Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., now through April 30. Learn more.
National Kids to Parks Day - May 17, 2025
Kids to Parks Day is a nationally coordinated day designed to connect kids and families with their local, state, and national parks. By discovering our public lands, kids across the country are learning about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, STEM, and history.
Virginia State Parks have special events planned to celebrate this day of outdoor play. The programs include walks and hikes, arts and crafts, learning about wildlife and the natural world, and outdoor activities like fishing, paddling, and archery. Programs vary by park so check out what each park is offering below.
Visit a Virginia State Park to join in the fun.
May 17, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day by discovering more about Pocahontas State Park.
May 17, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Westmoreland State Park
Join a ranger, enjoy Big Meadow Trail, and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park.
May 17, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Leesylvania State Park
What can we hear, see, smell, and touch?
May 17, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
James River State Park
What better way to celebrate National Kids to Parks Day than an all-day fair!
May 17, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day with a fun-filled day in nature!
May 17, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Kiptopeke State Park
Join us for National Kids to Parks Day! Celebrate the importance of pollinators with a fun, hands-on craft designed for kids of all ages. Learn about bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while creating your own nature-inspired craft to take home. Crafts will be set up at the Big Water Visitor Center from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
May 17, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
This is your chance to become an official junior ranger at Natural Bridge State Park!
May 17, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Hey, kids: turn off the television, put away the video games, and head over to the park for some real fun in the great outdoors. Come participate in exciting programs that connect kids with the outdoors.
May 17, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Explore Virginia’s frontier through the eyes of a child.
May 17, 2025. 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day with us and experience the wonders of Douthat State Park from a whole new perspective: through the eyes of a child. 11:30 a.m. Douthat Dwellers: Frogs: What animal inspired a popular children’s game?
May 17, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
Families can join rangers for fun nature activities on Kids to Park Day!
May 17, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Have you ever thought about what an animal eats?
May 17, 2025. 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park
Kick your summer off with a bang at Staunton River State Park on National Kids to Parks Day.
Find a Job at
Virginia State Parks
Order your Virginia State Parks
license plate
