Did you know that there are more than 570 national wildlife refuges in the United States? These properties are maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can be found in every state and many U.S territories. We recently had the opportunity to visit the Rappahannock River Valley Wildlife Refuge. Though this particular refugeContinue reading “Wild in the Woods: A Nature Play Space”
Tag Archives: Playground
Sweet Run State Park: Virginia’s Newest State Park
On an unseasonably warm December afternoon, my girls and I headed to Sweet Run State Park for the first time. The 42nd and newest park in the system, Sweet Run was just dedicated by the governor a couple of months ago. It is located in Loudoun County’s Hillsboro, Virginia, about 45 minutes from our FairfaxContinue reading “Sweet Run State Park: Virginia’s Newest State Park”
Belle Isle State Park
We recently enjoyed the most lovely, peaceful visit to Belle Isle State Park. Located in Lancaster, VA, this 892-acre park just celebrated its 30th birthday. Though it is known for its seven-mile stretch of shoreline along the Rappahannock River, Belle Isle is also flanked by Deep Creek, Mulberry Creek, and several smaller inlets. In addition,Continue reading “Belle Isle State Park”
Powhatan State Park
Today, we had the pleasure of visiting Powhatan State Park for the first time. This 1,565-acre park can be found about 40 minutes northwest of Richmond. Powhatan is home to 12 miles of trails, including options for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Other features include picnic shelters, campgrounds, yurt rentals, a playground, three canoe slideContinue reading “Powhatan State Park”
National Public Lands Day
For most Americans, Labor Day is the go-to day in September to spend time outside with friends and family. However, there is another September day dedicated to embracing nature with wonder and purpose: National Public Lands Day. Every year since 1994, the country has celebrated National Public Lands Day on the fourth Saturday of September.Continue reading “National Public Lands Day”
Soho Xcursions Aquapark
My 12-year-old and I recently had a full day of one-on-one time during our family vacation to the Blue Ridge Highlands. After a morning of ziplining and an afternoon in Wytheville (blog posts coming soon!), she asked if we could find a place to swim, so off we went to South Holston Lake. South HolstonContinue reading “Soho Xcursions Aquapark”
Adventuring With a Big Kid and a Little Kid
I love to travel, but it recently occurred to me that I enjoy the research and planning process almost as much. I know it’s not everyone’s idea of a good time, but I think it’s so much fun to sift through websites, blogs, and TripAdvisor reviews for different destinations and activities that I hope toContinue reading “Adventuring With a Big Kid and a Little Kid”
Seven Bends State Park and Woodstock
As this past year wound down, I found myself scrambling to fit a few final adventures into 2022. We had been sitting at 12 state park visits for a while, so I decided it was time to squeeze in a 13th park. On an unseasonably warm December 30th, we headed to Seven Bends State ParkContinue reading “Seven Bends State Park and Woodstock”
The Play(ground)’s The Thing
The weather is finally starting to get warmer! While I don’t necessarily mind being out and about in more frigid temperatures, Daughter #2 has made it very clear that she is not a fan of winter. For that reason, watching the thermometer climb has gotten me super excited about returning to some of our favoriteContinue reading “The Play(ground)’s The Thing”
Leesylvania State Park
Here comes Winter Break! My daughter is thrilled to have two weeks off, and my head is already swimming in a bubbly mixture of Christmas movies and outdoor adventures. Since the weather had warmed up enough for us to explore a bit, we decided to kick off the upcoming holidays with a day trip toContinue reading “Leesylvania State Park”
Old Dominion for Young Virginians 