Our amazing amphibians are abundant here in the mountains.

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

“What does the fox say?” Did you know that there are two different foxes found in Virginia, the red fox and the grey fox?

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

Meet at the Big Water Visitor Center and help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun! .

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.

Get your feet wet and explore life in the creek.

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.

What's a benthic organism and how do they survive in the creek?

Meet us on South Beach to help clean up trash and search for treasures.

Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Right now in Fairy Stone Lake, giant gelatinous blobs resembling brains can be found attached to stationary objects in the water, using their tentacles to feed.

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.

The day has been filled with fun activities, but now it is time to wind down with a peaceful paddle on the lake.

Join us at picnic shelter #1 for a late-night hike as we search for owls and other nocturnal animals that call Kiptopeke home.

Enjoy a summer evening at Grayson Highlands State Park and take a short hike using the moonlight to the highest point in the park.

Gather around the campfire as the sun sinks low.

Spend time floating down the Clinch River.

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

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals. Hike around the park and see if you can spot some of these homes. Remember to think outside the box on this one. Some animals live in trees, some live in the ground, and some live in the water.

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for treasure hunters all over the world.

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

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Join the Rangers on a guided hike through our most popular trail!

We use fire for all sorts of things in the outdoors, but how do we work with it safely?

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

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

Find time to head down to the Tunnel Platform where you’ll find amazing views of the 300-foot-tall amphitheater walls of the Natural Tunnel, rock pigeons, and if you’re lucky, a train.

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 beauty of nature has inspired artists for thousands of years.

Time to go on a scavenger hunt in the campground. Staunton River’s campground is nestled back in the woods right beside the Staunton River and is the perfect place to spot some interesting rocks, animals, and plant life. Each guest will be provided with a list of items to find. Will you be the first to find them all? If so, then you may receive a prize at the end of the program. Everyone will meet at the Visitor Center and the hunt will start from there.

Want to learn how to go geocaching? Join one of our rangers on a guided program on how to start your geocache adventure. Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure.

Step into the shoes of an archaeologist and uncover the secrets of an owl’s diet!

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

The batteau was a historically significant boat used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Who wouldn't want to learn helpful skills to fully enjoy nature safely and responsibly?

Step back in time and participate in games played in the 18th century.

Discover the fascinating world of creepy crawlies with a park ranger.

Trees are some of the most crucial organisms on the planet.

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

How much do you know about Douthat State Park's past?

Have you met the animals living at Hungry Mother State Park's Discovery Center?

We all love the great outdoors and enjoy nature. Sometimes we are in a hurry and miss out on all the little things nature has to offer. The James River and its lush landscapes have always been a source of life and inspiration. So, let's take that inspiration and have a “brush” with nature while we paint what we see and talk about what we are painting.

Hop on over to learn about this ancient insect eater, and discover how you can help preserve its habitat.

Join us for a refreshing blend of learning and outdoor fun that promotes environmental awareness and sparks a sense of wonder about the tiny worlds hidden in plain sight, right by the pool.

This is a fantastic time of year to take-in the beautiful scenery of Southwest Virginia.

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

Don't be afraid to mix it up.

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

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

Step into the quiet, mysterious woods of Douthat State Park after dark for an unforgettable experience.

Who, who, who are you?

Ever wonder what goes on at night in a park?

Have you ever wanted to enjoy the wonders of fossil beach after dark?

Join us along the New River for a FREE hour-long guided yoga flow session, led by a Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor.

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

Have you ever heard a bird call and wanted to know what bird made that noise?

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

This program is perfect for anyone new to fishing or looking to brush up on their skills in a fun, supportive environment! This program will cover basic fishing skills such as casting, reeling, dragging, hook tying, rigging, and hopefully, catching your first fish in the New River.

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Explore the beautiful wetlands or river with us.

Take a guided walk with a butterfly expert in search of colorful creatures of the meadow!  First, you'll get tips and tricks for learning butterfly identification and anatomy as well as a glimpse into their amazing life cycles and awe-inspiring adaptations.

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

See First Landing in a whole new lens in this guided program through one of the most vital ecosystems around: the marsh!

Come explore aquatic life in the James River!

Animals have some amazing feats and hold some amazing records.

Can you recall taking a break on a hot summer day and sitting under the shade of a maple tree, or swinging on a tire swing hung from a giant oak? Trees provide many benefits including food, shelter, and oxygen, to both humans and wildlife.

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat State Park.

Have you ever heard of the Woodbooger?

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.

Have you ever wondered what sort of fish and other creatures live in the York River's brackish waters?  Visit the friendly neighborhood park ranger who has examples of fish and shellfish families.

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

Calling all budding detectives.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

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.

Have you ever touched bear fur or looked at the teeth of a beaver?

Take a journey to Wilburn Ridge and discover the marvelous world of the Mountain Laurel and the Catawba Rhododendron. Learn about the different species within the park, why they grow where they grow, and hear the lore of these amazing plants.

Every week the Rangers at First Landing will show off some of our wonderful animal ambassadors to provide an up-close look at the reptiles and amphibians that call First Landing home! Located within the trail center, the Discovery Room is welcome to all ages.

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

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

Join us as we build a creature to find out how adaptations of native animals (as well as creatures of Appalachian folklore) can help them be specially made for their environment. As a spooky twist, put together pieces of famous creatures to make your own cryptic, just as Dr.

Be on the lookout for a roaming ranger with a mini-program and learn something new.

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

The Bay can hold many secrets.

Get your feet wet investigating the vast array of life in a stream. Catch crawdads, salamanders, frogs and such.

Come join a ranger for a riverside hike along the Clinch River.

Think you can stump a ranger?

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.  Participants must be ages 10 and over.

When it comes to carrying survival materials with you on the trail, every little bit of space counts, so hikers come up with creative ways to carry their gear.

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

What's that roosting in the rafters?

Come over to picnic shelter #2 and get inspired by the great outdoors.

Come out to South Beach to learn how to use different types of nets to discover what animals are hiding offshore.

Get creative and discover the magic of upcycling! Join us in repurposing glass bottles that were headed to the landfill by painting your own vase.

Past and present, friends and families have enjoyed getting together for some friendly competition.