Did you know the largest Virginia State Park is right here in RVA?! (Ok..not directly in the city, but really close!) Despite visiting Pocahontas State Park MANY times, we still have lots more to see and do here. While there is a parking fee for VA State Parks, the activities are completely FREE! In lieu of paying for parking, you can show a receipt from REI, or check out a “VSP backpack” from a Chesterfield or Henrico library.
There’s plenty of open space to run at play at Pocahontas State Park. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
Here are SIX things we love to do at Pocahontas State Park:
Caterpillar Club
This is a hands-on class geared toward ages 3-5, but all are welcome (you will see a large age range). The themes are nature-based and change weekly. It’s held every Thursday in the pavilion near the playground, and it is FREE.
A variety of recreation awaits at Virginia State Parks. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
Hiking
Soooo many trails!! My favorite trail with kids is the hike to Split Rock. We also love Beaver Lake and Forest Exploration trails.
Fishing
In the summertime, my kids go out on the boat with their Granddad and fish in the Swift Creek Lake. There are TONS of bass (you will definitely catch something out here!).
Educational activities
In addition to the ranger-led programs, there’s a Junior Ranger Program that allows your child to work at his/her own pace. Working through the booklet makes our visits more intentional, plus my kids loved “interviewing” a ranger for one of the assignments. For planning purposes, it takes more than one visit to do it thoroughly.
Bright Hope Butterfly Garden
Ahhhh, The Butterfly Garden — so peaceful and serene…I love family picnics in this sweet space, tucked back away from the main area of the park. If you’re really enthusiastic about butterflies, follow: Bright Hope Butterfly Garden on Facebook for updates and a preview of what you might see when you visit.
Swimming
The Aquatic Center is HUGE, and rivals most any major water park I’ve seen! A disadvantage is that there is an added fee to use the aquatic center, but there are ways to save, including buying a punch card to actually have a couple “free” visits.
More Outdoor Fun
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- More things to do in and around Richmond this summer:
- RVA Dog-Friendly Parks
- Visit Richmond MetroZoo
- Richmond area scenic drives
- Richmond area farmers markets
- Guide to Family Friendly Beaches
- Richmond boat launches and marinas
- Five Tips for Attempting the Capital Trail
- The Ultimate List of RVA Parks and Playgrounds
- Beauty, History, Discovery from the Richmond Garden Trail
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Is Split Rock even on the map?!
My husband and I have hiked these trails so many times and know of this special rock. If you have ever hiked Co-Op Little Split Rock is 1 – 1.5 miles in. You can’t miss it!