Events in Virginia State Parks

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.

Have you ever wondered what a plant would sound like if it could speak or play music?

Want to become a citizen scientist for the day?

Calling all budding detectives.

Think opossums are just pesky critters?

Have you ever wondered what flowers are blooming around us?

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.

Chippokes State Park welcomes visitors to accompany an interpretive guide on a very unique historical building tour experience to explore one of the oldest dwellings on property.

You never know what critters you will see around Belle Isle, there's dozens to pick from.

This World Turtle Day uncover the fascinating world of turtles from their habitats, behaviors, and the challenges they face in the wild.

Did you know that Westmoreland is one of the original State Parks in Virginia?

Keep your eyes on the skies and come along as we dive into the art of bird journaling and discover fascinating facts about your favorite feathered friends.

Celebrate the vibrant musical heritage of Southwest Virginia!

From turtle shells to insect exoskeletons, many different species have built-in armor to protect them from predators. This program will explore the different types of animal armor, the different parts of their armor, and the species that utilize it.  This program will be held in the Visitor Center.

Hot diggity dog, the Friends of False Cape are having a FUNdraiser!

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

What's under that rock?

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Join us in paying homage to 70,000 years of history and human tradition as we learn the sport of Archery.

Discover the vital role butterflies play in our ecosystem and the remarkable journey they undertake from egg to winged adult.

Who made those footprints?

Looking for a family friendly way to kick off your summer fun?

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.

Eagle, Osprey, and Owls, oh my!

Join us for an opportunity to get "a-head" on wildlife knowledge and learn to identify skulls based upon their characteristics.

Happy World Turtle Day!

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.

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.

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

Create a recycled flowerpot out of newspaper that you can place right in the ground with native flower seeds.

Take a guided hike to several views of the park’s streams and Gordon Pond.

The Friends of Twin Lakes State Park is hosting its fourth annual 'shellebration' of World Turtle Day® with the following activities: turtle-themed games and face painting, a 'shellfie' station (with wearable turtle shells!), a turtle-themed craft, and visits from turtle experts with live turtles, as well as the beloved local 'shellebrity' Ranger Myrtle the turtle.

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.

Take your first shot at archery in this beginner-friendly workshop.

How well do you know the park's ambassador animal, James the mud turtle? This tiny rescued turtle's aquatic home is located at the Park Office.

Did you know you can identify some turtles just by looking at their shells?

Ready to explore the forest in its full summer glory?

Celebrate Memorial Day with us by decorating your own star just like the ones on our nation's flag.

Join our rangers for a look at the skins and skulls of animals you can find in Hayfields.

Beat the heat at our River Bend Discovery Center!

Slime is survival.

Join us on a ranger-led hike to certify your canine companion as a New River Trail State Park B.A.R.K Ranger!    The B.A.R.K.

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boom town. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

Join our volunteer John Duncan on a short stroll and tour of the historic Howe House as we discuss how the park came to be.

Join us as we continue to pay homage to 70,000 years of history and human tradition as we practice the sport of Archery.

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.

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.