10 Engaging Summer Activities for Young Children (Ages 7 & Under) at Virginia State Parks
Summer is fast approaching, making it the perfect time to plan exciting outdoor adventures for young children at Virginia State Parks. In the first part of our series, discover 10 fun, family-friendly activities tailored for "Little Angels" ages 7 and under to inspire your summer itinerary.
1. Beach Day
First Landing State Park boasts 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beachfront. Swim at your own risk in the Chesapeake Bay, as no lifeguards are on duty. There are no designated swimming areas at the Narrows or boat launch. Enjoy swimming, fishing, crabbing, and watch for boating, kiteboarding, and kayaking. Leashed pets are permitted (leash no longer than 6 feet).
2. Water Park
Pocahontas State Park’s Aquatic Recreation Center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends and holidays, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Click here for park fees. Registered campers receive free swimming access for each night of their stay during summer months.
3. Discovery Area
Sky Meadows State Park’s Children’s Discovery Area, adjacent to the picnic grounds and near the Virginia Master Naturalists’ “Outdoor Laboratory,” provides a safe haven for exploration, play, and family hikes. Engage at interactive play stations or pick up a TRACK Trail brochure for a guided adventure along the 0.7-mile trail, where each brochure reveals new discoveries.
4. Spend a Day on the Farm
At Chippokes Plantation State Park’s Farm and Forestry Museum—one of Virginia’s oldest continuously farmed sites—children thrive on hands-on exhibits in five halls showcasing evolving tools, techniques, and crops. Interact with donkeys, pigs, goats, chickens, and a rabbit, and join ranger-led Pasture Pals programs to learn about their care.
5. Kids Exploration Backpack
Borrow a free 24-hour exploration backpack from the Visitor Center at James River State Park for a day of discovery. Choose from Pond, Birding, or Field and Forest Explorer packs, equipped with books, maps, logs, and tools to identify local flora and fauna. First-come, first-served.
6. Beneath the Surface
At Holliday Lake State Park, witness nocturnal lake life illuminated by underwater lights: insects, minnows, fish, and turtles emerge over an hour-long evening program. Bring a flashlight, bug spray, and light jacket for cooler nights.
7. Fossil Frenzy
York River State Park reveals a prehistoric shallow sea where ancient whales, porpoises, sharks, clams, scallops, and snails left fossils from over 6,000 years ago. Join a ranger-led hike to the fossil beach. Reservations required—call ahead.
8. Get ‘Em Hooked
Claytor Lake State Park rangers teach kids fishing basics: casting, rigging bait, identifying species, and local aquatic life. Rods, bait (worms, corn), and tackle provided for this morning session.
9. Snakes 101
Mason Neck State Park’s rangers lead a quarter-mile guided walk along Bay View Trail to the marsh, demystifying snakes’ ecological role and addressing misconceptions. While eagles dominate the skies, these trail and marsh dwellers are vital to the ecosystem.
10. Gold Panning
Experience gold fever at Lake Anna State Park with interpretive rangers. Learn Virginia’s gold history, placer mining techniques, and pan at Old Pond’s edge. Limited space—pre-register.
What Else Is There to Do?
Explore our events database to find more activities for Little Angels, searchable by date, park, or type.
For details on listed programs, visit the park’s webpage or call. Reservations may be needed. Follow us on Facebook for Part 2: Tweens and Part 3: Teens.
Search swimming options at Virginia State Parks here to beat the heat.
Spend a Few Nights
Discover campgrounds, yurts, and cabins here, or cabins and lodges here. Reserve your getaway at 800-933-7275.
Written by Shellie Anne for Virginia State Parks.
Featured image courtesy of Virginia State Parks.
