Events in Virginia State Parks

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.

Long ago, giant beasts roamed these lands...put yourself into the shoes of an Ice Age hunter in this spear-throwing workshop using an ancient spear-throwing device: the atlatl! The atlatl was used on the North American continent and all over the world, enabling women as well as men to efficiently hunt megafauna such as woolly mammoths and giant ground sloths.

As you soak up the sun on Memorial Day, it is important to stay cool.

Are you a crafty critter?

Come find us at the Splash Park as we get hands on with skulls and furs from Virginia’s native animals.

Explore the life cycle of butterflies. Learn what is special about the monarch butterfly. What do they like to eat?

Paracord is said to have a thousand uses, and one of them is fashion.

This land-based, hook-free fishing game is a fun and safe way to learn how to cast, but even those who are fishing fanatics will enjoy trying to beat out the competition in this game of limited resources.

Take some time to get out of the hot sun and join our park nature interpreter under the tent for some fun crafts. Memorial Day is a time to give thanks to all the brave men and women who fought to give us our freedom.

Every Monday evening from May to September 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.

Look for the park interpreter on the sidewalk between the pavilion and sand at the swimming beach to have some fun making bubbles.

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special.

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

Is the opossum misunderstood?

Animals may be shy, but they leave plenty of clues behind.

Ever wondered how you stack up against some of the largest birds in the sky?

Need a hiking stick or just want to embellish your own?

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

Who-who's there?

The Friends of York River State Park is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the mission of the park: We champion the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of York River State Park's estuarine environment.

Come explore Hayfields forests and fields as we look and listen for our feathered friends!

Paddle your way around the park’s unique ecosystem.

Young Naturalists are invited to explore how water helped families and communities long ago — and how we care for it today.

Are you trying to secure the tarp over your tent, or interested in how to keep your boat or canoe tied up so that it won't float away?

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

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.

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Whether you're fascinated or a little rattled, snakes are a vital part of healthy ecosystems, and they’re not as scary as they seem.

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.

Everyone loves a relaxing evening especially out on Hungry Mother Lake.

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

Hop on over for a hands-on adventure into the world of frogs. Join park staff as we search for some of Virginia’s native frog species and their tadpoles.

Do you feel safer walking with a friend?

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail (0.81mi.).

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

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

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

Second only to humans in the ability to change their environment to fit their needs, learn just how smart a beaver can be.

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.

Fly through the gardens of Twins Lakes State Park on your quest to find resources and claim your flower before it's gone! Join us for this "musical chairs" based program competing to keep your resources before habitat loss ensues.

Step into the shoes of an archaeologist and uncover the secrets of an owl’s diet!

Cape Henry Lighthouse joins First Landing State Park to bring history to you.

The Senior Ranger series is geared towards senior citizens who are interested in learning more about nature, outdoor skills, and history.

Did you know owls get 'hairballs?' About once a day, an owl spits up a ball of hair and bones called an owl pellet which is actually the 'leftovers' from their most recent meals.

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

Do you enjoy coffee, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables?

Our Friends Group is an organization of citizens who support our park's operations, events, and material needs through fund raising.

Ever wonder what goes on at night in a park?

Step into the quiet, mysterious woods of Douthat State Park after dark for an unforgettable experience.

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

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

You're invited to stop by the Education Station any Friday and Saturday to explore, ask questions and learn something new!

We are kicking off the summer season at the Education Station with a weekend of Backyard Bass!

Join us for the official grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration of the Breaking Point Disc Golf Course at Occoneechee State Park, the third disc golf course in the entire park system!  This 18-hole course is designed for players of all skill levels, from first timers to seasoned competitors.  Crafted by professional disc golfer Matt Bell, the course offers a fun, scenic and challenging experience that highlights the natural beauty of the park.  Celebrate with us as we open this exciting new recreational feature to the public.

If you're curious about trees, satisfy your curiosity on this Arbor Adventure!  Join a ranger on Chippoax Trace Trail to identify Chippokes' fauna, specifically trees.  This trail takes visitors from rolling farm fields, into canopied woodlands, and to a worthwhile scenic view of the beautiful salt marshes of Chippokes.

Rangers from Leesylvania State Park will take your little ones on a nature adventure with reading, games, and crafts.

This place, this land, is as old as time itself.

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

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat State Park.

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.

New River Trail State Park has partnered with Mount Rogers Community Services to offer Wellness in Nature: Rooted in Wellness.

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.

Trek the path many settlers walked and discover what life was like back when the legend was formed.

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Look up and learn about tree diversity in the park!

Ever wondered what a skunk’s fur feels like, or how big a bobcat’s skull really is?

How did Pocahontas State Park come to be? What are the "Original 6" State Parks?

Can you guess what critter I am?

What track is that?

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

Trees have magical qualities that provide us with many important everyday items, as well as a large portion of the oxygen we breathe.

Come meet and greet Ranger Myrtle (our Red-Eared Slider turtle), Ranger Scout (our Western Hognose snake), and Ranger Brutus (our Copperhead snake) to discover what makes these rangers so special to Twin Lakes State Park.  Parks are for everyone.

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

We can tell a great deal about an animal’s adaptations by looking at their skins and skulls.

Dive into the history of the Occaneechi Tribe that once called Occoneechee State Park home.

Come say hello to Ranger Shelly, our red-eared slider and local shellebrity. Join us at the beach as she enjoys some sunshine and enrichment time.

Join a ranger to learn about the wild animals found at Belle Isle State Park that delight your senses.

Do we have bears around here?

Are you predator or prey?

In Virginia, a lot of pre-contact Indigenous history was obscured by colonization.

Who made those footprints?

Expand your survival skills by learning how to build a fire!

Keep an eye out around the campgrounds before the welcome campfire for a ranger carrying a fascinating historical or natural item from the park.

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.

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.

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

Enjoy the beautiful park setting as you are entertained by some of our very own local musicians.

Join your fellow campers to hear about all of the different trails and activities the park has to offer and discover the history of the park. This is a great chance to ask questions about the park, local activities in the area, and future events at Fairy Stone State Park.

Start your weekend off right with s’mores and more!

Come join the party!

Where's the best place to fish at the park?

Enjoy a beautiful moonlight paddle on the lower Potomac River.

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

What's a camping trip without a campfire?

Explore an enchanting evening amidst the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night!

Start your weekend 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 weekend's activities, and familiarize yourself with the park and its rangers.

Welcome to the park!

Welcome to Staunton River State Park!

As dusk draws near, lightning bugs appear!