Looking for exciting and educational ways to get your kids outside this summer? PLAY Roanoke (Roanoke Parks and Recreation)has a full lineup of environmental education programs that are hands-on, family-friendly, and unforgettable! From wild caving and river paddling to bug and bat nights, themed Discovery Center days, immersive nature camps, and specialized Nature Lab excursions—there’s something for every nature-loving kid (and grown-up!) this season.
🌎 Environmental Adventure Camp
June 23–27, 2025
Ages: 8–11
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $295/week
Immerse yourself in the natural world this summer!
PLAY Roanoke’s Environmental Adventure Camp connects kids with nature in exciting, active ways. Each day focuses on a different theme like water, geology, wildlife, or plants, with experiences such as:
- Floating the Roanoke River and dip-netting for aquatic animals
- Hiking to a travertine waterfall and hunting for fossils
- Bird watching and learning animal survival strategies
- Coring a tree to see its age
- Composting and planting native wildflowers
The week wraps up with a full day of adventure at Peaks Retreat: climbing, ropes courses, archery, and more! Spots are limited — Register here
Nature Lab Summer Excursions: A Summer of Mini-Adventures
Kids only • Ages 6–15 (parents welcome for August overnight)
Not ready to commit to a full week of camp? These one-day (and one overnight) adventure “field trips” give kids a big dose of fun and learning in a single experience. Join one—or all three—for a summer full of exploration.
Wild Caving
📅 June 18 • 🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM • 💵 $55
Journey underground to discover Virginia’s hidden world of caves. Crawl, climb, and get muddy while learning about cave geology, ecology, and wildlife.
Depart from Public Works Service Center, 1802 Courtland Rd NE.
Bug & Bat Night — FREE!
📅 June 20 • 🕢 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Explore the night world of bugs and bats at Mill Mountain Discovery Center. This free family-friendly program includes bug hunts, bat detector demonstrations, and hands-on activities to learn about these fascinating nocturnal creatures.
Space is limited — be sure to register here to save your spot!
Downriver Paddle
📅 July 25 • 🕗 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM • 💵 $50
Paddle the scenic James River and explore the ecosystem of one of Virginia’s longest rivers. Instructors will teach kids how to read river currents, spot wildlife, and catch aquatic invertebrates to understand the health of the river. A fun and refreshing summer adventure on the water!
All equipment and instruction provided. Register Here.
Meteor Shower Overnight
📅 August 12–13 • 🕗 6:00 PM – 8:00 AM • 💵 $115
Join Parks & Rec for an overnight trip to James River State Park, an International Dark Sky Site, to watch the spectacular Perseid Meteor Shower. This adventure is open to kids ages 6 and up and their parents!
Set up camp and explore nature at sunset, then hunt for nocturnal wildlife using bat detectors, bug light traps, and headlamps. After a short rest at camp, wake up early to witness the meteor shower’s peak and enjoy a stunning sunrise.
Tents, sleeping bags, and camping gear are required—Parks & Rec may provide limited tents if needed. Snacks and drinks are included, with a dinner stop in Lynchburg on the way to the park. Register Here.
Themed Monthly Programming at Mill Mountain Discovery Center
Enjoy free activities, crafts, and educational opportunities with a different theme each month at the Discovery Center! This June, we’re celebrating the magic of butterflies! Come learn about their lifecycle, habitat, and role in the environment with fun, hands-on experiences perfect for all ages. We can’t wait to see what July and August themes will be.
Big Adventure Camp (Ages 11–14)
📅 August 11–15, 2025
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💵 Cost: $310/week
Get outside this summer with Roanoke Parks and Recreation's Big Adventure Camp!
Designed for older youth seeking more challenging excursions, this camp offers a fresh take on outdoor adventure. While similar to the Outdoor Exploration Camp, Big Adventure Camp explores different venues and builds various adventure skills for a new, engaging experience. Activities include:
- Hiking
- Caving
- Water sports (canoeing, kayaking, tubing, or Stand Up Paddleboarding)
- Rope course
- Archery
- Zipline
- Slackline
- Rock climbing
Campers will meet at Fishburn Park and travel each day to a new adventure. Whether your child is a returning camper or a first-time participant, they’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Register Here.
✅ Parent Tips:
- Register early! Many programs fill quickly
- All gear is provided for most excursions
- Financial assistance may be available
Give your child a summer full of adventure, learning, and discovery—all in Roanoke’s beautiful natural spaces!
Learn more & register at: playroanoke.com/environmental-education
