Chesapeake: Animals & Nature

4-H is the youth (ages 5 to 19) development education program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. 4-H is rich with learning experiences where young people partner with caring adults and volunteers in a fellowship unlike any other program available to youth today.

Through 4-H, young people are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities that emphasize 4-H's "learning by doing" philosophy of youth development. 4-H is characterized as being community-centered, volunteer-led, Extension-staff supervised, research-based, home- and family-oriented, publicly and privately funded, and responsive to change.

During the summer, 4-H offers a range of day and residential (overnight) camps.

There are unlimited possibilities for club and/or individual member areas of interest:

Animal Science: Livestock, Horse, Pets, Poultry, Veterinary Science | Art: Arts & Crafts, Painting, Photography, Theater | Career Exploration: Communications, Presentations, Public Speaking, Leadership Development | Environmental Education and/or Outdoor Recreation | Family and Consumer Sciences: Childcare, Family Life, Financial Literacy, Sewing, Foods, Nutrition, and Health: Cooking, First Aid/CPR, Healthy Living, Personal Safety | Horticulture and Agriculture: Beekeeping, Gardening | Science, Engineering, and Technology: Aeronautics, Computer Programming, Robotics, Rocketry, Woodworking Invention

Bells Mill Park features footpaths through wetlands and meadows in open natural areas with elevated scenic views of Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. Trail - 2.5-mile circular running trail in park. Outdoor fitness area with multiple equipment stations.

Special Events (including a seasonal corn maze) and Birthday Parties on the Farm. Seasonal baked goods, ice cream and more. The Farmstead indoor space is family-friendly with fun & games that are great for a wide variety of ages. ​Bergey's barnyard offers an up-close and personal experience with farm animals.

Local equestrian boarding and training facilities. Indoor arena. Bridle paths around the perimeter of the property. Lessons and training rides are available.

Camp Outback is offered as a day camp experience for girls each summer. Campers can enjoy hiking on nature trails, be challenged on the fitness trail, climb the 50 foot outlook tower, canoe on Bells Mill Creek or participate in outdoor classroom activities in one of the four outdoor pavilions located on the property.

A tree sanctuary that hosts an 18th century homestead for enjoyment and education. Extensive walking trails and an outdoor learning center.

Chesapeake Campground offers camping, pavilion rentals, bike rentals, canoe rentals and John Boat rentals. For campers there is also a training room, exercise room, swimming pools, tennis courts, driving range and mini-golf. Seasonal pony rides and hay rides may also be available.

Large park in Chesapeake that includes Fun Forest Children's Playground, a Dog Park, Skate Park, Outdoor Stage, Horseshoe Courts and more.

Art, Camps, Cooking, Creative Writing, Dance, Gymnastics, Kayaking, Martial Arts, Music, Special Needs, Sports Programs, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Toddler Programs, Summer Camps, Yoga, Special Events & more. Homeschool Activities. After School Care available.

Free Admission to Public Planetarium Programs. Registration required

Wildlife refuge with multi-use trails for walking, biking, horseback riding, and an launch area for boating.

We are the Easy Does It Rescue Ranch & Western Riding Academy and we are a full teaching facility (soon to be a 501(c)3 nonprofit status rescue). We have a schooling program for anyone of any age to learn every aspect of the horses. You learn to take care of the horses as if you would own one in the future. Trail Rides available.

Discover unforgettable experiences at Fair Weather Farms! Our charming venue in Chesapeake offers a space for all occasions. With picturesque surroundings and versatile offerings, we're your destination for laughter, adventure, and cherished memories.

Scouting Programs and Summer camps, open to Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts ages 6 and up.

Wildlife refuge with multi-use trails for walking, biking, horseback riding, and an launch area for boating.

You-pick strawberries, pumpkins, sunflowers, Farm market, Educational field trips, birthday parties. Local Produce and local honey. Farm animals and play area daily. Hayrides, barrel train and pony rides.

Free seasonal activities include friendly farm animals to visit and feed, bounce houses, playhouses, sand piles and picnic tables.

Farm and nursery, an event space and a garden center. Also available: Birthday Parties, Fishing, Riding/Walking Trails, a Playground and a Petting Zoo that is always open to the public. Field trips for schools and homeschooled students are available.

The park consists of large mature hardwood and pines and a small creek winds the entire length of the property. Basketball Courts, Playground, Picnic Shelters with grill, Parking, Trails (walking, hiking or biking)

The park consists of large mature hardwood and pines and a small creek winds the entire length of the property. Bike Trail with changes in elevation for mountain bikers, Parking, Rain Garden, Trails, approximately 3.5 walking/hiking and ¼ mile of "Virginia Tree Trail" nature trail, with labeled tree species.

Offering season upick strawberries, blackberries and peaches. During special events pony rides and the barrel train may be available. Playground and farm animals on site.

Local park in Chesapeake with a playground, boating, fishing, hiking, putt-putt course, horse shoes, volleyball nets. Summer camps available at this location.

Weekly child-led adventures at Northwest River Park

Local park in Chesapeake with a fitness trail for walking, running, biking. Fishing platforms and a kids play area on site. Boating is not allowed at Oak Grove Park.

Offering a variety of inclusive outdoor play and exploration experiences to address sensory, social and play issues, while developing children’s sensory and motor systems. Birthday parties available. Now offering academic tutoring!

Horseback riding lessons, Educational Events, Birthday parties.

A small family farm offering riding lessons, sales, camps and pony school. Ages 4 and up.

Triple R Ranch has been a summer camp in Chesapeake, Virginia since 1960 to offer a time-proven and quality summer experience for campers age 7 to 16. Activities include horseback riding, archery, laser tag and more for exciting, new experiences.

Local park in Chesapeake with playgrounds, basketball courts, pickleball courts, athletic fields and more.