Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park.

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

Bear Creek Lake is a modest 40 aces in size yet has a many-faceted story to tell.

Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.

This special introductory program is designed to provide an in depth look at the fossils that have been found along the Potomac River.  We will explore the world of fossils and the ones that occur here.

Get your feet wet and explore life in the creek.

Every animal has unique features and traits that make them special and suited for their natural environment.

Do you think you have what it takes to build a shelter that will withstand the wind and the rain?

Fly on over and learn how to make a bird feeder from natural materials which you can keep.

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 boomtown. 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.

What's a benthic organism and how do they survive in the creek?

Like them or loathe them, snakes are important to our ecosystems.

Frogs, turtles, and fish, oh my!  Explore the life that exists in the pond while learning about the abundance of animals that call this ecosystem home.  Join a park ranger and learn how you can help protect these fascinating creatures.  For more information, please call the Visitor Center at (703) 583-6904 or send an email to leesylvaniavc@dcr.virginia.gov.

Soar on over and take a virtual tour of a family of "fish hawks".

Fishing can be as easy as tying your shoes.

Come along on a hike through Kiptopeke's trails to learn about the nature in our park. Meet at picnic shelter #2. The hike is roughly 2 miles long. Great for all ages!

Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the Potomac River. This paddle tour is designed to show you the ecosystem, wildlife, and scenic views from the river as we look back to the shoreline of Westmoreland State Park.  This paddle provides excellent views and wildlife sighting opportunities to include, the Horsehead Cliffs (from a safe distance),stratigraphy of the Cliffs, erosion and water as a true natural force, a brief fossil hunting on fossil beach, and significant bird watching opportunities to include special and unscheduled appearances by Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, and more!  Please sign up and pay in advance for this program at the Visitor Center. Guests should meet at the day-use beach and boathouse area. All equipment is provided however participants should wear closed-toed shoes. All children participating should be over 35lbs. Participants should wear a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and bring water and snacks with them.  This paddle begins at the scheduled time and can run for roughly 2 hours. This program is limited to 8 spots.

Hop on over to learn the calls and search for some of Virginia's native frog species.

Join our Park Rangers for a unique experience of Aquia Creek as the cloak of twilight descends.

Kayak through the sunset on Swift Creek Lake.

The day has been filled with fun activities, but now it is time to wind down with a peaceful paddle on the lake.

Experience an enjoyable ride on the lake while we watch the sun slip below the horizon.

Paddle your way around the park’s unique ecosystem.

Come see what Mason Neck State Park has to offer on International Adaptive Activity Day.  Discover the beauty of inclusive outdoor adventures at our special event celebrating International Adaptive Activity Day!

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

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

Come on out to the park and test your paddling skills.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

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

Been itching to go fishing?

Become a prospector as we follow in the footsteps of "Stampmill Sam".

Are all snakes venomous?

Join us as we explore the wonders of nature.

Have you ever heard an owl sing at night?

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

Join us as we open the doors to the old Norfolk and Western caboose 518517.

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals.

Christmas has come early at the park!

Did you know owls don't chew their food?

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

Stop by the ranger's tent on the way to the pool for fun a peek at some critters and a cute craft.

When it comes to carrying survival materials with you on the trail, every little bit of space counts, so hikers come up with creative ways to carry their gear.

Are there beavers at Smith Mountain Lake?

Join us for an immersive adventure!

What's under that rock?

The 250-acre Hoover Mountain Bike Area is located on a reclaimed 20th century mine site.

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

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.

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

The surface of the water might seem calm, but down under there is an exciting world filled with all kinds of life.

Silent and spooky, the owl is a magnificent animal.

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

Join Yoga instructor, Kelly Blevins, to experience the calming benefits of yoga in a beautiful outdoor setting.

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.

Do your kids enjoy gardening?

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

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

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own interpretive guide!

Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.

Explore the beautiful wetlands with us.

Learn about the reptiles that can be spotted in the park!

Do you know the differences between wasps and bees?

Craftily sculpt a towering sandcastle, a mermaid, a turtle, your dog, or any other creature, character, or building you can think of to win this sand sculpture contest in honor of Sandcastle Day. All skill levels are encouraged to participate.

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

What even are watersheds?

Meet local 'shellebrity', Ranger Shelly, our Red-eared Slider turtle as she suns herself and enjoys some enrichment at the beach area.

Take a look at the fascinating lives of insects and let your creative juices flow.

The Bay can hold many secrets.

Let's learn all about our friends, THE BEES!

Stop by the beach to see some cool critters, hold some interesting artifacts, and have your nature and history questions about Douthat State Park answered.

Tie-dye wasn't the brainchild of American hippies during the 1960s.

Autumn is not the only season that is perfect to take a wagon ride. Take a relaxing ride through the park and campground, experiencing the sounds of summertime.

Put yourself into the shoes of an Ice Age hunter in this spear-throwing workshop. Long ago, giant beasts roamed the land that we now call Virginia.

End your week with a relaxing paddle along Swift Creek Lake.

Enjoy the sounds of local musicians as you take in our beautiful park.

It's all fun and games at the campfire.

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

Fire has been a part of human history since cavemen roamed Earth, with many different uses. Learn how to build a campfire using different methods or enjoy a game of trivia by the glow of the fire.

Watch the last traces of daylight strike the Blue Ridge Mountains on this guided sunset hike.

Welcome to Staunton River State Park.

Bring your family and friends and join a park ranger for a campfire on the water’s edge at the beach amphitheater.

Join us after dark to observe moths and other insects of the night. Entomologists Dr.

Come out to Grayson Highlands State Park for a magical night under the stars and witness the amazing Perseid Meteor Shower.

Get outside and join volunteers at Caledon State Park to help improve Caledon's trail system.

Paddle through the Catlett Islands on a Ranger led kayak tour which explores the diverse wildlife, ecosystems, and history of the park.

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

Spend time floating five and a half miles down the Clinch River.

Enjoy a morning of family fun, fish, learn about the Potomac River, and maybe win a trophy!  Sponsored by the Friends of Leesylvania State Park, these fishing tournaments throughout the summer are suitable for all ability levels, ages 3-15.  No rod and reel?  No problem!  The Friends have suitable tackle on hand to loan.  We hope to see you there!

Come experience the beautiful James River on this guided kayak tour. The trip includes a brief overview of paddling safety and techniques, as well as on-the-water interpretations of natural and cultural features.

The Great Egret joins the Great Blue Heron for super-sized avian fun at the park.

Join us for a rewarding morning of gardening with fellow plant lovers.

From woodlands to wetlands, fields and pastures, let's investigate the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.

Join us for a guided tour of the Overton-Hillsman House (circa 1780) at Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park to learn about everyday experiences during the 19th century.

Curious about what flowers you see blooming in Sky Meadows' fields during the summer heat?

Join our staff for a guided tour of Mulberry Hill, the plantation home of Judge Paul Carrington, Virginian and Founding Father. Mulberry Hill was a working tobacco farm owned by the McPhails during the American Civil War and was used by Union General Wilson as his headquarters during the 1864 cavalry raid into Southside Virginia.

Stop by the nature booth to borrow a Family Learning Adventures adventure pack for the day.

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

During the Jim Crow Era, many public spaces in the South were segregated.