Events in Virginia State Parks

Help ensure years of great fishing at Claytor Lake by recycling your old holiday tree at the park.

Visit the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) museum to learn more about the CCC, the original six Virginia State Parks, and the creation of Pocahontas State Park.

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center, which houses both the Nature Center and the Discovery Center, where you can grab a map and fill up on water, snacks, and souvenirs before you hit the trails.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snakes that live here in our Visitor Center.

Let the hunt begin!

The month of February is nationally recognized as an annual observance and celebration of African American History. Upon visiting the park you'll find many historic buildings that are direct links to the property's past as a former plantation and active farm site.  Beyond these fields and buildings, there are important narratives of the men, women, and children who worked and lived on property over the years as Chippokes has continuously evolved.  Join a ranger as we walk along the historic Quarter Lane,  from the River House to the Jones - Stewart Mansion, to share the history of both enslaved and tenant farmer families of Chippokes.

Finding your way may not always be easy, but it’s always rewarding.

Humans aren't the only ones who build amazing structures.  Insects, birds, and mammals are among the many animals who create complex homes for themselves.  Let's take a look into the world of these master builders of the animal kingdom.

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

Slow down, observe, and discover what’s happening in the woods.

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

Join us for a hike in celebration of World Wetlands Day!

It's wintertime at Sky Meadows, but there is still so much to explore in the lush forests of the Shenandoah Valley. While a lack of leaves can make tree identification more difficult, there are still many clues that you can use to identify trees in their leafless state.

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir Join our rangers on a guided hike and learn about our native species, park history, and wetland habitat.

Do you have a passion for nature, environmental education, and wish to make a difference?

Ready, set, crawl on down to the Visitors Center to meet our woodland box turtle, General Raphael!

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

"A track is a window to the past of an animal.

Got a little explorer who’s beyond crawling, but isn’t ready to hike with the Kindergarten siblings?  The Tyke Hike is the perfect fit for little legs.  The hikes are less than a mile and mostly stroller friendly.  The ranger will help your little one discover neat things in nature in this one hour adventure.

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

The Friends group is a dedicated volunteer organization made up of community members who actively support the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park.

Join us at Douthat State Park for Homeschool Naturalists, a monthly outdoor education series designed for homeschool students of all ages.

"A track is a window to the past of an animal.

"As long as a live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing." -- John Muir Widewater State Park is pleased to offer Bird Walks from November 2025 thru March 2026!  Join an experienced birder on an exploration of our incredibly diverse park throughout the cooler months.

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

Join a ranger to learn about science, history, and nature at Leesylvania State Park!

From the small eastern screech owl to the great horned owl, eight species of owls call Virginia home part or all of the year.   Get a glimpse into the mysterious world of our elusive nocturnal raptors.

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.

Let your Friday afternoons be filled with natural  and historical wonders.  Join us for a closer look at some of the interesting things about our ecosystem and region.

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

The big blue can hold many secrets and sometimes those secrets wash ashore! Join a Park Ranger as we wander the beach identifying shells, animals, and other treasures commonly found along the beach at False Cape.

Have you ever seen or heard an actual owl call in the night?

Come see us for a general overview of the service of United States Colored Troops in the final operations of the Civil War.

Find out which reptiles and amphibians call First Landing home! Located within the trail center, the Discovery Room is welcome to all ages.

Come join our Rangers on a guided hike through Long Pond Trail.

Joining a park ranger for a fun reading adventure!

Join us as we learn more about the prehistoric history of Chippokes State Park through fossils that can be found right on our beaches!

Think opossums are just pesky critters?

Learn the fundamentals of geocaching by participating on a guided hike.

Celebrate World Wetlands Day with a fascinating exploration of Douthat State Park’s vernal pools.

Learn the fundamentals of geocaching by participating on a guided hike.

Whatever the prediction about winter that was made on February 2 by the groundhog of your choice, spring is still on the way.

Step into the forest on a guided hike at Westmoreland State Park that shows how trees are everything but still, even in the winter!

