RICHMOND, Va. — It’s the 80th anniversary of Virginia State Parks, and to help folks step into the blooming springtime, there will be special Spring Break activities in all 36 state parks.
From March 18 to April3, families looking for something to do during Spring Break will find numerous ranger-led programs and activities throughout the state.
For example, Douthat State Park will offers classes about owls, butterflies , beavers, frogs, animal tracking and also tanning, from March 18 through April 3.
Or head west and take the kids on a guide Fairy Stone Hunt at Fairy Stone State Park.
James River State Park will have target archery, and a kid craft nature hour – in addition to other activities. Or rent a GPS at Lake Anna State Park and find hidden treasures.
A wide assortment of special self-guided programs is also offered. Hit the trails for a hike or a mountain bike ride. Don’t forget that High Bridge Trail State Park has a photo contest going, which is themed “Active on the Trail.”
Photo used through CC licensing. Attribute Va. Dept. of Conservation and Recreation Flickr account.
Ranger-led activities are generally available on the weekends but all parks offer self-guided explorations including backpacks with field guides and binoculars; GPS units to rent for geocaching; self-guided trails; scavenger hunts and other games.
A complete list of special programs and activities can be found by clicking here.
For a day trip or a longer stay in a cabin or campground, there are more than 1,800 campsites and 300 cabins.
Six parks — Douthat, Fairy Stone, Hungry Mother, First Landing, Staunton River and Westmoreland — all have new furniture for your comforts.
And loyalty is rewarded – through a new program with incentives like free stays for frequent overnight visitors. Earn 20 points for every dollar spent on overnight lodging. Points are awarded for all overnight reservations completed once a person has enrolled in the program. Points are rewarded after the stay is completed.
A standard campsite is 5,200 points. Spend $260 and you’ve earned a free night at a state park.
For more information about the program, and to see how points can be redeemed, visit here.
In honor of the eight-decade anniversary, there are special events planned throughout the year, including special rewards for the Trails Quest program.
There are five unique and attractive pins that can be earned per number of visits. You get one for your first park visit and the others after visiting 5, 10, 20 and all parks.
The whole family can participate so each family member can sign up for Trail Quest and start earning pins now (Children without an email account may use a parent’s).
Find out more about this program here.
To stay up to date on anniversary events, you can sign up for the official Virginia State Parks eNewsletter. For more information, visit here.
For more information about all the offerings in Virginia State Parks, including overnight accommodations, visit www.VirginiaStateParks.gov or call the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
