Have you ever heard of a financial fast? It is amazing how much you can save when you stop buying and use what you have or find things that are free.
Here is a list we hope you will enjoy and share with your friends of the Top Free Things to Do this Fall at Virginia State Parks(in no particular order):
TRACK Trail adventures are designed to help kids explore nature through the use of self-guided brochures. Within the pages of each brochure a different story unfolds. Claytor Lake State Park's adventures include: Birds of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nature's Hide and Seek, The Need For Trees, and Tree Tales. Download brochures for these adventures here.
On Wednesdays in October parking is free at Claytor Lake State Park.
Staunton River Star Party
October 25, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Join members of the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society for the fall Star Party public viewing night. Astronomers from across the country are have their telescopes set up for viewing in the park. For one night they open to the public (weather permitting). Oct 25 from 8 to 11 p.m. you can mingle with amateur astronomers to learn about and view planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight, preferably one with a red lens. (Red cellophane will be provided for those who don't have a red lens.)
Hunt for fairy stones
Stop by the park office for directions to the hunt site. Whatever you find you can keep!
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
History Hike
Hike across the historic Staunton River Bridge, see the earthen fortifications that remain form the American Civil War, and visit the museum exhibits of the Battle of Staunton River Bridge. Call ahead for visitor center hours at 434-454-4312. There is never a parking fee at Staunton River Battlefield.
Native American Museum
The visitor center museum tells the story of the Occaneechi people who once lived near here on an island in the Roanoke River. See inside a replica of a Native American dwelling and see how people lived hundreds of years ago. You can enjoy the visitor center at this state park without paying the parking fee.
Star Parties on the Lawn
Date: 09/27/2014 and 10/25/15Time: ½ hour before sunset Location: Front field near the Picnic Shelter.
The Rappahannock Astronomy Club presents an evening of deep space viewing. Check out galaxies, stars, planets and other celestial phenomena. Bring your own telescope or look through a club member's. The program begins 1/2 hour after sunset.
National Public Lands Day – Shoreline Clean-Up
Date: 09/27/2014 Time: 10:00 a.m. To 12:00 p.m. Location: Boat Ramp Parking Lot
National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the Nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. In 2013 more than 175,000 volunteers and park guests celebrated at 2,237 public land sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico.
How can you be a part of the 2014 efforts?
Join the staff as we clean up after a busy summer season. We will tackle the surrounding shorelines and connector trail to Picnic Area B.Trash bags, gloves and bottled water will be provided.
Veteran's Day Wall of Honor
Date: 11/11/14Time: 11:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. Location: Visitor Center
Leesylvania State Park would love to help you honor your hero by bringing in a photograph, the story of their service, and how they inspire you. Submissions will be accepted starting Nov. 9th. We will be posting these tributes on a temporary Wall of Honor set up in the Visitor Center for all to see the sacrifices of our local heroes. Don't forget on Veteran's Day the parking fee is waived.
Harvest Crafts Food Drive
(Sort of free, just bring a can of food)
Date: 11/15/2014 Time: 11:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m.Location: Visitor Center
It's time to harvest this year's bounty! Celebrate the fall season with Leesylvania State Park as we create festive crafts out of the gifts of nature.
Event fee is one canned or boxed food item per participant. All food will be donated to the ACTS (Action in Community Through Service).
Veteran's Day
Date: 11/11/2014 Time: 12:00 p.m. To 5:00 p.m.Location: Programs will start at the visitor center
This Veteran's Day we invite you to join us in a fun family community event. There will be guided programs provided by our ranger, and a campfire program later in the day. There is free admission to the park on Veteran's Day.
Stewardship Virginia – Fall
Date: 10/31/2014 Time: 9:00 a.m. To 12:00 p.m.Location: Discovery Center
Volunteer and help us prepare the park for the winter months. We'll be clearing brush, trimming shrubs and weeding the gardens around the Park. Participants receive a certificate from the Governor. Be sure to bring your gloves!
Veteran's Day
Date: 11/11/2014 Time: 1:00 p.m. To 3:00 p.m.Location: Visitor Center
Come to the park and write Thank You letters to our troops overseas. Bring non-perishable items to put in care packages to send with the letters!
Eastern Shore Birding & Wildlife Festival
October 11, 2014 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Shore Birding & Wildlife Festival Children's Activity Tent. Parking is waived from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There will be lots of fun exhibits, crafts and activities for children plus special appearances by Ranger Parker Redfox and Smokey Bear. There will be shuttle bus running from 10am-4pm from Kiptopeke State Park to the Birding and Wildlife Festival HQ in downtown Cape Charles as well.
Group Guided Access to High Bridge for Mobility Impaired
Time: 10:00 a.m. To 2:30 p.m. Location: River Road parking lot
High Bridge Trail State Park provides a service to senior citizen groups and other groups who require mobility assistance to help them get closer to High Bridge.
Groups can make a reservation for a park official to meet their group at the River Road parking lot and escort them along a service road to High Bridge. Driving behind the park official in their vehicle will eliminate the one mile hike from the River Road parking lot to the bridge itself.
The preferred group size should be at least 10 members and they should have a need to be assisted to the end of High Bridge. Smaller groups or individuals can often be accommodated by joining a group with an existing reservation. Please call the park office for availability. Please plan on arriving in vans or carpooling. Although this is a free event, there may be a small parking fee.
This service is offered on most 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month and may be scheduled for the following times: 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required in advance call (434) 315-0457.
We hope you find this list helpful for some fun free things to do this fall at Virginia State Parks.We're all about Family Friends and Fun!