Family Field Trip - Plants and Animals

With so many families attending school virtually,a field trip would be a great way to take a break, explore a new place and learn something along the way.

We've put together four one-day field trip itinerarieswith the themes Agriculture,Art,HistoryandPlants Animals. There are also options listed for a two-day trip if you'd like to spend the weekend with us. Create some family memories with a family field trip to Smithfield and Isle of Wight County.

FIELD GUIDE AVAILABLE UNDER THE "PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND DOCUMENTS" TAB OF THIS WEBPAGE LISTING.

PLANTS AND ANIMALS IN SMITHFIELD AND ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY:

Located at the fork of the Pagan River and Cypress Creek, the town of Smithfield thrived as a riverport since its founding in the 1700s. Today, residents and visitors enjoy its natural setting with grasslands and wetlands attracting a variety of wildlife, from otters and deer, to majestic birds such as red-tailed hawks, egrets and great blue herons. Windsor Castle Park offers miles of woodland trails along Cypress Creek making the park a great place to bird watch!

Isle of Wight County is a rural area with the Blackwater River running along its northern border, a rich environment for bear, wild turkeys and more. The Isle of Wight Museum offers exhibits on the Blackwater, as well as on the county’s agricultural history and traditions. The northeastern border of the county runs along the historic James River with a secluded river beach located at Fort Boykin Park.

Smithfield and Isle of Wight are located in Coastal Virginia, making them a great day-trip destination from both Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, or a relaxing weekend getaway. The itinerary listed below is just to get you started. There’s so much more to see and do!

ONE DAY ITINERARY:

Go to the "Photos, Videos and Documents" tab of this webpage to download a Family Field Trip Guide pdf with details on each site.

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Windsor Castle Park

The park features 4+ miles of woodland trails, scenic overlooks and bridges. The par also offers a BINGO scavenger hunt as a fun way to learn about its plants and animals. The card is available on this webpageor on WindsorCastlePark.com.

11:00 - 11:50 a.m.

Isle of Wight County Museum

The museum offers interactive exhibits on the Blackwater River, agriculture in the area, and is home of the worlds oldest ham and the worlds oldest peanut.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch: Wharf Hill Brewing Company

Wharf Hill offers a casual setting, great food and a separate space for groups.

1:20 - 2:20 p.m.

Alpaca Farm

Central Hill Farm Alpacas Plus: Tours available plus an on-site Alpaca Store.

Zuni Tree & Alpaca Farm: Tours available of alpaca farm.

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Fort Boykin Historic Park

Dating back to 1623, Fort Boykin is partly wooded and situatied on a bluff overlooking the James River. The site includes a secluded riverbeach.

3:45 - 4:15 p.m.

Sweet Treat from the Cake House

A small batch, scratch bakery specializing in custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, and always - sweet treats available for take out.

TWO DAY ITINERARY:

Consider doing half of the itinerary in the afternoon, and the other half the following morning leaving lots of free time to explore the areas shops or any other attractions that are of interest to you.

ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURAL SITES TO SEE:

Dardens Farm, Country Store and Smokehouse is a working family-run farm.

The Agricultural Land Lab at Windsor Elementary School is a school owned 30-acre working farm.

Farm Visitspage on this website.

Create eco-prints of native plants using natural dyes at a personalized small group workshop at the Nelms House.

Seasonal Outfitters at Windsor Castle Park

Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area is an unspoiled area of marshland on the James River.

Take home a souvenir from one of ourshops.

Lodging Options

Guided Tours and Trip Planning Assistance

#WanderLoveVA- While travel doesnt look quite the same this year, you can still explore Virginias endless beauty with an epic WanderLove Road Trip!

Admission
Free