Events in Virginia State Parks

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

Take some time to get out of the hot sun and join our park nature interpreter under the tent for some fun crafts.

Are all snakes venomous?

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

Art or Trash?

Ever wondered what stories Douthat State Park holds?

Rumor has it that Marion is the home to the sweet soda, Mountain Dew!

Step into the spirit of America’s fight for independence with this ranger-led VA250 bingo game at Fairy Stone State Park.

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

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

Our friends Hisstopher and Harrold planned a feast, and they want you to join.

Join a ranger in this interactive program to learn how to throw a cast net.

Join us at the Visitor Center for a World Turtle Day celebration as we spruce up Bernie the box turtle’s enclosure and throw him a shell-ebratory housewarming party!

Happy World Turtle day!

Make a full course meal for birds!

With warmer wetter weather comes springtime fungi; some are gourmet, some are deadly, and some even glow in the dark!

Did you know that people have been using plants to dye fabric for centuries?

Ever wonder what the fish are doing when they dive deep under water?

The evening campfire is an iconic feature of a campsite and there are many ways to start one.

Do you know what's in the water?

The blue crab is one of the most iconic species of the Chesapeake Bay.

This Father and Son Duo share a passion for writing and performing roots music.

Take a lantern lit chairlift ride down to the naturally made tunnel.

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

Find out what's at Staunton River State Park!

Calling all amateur astronomers and people who enjoy the night sky! Join Natural Tunnel State Park astronomy volunteers and fellow astro-enthusiasts to mingle and observe what the night sky has to offer together.  These "parties" will take place at the Gazebo - the best viewing platform for the sky in the park and is meant to gather those whose goal is to observe, photograph and appreciate the night sky.

You’re invited to gather ‘round the campfire for a truly warm welcome at Pocahontas State Park.

Come gather around the campfire and immerse yourself in a night of fun.

A nearly century-long tradition continues as the Natural Bridge is bathed in light the last Saturday night of every month (plus holiday weekends), April through October.  Experience the 200-foot-tall arch as it is lit from above and below by dozens of lights, with the only sound being the murmuring of Cedar Creek running below.

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

A walk after sunset can sometimes feel mysterious, but it does not need to be feared.

Take a relaxing stroll along our lake shore as you visit several lights that have been placed in or along the lake to attract critters of all sizes.

Ever wondered what it’s like to paddle under a sky full of stars?

This program marks each hour with the spoken name of a person who died at Sailor’s Creek.

James River State Park is a designated International Dark Sky park.

Salamanders are on the move at Fairy Stone State Park!

A light glows beneath the surface of Holliday Lake.

See the moon up close!

Join our Park Rangers as they discuss the history, ecology, and culture of the Widewater peninsula.

One of the best times to be on Hungry Mother Lake is in the early mornings when no one else is on the lake.

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

Spring is in the air; this is prime time for bird watching!

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.

Have you ever shot a bow and arrow before?

Discover how water helped families and communities survive in the past and how we care for and protect these vital resources today.

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic area and beaches with interesting animals or historical artifacts from the park.

Come watch our resident snake enjoy his mealtime in the Visitor Center!

Have you ever wondered what lies under your feet?

Keep an eye out for the Roving Ranger who will be walking around the picnic area with either a game, furs, or one of our wildlife ambassadors.

This archery session offers instruction for beginners and shooting time for the more experienced. It begins with a talk on archery equipment, technique, and safety.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay’s shoreline as we search the wrack line for marine life and natural debris carried in by the tides.

Did you know Westmoreland State Park has a beach where you can find fossils?

Explore the history of the Occoneechee Plantation on this one-mile guided hike around the Plantation Trail.

Attract the local pollinator friends with these seed bombs for your garden!

Mason Neck would not be the park it is today without a dynamic history.

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.

Visit a Ranger at Massie Gap and learn about bear safety: how to store food, what to do when you come across a bear hiking, camping in bear country, and more.

Does your pup have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K Ranger?  B.A.R.K.

How many fish can you catch?

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

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.

What's a benthic organism and how does it survive in the creek?

Interested in learning about archery in an adult setting?

Explore the evolution of the park with your B.A.R.K.

Westmoreland State Park is home to four different ambassador animals: Reba the corn snake, Stevie the king snake, and two red-eared sliders, Venus and Jennika.

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

Try your hand at panning for gold in the James River while discovering Virginia’s unique geology.

Step back in time and test your skills with an atlatl!  An atlatl (spear thrower) was a tool used by some Indigenous tribes during the Paleoindian culture and Archaic period.

Are you a crafty critter?

Beat the heat at our River Bend Discovery Center!

Join us to learn the history of this ancient form of dying cloth and create your own unique tie-dye shirt.

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Stop by the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center and learn more about the people who lived on the Wilderness Road frontier.

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Practice your casting skills without needing a boat or even real fish in this beach-based, hook-free fishing game. This program is perfect for those that are new to fishing but aren't sure where to start. Our rangers will show you how to cast, how to hook these plastic bass, and how to reel in the big one.

Join a park ranger for a 1.5 mile hike along Eagle's Rest Trail at Hayfields State Park.

Get to know our favorite ambassador animals: Snoopy, Junior, Hungars, and Kernel as a ranger feeds our critters.

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket weaving and unlock your creativity with this hands-on workshop.

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

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

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

“What does the fox say?” Did you know that there are two different foxes found in Virginia, the red fox and the grey fox?

Discover wildflowers and their pollinators as we walk along Lakeshore Trail along Saunder's Creek.

Come enjoy an afternoon with guitar legend and world-famous builder Wayne C.

What creatures rule our beaches at night?

What's a camping trip without a campfire?

Start your Memorial Day off at the Twin Lakes State Park Welcome Campfire program, where you'll be invited to take part in classic campfire games, hear about the Memorial Day activities, and familiarize yourself with the park and its rangers.

Sit back  and enjoy the stars as we hear history and folklore about the moon and stars from around the world.

This program marks each hour with the spoken name of a person who died at Sailor’s Creek.

Do you know what's living in our lake?

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic area and beaches with interesting animals or historical artifacts from the park.

Join us on the park's first historical hike to the park's cabin ruins on Cabin Trail! Using new historical research, your park ranger guide will share the story of the park's land and how the historic stone and brick cabin foundation fits into its fascinating history.

Keep an eye out for the Roving Ranger who will be walking around the picnic area with either a game, furs, or one of our wildlife ambassadors.

The Chesapeake Bay is a master at hiding its secrets, only to reveal them with every ebbing tide.

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

For the month of May, homeschool students will learn about invasive species in our area, how to identify them, the damage they do to our native ecosystem, and how to properly remove them.  There are no homeschool programs on May 13th, 18th, or 20th.

Create a flowerpot you can plant directly in the soil from upcycled newspaper. You’ll get some native-to-Virginia wildflower seeds to take home and support your local pollinators in this paper folding craft.  .

Migrate to the beach to learn about the fascinating "Fish Hawk". Investigate interesting facts about our visiting ospreys: how do you tell the male from the female?

Visit a Ranger at Massie Gap to learn about the different creatures that live within the park.

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