Take a walk and discover life in four different aquatic ecosystems.

Celebrate an American icon at Caledon, where the bald eagle soars wild and free over the Potomac River.

Mason Neck is home to more than twenty species of waterfowl during the winter.  Meet Rangers at the Visitor Center for an introduction to our visiting waterfowl, then join us as we look out over Belmont Bay for the many ducks, geese, and coots in the park.

Join us as we build a beaver to find out if their teeth, and other body parts, are useful, or just a cruel joke played by Mother Nature.

Have you ever wanted to identify the different birds in your yard or even start bird watching as a hobby?  If so, this program is for you.  We'll go over the basics of finding and identifying birds, the basic equipment you might need, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your birding adventures!

Join us for our new series "Tales and Trails" with Samuels Public Library.

Can you match the skull to its pelt?

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

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

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.

Get ready for a 'ssslithery' good time and meet some of our most 'misssunderstood' wildlife-snakes.

Take a walk among the forest's still and silent giants: trees!

Discover why skunks are scent-sational!

Slow down and take in the beauty of the James River and its vibrant landscapes!

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

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

What's under that rock?

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

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

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.

We may not always see our wildlife, but they leave behind clues for us to find.

Parents, you spoke, and we listened!  We're excited to introduce our first toddler series: Little Wanderers. This series is for parents/guardians with toddlers ages 2-5. Once a month, on a Saturday, we will explore the natural world through short hikes, engaging games, and reading stories.

Celebrate our feathered night-shift MVPs and learn what makes owl so 'talon-ted'.

You can help restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s rivers by participating in Mason Neck's Grasses for the Masses program.

Bundle up and join us for a peaceful winter walk as we explore the James River State Park in search of its seasonal birdlife!

Through trail, stone, and timber, the CCC carved a legacy that still shapes Douthat today.

Have you ever seen a 'timberdoodle' dance in the twilight sky?

Come see us for a general overview of the service of United States Colored Troops in the final operations of the Civil War.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snakes that live here in our Visitor Center.

We may not always see our wildlife, but they leave behind clues for us to find.

Join us in creating your very own bird feeder to put in our park or your back yard!

Humans aren't the only ones who build amazing structures.  Insects, birds, and mammals are among the many animals who create complex homes for themselves.  Let's take a look into the world of these master builders of the animal kingdom.

"Wisdom from the Wild" is a monthly series that will lead you on wonder-filled journey to recovering your sense of belonging and finding your truest self, rooted in the rhythms and raptures of nature.

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

Slow down, observe, and discover what’s happening in the woods.

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Take a fascinating hike and discover the rich history of James River State Park, from ancient fossils to the American Civil War and beyond.

During the winter, deciduous trees make it difficult to tell them apart due to the lack of leaves.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir Join our rangers on a guided hike and learn about our native species, park history, and wetland habitat.

"A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can indeed change the world." - Margaret Meade, Anthropologist Do you have a passion for teaching and being outdoors?

You can help restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s rivers by participating in Mason Neck's Grasses for the Masses program.

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

Virginia Master Naturalist Bonnie Miles is returning this year with another fascinating program.

Enjoy a winter birding adventure to discover duck species and habitats.  In less than a mile we will look for waterfowl from a shallow pond, tidal creek, and the river.  Bald eagles are also frequently found in the area.

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

For the week of Valentines Day, we are giving some love to our animal ambassador Maverick!

Witness the amphibian life cycle and see aquatic invertebrates up-close when you join us in this partnership program with our local Central Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists (CPVMN).

Help us deploy holiday trees into the water for years of great fishing at Claytor Lake.

For the week of Valentines Day, we are giving some love to our animal ambassador Maverick!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with this monthly series of true nature walks!

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

Self-Guided Activity  New River Trail State Park has more than 127 bird species; you're sure to see waterfowl, songbirds, and the occasional Bald Eagle and Osprey.

New River Trail State Park has more than 127 bird species including ducks, songbirds, and Bald Eagles.

The park is proud to be a part of this annual birdwatching event by providing a place for you to participate.