Arts/Special Interest Classes
Preschool Summer Chocolate Making • Ages 3-5 with parent/guardian
Saturday, June 26, 10-11:30 a.m.; $20
James City County Recreation Center
Have fun in this summer-themed chocolate-making workshop. You’ll make chocolate shells, sea stars and a few other beachy critters! In addition, enjoy s'mores marshmallows, chocolate cluster cups and other fun surprises. Please note any food allergies at registration. Tie back long hair and bring an apron and airtight container. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
Father’s Day Gift Workshop • Ages 4-10 NEW!
Saturday, June 12, 9-11 a.m.; $25
James City County Recreation Center
What dad wouldn’t love a gift made just for him? Show your dad how much you love him by making a Father’s Day gift with your own two hands! We’ll draw self-portraits and make the frames to put them in. Instructor: Kidcreate Studio.
Kid’s Tropical Summer Cookie Decorating • Ages 6-13
Saturday, June 26, noon-2 p.m.; $20
James City County Recreation Center
Get ready for summer and the beach! Let's decorate palm trees, fish, flamingos and more in this fun cookie decorating workshop! We’ll use buttercream as well as royal icing to put the finishing touches on our treats! Stars, smooth icing, zig zags and lines will create our cute designs. Please note any food allergies at registration. Tie back long hair and bring two large airtight containers to take home cookies and an apron/hand towel! Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
Before/After School Programs
REC Connect • Ages 5-10
Annual (non-refundable) application fee: $50/child (separate weekly fees)
Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m. until school starts and school dismissal to 6 p.m.
Sites: Clara Byrd Baker, J. B. Blayton, Matoaka, Matthew Whaley, Norge and Stonehouse (Laurel Lane combines with Clara Byrd Baker at Clara Byrd Baker and D.J Montague combines with Matoaka at Matoaka. Transportation provided.)
Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Full Day Consolidated Programs at James River, Matoaka and Norge
Elementary Before & After School Weekly Fees*
- Before School – $40
- After School – $50
- Before & After School – $65
Discount Program: Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on total income. For information, call 757-259-5414.
*FEES: Please note: Parks & Recreation fees are subject to change.
Health/Wellness
Bonding Beats • Ages 6+ NEW!
Thursday, June 10, 5-6 p.m.; $15 (each additional child $5)
Veterans Park
This parent and child workshop includes guided practices in rhythm and mindfulness. Communicate and connect with each other...through drumming! Learn rhythms, games and exercises that you can use to strengthen bonds to continue for a lifetime. No musical experience necessary! All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.
Intro to Yoga for Teens • Ages 13-18 NEW!
Mondays, June 7-28, 6-7:15 p.m.; $30
James City County Recreation Center
This practice is specifically designed for teens to help support them in managing a meaningful and enjoyable life. This four-week class will build confidence in their yoga practice along with techniques of mindfulness and value. Poses curated to aid in deep stretching, dynamic flow and proper breathing techniques. The expectations on our youth are abundant, let’s give them a brain break!
Youth Weight Training • Ages 15-17 NEW!
Tuesday, June 22, 6-7 p.m.; $8
James City County Recreation Center
Is your child ready to pick up those weights with you or is your child looking to learn the basics of lifting weights? Either way, let us teach them proper movement, form, safe techniques, etiquette of lifting and age appropriate weight training. Your child will learn to safely strength train, improve their balance and body control as well as proper form. They’ll perform functional lifts safely and focus on core strength and muscle toning for a total body workout. Class instructed by a certified personal trainer.
Intermediate Meditation Techniques • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, June 2, 7-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new, all are welcomed to this open community meditation practice. We’ll explore different styles of meditation techniques as well as tools that aid the meditative process. You’ll be guided in and out of each session. Meditation can improve your physical, emotional and mental health and well-being.
Feeding Your Family: How to Encourage Healthy Eating • Ages 12+ FREE! NEW! VIRTUAL!
Tuesday, June 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
How to encourage but not force a balanced diet! Parents don’t need to be perfect when making meals for their children. We’ll discuss how to encourage balanced eating, make nutrition fun, and include kids in meal preparation. Registered Dietitian Stephanie May, MS, RD, CSSD. Class conducted via Zoom. Link will be provided upon registration.
Outdoors
Outdoor Pools & Splash Pad
The County’s two outdoor pools and splash pad open Memorial Day Weekend! For locations, operating hours, fees and services offered, visit our outdoor pools page.
Tubing with James River Runners • Ages 10+ NEW!
Saturday, June 26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; $50
James City County Recreation Center
This is the ultimate lazy river excursion! Spend the day floating along a 3-mile stretch of the James River just outside of Scottsville, VA. Trip fee includes tube rental and transportation. Extra cooler tube rentals are not included. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch and any extra snacks and drinks (no alcohol) that may be required throughout the day. Youth aged 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn to Row • Ages 12+ with an adult FREE!
Two Sessions Offered!
Saturday, June 5, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Sunday, June 6, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Learn the basics of rowing, and get out on the water for a row in a sleek racing shell along Gordon Creek. Instruction provided by the Williamsburg Boat Club. An adult must accompany children. For more information, email the Williamsburg Boat Club or visit their website for updates.
Bird Watching • Ages 13+ FREE! NEW!
Friday, June 11, 8 a.m.
