The High Bridge at High Bridge Trail State Park near Farmville.

National Kids to Parks Day, May 19, marks the official kickoff for summer programming in Virginia State Parks. Every weekend through June 30 offers something special to enhance your visit to one of 37 Virginia State Parks.

Kids to Parks Day, celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May, is a national day of play connecting kids and families with local, state and national parks. An official 2018 National Collaborator, Virginia State Parks have celebrated National Kids to Parks Day since its inception in 2011.

Every family will receive a complementary pass to return and visit a Virginia State Park at no cost any time before the end of the year.

[vasp.fun/KTP]Click here for a list of special offerings for the day, including nature hikes, geocaching, scavenger hunts, wagon rides, fishing, archery, and more.

May 19 also kicks off two special contests that run through June 30. The Get Outdoors! Challenge invites families to visit five different parks between May 19 and June 30 and earn a $66 gift certificate to cover the cost of a Virginia State Parks pass.

Douthat State Park.

Photographers can submit up to five photos between May 19 andJune 30 for a chance to win gift certificates good for overnight visits. The grand prize is valued at $500. For contest rules, visit contest site. Visitors can earn extra credit toward prizes by sharing contest entries on Instagram with the tag #vspoutdoors.

For a day trip or a longer stay in a cabin or campground, Virginia’s state parks offer more than 1,800 campsites and 300 cabins. For more information about all offerings in Virginia State Parks, visit www.VirginiaStateParks.gov.