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:

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 each program. Call (434) 799-5150.

Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park      Sunday, October 21, and Saturday, November 10

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.                            $12

Zip Halloween Night Flight

Zip on our 400 ft. zip line in the evening twilight. Brave the night by yourself or bring a friend to ride together for a thrilling night in the fall air. Ages 8 and up. Register by October 22. Call (434) 799-5150.

Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park               Saturday, October 27

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.                                          $12

Educational Programs:

Fall 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 don’t mind getting wet and muddy. This program is great for all ages. Register by September 18. Call (434) 799-5150.

Anglers Park                                                           Sunday, September 23

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.                                                       Free

Urban Foraging

Search for edible plants on the nature trails at Ballou Park. Learn about plants including, weeds, bushes, and berries that grow in areas you might not expect! Ages 8 and up. Register by October 3. Call (434) 799-5150.

Ballou Park                                                              Sunday, October 7

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.                                                       Free

Free Kids Fishing

Join Danville Parks and Recreation for an evening of fishing at Abreu-Grogan Park. Learn baiting, casting, and fish identification skills. A limited number of fishing poles and bait will be provided. Ages 16 and up must have a valid Virginia fishing license. Register by October 7. Call (434) 799-5150.

Abreu-Grogan Park                                               Friday, October 12

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.                                                       Free

Fall River Clean up

Join us 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 October 15 is appreciated, but not required. Call (434) 799-5150.

Danville Science Center                                       Saturday, October 20

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.                                                     Free                       

Tree Identification Hike

Discover what types of trees have beautiful red and orange leaves in the fall as we embark on a short hike at Evans Park and learn tree species by their bark, leaf shape, color, and height. All ages welcome. Register five days prior to each program. Call (434) 799-5150.
Evans Park                                      Sunday, October 21 and Saturday, November 10

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.                               Free

Fall Owl Prowl and Night Hike

Enjoy a night under the stars and forest canopy at Anglers Park and use your ears to listen for the sounds of owls. Learn about the amazing adaptations owls use to become the top predator of the night skies. End the evening warming up with hot chocolate. Register by November 26. Call (434) 799-5150.

Anglers Park                                   Friday, November 30        

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.                    $4
                   

Paddling Programs:
                           

Kayak Trip-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 August 27. Ages 10- adult. Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (434) 799-5150.

Abreu-Grogan Park                                               Saturday, September 1

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.                                                     $12

Kayak Trip-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 September 16.  Ages 10-adult. Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (434) 799-5150.

Abreu-Grogan Park                                               Friday, September 21

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.                                                       $12

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. Must have previous paddling experience or taken kayaking for beginners class. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by September 17. Call (434) 799-5150.

Main Street Fountain                                            Saturday, September 22

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.                                                       $12

Kayak Trip-Staunton River

Take part in a daylong kayak trip on the scenic Staunton River. Transportation, boats, paddling gear, and instruction are included. Participants must have previous paddling experience. Ages 12 and up. Register by October 1. Call (434) 799-5150.

Abreu-Grogan Park                                               Saturday, October 6

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                                       $40

Kayak Trip-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 October 8. Ages 10 - adult. Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (434) 799-5150.

Abreu-Grogan Park                                               Saturday, October 13                   

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.                                                     $12    

Kayak Trip-Fall Foliage

Enjoy the fall foliage while paddling on the Dan River in the last trip of the paddling season. Learn which tree species are more commonly found close to the water. Ages 10 and up. Register by October 15. Call (434) 799-5150.

Abreu-Grogan Park                                               Saturday, October 20       

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.                                                       $12