James City County Parks and Recreation has a variety of health, wellness, fun and family adventures for you in May!
Special Events
Singletrack Maniac 50k Trail Run (ages 18+)
Saturday, May 14, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
$65/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. Register early; maximum 150 participants. Info: 757-259-4176. To register: maniac50k.com
Family Fun Fest
Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Admission: $5/car (cash or check only)
Enjoy petting animals, inflatable rides, hands-on activities, family entertainment, 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! Offered in partnership with Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center and Colonial Roadrunners.
Movies Under the Stars, Free!
Friday, May 27, 8:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy great box office titles out under the stars! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. All ages welcome. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Movie subject to change. Scheduled Feature: The Tale of Despereaux (G). Weather permitting.
Karaoke in the Park, Free!
Saturday, May 28, 7-9 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Sing the night away while enjoying the park! All ages welcome. 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Weather permitting.
Opening Day at the Outdoor Pools
Saturday, May 28, noon-6 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park & Upper County Park
It’s time to kick off summer! Come out to one of James City County’s two outdoor pools and celebrate! Door prizes given each hour between 1-4 p.m. Pools fee apply.
Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
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, May 31 and Wednesday, June 1 to provide free swim evaluations. Info: 757-259-4185.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course (ages 15+)
Prerequisite Swim Test: Friday, May 6, 4-6 p.m.
Training Course: Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Monday-Friday, May 9-13, 4-8 p.m.
$210/session; $205 for JC/W residents. Fee includes swim test, book and materials
Class meets at the James City County Recreation Center on the first day (classes also meet at Eastern State Hospital). For the complete list of certification requirements, see jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation under “Recreation and Programs.” 105710-A
American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification (ages 15+)
Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$60/session; $55 for JC/W residents (does not include materials)
James City County Recreation Center
In this course, you can renew your Lifeguarding and CPR/AED for professional rescuers certifications. Must successfully complete the prerequisite skills, practical skills, first aid skills and written tests. Failure to complete all requirements does not guarantee a full refund. Cell phone use is not permitted in class and can be grounds for dismissal. Please bring current Lifeguard and CPR card for proof of certification. 105750-A
Classes/Activities
Play & Learn Story Time (PALS) (ages 3-5)
Fridays, May 6 & May 20, 10-11 a.m.
Grove Christian Outreach Center, 8800 Pocahontas Trail
Offered in collaboration with the Preschool Literacy Project! FREE for families with preschoolers who live in the Grove area! Come with your preschooler and ENJOY story time with volunteers who will read fantastic books, EXPLORE the pictures and words in the books, ENJOY singing and moving to music, and ENGAGE in games and hands-on activities related to the book. Take home free books and snacks! Instructors are retired teachers, librarians and caring adults. 910002-C
Horses Meet Families (ages 5+)
Saturdays-May 7, May 14 & May 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
$60; $55 for JC/W resident (covers all sessions for one child and parents)
Stonehouse Stables, 2116-A Forge Road
Designed with a parent and child in mind, you’ll learn horse safety, daily care, grooming and more during these hands-on classes. In the last class, ride one of our wonderful horses. Each enrolled child must participate with a parent. 205107-A
Sketching in the Garden (ages 8-16)
Saturday, May 14, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
Learn how to observe and draw stems, leaves and flowers from the garden. Collected specimens will be recorded in graphite and then use colored pencils or watercolor paint to complete the drawing. Meet in the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Registration required for all Williamsburg Botanical Garden children’s programs; register by emailing wbgkids@gmail.com. $5 donation suggested.
Archery 101 (ages 9-15)
Thursdays, May 19-June 9, 5-6 p.m.
$50; $45 for JC/W residents
Warhill Sports Complex
There’s nothing more exciting than taking your aim and hitting the bulls-eye! In this course designed for beginner to intermediate ability, learn safe use and handling of recurve bows and arrows. 805040-A
Red Cross Babysitting Course (ages 12+)
Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
$75; $70 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Learn all the basics of babysitting – childcare, fire and home safety, and first aid-plus learn how to set up your business. Receive a babysitter’s textbook, babysitting certificate and first aid kit. Bring a bagged lunch. 605010-A
BYOK (ages 16+), Free!
Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Marina
Bring your own kayak for this historic tour of Powhatan Creek and Jamestown Island, guided by Chesapeake Experience. Have fun while viewing birds and wildlife native to our area. Info: adrienne@chesapeakeexperience.org.
Freedom Park Nature Walks (ages 16+) Free!
Saturday, May 28, 8 a.m.
Freedom Park Interpretive Center
Join us for a walk on the last Saturday of every month to learn about the natural world within Freedom Park! Founder of the Williamsburg Bird Club, Bill Williams, will lead us through the park to learn about some of the birds that frequent our area in the springtime. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen, binoculars and appropriate footwear.
Interpretive Paddles (ages 18+), Free!
Monday, May 2, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Marina
Kayak historic Powhatan Creek and Jamestown Island. View birds and wildlife native to our area. Bring your own kayak or rent one of ours. Guided by the James River Association. Register early, maximum 16 participants. To register: jrava.org. Info: jbrunkow@jrava.org
Adults in Archaeology! (ages 18+)
Saturday, May 21, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
$25; $20 for JC/W residents
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Remember watching Indiana Jones and wanting to be an archaeologist? Come out and join in the action at an active dig site with local archaeologists. Learn about the site, how to dig and identify, then jump in and get dirty! Bring a sack lunch and refillable water bottle. 805260-A
Women’s Mountain Bike Ride (ages 18+), Free!
Saturday, May 7, 9-11 a.m.
Meet at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center
Ladies, join the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association’s Dirt Divas on a women’s-only mountain bike ride! Come learn the trail system at Freedom Park, meet fellow female riders in the community and learn the ins-and-outs of mountain biking. The ride will be at a moderate pace and will take about two hours. Participants are welcome to stay after the ride and attend the monthly EVMA meeting and luncheon. Bike and helmet required. Water bottles and/or hydration packs encouraged. Info: email the EVMA at president@evma.org. 805724-A
Beginner’s Mountain Bike Ride (ages 18+), Free!
Saturday, May 7, 9-11 a.m.
Meet at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center
Are you new to mountain biking and looking to ride with a group? Join the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association on this beginner’s ride! The two-hour ride will be specially designed for novice riders and led by volunteers from the EVMA. Participants are welcome to stay after the ride and attend the monthly EVMA meeting and luncheon. Bike and helmet required. Water bottles and/or hydration packs encouraged. Info: email the EVMA at president@evma.org. 805714-A
Creating Environmentally Beneficial Landscapes (ages 18+)
Saturday, May 21, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
Retired York County Extension Agent and Senior Extension Agent Emeritus, Jim Orband, will discuss the benefits of incorporating locally native plants and providing diverse plantings that include a variety of food sources for wildlife.
To register: email wbgkids@gmail.com. $5 donation suggested.
BASE Camping (all ages/families)
Two sessions offered:
Saturday, May 14, noon-3 p.m., 805050-A
Saturday, May 21, noon-3 p.m., 805050-B
$15/session; $10 for JC/W residents
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Pitch your tent, get out the S’mores supplies and enjoy the great outdoors! In this one day class, learn the basics of picking and preparing a good camp site, fire building and safety, and outdoor cooking!
Health/Wellness
Busy Bodies – Toddler Fitness Fun (ages 3-5)
Monday & Wednesday, May 16 & May 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$15; $10 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Burn toddler energy with fun, creative and ACTIVE preschool fitness games! Toddler bodies are born to move – 30 minutes of fitness games and 30 minutes of Storybook Yoga. Adult attendance required. Info: 757-259-4176. 302510-B
Busy Bodies – Kids on the Move (ages 6-8)
Monday & Wednesday, May 16 & May 18, 11 a.m.-noon
$15; $10 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
The ultimate fitness outlet for young ones who like to shake, tumble and move! Class is 30 minutes of fun fitness exercises and 30 minutes of Kid Yoga. Info: 757-259-4176. 302510-C
Busy Bodies – Kids Fitness (ages 8-12)
Tuesday & Thursday, May 24 & May 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
$15; $10 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
We’ll help you encourage the kids to get active, have fun and develop a love for fitness. Class is 30 minutes of fun fitness exercises and 30 minutes of Kid Yoga. Info: 757-259-4176. 302510-E
Techniques of Meditation (ages 18+)
Wednesday, May 11, 6:15-7:15 p.m., $15
James City County Recreation Center
Would you like to go on a journey of quieting the mind? Whether you’re a
beginner or experienced, you’ll gain knowledge into your well-being. Meditation offers a wide range of health benefits including improved concentration, mental strength and self-confidence. Reducing anxiety, depression, muscle tension, insomnia and headaches. Info: 757-259-4176. 305410-A
Introduction to Plant Medicine Series: Building the Immune System and Nourishing the Body (ages 18+), Free!
Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Explore the benefits of plant medicine. Learn about the natural volatile compounds found in plants and their positive effects on health and well-being as well as safety and use. 300480-C
Fit Mama – Stroller Fit (all ages)
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$13/day; $8 for JC/W residents, #305550-A
$65/10 pack; $60 for JC/W residents, #305550-B
James City County Recreation Center
Want to get out of the house, do something fun, active and healthy for yourself and your child AND meet a group of amazing moms in your own town! Get a great 60 minutes of exercise using your own body weight, bands and balls as well as our outdoor walking trail! Class ends at the adjacent My Place Playground for your tots to play. Pre and postnatal workout for all levels. Jogging stroller not necessary. Bring water and a yoga mat or towel.
Stroke Awareness & Blood Pressure Check, Free!
Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
A stroke is an emergency and every minute counts! Act F.A.S.T! Learn the risk factors and what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke! Have your blood pressure taken. No registration required.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Teensational Socials: Pool Party (ages 13-21 with disabilities), Free!
Saturday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Splash into an evening of swimming and games! Socialize with peers and practice social skills through fun recreational activities and field trips in the community. Offered in partnership with Capernaum. For more information and a complete schedule of events, call Caitie Maloney at 757-784-6226 or Caitie.Maloney@yahoo.com.
Yoga (ages 13+ with disabilities), Free!
Tuesday, May 31, 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 Arc events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit
thearcgw.org.
Therapeutic Thursdays (ages 18+ with disabilities), Free!
Thursdays, May 12 & May 26, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
Work with flowers and vegetables in raised beds in Freedom Park’s Botanical Garden and enjoy other programs featuring plants, birds, butterflies and insects. Offered in partnership with the Williamsburg Botanical Garden and led by the Virginia Cooperative Extension James City County Master Gardener Therapeutic information and registration details, contact Carolyn Stringer at carolynfstringer@gmail.com or 757-220-4295.
Sports/Athletics
Skateboarding for Grommits! (ages 6-9)
Tuesdays/Thursdays, May 10-19, 5-6 p.m.
$35; $30 for JC/W residents
Skate Park
Interested in being the next Tony Hawk and need a starting point? Lessons with JCC Parks and Recreation are a great place to begin! Safe, structured and FUN! Helmets required; elbow, knee and/or wrist guards recommended. 505250-A
Teen Tournaments (boys and girls ages 12-19), Free!
Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Come out for weekly Xbox game tournaments and competitive active game tournaments. These safe, free and fun nights challenge you to play in competitive tournaments against other competitors in your age group. For information, call 757-887-5810.
Summer Camp
The priority registration deadline for our REC Connect state-licensed summer camp is May 6. Camp will be held Monday-Friday, June 20-Aug. 26, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. at J. Blaine Blayton, Matoaka, Norge, Rawls Byrd and Stonehouse Elementary Schools and Lois S. Hornsby Middle School. Camp is open to youth ages 5-14 who have completed kindergarten. Registrations accepted after the deadline on a space available basis. Please allow up to seven business days from received date for processing. Summer camp fees include field trips; $10 discount available for second and subsequent children in the same family attending full time. For registration forms and program information, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation under “Recreation and Programs” or call the REC Connect information line at 757-259-3170. Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on total income; call 757-259-5414 for discount details. No program on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Unless otherwise noted, for more information and to register, please visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or call 757-259-4200.
JC/W residents = James City County/Williamsburg residents