist photographer.   Learn how to capture exceptional nature photographs using only your smartphone no matter which type of phone you use (Android or iPhone).

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

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

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. .

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

This is a fantastic time of year to take-in the beautiful scenery of Southwest Virginia.

We use fire for all sorts of things in the outdoors, but how do we work with it safely?

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

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.

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.

The beauty of nature has inspired artists for thousands of years.

Time to go on a scavenger hunt in the campground. Staunton River’s campground is nestled back in the woods right beside the Staunton River and is the perfect place to spot some interesting rocks, animals, and plant life. Each guest will be provided with a list of items to find. Will you be the first to find them all? If so, then you may receive a prize at the end of the program. Everyone will meet at the Visitor Center and the hunt will start from there.

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Join us for "Tree Topia" as we uncover the magical realm of trees and their incredible role as habitats!

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

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

Who wouldn't want to learn helpful skills to fully enjoy nature safely and responsibly?

Learn how Mother Nature can both inspire and help you create your next masterpiece.

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

Trees are some of the most crucial organisms on the planet.

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

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Have you met the animals living at Hungry Mother State Park's Discovery Center?

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.

Join us for a refreshing blend of learning and outdoor fun that promotes environmental awareness and sparks a sense of wonder about the tiny worlds hidden in plain sight, right by the pool.

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

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

Don't be afraid to mix it up.

Celebrate National Camping Month as we team up with the Town of Luray and Shenandoah National Park to present Camp and Conservation: Nature Know-How.  During this program, you'll rotate through different stations that teach you how to take care of your campsite and the nature surrounding you.

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

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

Who, who, who are you?

Children Ages 7 - 13 Wednesday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Children can experience Virginia’s frontier like never before.

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.

Walk with your fellow bird-lovers alongside meadow and forest to find out who is out and about!

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.

This program is perfect for anyone new to fishing or looking to brush up on their skills in a fun, supportive environment! This program will cover basic fishing skills such as casting, reeling, dragging, hook tying, rigging, and hopefully, catching your first fish in the New River.

Come on out to Chippokes State Park and discover what is left of a forgotten historic roadway on this ranger-led hike. Learn about historic transportation routes, the area's first inhabitants, speculation and myths of the road, and natural history.

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

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!

What will we scoop up this time?

Animals have some amazing feats and hold some amazing records.

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

Meet Natural Tunnel's wildlife ambassador, Popcorn the corn snake.

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

See something that sparks your curiosity on the trail?

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.

Come be a scientist for the day with our park rangers!

Have you ever wondered what sort of fish and other creatures live in the York River's brackish waters?  Visit the friendly neighborhood park ranger who has examples of fish and shellfish families.

Calling all budding detectives.

Discover the art of journaling in the wild with a ranger.

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

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.

Have you ever touched bear fur or looked at the teeth of a beaver?

Every week the Rangers at First Landing will show off some of our wonderful animal ambassadors to provide an up-close look at the reptiles and amphibians that call First Landing home! Located within the trail center, the Discovery Room is welcome to all ages.

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

Are all snakes venomous?

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

Stop by the Wilderness Road Blockhouse and step back in time to experience aspects of life on the frontier.

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

What does a mushroom sit on...a toadstool!

The Bay can hold many secrets.

Come join us as we learn about the frightful creatures around us and the ways they improve our day to day lives.

Can you recall taking a break on a hot summer day and sitting under the shade of a maple tree, or swinging on a tire swing hung from a giant oak? Trees provide many benefits including food, shelter, and oxygen, to both humans and wildlife.

Play classic Hide-and-Seek with a modern twist!

Think you can stump a ranger?

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.

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

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.

What's that roosting in the rafters?

Come over to picnic shelter #2 and get inspired by the great outdoors.

This ranger-led hike will teach you the principles of "Leave No Trace".

Join a ranger to create something special from natural elements found around the park.

For the first time in the park's history, camp out by the Natural Bridge and spend the night on Cedar Creek Trail.

Join a ranger to learn about the wild animals found at Belle Isle State Park that delight your senses.

Can not seem to get your campfire lit?

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.

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

Discover how fire was used by Virginia’s First Peoples to fell trees and build canoes, followed by a tasty treat *Pre-registration recommended.

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

Are there beavers at Smith Mountain 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.

What does fire mean to you?

Who-who-whoooo's calling?

Come join the party!

Kick off your stay at our ranger-led campfire.

Welcome to Fairy Stone State Park! Join us by the fire to get to know your fellow campers, learn about the history of the park, receive a few tips and tricks from a ranger on lighting a fire, and allow us to answer any questions you may have.

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.