Self-guided activities

Parks offer ranger-led programs, but there are many activities for guests who prefer to explore on their own.

Brochures, Trail Guides and Checklists

Some parks have brochures, trail maps, and checklists for specific topics such as wildflowers or animal tracks. Others offer photo scavenger hunts, fitness challenges, aquatic trails, Junior Ranger booklets, exhibits, orienteering, etc. Find downloadable self-guided hike and activity sheets here.

Park Packs, which include field guides, binoculars, and other tools, are designed to help kids learn about the woods, waters, and historic sites. The backpacks are lent free of charge. Many parks also have interpretive trails and visitor center exhibits that highlight the park's natural and historical features.

Many libraries across Virginia lend Nature Backpacks that include a park pass, field guides, dip net, magnifying glass and other items to help you and your kids learn more about the great outdoors.

Trails

Claytor Lake, First Landing, Grayson Highlands, Hungry Mother, Natural Bridge and Sky Meadows have Kids in Parks Track Trails. Sky Meadows also has an accessible sensory trail and Virginia's first Nature Explore® Certified Classroom. Its outdoor play stations, which focus on farming, nature and history, entice kids to create art, make music, build, dance, climb, dig and crawl.

Virginia State Parks Adventures

Trail Quest, Wandering Waters, and Geocaching offer prizes for hiking a trail, enjoying a paddle, or finding an official Travel Bug Hotel. Our Virginia State Parks Adventure page can streamline the registration process. These programs offer rewards when you document your visits to state parks.

Play spaces designed for children to explore and learn can be found at Hungry Mother, James River, Caledon, High Bridge Trail, Natural Bridge and Staunton River Battlefield.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield and High Bridge Trail are stops on the 100 mile self-guided Lee's Retreat driving tour.

Know before you go

State parks aren’t amusement parks or backyards; they’re nature. The animals are wild, and the rivers and streams run stronger than they appear. Be sure to remain aware of surroundings when in a park and to prepare properly before you go.

A few simple steps of preparation should help you avoid potential problems, difficulties and unpleasantness.

Stay hydrated. Bring water.
Wear proper shoes and socks.
Know your limits.
Have a plan. Tell people where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Take a friend. Solitude is inspirational, but it’s safer and often more enjoyable to hike with a friend or two.
Keep your pet on a leash. When your dog catches the scent of an animal, you don’t want your beloved family dog dashing into the brush to meet nose to nose with a bear. Or a fox. Or a skunk.
Observe animals from a distance. You’re a visitor to their home so view animals at a safe distance.
Prepare for the weather. Dress in layers. Have the proper headgear. Watch for rain or storm clouds.
Apply sunscreen. A few hours outdoors can leave you sunburned even on overcast days.
When you return, check for ticks.