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.

The Archery Range opens for the season daily from 8 a.m. until dusk.

Walk through history by touring historic Mount Bleak House.

The Visitor Center at Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park offers a museum filled with treasured artifacts discovered over the years where the last major fight of the American Civil War in Virginia occurred on April 6, 1865.

Tours of the Hillsman House, a National Historic Landmark, are available to the public by request.

A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Sailor's Creek Battlefield is available to visitors year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield offers six, self-guided Hiking Trails with historic markers for the public to explore year round during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).

The Staunton River Scavenger Hunt is a self-guided program that you can enjoy with family and friends.

Pick up the Staunton River State Park bird identification list in the Visitor Center for this self-guided program.

Pick up the Junior Ranger booklet at the Visitor Center to begin this self-guided program.

Pick up this Ranger Quest guide at the Visitor Center to begin this self-guided program.

Did you know that Haven Howe was an early advocate for environmental reform in Virginia? Participate in person or virtually as we examine the fine craftsmanship of the Howe House and learn of its builder, inhabitants, and history.

Take a hike back in time by visiting our tour points located at the same location as our collection of photos and videos from past years at Claytor Lake State Park and Claytor Lake.

Earn your junior ranger patch through a variety of programs and fun family activities.  Visit the park office, gift shop, or contact station for a copy of our junior ranger booklet, or you can download it from the link below.

Find out what it takes to be a ranger at Sky Meadows State Park.

A new discovery awaits your family with Sky Meadows' Discovery Backpacks.

Discover the different habitats Sky Meadows has to offer on our Kids in Park's TRACK Trail!

Stop by the Visitor Center and pick up a copy of a self-guided brochure on the "22 Trees of Virginia Tour." This one-mile hike will take you on an adventure to awe-inspiring overlooks while identifying some of the common trees you may find in your backyard.

Experience geocaching at Sky Meadows State Park with three park-themed caches.

Contribute to citizen science by helping us create a time lapse of this mysterious site.

Go on a hiking adventure with Track Trails!

Request a ranger to give your family or group a chance to engage in activities not otherwise available in our park.

We have some exciting self-guided activities launching this year; whether it's kayaking the New River, enjoying an audio tour, or becoming a Junior Ranger, there's something for everyone. Here is a list of what is available: Geocaching: This is a fun way to merge technology and outdoor exploration.

As you explore the Wilderness Road Blockhouse and the surrounding area, discover what makes this building so unique as well as what was commonly used on the frontier for survival during the 18th Century.

Enjoy a self-guided tour as you walk down to see the Natural Tunnel.

Put on your boots and take your class outdoors with our new teacher-led Outdoor Educator Backpack.

Biking is a wonderful activity to do here in the park.

Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect location for fishing.

Discover the secrets of the park through geocaching.

Schedule some fun at New River Trail State Park!

Belle Isle State Park has some great activities that you can do on your own schedule.

Belle Isle State Park is looking for the next generation of ranger, are you ready to give it a try?

Go on a hiking adventure with Track Trails!

Make your outdoor experience more memorable with a private program for your group or family at Shenandoah River State Park!

Are you looking for a great activity for the kids that is both fun and educational?

This is a self-guided program for the whole family to enjoy.

Join us on a real or virtual hike through Claytor Lake State Park as we take a closer look at some of the beautiful native trees.

Stop by the fishing area behind Howe House to check out our EnChroma color blind scenic viewer.

The park has over 12 miles of beautiful hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate.

Throughout the year various constellations appear in the night sky.

Drop by the kiosk at the Spillway, pick up a special brochure, and get ready to get dirty with our seasonal scavenger hunts for kids.

If you're interested in learning about trees while you hike, this self-guided program is for you.

Stop by the Discovery Center and go inside to grab a booklet that will take you and your kids on adventure through time in Hungry Mother State Park.

Find the special Track Trail kiosk at the corner of Parking Lot 6 to pick up a brochure with fun activities for kids to enjoy around the park.

If you're excited to learn more about our native plants and animals, then you're in the right place.

Stop by Hungry Mother's Discovery Center and ask front desk about our Park Packs.