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.

Enjoy a movie night under the stars and bring your chairs, blankets, snacks, and more for the whole family!

Welcome to Staunton River State Park!

Join us at the Community Fire Ring to relax, enjoy a roasted marshmallow, and get to know your camping neighbors.

Welcome to the park, kick off your stay with an unforgettable evening by the fire at the water's edge.

What's a camping trip without a campfire?

June is when fireflies are most active!

Come for the s’mores, stay for the fun!

Grab your binoculars and get outside.  Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy will lead these monthly hikes to discover and identify birds at Sweet Run State Park. We will explore parts of this beautiful 900-acre preserve to see what lives in it and visit its diverse habitats.

Paddle through the Catlett Islands on a Ranger led kayak tour which explores the diverse wildlife, ecosystems, and history of the park.

Spend time floating down the Clinch River.

Get knee-deep in the Shenandoah during Fly Fishing 101!  During this program, our fly-fishing instructor will go over all the basics to get you catching your first fish on a fly!

Join a ranger for a hike up to the vernal pool we have here at the park.

Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the Potomac River! This paddle tour is designed to show you the ecosystem, wildlife, and views from the river as we look back to the shoreline of Westmoreland State Park.  This paddle provides excellent views and wildlife sighting opportunities to include, the Horsehead Cliffs (from a safe distance),stratigraphy of the Cliffs, erosion and water as a true natural force, a brief fossil hunting on fossil beach, and significant bird watching opportunities to include special and unscheduled appearances by Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, and more!  Please sign up and pay in advance for this program at the Visitor Center. Guests should meet at the day-use beach and boathouse area. All equipment is provided however participants should wear closed-toed shoes. All children participating should be over 35lbs. Participants should wear a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and bring water and snacks with them.  This paddle begins at the scheduled time and can run for roughly 2 hours. This program has limited spots available.

Artillery lends dignity to what would otherwise be considered a vulgar brawl.

Curious about how the light green house looks from the inside and its restoration process?

Would you like to have the chance to explore the trails in Powhatan State Park and meet new people?

Would you like to have the chance to explore the trails in Powhatan State Park and meet new people?

Become a steward of nature while building your local community and connecting with the people near you that share a passion for the outdoors. Meet with rangers at the Mason Neck State Park Visitor Center for a short talk about conservation and to get supplies to clean up the trash that washes onto the shoreline or is left and scattered along the trails and recreational areas. Clean-Up days are self-paced, so come clean our shoreline for as much time as you can spare to make a difference at the park.

From antlions to zebra swallowtails, amazing insects are everywhere!

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

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

Can you hear the park talking?  There are many tales and tails throughout Sweet Run State Park.  Some are visual, some are tactile, most don’t use words, so how does the park share its stories?  Park Interpreters will help you discover the park through hands-on activities, artifacts, and even some stories.

Hear the tale of star-crossed lovers that the trail is named after and view the tunnel from above.

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

Explore the park's expansive wetlands with us as we search for and identify the plants and animals that call this unique habitat their home.

Can you spot a bald eagle?

Get your feet wet and explore life in the creek.

Are you looking to get better acquainted with the outdoors?

Find out what lurks below the surface of the swamp in this fun dip-netting adventure!

Owls, bats, and bugs, oh my!

Ever wonder what animals call Kiptopeke home, or what that shell is on the beach?

Plan on hiking the Rhododendron Trail to see the wild ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park?

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Come explore aquatic life in the James River!

It's feeding time for our ambassador reptiles.  How do we feed our animals?

Enjoy a naturalist-led hike learning all about what's blooming and growing around you.

Not all-aquatic wildlife has fins or scales!

Feel our fuzzy forest friends’ furs as you learn about the mammals found in our forests.

Fly on over and learn how to make a bird feeder from natural materials which you can keep.