Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. Registration for the August/September session is open until Aug. 9. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center and online. Having trouble deciding which swim level is appropriate for your child? Our certified water safety instructor will be available 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Wednesday, Aug. 7 to provide free swim evaluations. Classes/evaluations held at the James City County Recreation Center. Call 757-259-4185 for more information.
Before/After School, Camps
REC Connect
Need to sign up for the fall Before/After School programs? The REC Connect program is open to youth ages 5-14, enrolled in grades K-8. One registration packet may be used for both the Before & After School 2019-2020 and Summer Camp 2019 programs. Registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to postmark date and space availability. Registration forms and program information is available online and at the Recreation Centers, Freedom Park Interpretive Center and Satellite Services Office in Toano. Weekly registration fees apply. For the complete list of fees and registration information, visit REC Connect or call the Hotline at 757-259-3170. Please allow up to 7 business days for processing. Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on total household gross income; please call 757-259-5414 for financial details.
Classes - Special Interest
Guide to Genealogy - Intermediate • Ages 16+ Free!
Thursdays, Aug. 1 & 8, 5-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Do you want to improve your genealogy research skills? Whether a beginner or intermediate-level genealogist, you have room to advance your skills–making them more accurate and thorough so you can discover more about your ancestors. Limited space. 208140-A
Health/Wellness
Track Your Health/Know Your Numbers • Ages 14+ Free!
Saturday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
Come in for a free health screening that includes a simple finger stick for a non-fasting cholesterol reading, blood pressure and body mass index. Work towards improving your numbers with your doctor’s advice, exercise and healthier eating. Testing and counseling on-the-spot by RNs. No registration required. Call 757-259-4176 for more information.
Yoga
Kids Storybook Yoga • Ages 4-7
Thursdays, Aug. 1-29, 5:30-6 p.m.
$10/day; $7 for JC/W residents
$30/5-pack; $25 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
This 30-minute class offers your child a fun way to bring together imagination, creativity and movement! While interacting with the book’s characters and plot, storybook yoga helps children contemplate meaningful messages such as gratitude, peace, self-love, respect and confidence. Thursdays monthly. YoKID certified instructor. Call 757-259-4176 for more information.
Youth Yoga • Ages 8-13
Thursdays, Aug. 1-29, 6-6:45 p.m.
$13; $10 for JC/W residents
$35; $30 for JC/W residents (5-pack)
James City County Recreation Center
Inspire your kids to learn while they move! This 45-minute class helps your child learn techniques for relaxation, health and self-love in this hurry-up world. Kid’s yoga increases strength and flexibility while helping them unwind, calm down, reduce stress and sleep better. Thursdays monthly. YoKID certified instructor. Call 757-259-4176 for more information.
Therapeutic Recreation
Yoga • Ages 13+ with disabilities Free!
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 7-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Move through a series of postures to allow the body to become flexible and healthy in a state of deep relaxation. Offered In partnership with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. For more information on Yoga, any upcoming events or to become an Arc member, call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Day Support Program • Ages 18+ with disabilities
Tuesdays-Fridays weekly, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
The “Arc of Abilities” supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who do not have a Medicaid waiver. The Day Support Program provides continuing education, life skills and vocational training. In addition, clients are engaged in fitness, recreational and community service opportunities with peers, instructors and the community. Monthly tuition based on need. For information, call The Arc at 757-229-5353.
Outdoors
Stargazing with NASA Skywatcher Club • Ages 13+ Free!
Saturday, Aug. 10, 8-11 p.m.
Upper County Park
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.
Williamsburg Paddles • Ages 16+ Free!
Monday, Aug. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Marina
Kayak historic Powhatan Creek beside Jamestown Island to view and learn about birds and wildlife native to our area. Kayaks provided, and trips are guided by James River Association. Registration required. For more information and to register, visit jrava.org or email jbrunkow@jrava.org.
Explore Powhatan Creek By Canoe • Ages 16+ Free!
