As part of National Kids to Parks Day, May 16, Virginia State Parks will offer special kid-friendly activities, and visitors will receive a coupon for complimentary parking later in the year.
“Virginia State Parks offer numerous activities and programs that promote our youth becoming engaged and active in the outdoors,” State Parks Director Craig Seaver said. “This engagement promotes a healthy and creative lifestyle for years to come.”
The fifth annual National Kids to Parks Day is sponsored by the National Parks Trust. The event is designed to foster an appreciation for nature and public lands and to encourage families to get outdoors and lead a more active lifestyle.
A list of park programs can be found here: http://bit.ly/kidstoparks2015. Many activities are great for first-time visitors and offer basic instruction in popular outdoor activities.
For example, fishing programs will be offered at Claytor Lake, False Cape, Mason Neck, Staunton River and Twin Lakes state parks to help young people and novices learn about fishing.
Other parks will offer a day full of activities. Douthat State Park features an annual car show. Sky Meadows is introducing two new Junior Ranger activity books – Junior Historian and Junior Farmer – in addition to the Junior Naturalist.
The fun won’t end at sundown. Powhatan, Sky Meadows and York River will offer star gazing or astronomy programs. Caledon and Twin Lakes have an Owl Prowl scheduled.
National Kids to Parks Day also kicks off the Get Outdoors! Challenge.
Visit five different Virginia State Parks between May 16 and June 30, 2015, to earn an Annual Naturally Yours Passport Plus, good for a year of free parking and discounts. Complete details on the challenge, including rules, can be found here: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/get-outdoors.shtml.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
For more information about state park activities and amenities, or to make cabin or camping reservations, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Here is a list of the programs that will be held at Pocahontas State Park. Pocahontas State Park is located at 10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield, VA. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Join a ranger for a guided scavenger hunt hike.
11:00 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. Guests from the Maymont Foundation will be giving two birds of prey presentations with live birds!
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Live acoustic bluegrass music performed by East of Afton.
1 p.m. Try out your skills and maybe learn some new ones on the super-awesome
mountain bike obstacle course the Friends Of Pocahontas State Park will set up for us! Bring your own bike.
