Events and Programs

Events and Programs Overview

Some of your most memorable moments spent in a Vermont State Park just might come from attending one of the many programs and events.

From guided nature hikes to encounters with live raptors, Vermont State Parks are alive with a huge assortment of programs to inspire and entertain.

Please note: children age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all programs and events, and children 15 and under must be accompanied by adults on more adventurous interpretive programs and events such as hikes, fishing, and paddling programs.

Nature Programs

Some of your most memorable moments spent in a Vermont State Park just might come from attending one of the many programs and events in the parks. From delving into the abandoned slate mining village hidden in the center of Bomoseen State Park to discovering the secrets of carnivorous plants in Stillwater State Park, Vermont State Parks are alive with a huge assortment of programs designed to inspire and entertain.

Park Interpreters will be your guide to exploring these unique cultural and natural elements. No matter your age or background, you can be inspired and see things in new and amazing ways through a program by a Park Interpreter.

Interpreters undergo intensive training focused on developing thematic and entertaining programs that will help foster your curiosity of the unique features in state parks.  The goal is to send you home with great memories and inquisitiveness about the amazing places you explore.  Park Interpreter training is designed and accredited by the National Association for Interpretation, a professional organization for those people that spend their time connecting you to the amazing places you visit.

Check out the events calendar to find an assortment of activities that are happening in Vermont State Parks, or ask about programs at the park office the next time you come for a visit.

Junior Ranger Program

Do you like visiting Vermont State Parks and do you want to help keep them beautiful and healthy? If you answered yes, then you should consider becoming a Jr. Ranger!

Being a Vermont State Park Ranger is a rewarding and important job! We're proud of our hard-working and knowledgeable rangers. You too can start doing activities and learn how to become a ranger by completing the Junior Ranger Activity Booklet. Activities include observing nature, creating a poem or story of your favorite park, identifying animal tracks, solving puzzles and sometimes even working on a service project.

There are two Junior Ranger levels: Salamander (ages 4-8) and Beaver (ages 9+). Each participating park has the activity booklet available, or you can download one here (PDF). Ask a ranger or park interpreter for one to start today!

Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge

You and your family will never run out of fun things to do when you participate in the Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge.

Here's how it works:

1. Do fun outdoor activities listed on the score sheet between April 15 - October 15
2. Make sure you (or someone else) take a photo of you completing each task.
3. When you reach 250 points, submit your score sheet and clearly named photos describing which activities are shown.
4. Receive a VIP coin, good for free state park entry for rest of this year and all of next!
5. Have a blast!

If you are doing the challenge as a family, you can take group photos, but each family member needs their own score sheet.

Learn more here

Take a look at some photos from past participants:

Vermont State Parks Cooks

Welcome to Vermont State Parks Cooks, an exciting program geared towards helping you enjoy cooking over your campfire at Vermont’s 55 beautiful state parks. These delicious recipes can be prepared with minimal equipment, and make use of the bounty of ingredients made and grown by the state’s farmers and food producers.

Check out themed recipes and photographs created in collaboration with chef Suzanne Podhaizer.