Events in Virginia State Parks

The joy of nature journaling is not about being a perfect artist; it’s about curiosity and wonder, slowing down and taking a closer look at what is out there.

Westmoreland State Park is home to five different ambassador animals: Reba McEntire the corn snake, Stevie Nicks the king snake, and three red-eared sliders, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, and Earl Scruggs.

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

Salamander's come in all shapes and sizes and this one is extra "sticky".

Dive into an ancient craft with a ranger, known as Gyotaku fish printing.

The fifth week of Junior Rangers is all about our Park Pros!

Kick off your week with us as we explore the natural world from exploring caves to searching the New River!

Every Monday evening from May to September you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

Sky Meadows invites kids ages 7-10 to Junior Ranger Camp, a four-day-long, half-day adventure in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

The fifth week of Junior Rangers is all about our Park Pros!

Naturalist Week continues by exploring the New River to learn about and look for Mussels!

Discover the science beneath the surface at Karst in a Cup, where you'll learn how groundwater moves, how caves develop, and how karst landscapes shape our environment.

Bring your furry friends for a beautiful nature walk with one of our rangers.

Join us for a Kayak Paddle trip to fossil beach!

The Friends of York River State Park is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the mission of the park: We champion the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of York River State Park's estuarine environment.

“The Moon and stars are not above us; they are within us." --John Muir Come join our rangers on an evening hike through the Holly Marsh Trail to view the Full Moon rising above the Potomac River!

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

Spend time paddling down the Clinch River.

Join a Hungry Mother interpreter for some WILD adventures this summer!

Explore the ancient history of New River Trail through the Geology of Hoover Mountain!

Enjoy a relaxing morning by taking a guided kayak paddle through the marshes of Back Bay.

The fifth week of Junior Rangers is all about our Park Pros!

Learn about the mighty earth movers beneath your feet and get a tasty treat.

What swims in the shallows of South Beach?

Been itching to go fishing?

Kiptopeke is full of beautiful sights to draw inspiration from. Breath taking sunsets on the bay, graceful migratory birds in flight, the swirling lines of seashells in the sand, and the pops of color from flowers in the fields can awaken the artist in all of us. Want to create your own masterpiece or capture a memory in your own impressionistic style?

Everyone loves a relaxing evening especially out on Hungry Mother Lake.

Do you love First Landing State Park and want to make a difference?

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Salamander Meander invites you to explore Appalachian creeks in search of the region's unique salamander species.

Enjoy a relaxing morning by taking a guided kayak paddle through the marshes of Back Bay.

Do you want to witness the art of Gyotaku fish printing, an ancient craft where you can create your own fish masterpiece?

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Who's tracks are those?

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

See some of the park's lesser noticed insects: Moths!

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother.

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

The American Jet Sport Association (AJSA) will be hosting a Southern Summer Series jet ski race at Claytor Lake State Park July 31-August 2. The event is open to both spectators and jet ski riders of different classifications.

Our park is known for its biodiversity and is home to many species of birds.

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

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Bent Creek and Canoe Landing!

Create a recycled flowerpot out of newspaper that you can place right in the ground with native flower seeds.

Look underwater to see what organisms live in the New River!

What is a Box Turtles favorite food?

Learn why they're called survival bracelets--and then make one yourself.

This land-based, hook-free fishing game is a fun and safe way to learn how to cast, but even those who are fishing fanatics will enjoy trying to beat out the competition in this game of limited resources.

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

What swims through the shallows of South Beach?

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.

Do you want to learn the history of the land that Kiptopeke is on today?

Enjoy the beautiful park setting as you are entertained by some of our very own local musicians.

Join us at the amphitheater for a warm welcome, camping tips, and marshmallow roasting at our weekly welcome campfire!  Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. .

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

Watch the last traces of daylight strike the Blue Ridge Mountains on this haywagon ride.

Welcome to Staunton River State Park!

Sit back  and enjoy the stars as we hear history and folklore about the moon and stars from around the world.

Get knee-deep in the Shenandoah during Fly Fishing 101!  Join us for an introductory fly-fishing program designed to teach you all the basics you need to start catching fish on a fly.

Ready to learn the ins and outs of stand up paddleboarding?

Ever tried to balance on a board in the water as you paddle down the lake?

Experience paddling on one of Virginia's most beautiful and historic waterways: the James River.

Join us for a rewarding morning of gardening with fellow plant lovers.

Curious about what flowers you see blooming in Sky Meadows' fields during the summer heat?

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Join us on the first Saturday of the month from May to November to experience the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of history at Sky Meadows.

Come out to Fries, get your feet wet, and explore what organisms live underwater!

Come see what Mason Neck State Park has to offer on International Adaptive Activity Day.  Discover the beauty of inclusive outdoor adventures at our special event celebrating International Adaptive Activity Day!

Come out to the newly renovated Roanoke Station Nature Center!

Join us for an engaging lecture that explores the history of Point Lookout, the largest Union prison camp of the American Civil War.

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

Kayak season is here!

Search for some frogs and learn what makes them so interesting! Our rangers and volunteers will walk you through every step of their life, and teach you how to not only find them, but also how to safely handle them.   .

Come explore the historic town of Fries! A park ranger will share stories of local history and show what remains of the once thriving textile industry.

Learn why they're called survival bracelets--and then make one yourself.

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

Experience the park in a whole new way.

Come gather around the campfire and immerse yourself in a night of fun.

Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.

Experience the park at night with a ranger guide pointing out stars and planets, nocturnal wildlife, and the joys of a natural night with low light pollution.

James River State Park is a designated International Dark Sky park.

Looking for a fun way to explore the park at your own pace?

Join our Park Rangers as they discuss the history, ecology, and culture of the Widewater peninsula.

One of the best times to be on Hungry Mother Lake is in the early mornings when no one else is on the lake.

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

"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.

This is the kind of Sunday program where you wander down the beach, stumble into a ranger-led arts and craft activities, and end up staying way longer than planned!

Interested in learning about archery in an adult setting?

Join us for an engaging lecture that explores the history of Point Lookout, the largest Union prison camp of the American Civil War.

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

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Calling all Junior Rangers!

Every Monday evening from May to September you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special.

Our beautiful park is the perfect place to pick up a fun new workout routine.

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

Enjoy a relaxing morning by taking a guided kayak paddle through the marshes of Back Bay.

While most of the adventure on the New River takes place above the water, there is no shortage of things to see below the water!

Imagine your afternoon at the park involving turtles soaking up sunshine as they enjoy the tickling grass.