Explore a Virginia State Park and Opt Outside on Thanksgiving weekend

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia State Parks will participate in the annual #OptOutside event to encourage people to take a break from indoor activities and opt to spend time outdoors instead. The campaign will run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at all Virginia State Parks.  

Park guests of all ages can partake in self-guided and ranger-led activities to create unique Thanksgiving memories. Guests are encouraged to hike, bike or have a picnic with Thanksgiving leftovers while enjoying a wonderful experience at one of Virginia’s 43 state parks.  

Consider one of these activities: 

• Wilderness Survival School, Beach Safari or a night hike at First Landing 
• Self-Guided Family Scavenger Hunt at Sweet Run  
• Jr. Ranger activities at Belle Isle (Lancaster), Claytor Lake, Sky Meadows, Smith Mountain Lake and Staunton River 
• Echolocation Exploration at Twin Lakes 
• Smoke and S’mores or a history hike at Machicomoco 
• Fairy Stone Hunt and Workshop at Fairy Stone 
• Owl Prowl at Claytor Lake 
• Wandering the Wetlands at James River 

For a complete list of Virginia State Parks Opt Outside activities, visit virginiastateparks.gov/events.  

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Wayne Creed

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