Okay, so having the 4th of the July land in the middle of a week is kind of a bummer. But look at the bright side - maybe all of the folks who enjoy our Virginia State Parks over Independence Day will spread out over the weekend before and after.
Lake Anna State Park Snack Bar and Beach
But if you do come out to the 4th with your family, you will find lots of programs and activities waiting for you in addition to swimming, hiking, boating and fishing. Click here for a list of Independence Day programs and events.
Colonial Games at Sky Meadows State Park
Let me give you a run down of some of the programs we will be offering. Find games and activities from the past at Bear Creek Lake, Douthat, Leesylvania, and Occoneechee state parks. At Sky Meadows State Park in addition to colonial games and toys there will be a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. At Hungry Mother State Park don't miss the annual watermelon seed spitting contest and at Fairy Stone State Park you can build a lake worthy raft from materials around the park and/or make a fairy stone necklace. Learn to tie dye at James River State Park.
Get out on the water with various paddling programs at False Cape, Lake Anna, Natural Tunnel, New River Trail, Shenandoah River and York River state parks.
Kayaking at False Cape State Park
Interested in history? Don't miss the program on Abraham Lincoln at Sailor's Creek or the Civil War History Mobile at Westmoreland. Join the historical re-enactors at Wilderness Road State Park as they hear about the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Kiptopeke and New River Trail state parks will have special campfire programs in honor of the 4th. Staunton River State Park will hold a 4th of July Bike Parade with prizes for the best decorations. Pocahontas will offer tents outside of the pool are with their live animal collection, wildlife mounts and other hands-on artifacts. At Twin Lakes State Park the Wildlife Center of Virginia will feature their Home Sweet Habitat program with live animals found in Central Virginia.
4th of July at First Landing State Park
And yes, we do have fireworks at First Landing State Park. At Chippokes Plantation State Park enjoy a bonfire, some music and then stay to watch some fireworks from the local area.
Some of these programs require advance registration and/or fees in addition to the daily parking fee. Be sure to read the linked program descriptions for details.
4th of July is a time for family and friends to celebrate together and what better place to get together than in a Virginia State Park?
