National Kids to Parks Day – May 21, 2022
Kids to Parks Day is a nationally coordinated day designed to connect kids and families with their local, state, and national parks. By discovering our public lands, kids across the country are learning about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, STEM, and history.
Virginia State Parks have special events planned to celebrate this day of outdoor play. The programs include walks and hikes, arts and crafts, learning about wildlife and the natural world, and outdoor activities like fishing, paddling, and archery. Programs vary by park so check out what each park is offering below.
Visit a Virginia State Park to join in the fun.
May 21, 2022. 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park Various locations in the park
This national event celebrates kids and the outdoors.
May 21, 2022. 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Visitor Center
Share the enjoyment of fishing at Staunton River’s National Kids to Parks Day – Learn to Fish Event.
May 21, 2022. 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park Picnic Area
Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day with a special fishing tournament at Shenandoah River State Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 21.
May 21, 2022. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park Next to the Visitor Center
Celebrate the 12th anniversary of National Kids to Parks Day at Widewater!
May 21, 2022. 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Seven Bends State Park Lupton Access – Picnic Shelter – 1191 Lupton Rd.
For National Kids to Parks Day this year, we will be alternating between two – one hour stations that will help children explore the land and the river.
May 21, 2022. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Celebrate Kids to Parks Day at False Cape!
May 21, 2022. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Kiptopeke State Park Big Water Visitor Center
Join park rangers for some fun hands on activities. Build your own bird house, learn how to harvest oysters, or create a custom tie dye shirt!
May 21, 2022. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park Beach
If you’re amazed with all the things coming to life around us, pick up a scavenger hunt to make sure you see all the park has to offer.
May 21, 2022. 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park throughout the park
Take a new adventure to Claytor Lake State Park and discover a whole new way to play outside this Kids to Parks Day.
May 21, 2022. 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Various Locations at the Park
Get ready for an entire day of outdoor fun as we celebrate National Kids to Parks Day. Natural Bridge State Park will be hosting a day in honor of kids as we encourage connection, exploration, and education of the great outdoors and our State and National Parks. Events will take place throughout the entire park from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will include: – Kids nature hikes and ‘Bluebird Monitoring 101’ – Learn how to geocache with a ranger – Kids crafts and bird house workshops – Become a Junior Steward or Rockbridge Ranger – Self-guided adventure quests, scavenger hunts, and hikes – Enjoy snacks and refreshments or your packed lunch at the Children’s Discovery Area – Dark Sky program where you can view the stars after dark with a ranger and learn about light pollution (Dusk-10 p.m.) …AND MORE!
May 21, 2022. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
First Landing State Park Trail Center
Celebrate Kids to Parks Day at First Landing!
May 21, 2022. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park Multiple Locations
Join the rangers to get a glimpse into the lives of several different conservation career fields.
May 21, 2022. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Machicomoco State Park Interpretive Area: Demonstration Circle
Come on out for some family fun in the sun by attending one of three programs offered in honor of National Kids to Parks Day!
May 21, 2022. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park The Spot Snack Bar
Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day at Twin Lakes State Park, where rangers are providing opportunities for kids and adults alike to connect with nature. This year Twin Lakes will be offering the following free programs, which all meet near the concessions area: 10 a.m. – Lake Explorers The edges of our lakes feature a tiny world that is teeming with life.
May 21, 2022. 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Chippokes State Park Quayle Classroom
For centuries children in what is now Virginia played with corn husk dolls.
May 21, 2022. 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Children’s Discovery Area
This National Kids to Parks Day, join us for fun-filled activities and music at our interactive discovery stations.
May 21, 2022. 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Douthat State Park Discovery Center
National Kids to Parks Day was created to encourage kids and their families to visit one of America’s national, state or local parks and promote environmental stewardship and healthy outdoor activity.
May 21, 2022. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park Visitor Center
Join us for a day of fun outdoor activities that will help kids enjoy the natural world.
May 21, 2022. 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Discovery Center Pavilion
Hey, kids: turn off the television, put away the video games, and head over to the park with your family for some real FUN. 11 a.m. to Noon “Follow the Tracks” – Ever wonder what made those footprints you see when hiking a trail?
May 21, 2022. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park Historic Martin’s Station
Explore the 18th century through the eyes of a child.
May 21, 2022. 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Belle Isle State Park Picnic Area
Take only memories, leave only footprints.
May 21, 2022. 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum Museum Front Lawn
Who doesn’t love a mini-fair?
May 21, 2022. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park Playground Parking
Join a certified archery instructor for a lesson in safety and technique, before setting out on the path to proficiency.
May 21, 2022. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Occoneechee State Park Splash Park Parking Area
Join rangers on an adventure into the park pollinator fields to explore the world of butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects that help keep our ecosystem going.
May 21, 2022. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Chippokes State Park Jones-Stewart Mansion
Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day!
May 21, 2022. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park Cabin Creek Trail
Meet at the Massie Gap parking area for a guided hike of Cabin Creek Trail to search for the critters in the creek and learn about the natural and cultural history of the park both present and past. The hike will be moderate with some rocky and wet terrain. Bring water, a snack, and good hiking shoes/boots.
May 21, 2022. 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
Come explore our Dark Sky Park!
May 22, 2022. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park Discovery Center
Do you like to get muddy and search for the tiniest critters living in a stream or pond?
May 22, 2022. 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park Outdoor Classroom
With nature as your inspiration, create an artwork with the art supplies provided, to take home with you to remember your visit to Westmoreland State Park or have it displayed permanently inside our Discovery Center.
