Outdoor Recreation

Explore the Outdoors!

Ideally situated on the Hampton Roads peninsula, James City County offers access to the Chickahominy and James Rivers, home to the John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail; the Colonial Parkway and the Historic Triangle; and lies along the Virginia Capital Trail. In addition to these great opportunities, James City County Parks offer a variety of amenities and programs for you to explore our area!

Brickyard Landing
Check out what we’re offering this season or find a facility or park that meets your outdoor adventure needs. Have you heard about the technical terrain for mountain biking? Freedom Park is home to some fantastic Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association trails as well as Go Ape, a treetop adventure course. 

Make sure you are enjoying the outdoors safely! Before heading out, take a look at these Outdoor Safety Tips.

We would love to hear from you about offerings you would like to see in Outdoor Recreation.

  1. Classes
  2. Camps
  3. Special Events
  4. Trips

Fall Classes - Registration Open!

To register for any Parks and Recreation programs, click here.

Archery (Ages 9+)

These courses are designed for beginner to intermediate ability.  Learn the safe use and handing of a recurve bow in addition to proper range procedures while learning balance, focus and technique.

  • Archery for Adults - Ages 16+
    •  Saturdays, Sept. 28-Oct. 19
    • Tuesdays, Oct. 1-22
  • Archery 101 - Ages 9-15
    •  Saturdays, Sept. 28-Oct. 19

Summer & Fall Programs - Free!


Campfire Socials

Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking beautiful Gordon Creek at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! 

  • Saturday, Aug.10 - 7:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 17 - 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Forest Explorer Fridays - All Ages

Join us the third Friday of each month to explore the plants and animals of Freedom Park! Youth ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Program runs from 6-7:30 p.m., weather permitting.

  • Aug. 16: Reptiles
  • Sept. 20: Skunks
  • Oct. 18: Night Hike

Stargazing with NASA - Ages 13+

Come Stargaze with NASA Skywatcher Astronomy Club! The NASA Skywatcher Astronomy Club will have an observing session to share their knowledge, experience and love of astronomy. Program runs 8-11 p.m. at Upper County Park, weather permitting.

  • Saturday, Aug. 10