Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations • Ages 3-16
Registration for July classes is open June 27-July 6. Class sizes are limited due to instructor availability. To ensure proper placement in a class, a previous class completion card or swim evaluation card is required to register for any next level class. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center only; online registration is not accepted at this time. 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 Thursday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 5 to provide free swim evaluations. Classes/evaluations held at the James City County Recreation Center. Class schedules are available at the Recreation Center Front Desk and online at https://jamescitycountyva.gov/2673/Aquatics. Info: 757-259-4185.
Splash on Friday • All Ages FREE!
Friday, June 17, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Come enjoy family time in the pool! Free swim area and an area for our Wibit inflatable obstacle course available! Games and prizes included. Pick up your event flyer at the James City County Recreation Center. Non-swimmers are required to use a lifejacket, which is provided. Registration required. Info: 757-259-4185.
Arts & Special Interest
Dinomania Art Class • Ages 18 months-6 years with parent/guardian
Saturdays, June 4-25, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $45
James City County Recreation Center
Is your child crazy about dinosaurs? Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and Diplodocus – we love them all! Participants will learn cool facts about our extinct friends and be inspired to create fantastic works of dino art. We’ll create fossils, dino eggs, dioramas and more! A variety of art materials, such as paper mache, clay and paint will be used as we study these enormous creatures. Come create with your child. Instructor: KidCreate Studio.
Father’s Day Taco Fish Gift • Ages 5-12
Saturday, June 11, 9-10 a.m. $15
James City County Recreation Center
Do you love to fish with Dad? This is the best catch in town. Come create a clay “Taco Fish” for your dad. Kids will make this “fish” taco by rolling a slab and folding it over a crumpled piece of newspaper, like a tortilla. We’ll score, pinch, form and paint clay into a one of a kind fish. Instructor: KidCreate Studio.
Advanced Drawing: Perspectives • Ages 7-12
Thursdays, June 23-July 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $45
James City County Recreation Center
Take your drawing to the next level by using the principles of perspective! In this advanced class, we’ll learn and practically apply concepts like space, depth, vanishing point, and beyond as we paint and draw with a perspective that really packs a punch. This class is perfect for artists who’re ready to add more depth and dimension to their drawings. Instructor: KidCreate Studio.
Open Clay Studio • Ages 16+
Fridays – June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, 9:30 a.m.-noon $20
Fridays – June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, 5:30-8 p.m. $20
Sundays- June 19, July 3, July 17, July 31, 1:30-4 p.m. $20
Fridays – June 24, July 8, July 22, Aug. 5, 9:30 a.m.-noon $20
Fridays – June 24, July 8, July 22, Aug. 5, 5:30-8 p.m. $20
Sundays – June 26, July 10, July 24, Aug. 7, 1:30-4 p.m. $20
James City County Recreation Center
Practice can make the difference in how you progress in pottery. Uninstructed, this open studio time allows students to continue to work on pieces begun in class. Must be enrolled in current adult pottery class to register. No access to the kiln. Participants MUST check in at Front Desk upon arrival, as well as sign-in in craft room. To allow all students an opportunity to participate, each student may enroll for only ONE Open Clay Studio section.
Kid’s Mini Cheeseburger Cakes Workshop ▪ Ages 7-13
Friday, June 24, 5-7 p.m. $25
James City County Recreation Center
Who likes hamburgers and cheeseburgers? How about creating them out of cake and all the fixings in icing and fondant for a sweet style treat! These are fun to make and decorate too! Please note any food allergies upon registration. Bring an apron along with one large airtight container to take your treats home! Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
Stack Them Up Cakes! Workshop • Ages 12-17
Friday, June 17, 5-7:30 p.m. $35
James City County Recreation Center
Have you seen cakes at a wedding or fancy event and wondered how they stacked them? In this fun workshop, you’ll create a mini four-inch and a six-inch double layered cake – then we’ll learn to ice (as little or as much as you want), decorate, stack and transport home. Please note any food allergies upon registration. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. JCCRC
REC Connect
Note: All REC Connect Elementary Summer Camp locations are now FULL. Any additional completed registration packets received will be added to a waitlist. Limited spaces are still available at Middle School Teens On Point (T.O.P) Summer Camp. All registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to space availability. For more information, call 757-259-5351.
Summer Camps!
For the latest information on available camps, visit us online!
Health/Wellness
Be Well in the Burg • FREE! NEW!
