Events in Virginia State Parks

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

Hoo's making that noise?

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.

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park. Our interpretive ranger will lead the hike on River Bank Trail and talk about the exciting history of the Staunton River and our beautiful State Park.

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!

Walk through a shady riverine forest with your park ranger guide to look and listen for woodland birds and water-loving species. Colorful summer migrants have flown thousands of miles from Central or South America to raise their young here.

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

Early morning is one of the best times to experience the lake.

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

"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.

Come watch our resident snakes enjoy their mealtime!

Join a ranger in making your very own shark tooth earrings or necklace!

This archery session offers instruction for beginners and shooting time for the more experienced. It begins with a talk on archery equipment, technique, and safety.

Observe nature as a naturalist with a Lake Anna State Park sensory or photo scavenger hunt and return the completed activity before 4:00 pm to receive a special prize!

Gyotaku, or Fish Printing, is a traditional Japanese art form that uses paper, rollers and paint to record the size of fish that were caught.

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the calming and health-promoting benefits of the forest.

Ever wonder what the Battle of Cedar Mountain was all about? Come join Ranger Webb-Watkins to find out!

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic area and beaches with interesting animals or historical artifacts from the park.

Stop by the Visitor Center to join our coloring party. Materials and coloring sheets will be provided.

The brackish waters of the York River has a unique variety of fish and shellfish.  Follow the Woodstock Pond Trail to the river access point past shelter #3 to the left of the pond, Rangers will be using 2-man seine and other nets to discover what is in the water.

Chippokes State Park welcomes visitors to accompany an interpretive guide on a very unique historical building tour experience to explore one of the oldest dwellings on property.

Where does a bug lay its head to rest?

What will we scoop up this time?

No matter where we go, tiny wonders can be found all around us.

Life is indeed better with butterflies! Learn about the different species of butterflies in our area, their life cycles, how to identify them, and all the good they do for our environment. Join us in taking a closer look at these animals hard at work in our native plant garden and play a matching game of butterflies and their caterpillars.  This program will be held in the native plant garden next to the Visitor Center.  In case in inclement weather, please check this page prior to coming to the park. Cancellations will be posted by close of business the day before the program.

Beavers are nature's architects!

Have you ever wondered what makes an owl such a skilled night hunter?

Have you ever wanted to pan for gold?

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

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.

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.

Meet local 'shellebrity' Ranger Myrtle, the Red-eared Slider turtle, as she suns herself in her enclosure behind the concession building.

Nature Journals are great way to practice intentional observation of your surroundings.

Westmoreland State Park is home to 5 ambassador animals: Reba McEntire the Corn snake, Stevie Nicks the King snake, and three Red-Eared Sliders, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, and Earl Scruggs.

Unleash your creativity in the great outdoors. Join a park ranger for a hands-on crafting adventure inspired by the wildlife that calls the park home.

Ever wonder what dolls of the 18th century frontier looked like or what they were made of?

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.

The trash and litter we leave behind can hurt the environment.

If you're curious about trees, satisfy your curiosity on this Arbor Adventure!  Join a ranger on Chippoax Trace Trail to identify Chippokes' fauna, specifically trees.  This trail takes visitors from rolling farm fields, into canopied woodlands, and to a worthwhile scenic view of the beautiful salt marshes of Chippokes.

Spend your Sunday by the river!  A ranger will be stationed or roving in the picnic area with a fun activity for the whole family!  Activities may include a fur and skull table, meeting the wildlife ambassadors Henry the turtle or Fred the snake, dip netting, crafts, and more!

It's feeding time in our Chesapeake Bay Lab!

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?

Mason Neck is home to many Osprey.

So many creatures visit the Bullpasture River, but what critters are below the surface?

Challenge yourself to name various songbirds found around Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Join the interpretive ranger and see how many of our common birds you can identify.

The clouds are writing tomorrow's forecast, you just have to learn to read them Using cloud viewers, we will identify the different types of clouds and what weather they bring!

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket weaving and unlock your creativity with this hands-on workshop.

Have you ever counted a tree's rings?

Can you imagine a world without video games, cell phones, or TV?

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Ever wonder what the Battle of Cedar Mountain was all about? Come join Ranger Webb-Watkins to find out!

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Join us for "Turtle Time" at Holliday Lake State Park and meet our beloved turtle, Ranger Harrold Holliday!

When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next?

Slip on your closed-toe shoes and get ready to explore the creek.

What creatures rule our beaches at night?

Calling all Junior Rangers!

Find out what lurks below the surface of the swamp in this fun dip-netting adventure!

Have you ever wondered what secrets the natural world holds? This drop-in program offers a unique opportunity to meet with Virginia Master Naturalists who will be available to answer all your nature-related questions.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

From forts to farms, the property of Hayfields and Highland County have taken many forms.

Who made those footprints?

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.

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Do you enjoy coffee, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables?

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.

Calling all bird lovers, do you know how to identify a bird by its song?

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.

Mother Nature invites young nature-lovers to hear and read nature-themed stories. Share experiences of the natural world, nurture that curiosity for the wonders of Earth, and stay to explore the Discovery Center’s exhibits. Gaining an appreciation for nature will lead to a desire to protect it!

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Is the opossum misunderstood?

Join us on a guided golf cart tour of High Bridge where we will learn about the bridge's history and the role it played in the American Civil War.

Animals may be shy, but they leave plenty of clues behind.

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.

Ever wondered how you stack up against some of the largest birds in the sky?

Frogs, crawdads, and children - oh my!

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

Did you know that people have been using plants to dye fabric for centuries?

Allow the evening to envelop you and enjoy a hay wagon ride with our park guide.

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

Yes, you too can canoe!

Spend time paddling down the Clinch River.

Paddle your way around the park’s unique ecosystem.

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

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

How can we be more sustainable when practicing our favorite hobbies?

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

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!

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

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

Slow down and take in the beauty of the James River and its vibrant landscapes!

What swims in the shallows of South Beach?

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.