RICHMOND — Virginia State Parks will participate in the annual #OptOutside event to encourage people to take a break from indoor activities and opt to spend time outdoors instead.
The campaign will run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at all Virginia State Parks. The annual tradition invites families to opt outside the Friday following Thanksgiving rather than go Black Friday shopping.
Park guests of all ages can partake in self-guided and ranger-led activities to create unique Thanksgiving memories, and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is encouraging the community to hike, bike or have a picnic with Thanksgiving leftovers at one of Virginia’s 43 state parks.
Why #OptOutside? According to DCR, spending time in nature reduces stress, fallen leaves make wildlife and vistas easier to see and the outdoors are a great setting to make family memories.
Virginia State Parks offer many miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails that are perfect to enjoy for a solo adventure or a hike with friends and family. For a complete list of Virginia State Parks Opt Outside activities, visit virginiastateparks.gov/events.
