Winter in Virginia is full of hidden stories. After a cold night, fresh mud or snow becomes a canvas—fox trails zigzagging through brush, delicate bird prints under feeders, and tiny squirrel feet racing between trees. A family walk becomes a mystery to solve. Here’s a simple, joyful guide to the animal tracks kids can spot […]

Discover the most magical holiday lights and winter events in Virginia State Parks. From glowing lakeshores and luminary trails to decorated visitor centers and cozy carriage rides, these parks offer unforgettable seasonal experiences for families across Virginia. Whether you’re planning an outing from Northern Virginia, Richmond, Charlottesville, Staunton, or Roanoke, use this guide to find […]

Welcome to the Virginia Summer Camp Activity Library, your go-to resource for free nature printables, coloring pages, scavenger hunt checklists, and fun nature-based worksheets designed for kids of all ages. Whether you’re planning a backyard nature walk, a park outing, or a hiking adventure in Virginia’s forests and parks — our printables make it easy […]

Thanksgiving week is the perfect time for families to step outside and discover one of Virginia’s most iconic animals—the wild turkey. They roam our forests, meadows, and rural edges across the Commonwealth, and spotting one on a crisp fall day can turn an ordinary family walk into a moment of wonder. This is a chance […]

As a parent and teacher who spends half my life outdoors—hiking, camping, gardening, and coaxing our goats and chickens into behaving—I’ve learned that rails-to-trails are some of Virginia’s most magical family spaces. My favorite memory is biking the long stretch of trail that hugs the border of West Virginia near Camp Alleghany. The kids coasted […]