Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.
National Kids to Parks Day - May 16, 2026
Now in its 16th year, National Kids to Parks Day, sponsored by the National Parks Trust, 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 16, 2026. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Let's get ready to FISH!
May 16, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Widewater State Park
Do you want your kids to learn how to kayak?
May 16, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Celebrate Kids to Parks Day at Sailor’s Creek with a hands-on Junior Historian Scavenger Hunt!
May 16, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail (0.81mi.).
May 16, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park
Do you have what it takes to be a junior ranger? Join our rangers in fun programs and activities that will train you to become Westmoreland's new crew of Junior Rangers! Wear shoes you can hike in and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! Pack a lunch, water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
May 16, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Holliday Lake State Park
Kids to Parks Day is a nationwide celebration connecting families with the beauty and wonder of our public lands.
May 16, 2026. 9:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Join a Ranger for a fun scavenger hunt in one of the most biologically diverse parks in Virginia!
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Caledon State Park
Can you spot a bald eagle?
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
When in doubt, kayak it out!
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Powhatan State Park
Join us in discovering the hidden wonders of these temporary seasonal wetlands.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Douthat 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.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Bring your family and join us for National Kids to Parks Day!
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park
Celebrate National Kids to Park Day by exploring activity stations along the Farmstead and Meadow View Trails!
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Bring your family to Pocahontas State Park to celebrate National Kids to Parks Day.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Practice your casting and reeling in the grass.
May 16, 2026 10:00 a.m. - May 25, 2026 11:00 a.m.
Leesylvania State Park
Wonder and walk as Rangers guide you in exploring Leesylvania State Park.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Bark in the Park is coming to Smith Mountain Lake State Park for a tail-wagging day of fun, education, and community spirit!
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Clinch River State Park
Join a ranger on a walk around Oxbow Lake for National Kids to Parks Day!
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
York River State Park
Join in the fun of National Kid's to Parks Day by seeking live at the water's edge. We'll begin with a hike to our Living Shoreline for some dip netting. Our catch will be on display for all of our guests to see What's in the Water. Be sure to visit the Discovery Room and learn more about aquatic life.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 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 2:00 pm.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Chippokes State Park
Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day at Chippokes State Park!
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mason Neck State Park
Fishing is Fun.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Kids and parks together mean discovery is at hand.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Join us on the public beach for the launch of our Lake Anna Landsharks Safety Challenge! Stop by the pop-up tent to learn how you can be a safe swimmer, boater, and beachgoer at Lake Anna. Complete all the challenges to claim your prize, then take the safety pledge to become a Lake Anna Landshark! Open to guests of all ages. No pre-registration needed. Landshark Challenges will not involve swimming or boating. FREE. .
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
Today you can throw your ranger hat in the ring and see if you have what it takes to be a junior ranger! Stop by the visitor center's Base Camp to test out your junior ranger skills.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
James River State Park
Bring the whole family out for a full day of outdoor fun at the Kids Love Parks Fair!
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
James River State Park
Step into the Creation Station and let your imagination take the lead!
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
James River State Park
Cast into one of our most popular outdoor pastimes with Fishing Fundamentals, a hands-on introduction perfect for new anglers and curious kids.
May 16, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Seven Bends State Park
You and your family are invited to stop by the Education Station to learn and explore with Ranger Megan!
May 16, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
What will we scoop up this time?
May 16, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day at Sky Meadows for a day of play in our Picnic Area!
May 16, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Belle Isle State Park
It's National Kids to Parks Day and we are celebrating with a Butterfly Safari! Are you quick enough to catch a butterfly?
May 16, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Join us for our new series "Tales and Trails" with Samuels Public Library.
May 16, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Come to Staunton River Battlefield State Park and learn the basics of archery! This class will teach you how to properly hold a bow, correct stance, how to aim, and most importantly, how to be safe while doing so.
May 16, 2026. 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
James River State Park
Spark your curiosity at our Fire Building station!
May 16, 2026. 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Join a Ranger at the Visitor Center for story time!
May 16, 2026. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Calling all budding detectives.
May 16, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Learn basic campfire safety and make easy, customizable fire starters.
May 16, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
There are lots of ways to have adventures at New River Trail State Park!
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Are you ready to become a ranger?
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Join the majestic creatures of the sky and allow your creativity to soar at new heights.
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Play classic Hide-and-Seek with a modern twist!
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Join a ranger for a fun scavenger hunt along the Oak Hickory Trail (1.1mi loop). On our adventure we will look for different plants and animals that are found throughout the park.
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
Celebrating Kids to Parks Day with Nature Activities Bring the whole family for an exciting afternoon of nature-themed fun.
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
From antlions to zebra swallowtails, amazing insects are everywhere!
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Learn how Mother Nature can both inspire and help you create your next masterpiece.
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Parents are welcome to join their kids at this classic park activity.
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
First Landing State Park
Spend a day at the Bay during our Bay Blast adventure!
May 16, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Can you spot a bald eagle?
May 16, 2026. 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
Join a ranger on for some fishing fun, on dry land!
May 16, 2026. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
James River State Park
Take your first shot at Archery 101, a beginner-friendly workshop perfect for curious kids and families eager to try something new.
May 16, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Ever wanted to hike on an Island in the Sky AND in a Boreal Forest?
May 16, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Connect your family to nature with our special programming for Kids to Parks Day.
May 16, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Join our rangers as we create owls with pinecones and other natural elements found in the park.
May 16, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
These creatures might give you the creeps, but they play crucial roles in our ecosystem.
May 16, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Toads, Turtles, and Snakes- Oh my!
May 16, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hayfields State Park
So many adventures happen on the Bullpasture River, but what’s happening below the water surface?
May 16, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
A chance to make your very own leaf-bug craft while listening to a short story read by one of our rangers?
May 16, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.
May 16, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Douthat 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.
May 16, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Frogs, crawdads, and children - oh my!
May 16, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
What's under that rock?
May 16, 2026. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Can you match the skull to its pelt?
May 16, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
What do you know about our scaly friends?
May 17, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Celebrate Kids to Parks Day at Sailor’s Creek with a hands-on Junior Historian Scavenger Hunt!
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