The media says spend spend spend, to live complicated lives, and sometimes that can get ahead of us and leave us in a tailspin. We just end up feeling like the target of money grubbing advertisers with no real substance. 

But at Virginia State Park we say, how about some ways to have fun for free? This is my personal list of 5 ways to help you and your family enjoy the free things in life. And as Benjamin Franklin said “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

Some memorable experiences should be like nature's currency the sand dollar, free

Budgets aren't for those who have financial problems, a budget is a way of life that wise people use who are looking long term. When we choose short term we often miss the big picture.

I was reminded recently how valuable it is to take a little bit longer view before making a decision. If you've ever had buyer's remorse, or come home from an awesome vacation with a credit card maxed out, then you know what I am talking about. Hands up everyone who loves free stuff, well that's exactly what this article is about.

5 WAYS TO HAVE FUN FOR FREE

 

1. | BAY GULLS AND COFFEE ON THE PIER

You might even see more than bay gulls, like this pod of dolphins

The Chesapeake Bay watershed is a vast and vibrant ecosystem that has witnessed the coming of man, the birth of a nation, and the perpetual evolution of civilization. Bring your own coffee and we'll provide the Bay and Gulls as another day dawns on the Chesapeake Bay. Observe shore birds and waterfowl passing by on coastal breezes, discuss the history and culture of the Bay Region, and the challenges we face in an ever changing coastal community.

Once you've had your fill on the pier, take a stroll along the beaches and discover what the tide brought in, feel the shifting sands beneath your feet, and identify shells, bay creatures, and other marine treasures.

This is a free program, but you need to bring your own coffee.

Kiptopeke State Park June 24, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. meet at the fishing pier.

 

2. | POCAHONTAS PREMIERES

Pocahontas Premieres showcases free plays, movies and concerts

• Routes of Rhythm - Gracie and Lacy's Hollywood Canteen June 16, 2018 (concert)

• An Evening with Flashback June 23, 2018 (concert)

• Family Movie Night- The Nut Job 2 June 30, 2018 No parking fee (movie)

• The Merry Wives of Windsor July 27, 2018 (play)

• Family Movie Night- Cars 3 July 28, 2018 No parking fee (movie)

• Sleeping Beauty August 12, 2018 (play)

All events will be held rain or shine. The parking fee will be reduced to $5 thirty minutes before gates open unless otherwise noted above.

A proper ID is required for those buying alcoholic beverages. No alcoholic beverages from outside the venue are permitted. Guests may bring one cooler with a capacity of no more than 10 quarts. Wheeled coolers are not be permitted, and all coolers are subject to search. No pets are permitted.

Pocahontas Premieres series events - concerts, movies and plays - are held at Pocahontas State Park's Heritage Amphitheater, learn more here. 

 

3. | THE SECRET LIFE OF TREES

You may never look at trees the same way again after this educational program

Learn about the various trees at Hungry Mother and make your very own, unique, tree necklace. This is a great way to learn a little bit about the natural world around you. All ages are welcome and encouraged.

Before or after the program enjoy our hiking, bicycle and self-guided trails. We have more than 17 miles of trails.

Hungry Mother offers self-guided programs for all ages and interests. The Kids in Parks Track Trail is a .6-mile paved trail that helps children and adults learn about various plants and animals in the park. 

Hungry Mother State Park June 24, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. meet at the beach.

 

4. | THE WILDERNESS ROAD BLOCKHOUSE

Maybe you have relatives who passed this way with Daniel Boone?

The Blockhouse was built in the spring of 1775 on the North Fork of the Holston River by John Anderson. His fortified home became a landmark along the road west, the Wilderness Road, which was marked by Daniel Boone and 30 ax men. Over the next thirty years, some 300,000 people passed Anderson's home on their journey through the Cumberland Gap and on into what would become the state of Kentucky, and further westward.

Tour a replica of the Anderson Blockhouse as members of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association provide information about the history of the building and area. Discover who John Anderson was and why his home was important to the frontier.

This is a free program open to everyone. No pets allowed inside of the Blockhouse. For more information about the association, click here.

Natural Tunnel State Park June 24, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. meet at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse.

 

5. | LEAVE IT TO THE BEAVERS

Outdoor programs are a great way to view the park with an interpreter

Are there beavers at Smith Mountain Lake? Did you know that this amazing animal came near the brink of extinction in the late 1800's? Join us to learn why they were so endangered, and the special adaptations these industrious architects have made here on our lake. Feel a beaver pelt, and explore some of their unique features that have allowed them to survive.

Later, walk our trails to see evidence of their handiwork for yourself. Free

Smith Mountain lake State Park June 28, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. meet at the beach.

 

FREE PARKING

If you've played the board game Monopoly you know how valuable that free parking space is, well at Virginia State Parks we offer a way to have free parking when you borrow a nature backpack from your local library. 

“Today children spend less time outdoors and even less immersed in nature based activities,” commented Craig Seaver, Virginia State Parks Director. “These backpacks will provide opportunities for families to venture out to a park.”

Libraries across Virginia have a new resource available to help families explore and enjoy the natural world thanks to a partnership between the Library of Virginia, Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia.

One hundred thirty-five libraries are receiving four nature backpacks each to make available for families to check out and learn about nature in their backyard, local park, or at one of Virginia’s 37 state parks.

Each backpack comes with a parking pass that will enable the library customer to access any Virginia State Park at no cost. Backpacks also feature: pocket guides to bugs and slugs, animal tracks, Virginia birds, mammals, and Virginia trees and wildflowers; port-a-bug field observation container; Big Foot Leave No Trace Ethics Card; magnifying lens; dip net; and laminated sheets with suggested activities designed by both Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia.

Call you nearest library to inquire.

MORE FREE FUN

To search our events database for more fun events with no additional charge, just click here.

#ThinkOutside