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

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

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

This "crab" is actually more closely related to spiders and scorpions.

Black bears capture human admiration and interest like few other wildlife species.

Southwest Virginia is home to only two venomous snakes.

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

Come on out to the park and test your paddling skills.

Use your phone or provided GPS units and join a ranger to learn what multi-billion-dollar technology and plastic containers have in common, as you and the whole family go on a thrilling treasure hunt along Muddy Buddy Trail.

Can you imagine not having a TV or cell phone?

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Pocahontas Premieres once again is having its Mini Bluegrass Festival.

Join us for the Westmoreland State Parks one and only Music on the Cliff!

Pack a picnic and come early to pick the best spot on the lawn for one of the highlights of the summer season on Virginia’s Northern Neck.

Join Yoga Instructor Kelly Blevins to experience a more engaged form of yoga as you strike poses on our stand-up paddle boards out in the lake.

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.

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

Experience the beauty of High Bridge Trail under the enchanting light of the setting sun and the rising moon.

Once the sun has slipped out of sight let the moon be your guide as we travel the trails looking and listening for the wildlife that can be found in our park.

Experience the park at night with a ranger guide pointing out stars and planets, nocturnal wildlife, and the joys of a natural night with low light pollution.

The surface of the water might seem calm, but down under there is an exciting world filled with all kinds of life.

Experience Douthat State Park's history and evening creatures all under the night stars in the middle of the lake.

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

Paddling a kayak gives you a new perspective on the world and a lifetime of adventures.

Have you ever wondered what owls look like, what they eat, or where they live?

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

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

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Paddle the lower Potomac River on a fossil finding adventure! Millions of years ago, Virginia was covered in a shallow sea that was teeming with life, leaving behind prolific fossil beds.

Join insect royalty as we search for Monarch caterpillars and eggs which, due to habitat loss, have reached endangered levels.

As summer winds to a close, discover the winged wonders of Sky Meadows State Park.

Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.

Come visit the discovery table to behold some of nature's most amazing treasures!

Learn about the reptiles that can be spotted in the park!

Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

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

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park.

Join us for a healing forest therapy walk at 1191 Lupton Rd, Woodstock, VA and experience the health and wellness benefits of Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese practice of “forest bathing.” Your guide, Kristine Villatoro, a certified trained Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) will guide you through sensory invitations to help you slow down, awaken your senses, and reconnect with nature.

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

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Stop by the ranger's tent on the way to the pool for fun a peek at some critters and a cute craft.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will host its next “Lunch on the Lawn” summer music series on Sunday, August 18, from 2 to 3 p.m., featuring Brandon Maggard.

The Bay can hold many secrets.

Join certified Forest Therapy volunteer, Tina Hayes, for a relaxing program made to calm the mind.

Ready, set, crawl, to join General Raphael, our non-releasable rescue eastern box turtle, as we explore more about her and the animal friends she shares her habitat with.

Watch park staff feed "Ranger Shelly," our resident pet turtle, and learn fascinating facts about these shelled reptiles.

  End the weekend with a scenic trip on the York River (or Taskinas Creek depending on water conditions) in the evening.  Discover the birds and creatures that are active in the gentle light of sunset.  Cost.

Join instructors from Center of Gravity Yoga & Pilates from Lexington for a scenic mountain-view yoga class and sound bath, then wrap up by watching the moon rise.  Want to join?

Ride with a ranger as we explore the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park on a beautiful summer evening.

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

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

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals.

By collecting monarch eggs and caterpillars to raise indoors, we are improving their chances of surviving to the butterfly stage; aiding this endangered species.

From the ashes of the old Fossil Beach has arisen a new, dynamic ecosystem.  The living shoreline between the rip-rap and water’s edge is attracting interesting estuarine and marine creatures and plants.  Discover them and how living shorelines enhance and protect our waterfronts.

Owls, bats and bugs oh my!

Douthat State Park is home to many mammals including black bears.

Want to go on a scavenger hunt in the wilderness?

Do you love art and nature?

This "crab" is actually more closely related to spiders and scorpions.

Take a short walk with a ranger and explore the history of Douthat State Park.

Every Monday you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

Twilight is the perfect time to search for salamanders.

Everyone has heard of dancing in the moonlight, but what about kayaking?

Join Park Staff for a majestic kayak paddle along the waters of Back Bay by the light of the moon.

Let’s head over to Edmunds Lake and try to wrangle in some big fish.

Join the Friends of Mason Neck and Fairfax Master Naturalists for a rewarding day of volunteer garden work!

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

The Fairfield Foundation opens the Timberneck house for free walk-in tours every Tuesday.

We need your help.

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special.

Join us for Toddler Adventure Time at Holliday Lake State Park!

A face only a mother could love?

Want to learn how to play the outdoorsman’s version of BINGO?

In the bird world, wingspan means everything.

As animals explore their surroundings they leave us lots of clues.

Tie-dye wasn't the brainchild of American hippies during the 1960s.

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

If you love nature and the outdoors, come check out the Friends of Powhatan State Park monthly meetings and gather with like-minded people who are passionate about supporting Virginia State Parks through volunteerism and legislation.

Allow the evening to envelop you and enjoy a hay wagon ride with our park guide.

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

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

Come on out to the park and test your paddling skills.

View the park from the best vantage point - a canoe or kayak.

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

All aboard the Virginia Dare for a fun-filled and informative lunch cruise.

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park.

Get your feet wet and explore life in the creek.

Hop on over and enjoy a short walk around Old Pond Trail as we look and listen for these amazing amphibians.

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

The day has been filled with fun activities, but now it is time to wind down with a peaceful paddle on the lake.

Join us for our nature photography series!

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Calling all homeschoolers and curious kiddos of all kinds!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify some of Virginia’s native trees? It can take some time to develop this skill, but we have a park Interpreter who is willing to help you get started. We will go on a short hike on the River Bank Trail, and along the way will stop at some of the more well-known trees in Virginia.

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

Become a prospector as we follow in the footsteps of "Stampmill Sam".

Have you ever heard an owl sing at night?

Stand in the shade of one of the most 'poplar' trees in the park as you learn about Swift Creek, native wildlife, and more about the park's history.