10 Exciting Summer Activities for Tweens (Ages 8-12) at Virginia State Parks
As summer break approaches, discover 10 engaging activities tailored for tweens ages 8-12 at Virginia State Parks. This is Part 2 of our series on family-friendly summer fun.
1. Swimming
At Chippokes Plantation State Park, go beyond dipping your toes in the James River with access to an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a kiddie pool. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Click here for park fees. Note: Availability may be limited to weekends from Memorial Day to mid-June and mid-August to Labor Day. Contact the park at 757-294-3728 before reserving if the pool is essential to your plans.
2. Horseback Riding
Experience guided trail rides or pony rides in an enclosure at New River Trail State Park, available April through October (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Call Foster Falls Horse Livery at 276-699-2460 for rates and reservations. The first ride starts at 9:30 a.m. by reservation; others are first-come, first-served. Trail rides require riders to be 11+; younger kids can enjoy led enclosure rides. Rent river tubes from Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery at 276-699-1034.
3. Paddleboating
Paddle around Woodstock Pond at York River State Park. Rent paddleboats, jon boats, canoes, or kayaks from April 1 through October end, weather permitting. Call ahead at 757-566-3036 to confirm availability. Guided canoe trips explore salt-marsh ecology on Taskinas Creek, while kayak trips cover York River's natural and cultural history.
4. Archery
Delve into archery's cultural history at Bear Creek Lake State Park's beginner program. Learn to use recurve and compound bows with expert tips. Suitable for ages 8+; $5 per person (family rates available). Limited spots—register in advance via the park office. Note: No water or restrooms at the range.
5. Geocaching
Join the global geocaching adventure using GPS to hunt hidden treasures at Virginia State Parks. Find park-specific caches year-round. Get coordinates here. Rent GPS units at visitor centers. Find beginner Geocaching 101 programs here.
6. Junior Ranger Program
Aspire to be a ranger at Sky Meadows State Park with Junior Ranger Activity Books: Junior Historian, Naturalist, and Farmer. Complete all three to earn official Junior Ranger status. Pick up books at the visitor center.
7. Moonlit Night Hike
Embark on a 2-mile moonlit hike at Leesylvania State Park, identifying nocturnal sounds using night vision. Check upcoming hikes here. Register 24 hours ahead at 703-583-6904.
8. Hydro-Biking
Rent hydrobikes, canoes, paddleboats, or paddleboards at Douthat State Park to explore the lake. Funyaks and jon boats available April through October. Visit the camp store if the boathouse is unattended. Located near the swimming beach.
9. Fishing
No license needed for under-16s. Try programs like those at Hungry Mother State Park on its 108-acre lake stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, and more. Find fishing programs here.
10. Trail Quest
Earn collectible pins for visiting Virginia State Parks: first visit, 5, 10, 20, and all parks. Log visits on the State Park Adventures page under 'Trail Quest.' Track progress via app and email. Kids can use parent's email.
What Else to Do?
Browse our events database for more tween-friendly events by date, park, or type. Check specific program pages or call parks for details and reservations. Follow us on Facebook, read Part 1: Little Angels, and watch for Part 3: Teens.
Find swimming spots or learn more about fishing.
Stay a Few Nights
Book campgrounds, yurts, cabins, or lodges. Call 800-933-7275 or explore options here.
Written by Shellie Anne for Virginia State Parks.
Featured image courtesy of Virginia State Parks.
