Events in Virginia State Parks

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is now accepting entries for the “Stitch in Time” Quilt Show.

The Eta Aquarids is an above average meteor shower capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak.

Are you curious about the birds around us?

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!

Stretch your wings on this hike all about the birds that call Chippokes State Park their nest!  Join a Ranger led excursion along College Run Trail to the shoreline of the James River.

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.

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.

Did you know that Grayson Highlands State Park is home to several endangered species?

This field-based game is a fun and safe way to examine the remarkable abilities of bats and the importance of preserving their habitats.

Look up and learn about tree diversity in the park!

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!

Seven Bends will be hosting a work day focusing on the Rivers Way Play Space.

How did Pocahontas State Park come to be? What are the "Original 6" State Parks?

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

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

Trees have magical qualities that provide us with many important everyday items, as well as a large portion of the oxygen we breathe.

We can tell a great deal about an animal’s adaptations by looking at their skins and skulls.

Dive into the history of the Occaneechi Tribe that once called Occoneechee State Park home.

Virginia's wetlands are a haven for a diverse range of wetland birds, each contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.

Join the rangers for a fun tree craft!

Whether you prefer the writings of Henry David Thoreau or the classic rhyme scheme of Dr.

Expand your survival skills by learning how to build a fire!

Every program description needs a hook, but this program already has plenty of them.

Join your fellow campers to hear about all of the different trails and activities the park has to offer and discover the history of the park. This is a great chance to ask questions about the park, local activities in the area, and future events at Fairy Stone State Park.

Join us for a night of 'bat-tastic' fun at Twin Lakes State Park!

Start your weekend off right with s’mores and more!

Come join the party!

'Whooo' will hear 'whooo' first?

Virginia State Parks license plate holders park for free on some of our national event days.

Let's get ready to FISH!

Virginia State Park license plate owners will receive free parking on the following dates, as well as special discounts and offers provided throughout the year.

We all know that hiker who likes to stop every few steps to point out some cool fungi, or stop to examine a freshly fallen feather.

Rise and shine!

Do you want your kids to learn how to kayak?

Celebrate Kids to Parks Day at Sailor’s Creek with a hands-on Junior Historian Scavenger Hunt!

Join us for a photography scavenger hunt with Samuels Public Library.  Using observational and photography skills to document nature, this session will focus on capturing images of the smaller details in our natural world.

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail (0.81mi.).

May 16 through May 22 is Safe Boating Week and USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 33 will be available to give information, answer safe boating / kayaking questions and provide vessel safety exams.  Bring your vessel or just your curiosity to the Motorboat Launch or Canoe/Kayak launch Saturday 9 a.m. - Noon. .

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.

Kids to Parks Day is a nationwide celebration connecting families with the beauty and wonder of our public lands.

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

Join a Ranger for a fun scavenger hunt in one of the most biologically diverse parks in Virginia!

This program will train guests to focus on the present moment, observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and enhance their awareness of the mind-body connection.

Start your weekend with fresh air, beautiful scenery, camaraderie, and a feeling of accomplishment.

Join us for an all day affair of fun!

Can you spot a bald eagle?

When in doubt, kayak it out!

Join us in discovering the hidden wonders of these temporary seasonal wetlands.

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.

Bring your family and join us for National Kids to Parks Day!

Celebrate National Kids to Park Day by exploring activity stations along the Farmstead and Meadow View Trails!

Bring your family to Pocahontas State Park to celebrate National Kids to Parks Day.

Practice your casting and reeling in the grass.

Wonder and walk as Rangers guide you in exploring Leesylvania 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!

Join a ranger on a walk around Oxbow Lake for National Kids to Parks Day!

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.

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.

Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day at Chippokes State Park!

The Green Arrow?

Fishing is Fun.

Kids and parks together mean discovery is at hand.

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. .

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.

Get ready to master the wild with tips and tricks for surviving in the wild when hunting or hiking off the beaten path.

Bring the whole family out for a full day of outdoor fun at the Kids Love Parks Fair!

Step into the Creation Station and let your imagination take the lead!

Cast into one of our most popular outdoor pastimes with Fishing Fundamentals, a hands-on introduction perfect for new anglers and curious kids.

You and your family are invited to stop by the Education Station to learn and explore with Ranger Megan!

What exactly is a pollinator - and are they all insects?

After the iron industry moved away from the area, residents of Fayerdale went from mining to 'shining.

Learn some unbe-leaf-able tree facts in this Dendrology 101 trail walk!

Get down and dirty with this two-hour wild cave tour.

Explore the park with a leaf identification scavenger hunt.

Join costumed interpreters for a demonstration of historical cooking methods in the Jones-Stewart Mansion's original brick kitchen. .

What will we scoop up this time?

Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day at Sky Meadows for a day of play in our Picnic Area!

It's National Kids to Parks Day and we are celebrating with a Butterfly Safari! Are you quick enough to catch a butterfly?

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

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.

Spark your curiosity at our Fire Building station!

Join a Ranger at the Visitor Center for story time!

Calling all budding detectives.

Learn basic campfire safety and make easy, customizable fire starters.

There are lots of ways to have adventures at New River Trail 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.

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.

Are you ready to become a ranger?

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

Join the majestic creatures of the sky and allow your creativity to soar at new heights.

Play classic Hide-and-Seek with a modern twist!

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

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.

Celebrating Kids to Parks Day with Nature Activities Bring the whole family for an exciting afternoon of nature-themed fun.

From antlions to zebra swallowtails, amazing insects are everywhere!

Learn how Mother Nature can both inspire and help you create your next masterpiece.

Parents are welcome to join their kids at this classic park activity.

Spend a day at the Bay during our Bay Blast adventure!

Kayak season is here!