As part of National Kids to Parks Day, May 16, Virginia State Parks will offer special kid-friendly activities, and visitors will receive a coupon for complimentary parking later in the year.

“Virginia State Parks offer numerous activities and programs that promote our youth becoming engaged and active in the outdoors,” State Parks Director Craig Seaver said. “This engagement promotes a healthy and creative lifestyle for years to come.”

The fifth annual National Kids to Parks Day is sponsored by the National Parks Trust. The event is designed to foster an appreciation for nature and public lands and to encourage families to get outdoors and lead a more active lifestyle.

A list of park programs can be found here: http://bit.ly/kidstoparks2015. Many activities are great for first-time visitors and offer basic instruction in popular outdoor activities.

For example, fishing programs will be offered at Claytor Lake, False Cape, Mason Neck, Staunton River and Twin Lakes state parks to help young people and novices learn about fishing.

Other parks will offer a day full of activities. Douthat State Park features an annual car show. Sky Meadows is introducing two new Junior Ranger activity books – Junior Historian and Junior Farmer – in addition to the Junior Naturalist.

The fun won’t end at sundown. Powhatan, Sky Meadows and York River will offer star gazing or astronomy programs. Caledon and Twin Lakes have an Owl Prowl scheduled.

National Kids to Parks Day also kicks off the Get Outdoors! Challenge.