Parks & Recreation invites you to a spring and summer of fun – we’ve got over 100 summer camps for the kids, more than 20 special events designed to connect and cultivate community and hundreds of family programs and outings, classes and activities. View the brochure online or pick up a copy at the James City County Recreation Center, the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, the Satellite Services Office in Toano, the Freedom Park Interpretive Center, County parks, all public County government offices and the James City County and Williamsburg libraries. There’s truly something for everyone!
Spring/Summer 2019 Special Events
Skate Jam
Friday, April 5, 4 p.m.
$10/person
James City County Skate Park (adjacent to the James City County Recreation Center)
All ages and experience levels welcome! Skateboards, bikes, food, music and of course, prizes make this skateboarding and BMX competition one not to miss! Participants will be divided into experience categories and judged on style, flow and difficulty of the run. Registration and warm-ups begin at 3:30 p.m. Spectators are free and welcomed. Preregistration is recommended, but not required. Register by April 4 and save $5. Co-sponsored with Triangle Skateboard Alliance. Register online or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; in the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Bikes Out of Hibernation (all ages) Free!
Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
If you’re looking for an opportunity to get your bike out of “hibernation,” from beginner to a “little rusty,” this is for you. Free safety inspections, assistance for minor adjustments, greasing and fitting, as well as fun rides to “knock the rust off” after winter. Fun rides of 5, 10 and 15 miles available on the Virginia Capital Trail. Rides will leave at approximately 15 minute intervals. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments provided. Offered in partnership with Williamsburg Area Bicyclists. Rain date is April 20. Weather permitting; in the event of rain, visit wabonline.org or call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232.
Summer Camp Fair (all ages) Free!
Friday, April 12, 3-7 p.m. & Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Want to sign-up the kids for summer camp? Looking for something NEW this year? Attend the 6th Annual Summer Camp Fair to learn about great camps and register your kids at the same time! Goodie bags for first 200 guests! Camps include day (full-time and part-time) and overnight camps, sports, adventure, scouting, dance, music, arts and theater, vacation bible schools, special needs, academics – science, foreign language, history, preschool to high school camps and more! Offered in partnership with WilliamsburgFamilies.com. For more information on the Fair, please email Kristy Maynor or Olivia Bada.
Singletrack Maniac 50k Trail Run (ages 18+)
Saturday, April 13, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
$75/runner
Freedom Park
Experience Freedom Park in a whole new way! The generous 10-hour time limit (19 minute mile pace) for the 31-mile Ultra race is great for beginners, but the singletrack trails are technical and challenging with constant roots and elevation changes. If you’re looking to surpass the marathon and want to stay local, this is the first event of its kind in the area. No onsite registration. 100 max. Register at maniac50k.com. Info: 757-259-4176. Weather permitting; in the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Family Fun Fest (all ages)
Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
$5/car (cash or check only)
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy petting animals, hands-on activities, inflatable rides, family entertainment with music and contests too! “Touch-a-Truck” is back for all ages! Stop by the “Good for You Zone” and see why being healthy can lead to loads of fun. Oh, and be sure to participate in the Fun Run! Grab some lunch provided by our food vendors and visit all of our local craft and business vendors. Weather permitting; in the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Movies Under the Stars (all ages) Free!
Friday, May 24, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Scheduled Feature: Mary Poppins Returns (PG)
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy some of the great box office titles out under the sky! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. We’ll bring the stars. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Movies subject to change. Visit our Special Events page for more info or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Opening Day at the Pools
Saturday, May 25, noon-6 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park & Upper County Park
It’s time to kick off summer! Come out to one of our two outdoor pools to celebrate the start of the season. Door prizes given each hour between 1-4 p.m. Pool fees apply. View our online calendar or call 757-259-4200 for more info. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Jamestown Jams Tournaments (ages 10+)
Spikeball Tournament: Friday, June 28, 6-8 p.m.; $10 (per team); #806100-A
Cornhole Tournaments: Friday, July 26, 6-8 p.m.; $10 (per team); #806100-B
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Join us during select Jamestown Jams Concerts to participate in tournaments put on by James City County and Williamsburg PickUp Games! Listen to live music, win prizes and enjoy food trucks and drinks (available for purchase), all while participating in friendly competition with family and friends. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. For more information on the tournaments, call 757-259-5355. The Jamestown Jams Concerts are FREE, and concerts are scheduled for Friday, May 31, June 28, July 26 and August 30. For more Information on the concerts, visit explorejccva.com. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Tails on the Trail (all ages) Free!
Saturday, June 1, 9-11 a.m.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail
Are you up for a summer-long trail adventure with your dog? Join the Heritage Humane Society for this kick-off event! This self-guided adventure will start you off at one of the eight trails for your exploration through the summer. Did you know June 1 is also National Trails Day? Get out and get active with your pet! For more information, visit heritagehumanesociety.org. Don’t have a furry friend? Come out for Trek the Trail and discover the Greensprings Trail, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. or on your own! Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Project FiveFortySeven (all ages) Free!
Friday, June 21, 5:47 a.m.-10 p.m.
Various County parks & facilities
Out late or up early? Celebrate the longest day of the year by joining Parks & Recreation for the Longest Day of Play! On June 21, we cater to the sun and offer recreational activities all day long including extended hours at parks and facilities, sunrise and sunset paddles, outdoor yoga classes, and new opportunities to get in on the fun. The day kicks off at 5:47 a.m. and culminates with a solstice takeover of the James City County Recreation Center with pool battleship, a basketball skills challenge, and so much more! No registration required outside of summer camp programs. For more information on Project FiveFortySeven and a full schedule of programs, please visit the Parks & Recreation homepage starting May 1. View our online calendar for more information or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Student Art Show & Exhibit (all ages) Free!
