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Outdoor Programs
About:
Our passion is to introduce individuals to the rewards of recreating in the outdoors. We seek to instruct lifetime skills and provide services with long-range benefits for future generations.
Our outdoor programs offer many avenues to experience the vitality of nature.
Adventure Programs: Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
Experimental Education: Zip Line, Team Building and Initiatives, Outdoor Camps, Youth Outdoor Adventures, Amphibian/Reptile Bioblitz, Low ropes challenge course.
Traditional Outdoor Sports: archery, fishing, swimming, Hunter Safety Education, Boater Safety Education.
Special Park Programs: Summer Movies in the Park Series, Bark in the Park, Luminary Trail Walk, Ballou Park Christmas Tree Lighting, Trail runs and Mountain Bike races.
Adventure Programs:
Sweetheart Zip
Experience the excitement of zip lining with that special someone right before Valentine’s Day! Light refreshments included. Register by February 5. Ages 18 and up. $12 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park
Saturday, February 10
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Zip Line Saturday Soar
Spend part of your weekend zip lining with friends at Dan Daniel Park. Ride solo, or tandem for a thrilling adventure experience. Ages 8 and up. Register by February 19. $12 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park
Saturday, February 24
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Weekend Zip Lining
Spend part of your weekend zip lining with friends at Dan Daniel Park. Ride solo, or tandem for a thrilling adventure experience. Ages 8 and up. Register five days prior to the event. $12 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park
Saturdays, March 24 and Sunday April 8
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Zip Night Flight
Zip on our 400-feet zip line in the evening spring twilight. Brave the night by yourself or bring a friend to ride together for a thrilling night to kick off the season. Ages 8 and up. $12 per person. Register by April 8. Call (434) 799-5150.
Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park
Friday, April 13
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
High Ropes Adventure
Embark on a fun, challenging high ropes adventure. Take on exciting high elements and build confidence while passing each obstacle. Ages 8 and up. Register by April 10. $12 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park
Sunday, April 15
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Zip and Adventure Course Demo Day
Drop by Dan Daniel Park anytime between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and try out Danville’s 400 foot zip line and three high ropes elements for only $5 per person. Ages 8 and up. No registration required. Call (434) 799-5150.
Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park
Saturday, April 21
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join Danville Parks and Recreation for an exciting day of zip lining and water games at Dan Daniel Park. Cool off from the summer heat with water guns, balloons and other activities before taking a ride on the 400 ft zip line. Be sure to bring clothes you don't mind getting wet and closed toed shoes. Ages 8 and up. Cost $15.
Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park
Sunday, June 11
1 to 5 p.m.
Educational Programs:
Spring Migration Hikes
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the spring migration while bird watching at Angler's Park. Learn the songs of common migratory birds while embarking on a short hike. Bring your own binoculars. Register five days before the program. Ages 8 and up. Call (434) 799-5150.
Anglers Park
Saturdays, April 7 and April 14
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Salamander and Frog Hunt
Explore the wonders of vernal pools at Anglers Park and enjoy a short hike along the creek while searching for salamanders, crayfish, and frogs. This program is great for all ages. Register five days before the program. Call (434) 799-5150.
Anglers Park
Saturdays, March 24 and March 31
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Urban Foraging
What do dandelions, red clover, wood sorrel, and chickweed have in common? They are all edible plants that can be found in more places than just the grocery market, like your own backyard! Learn about edible plants including, weeds, bushes, and berries that grow in areas you might not expect! Ages 8 and up. Register by April 23. Call (434) 799-5150.
Ballou Park
Saturday, April 28
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Spring River Clean Up
Join us on Earth Day to enhance the beauty of the River District and do your part in keeping our area clean and green. Gloves, litter-getters and trash bags will be provided. Cosponsored by Dan River Basin Association, Danville Science Center and Danville Parks and Recreation. Registration by April 16 is appreciated, but not required. Call (434) 799-5150.
Danville Science Center
Saturday, April 21
9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Spring Creek Crawl
Explore the shallows of a local creek and find out what type of creatures live in the sand, mud and under rocks! Learn about the importance of macro invertebrates, and their amazing life cycles. Be sure to bring your boots or shoes you do not mind getting wet and muddy. This program is great for all ages. Register by April 24. Call (434) 799-5150.
Angler’s Park
Sunday, April 29
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Meditation Hike
Enjoy the fresh spring air during a stress relieving meditation hike on the beautiful trails at Anglers Park. The program will be focused on connecting with nature and reflecting on our state of minds while hiking along a calm and peaceful stream. Be sure to bring your boots or shoes you do not mind getting wet and muddy. Ages 12 and up. Call (434) 799-5150.
Angler’s Park
Saturday, May 5
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Paddling Programs:
Kayaking for Beginners
Learn basic kayaking strokes or use existing skills to paddle the peaceful Dan River on the first kayaking trip of the year. Enjoy great scenery and build strength through this low impact outdoor activity. Register by April 14. Ages 10 - adult. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. $12 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Abreu-Grogan Park
Thursday, April 19
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Kayak Trip Camilla Williams to Sandy River
Enjoy a swift paddle from Camilla Williams Park to the Sandy River on a beautiful section of the Dan River. Participants must have previous paddling experience or have taken kayaking for beginners class. Register by April 24. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. $12 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Camilla Williams Park
Sunday, April 29
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Kayaking for Beginners
Learn basic kayaking strokes or use existing skills to paddle the peaceful Dan River. Enjoy great scenery and build strength through this low impact outdoor activity. Register by April 29. Ages 10 - adult. Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. $12 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Abreu-Grogan Park
Thursday, May 3
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Kayak Trip Main Street to Anglers
Enjoy a swift paddle from Main Street to Anglers Park on the beautiful Dan River. Navigate rapids and paddle around islands in a picturesque portion of the river. Participants must have prior paddling experience or taken kayaking for beginners class before registering. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by May 7. $12 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Main Street Fountain
Saturday, May 12
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Kayak Raptor Search
Join a birding expert for a peaceful paddle down the Dan River and learn about the many types of birds that inhabit its shores from bald eagles to familiar ospreys. Learn which birds migrate here from tropical destinations and which ones call Danville home all year round. Register by May 19. $12 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Abreu-Grogan Park
Thursday, May 24
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Boating Demo Day
Kick off the summer and check out the exciting paddle sports available in Danville. Drop by any time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to watch on-water demonstrations by experienced staff or pay $5 to take a canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboard out on the water. This is a great time to sign up for upcoming paddling classes and trips. Ages 8 and up; children under 12 must be supervised by an adult. $5 per person. Call (434) 799-5150.
Abreu-Grogan Park
Saturday, May 26
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.