SIX ways to enjoy Pocahontas State Park

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.

Pocahontas State Park has a large playground with nearby covered picnic pavilions. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how

Lindsay Garrison, your RVA on the Cheap editor

to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!

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