Monday-Sunday, June 21-July 19 during library hours
Williamsburg Library
Anne Kushnick’s oil painting and pastel students will display their talents in this annual exhibit. View many unique pieces with some available for purchase. View our online calendar for more information or call 757-259-4200.
Freedom Stories (all ages) Free!
Saturday, June 22, noon-3 p.m.
Freedom Park
Join Williamsburg native Dylan Pritchett, best known as “The Storyteller” along with other Virginia Black Storytellers (VirBS) as they share with you Freedom Stories at Freedom Park! The Free Black Settlement area is the backdrop for this special event. Also featured are unique crafts for kids, music and food available for purchase. View our online calendar for more information or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Spencer’s Ordinary Wreath Ceremony (all ages) Free!
Wednesday, June 26, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
The Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will conduct a memorial service on June 26 in honor of the valiant Americans who gave their lives in the Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary on that date in 1781. A series of skirmishes occurred in the woods and meadows of Freedom Park between units of Lord Cornwallis and those of the French general, Marquis de Lafayette. Immediately following the Spencer’s Ordinary wreath ceremony, enjoy a presentation on the history of the battle in the Freedom Park Interpretive Center.
July 4th Celebration at the Pools (all ages)
Thursday, July 4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Upper County Park
Beat the heat by visiting one of our outdoor pools! Pool fees apply. FREE icepops to everyone entering the pool (while supplies last). Info: jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; in the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Movies Under the Stars (all ages) Free!
Friday, July 5, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Scheduled Feature: Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG)
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy some of the great box office titles out under the sky! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. We’ll bring the stars. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Movies subject to change. Info: jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Park to Park Bicycle Tour (all ages)
Saturday, July 13, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Meet at the Virginia Capital Trail trailhead
Register for this annual self-guided bicycle tour! Choose from 3 ride options - 15 miles, 30 miles or the Half Century Ride (50 miles)! All routes include visits to County parks where rest stops will allow you to cool down and power up. Fee includes refreshments, pool admittance to Chickahominy Riverfront Park pool, maps, support vehicles to help out tired riders and, most importantly, lunch! All routes begin at the Virginia Capital Trail trailhead located near Jamestown Settlement. Then join us down at the James City County Marina near the Billsburg Brewery for lunch, music and a game of cornhole after the ride! Preregistration forms available beginning June 1 at local bike shops, the Recreation Centers, Freedom Park Interpretive Center, Satellite Services in Toano or online. Save $5 if you register by July 5; preregistration also allows you to receive digital gpx files that can be imported to your GPS devices. Weather permitting; call the activity hotline for event updates at 757-259-3232.
15-Mile Ride, 807221-A:
$5/person - preregister by July 5
$10/person after July 5/onsite
30-Mile Ride, 807221-B:
$10/person - preregister by July 5
$15/person after July 5/onsite
Half Century Ride, 807221-C:
$15/person - preregister by July 5
$20/person after July 5/onsite
Family Splash Party at the Pools (all ages) Free!
Saturday, July 20, 6-9 pm.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
We’re hosting a FREE family fun night at the pool. Join us for games, prizes and fun. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. View our online calendar for more info or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; in the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Family Splash Party at the Pools (all ages) Free!
Saturday, August 3, 6-9 pm.
Upper County Park
We’re hosting a FREE family fun night at the pool. Join us for games, prizes and fun. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. View our online calendar for more info or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; in the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Butterfly Festival (all ages) Free!
Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Freedom Park
Interact with hundreds of butterflies at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden! Drop in anytime during the two-day event to visit the butterfly tent with live specimens, and to participate in fun educational programs and crafts. Learn first-hand about the life cycles of these beautiful insects! The event is free; however, a $5 donation to help the garden grow is appreciated. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Movies Under the Stars (all ages) Free!
Friday, August 30, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Scheduled Feature: Wonder
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy some of the great box office titles out under the sky! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. We’ll bring the stars. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Movies subject to change. Visit our Special Events page or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Drool in the Pool (all ages)
Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
$10/dog
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
This popular dog swim day is eagerly anticipated each year! Pool passes for your dog will be available at the gate on Sept. 7. Music, refreshments, and goodies featured! All proceeds benefit the animals of Heritage Humane Society. For more details, visit heritagehumanesociety.org. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Movies Under the Stars (all ages) Free!
Friday, September 13, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Scheduled Feature: Wizard of Oz
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy some of the great box office titles out under the sky! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. We’ll bring the stars. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Movies subject to change. Visit our Special Events page or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Harvest Festival & Scarecrow Stuffing (all ages)
Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
$5/car; $20/scarecrow (includes all supplies)
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Come enjoy quality family time with various sights and activities at our annual Harvest Festival! Arts and crafts, food, games, inflatables and much, much more. Our featured activity, Scarecrow Stuffing, will be back again. Make the biggest, the best, and maybe the only scarecrow in your neighborhood! First come, first served while supplies last. Cash/checks only onsite. Don’t forget your camera! View our online calendar for more info or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
James Riverfest (all ages) Free!
Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Join us for free, fun and hands-on educational activities for the whole family! Presented in partnership with the James River Association, James Riverfest is a family environmental festival promoting protection of and recreation on the James River. View our online calendar for more info or call 757-259-4200. Weather permitting; please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Program Sites
For information and registration details on all offerings (unless otherwise listed), please visit the Parks & Recreation homepage or call 757-259-4200. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in event schedules.
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov