While everyone else is out shopping or online this Black Friday, #OptOutside and join us by the campfire.

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 29th year.

To kick off this year's Christmas Lighting event the park will provide this one-day special offer that will help those in need in our community.

Winter Trams at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer the unique opportunity to observe and experience the incredible migration of waterfowl.

Bring your canine companion and join the B.A.R.K.

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.

Paleo art is any art depicting prehistoric life on earth based on the evidence we have.

We don't always see animals, but we know they're there.

During this one-mile trek, a ranger will guide you through this journey through time on Goodwin Lake Trail. Although rated easy, this trail may not be suitable for those with strollers or severe mobility issues.

Come explore the Fairy Stone State Park 3rd Annual Holiday Market during small business Saturday.

Past and present, friends and families have enjoyed getting together for some friendly competition.

Join our costumed interpreters for a demonstration of historical cooking methods in the Jones-Stewart Mansion's original brick kitchen.

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.

The Visitor Center is home to two freshwater Red-Eared Slider turtles, Jennika and Venus, and it is time for them to eat.

It's feeding time for two of our ambassador reptiles, Stevie the King Snake and Reba the Corn Snake, and we welcome you to attend this demonstration and learn about these snakes as they prepare to feed on a frozen mouse! .

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

Model and observe the different stages of a trees life, from seedling to sapling to a mature tree, and discover how important trees are to the life around them.  Parks are for everyone.

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'.

Gain new knowledge on the basics of composting with this DIY workshop all about waste, worms, and what you can do to start reducing trash in your home.

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.

Step back in time as we uncover the mysteries of those at rest in the park's historic cemetery.

Join Pocahontas State Park staff and volunteers in creating seasonal cheer.

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.

This activity is a perfect way to show your thanks for the beauty of nature.

Join a ranger to learn about one of the many birds that call Belle Isle home, the Turkey!

This field-based game is a fun and safe way to examine the interactions between a predator population of coyotes and a prey population of deer in a forest. This program is suitable for all ages.

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect 'fairy stone' that everyone is looking for.

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

When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next?

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

Join the Rangers on a walk down the beach to find all kinds of interesting wildlife and beach artifacts as we explore the Chesapeake Bay!

Colder weather is right around the corner and so are the holidays!

Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky.  They will have the equipment.  Just bring your curiosity.  This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs. .

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

It's that time of year again!

A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 29th year.

As you ride down on the chairlift and make your way to the tunnel, you will be surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and see animated Christmas displays.

When the sun takes its daily dive below the horizon and delivers night time to your doorstep, there’s no rule saying you have to stay in for the evening.

Please Note: This is an entirely indoor astronomy program Join Kim Kenny of the Crewe Observatory as he takes you back in time to Bethlehem to see the night sky as it was during Jesus' lifetime. Using the Holy Bible, computers and cutting-edge astronomy software, you will experience in two hours what the Wise Men saw and the signs in the sky from Jesus' birth to his crucifixion.

Gather with family and friends to take in the starry, moonless sky above the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pick out constellations, observe planets and nebula through a telescope, and enjoy a hot drink with park rangers on a chilly night.

Nature is magic.

Craft a keepsake for the upcoming holiday season.

Join Pocahontas State Park staff and volunteers in creating seasonal cheer.

Come to Widewater and help our Rangers fill our windows with Holiday cheer!

Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll craft your own adorable pinecone gnomes while discovering the importance of pollinator gardens!

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

There will be a work day at Seven Bends State Park to plant new maple and oak memorial trees, and maintain the ones already in place.

Winter Trams at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer the unique opportunity to observe and experience the incredible migration of waterfowl.

Join rangers at the park for a fun nature reading session.

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

Join a Ranger at Leesylvania State Park to learn about the animals and organisms that are found here.

Have a specific program you'd like to see?

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

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

Have a specific program you'd like to see?

Dive into an ancient craft with a ranger, known as Gyotaku fish printing.

Let us keep the kids entertained while the adults set up or take a break from setting up and stop by for a quick craft; discussion of Belle Isle's history; or a lesson on critters.

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 29th year.

During this annual winter event, visitors will drive their car through the park’s campground and beach area to experience a wonderland of lights and community displays.

Experience the park at night, illuminated with lights and decorations.

As you ride down on the chairlift and make your way to the tunnel, you will be surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and see animated Christmas displays.

Carol your way through the winter woods on a wagon decorated with holiday lights.

Carol your way through the winter woods on a wagon decorated with holiday lights.

The Geminid meteor shower is considered by many to be the best of the year, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak.

Join a ranger, enjoy Big Meadow Trail, and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park.

What better way to start the day than with a hot cup of coffee.

Explore the rich natural history of trees guided by a Virginia Master Naturalist.

Discover how the Pocahontas State Park you've grown to know and love got its start as you travel back to the late 1930's to learn what was happening in Chesterfield County and the rest of the nation.

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.

Some of Virginia's coolest mammals are rarely seen by humans.

Belle Isle has animals that appear and disappear during the Winter months. Bring your cameras and join a ranger for a brief walk on the Porpoise Creek Trail, to our observation blind, and learn about the critters we see and don't see and learn where they came from or where they've gone.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snake that lives here in our Visitor Center.

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

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Winter reveals hidden secrets as animals leave tracks in the snow.

The Visitor Center is home to two freshwater Red-Eared Slider turtles, Jennika and Venus, and it is time for them to eat.

It's feeding time for two of our ambassador reptiles, Stevie the King Snake and Reba the Corn Snake, and we welcome you to attend this demonstration and learn about these snakes as they prepare to feed on a frozen mouse! .

Meet Ranger Scout, the Western Hognose snake who lives and works at Twin Lakes. If the handsome fellow is feeling up to it, you may even get to pet or hold him!

Join us for a festive celebration filled with holiday activities and music.

Join Pocahontas State Park staff and volunteers in creating seasonal cheer.

Create a holiday keepsake from False Cape!

It is that time of year we begin thinking about the Winter holidays.

Embrace the beauty of winter and get crafty with natural materials. Join us at the Camp Store to create unique, nature-inspired crafts.

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.

Practice your detective skills by uncovering snakes hidden in images of their habitat, and discover how best to avoid those with venom.

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

Need a break from your long trip and have a little fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see at our Visitor Center.

Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!

Join astronomers from the Richmond Astronomical Society for Saturday Under the Stars.

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 29th year.

During this annual winter event, visitors will drive their car through the park’s campground and beach area to experience a wonderland of lights and community displays.

Experience the park at night, illuminated with lights and decorations.

As you ride down on the chairlift and make your way to the tunnel, you will be surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and see animated Christmas displays.

Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.

The First Saturday Community Coffee House is an open-mic event and is open to all family-friendly performers.

The First Saturday Community Coffee House is an open-mic event and is open to all family-friendly performers.