Saturday, June 11
Veterans Park • Ages 4+:
9:15 a.m. Family Yoga
10:15 a.m. Family Zumba
11:15 a.m. Family Fitness
James City County Recreation Center • Ages 14+:
8 a.m. Cycle
9 a.m. Zumba
11 a.m. Yoga
Be Well in the Burg celebrates National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Family Health & Fitness Day! On June 11, we’ll provide free family fitness classes for all! Bring your family and come get active and healthy at Veterans Park and the James City County Recreation Center. Join us for a morning of free accessible health and wellness classes!
Forest Friends Yoga - Summer! • Ages 5-8
Thursday, June 30, 5-6 p.m. $5
Freedom Park
Now more than ever, guiding youth in learning how to quiet their minds and bring mindfulness during moments of difficulty is invaluable. Mindfulness can help minimize anxiety and increase happiness – we all want that! Join us for a summer evening youth yoga class under the trees at Freedom Park!
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturdays, June 4 & June 18, 9-10 a.m.
Freedom Park Multiuse Trail 3
Being active is the secret to staying healthy, and walking is a great way to get moving! Let our walking coach guide you through the trails of James City County. Whether you bring a friend, family or meet a new neighbor, you’ll have a blast while having a positive impact on your health. Different trail location each month.
Bounce Fitness • Ages 14+
Monday, June 13, 12:15-1 p.m. $5
James City County Recreation Center
Discover the magic of individual mini trampolines - introduce your body to a unique and fun fitness experience! Bounce classes are a low-impact and high-intensity work out designed to tone your body, increase circulation, balance and endurance. Our Jump Sport trampolines have a ballet barre attached to activate the lower body and core for stability. The rebounder is three times more effective than a floor-based exercise. Come see what it is all about! Spaces are limited. No jump experience needed.
Learn to Row • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, June 4, 10-10:45 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Have you ever wanted to try what many call “one of the most efficient forms of exercise?” Have you ever wanted to learn the proper technique of rowing? Now is your chance! Join us for a free Introduction to Indoor Rowing using our indoor rowing machines (ergs). Unlike most activities, rowing incorporates your legs, core and upper body. We’ll focus step-by-step on proper form so that you can learn and appreciate this complete full-body, low-impact, lifelong exercise.
For the Love of Nature – Outdoor Mindfulness • Ages 14+
Wednesday, June 15, 6-7:30 p.m. $10
Freedom Park
Celebrate the love of being outdoors. Join us for this hybrid class in shifting your brain from activity to meditation. The first portion of class is a vinyasa practice - to warm you up. The last 30 minutes will be Yoga Nidra, guiding you through a detailed gentle approach to the practice, emphasizing stabilization and active stretching.
Tri-Yoga • Ages 14+
Thursday, June 16, 6-7 p.m. $8
James City County Recreation Center
Calling all beginner, advanced and “thinking about it” triathletes! Yoga for triathletes will help address imbalances throughout the body. This functional class builds core strength, strengthens your mental game, increases upper-body muscle strength, helps with breathing efficiently and improves hip, quad and hamstring flexibility. Yoga is an effective way to effectively cross-train and stay active on recovery days. All levels welcome.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, June 8, 5:30-7 p.m.
Freedom Park
In this workshop, we’ll use the drum and the voice as a modality to practice mindfulness. Students will learn basic drumming and meditation techniques, and participate in drum circles and sound immersions to experience the use of drums and sound in ritual, ceremony and recreation. No musical experience necessary! All instruments provided.
Group Fitness Classes • Ages 14+
Get in shape for summer! From Ageless Yoga to Zumba, you’ll find a class just for you at the James City County Recreation Center. Check out our full group fitness schedule for a complete list of the more than 60 classes offered weekly. Info: 757-259-4176.
Therapeutic Recreation
Yoga • Ages 18+ with Disabilities FREE!
Tuesday, June 28, 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, upcoming events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org. Call 757-229-3535 for locations.
Outdoors
Great American Campout! • Families
Saturday, June 25
June is Great Outdoors Month! Celebrate while participating in the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Campout on June 25. Purchase an at-home kit that include s'mores, sparklers, firewood, camping tips and nature games for the entire family. Equipment rental is also available and includes two, two-person tents and firewood. Combine both the at-home kit and equipment rental and SAVE $10. Lanterns are available for an additional fee. Grab a friend or the family and take the pledge to “Camp In, Camp Out, Camp On” by visiting www.nwf.org/great-american-campout
At-Home Kit - $20
Equipment Rental - $40
Combined Equipment Rental At-Home Kit - $50
Take Your Kid Fishing • Ages 5-12 FREE!
Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m.-noon
Little Creek Reservoir Park
Want to spend a fun day with your child fishing from the shores of Little Creek Reservoir Park? Let the park staff teach you and your child the fundamentals of this favorite pastime. All equipment provided.
Learn to Row • Ages 12+ with Adult FREE!
Saturday, June 4, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Sunday, June 5, 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 contact comm.WBC@gmail.com or visit https://www.williamsburgboatclub.org/
Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak • Ages 16+ FREE!
Monday, June 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Marina
Participants will learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River with a specific focus on the native flora of Powhatan Creek. Registration required by visiting https://thejamesriver.org/whats-happening/connect-with-the-james/. Registration opens at least two weeks before the date of the program. Paddle craft, paddles and personal flotation devices provided.
Campfire Social • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, June 4, 7:30-8:30 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 Gordon Creek.
Full Moon Hike • All Ages FREE!
Tuesday, June 14, 8:15-9:30 p.m.
Freedom Park
Ever wondered what animals are lurking once the sun goes down? Come explore the PARK AFTER DARK during the full moon nights of summer! In this self-guided hike, the Park will be open late, past sunset, on select nights. After sunset, visitors may only use Multiuse Trail 3; the full moon hikes are a walking loop that start and end here. Users must depart the park by the closing time 9:30 p.m. and must stay on Trail 3 after sunset.
Forest Explorers Friday: Osprey • All Ages FREE!
Friday, June 17, 5:30-7 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Join us for this nature program and guided hike with our staff as we walk up to the top of the bridge for an opportunity to look down into an Osprey nest. Programs are held on the third Friday of every month and feature our guides who present a nature program on a different topic and then leads children and their parents on a trip through the forest to learn about plants, wildlife, insects and anything else we may encounter! Weather permitting.
Special Events
Tails on the Trail • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, June 4, 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 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
Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m.-2 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 open through June 2 and includes a free T-shirt and refreshments, while supplies last. For additional information and to register, visit runsignup.com/capitalcolorride.
Student Art Show & Exhibit FREE!
June 17 – July 15**
Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland Street Anne Kushnick’s oil painting and pastel students display their talents in this annual exhibit. View many unique pieces with some available for purchase.
**Exhibit available during library hours
Movies Under the Stars • All Ages FREE!
Friday, June 17, 8:30 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 starts. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Scheduled feature: Encanto (PG); movies subject to change. Weather permitting.
Project: FiveFortySeven • All Ages
Tuesday, June 21, 5:47 a.m.-11:59 p.m.
Various County locations!
Out late or up early? Celebrate the summer solstice by joining Parks & Recreation for the Longest Day of Play! On June 21, rise and shine at 5:47 a.m. as we cater to the sun and offer recreational activities all day long including outdoor recreation, fitness classes, virtual programs, free daily access passes to our recreation centers and pools 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 us online!
Spencer’s Ordinary Wreath Ceremony • All Ages FREE!
Sunday, June 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.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.
To Register
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 Summer 2022 Destination Recreation Brochure! Hard copies of the brochure are available at the James City County Recreation Center, the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, public Parks & Recreation facilities, the Satellite Office in Toano and at the James City County and Williamsburg libraries.
Inclement Weather/Cancellations
All Outdoor Events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules.
Join the Parks & Recreation Team! We’re Hiring!
Part-time and Full-time positions available.
Parks: Lifeguards (outdoor pools) ● Park Attendants
Recreation Center: Customer Service Representatives ● Fitness Attendants ● Lifeguards (indoor pools) ● Water Safety Instructors
Programming/Before & After School: Assistant Recreation Supervisors ● Recreation Leaders ● Recreation Supervisors ● Therapeutic Recreation Leaders ● Instructors
To learn more about current job openings or to apply online, visit jobs.jamescitycountyva.gov or follow us on social media.
Program Sites
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park/Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road
Greensprings Interpretive Trail, 3751 John Tyler Highway
James City County Marina 2054 Jamestown Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Little Creek Reservoir Park, 180 Lakeview Road
Veterans Park, 3793 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland Street
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov; 757-259-5415