Bassett Trace Nature Trail
New to birdwatching or a seasoned veteran? Join us as we walk and talk with the local area’s best birders! Learn about common sight and sound identification while also taking in the natural beauty of Williamsburg’s green spaces. Bring binoculars and your eagle eyes! Preregistration required. Exact meeting location and information will be sent out before trip date. For more information, contact sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-259-5355.
Paddle Programs with JRA: Explore Powhatan Creek by Canoe • Ages 16+ FREE!
Two Sessions Offered!
Monday, June 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Monday, June 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Powhatan Creek Park
Participants will learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River. The programs are facilitated by our partner, the James River Association. Registration is required by visiting the James River Association website. Registration will open at least two weeks before the date of program. Paddle craft, paddles and personal flotation devices provided.
Adult Learn to Row Programs • Ages 18+
Saturday-Sunday, June 5-July 11, 9:30 a.m. – noon; $200
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Rowers will learn the basics of the boat, rowing technique, and navigation leading to a capability of rowing in an Adult practice by the program's end. This is great preparation if rowers are interested in continuing with the sport. Rowers should be able to swim. For more information, email the Williamsburg Boat Club or visit their website for updates. Program cost is $200 with 50% applicable to rowing membership.
Campfire Social • All Ages/Families FREE!
Saturday, June 12, 7-8 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Come celebrate summer with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking beautiful Gordon Creek. An adult must accompany children.
Forest Explorer Fridays: Osprey • All Ages/Families FREE!
Friday, June 18, 5:30-7 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
We’re meeting at the park and walking up to the top of the bridge for an opportunity to look down into an Osprey nest. Join us on the third Friday of each month to explore the plants and animals that live in James City County parks.
Great American Campout! • All Ages/Families
Saturday, June 26
At-Home Kit: $20
Equipment Rental: $40
Combined Equipment Rental & At-Home Kit: $50
June is Great Outdoors Month! Celebrate while participating in the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Campout on June 26. Purchase at-home kits which include s'mores, sparklers, firewood, camping tips and nature games for the entire family. Grab the family or a friend and take the pledge to "Get Out There" by visiting the National Wildlife Federation. Equipment rental is also available and includes firewood plus two, two-person tents and a lantern that must be returned one week after pickup. Combine both the “at home kit” and equipment rental and SAVE $10. Contact sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-259-5355 for more information. Must register by June 21.
Special Events
Tails on the Trail • All Ages/Families FREE!
Saturday, June 5* • 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 starts off at one of the eight trails for your exploration throughout the summer. Did you know the first Saturday in June is National Trails Day? Get active with your pet! For more information, visit heritagehumanesociety.org. *Weather permitting.
Capital Color Ride • All Ages
Sunday, June 6* • 2-6 p.m.; $15
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
You’ve heard of The Color Run™, but how about a color ride? Enjoy this family-friendly biking event along a 15-mile stretch of the Virginia Capital Trail. Venture from Chickahominy Riverfront Park to the James City County Marina and back, while encountering color stops, snacks, water and more at the rest stops. Registration is open through June 2 and includes a free shirt and refreshments, while supplies last. Learn more and register online. *Weather permitting.
Virtual Student Art Show FREE! NEW!
Friday, June 18
Save the date! Our annual student art show and exhibit has gone virtual! Anne Kushnick’s oil painting, pastel and acrylic students will display their talents through a video compilation of art. The video link will be available on YouTube, JCC Parks & Recreation website and Facebook page. For information on fine arts classes, call 757-259-5353 or check out our summer activity brochure.
Freedom Stories & More • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, June 19* • 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. FREE kids' meal with the purchase of an adult meal. *Weather permitting.
Project: FiveFortySeven • All Ages FREE!
Sunday, June 20* • 5:47 a.m.-11:59 p.m.
Various County Parks!
Out late or up early? Celebrate the summer solstice by joining Parks & Recreation for the Longest Day of Play! On June 20, rise and shine at 5:47 a.m. as we cater to the sun and offer recreational activities all day long including outdoor recreation, virtual programs, scavenger hunts, family trivia, an Upper County Park pool party and so much more! Explore new parks or try out a new activity—all for free! For more information, a full schedule of programs and preregistration requirements, please visit the JCC Parks & Recreation Facebook #jccparksrec *Weather permitting.
Spencer’s Ordinary Wreath Ceremony • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, 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.
Sports
Introduction to Pickleball • Ages 18+ FREE! NEW!
Youth Clinic: Ages 13-17: Wednesday, June 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
Adult Clinic: Ages 18+: Sunday, June 20, 9-11 a.m.
Veterans Park
Get introduced to one of the nation’s fasting growing sports— pickleball! If you didn’t already know, pickleball is a paddlesport that combines badminton, tennis and table tennis and is played on smaller tennis courts. Join local USA Pickleball Ambassador, Jeff Anthony, as he introduces the basic rules and playing fundamentals. All equipment provided and all participants will be required to follow the current safety and health guidelines. Preregistration is required at least one week before class start date.
Unless otherwise noted, please visit us online or call 757-259-4200 for more details and registration information. For the complete list of Parks & Recreation activities, programs and events, check out our seasonal brochure!
We’ve Got Camps!
Summer camps begin June 21! For the complete list, check out the Summer 2021 edition of the Destination Recreation brochure!
Inclement Weather
Outdoor Events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules.
Program Sites
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Coordinator
veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov; 757-259-5415