Monday, Aug. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Marina/Powhatan Creek Park
Join the James River Association (JRA) for a guided tour of Powhatan Creek by canoe to learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and James River. Canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices provided. Depending on the tides, the paddle will start at the James City County Marina or Powhatan Creek Park. This departure information will be listed on your JRA registration. A shuttle will be provided to return patrons to their vehicles. Visit jrava.org to register.
Campfire Social • All ages Free!
Saturdays, Aug. 10 & 17, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking beautiful Gordon Creek at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! Visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation for more information.
Forest Explorer Fridays • All ages Free!
Friday, Aug. 16, 6-7:30 p.m.
Freedom Park
Join us on the third Friday of each month to explore the plants and animals of Freedom Park! Youth under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.Topic: Reptiles. Who loves the warm evenings in August? Snakes, that’s who. Most other reptiles enjoy a nice hot day, too. Come hear about reptiles and take a look around the park to see if you can find more.
Camping Under the Stars • All ages
Saturday, Aug. 17, 1-3 p.m.
$30 per family/campsite; $25 for JC/W residents
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Pitch your tent or borrow one of ours and spend the night camping! The instructional program will be held on Saturday, 1-3 p.m. We’ll help you setup your tent, build a campfire and cook on a campfire. Then, camp that night at our lovely campground (cost is included in the registration fee). Limit 6 individuals per campsite. 808600-A
Movies Under the Stars – Wonder • All ages Free!
Friday, Aug. 30, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
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. Weather permitting.
Trips & Tours
State Park Passport Tour • Ages 8+
Chippokes – Tram Tour & Fossil Beach
Friday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$15; $10 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Join us for a tour of some of our Virginia State Parks. Each trip will highlight a unique activity, excursion or program specific to that park. Trips are open to patrons ages 8+ (16 & younger must be accompanied by adult) and are available first come, first served. Preregistration is required at least one week in advance of trip date. Fees include transportation to and from trip destination and all park admissions, amenities and excursion fees. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch and any extra snacks and drinks that you may need throughout the day. Meet in the James City County Recreation Center lobby at the time listed for your trip. 804300-D
Sports
Beginning Skate Clinic • Ages 6-15 Free!
Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Skate Park (adjacent to James City County Recreation Center)
Want to learn how to skateboard? A good starting place is here – come out and learn for free from a peer-lead skate clinic hosted by Triangle Skateboard Alliance. The clinic is designed for beginner skaters age 6-15. If needed, the TSA will provide a board, pads and a helmet for new skaters. 806080-C
Special Events
Movie Nights • All ages Free!
Friday, Aug. 2, 6-8 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Scheduled feature: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (PG). Bring a blanket/pillow and join us for family friendly movie nights held inside the multipurpose room. Popcorn and drinks provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Family Splash Party at the Pool • All ages Free!
Saturday, Aug. 3, 6-9 p.m. at Upper County Park
Saturday, Aug. 10, 5-8 p.m. at Chickahominy Riverfront Park
We’re hosting 2 free family fun nights at the pools. Join us for games, prizes and fun. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Butterfly Festival • All ages Free!
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 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.
Jamestown Jams Tournaments • Ages 10+
Friday, Aug. 30, 6-8 p.m.
Cornhole Tournament
$10/team
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Join us during select Jamestown Jams Concert Series 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. 806100-C
Gaming
Teen Tournaments • Boys and girls ages 12-19 Free!
Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Come out for weekly game tournaments and competitive active game tournaments. These safe, free and fun nights challenge you to play in competitive
tournaments against other gamers in your age group. Info: 757-887-5810.
For the complete list of Parks & Recreation programs and events or registration information for all activities, please visit our website or call 757-259-4200 (unless otherwise noted). For outdoor events, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 if inclement weather is in the forecast. JC/W = James City County/Williamsburg resident.
Program locations
- Abram Frink Jr. Community Center Park, 8901 Pocahontas Trail
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
- Freedom Park/Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road
- Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road
- James City County Marina, 2054 Jamestown Road
- James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
- Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway, 1831 Jamestown Road
- Skate Park, 5301 Longhill Road
- Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road, Toano