Parks & Recreation invites you to a summer of fun – we’ve got a great variety of programs, events and activities for all ages, interests and abilities. Over 20 special events are planned to connect community - and we encourage you to take advantage of the many unique amenities in our two recreation centers and in our parks. We also welcome you back outdoors - get into the “swing” of the season and learn to fish, set up camp, take in the movie nights and campfire socials or hike Freedom Park trails by the light of the moon! New class offerings include pottery date nights and sing-a-long arts and a tie-dye party for the kids! There’s also a lot to learn in our new Easy Money management series, onsite guidance on how to shop for groceries and tips on making happy and healthy lunches for the kids! Check out the Spring/Summer Activity Brochure for the full schedule of programs available through August! We've got camp too, more than 60 camps to keep the kids engaged and entertained all summer long! Our special events – new and your returning favorites – are listed below!
Upcoming Special Events & Programs
Summer Camp Fair • All Ages FREE!
Sunday, April 16 • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
The one-stop shop for families planning summer activities! Find out about local and regional summer camps, programs and more for all ages! Register onsite for camps or gather information to take home. Giveaways, games, goodie bags and more! Offered in partnership with WilliamsburgFamilies.com. For more information, please contact Kristy Maynor at kristy.wf@gmail.com or Olivia Bada at olivia@Williamsburgfamilies.com.
New Town Tunes • All Ages FREE!
Wednesdays, May 3-24 • 5:30-8 p.m.
Sullivan Square (behind Legacy Hall) in New Town
Come enjoy the outdoor spring concert series in the heart of New Town! Bring your lawn chair or blanket and relax while listening to some of the best bands around! Food and beverages available for purchase. Coolers and pets allowed. Co-hosted by James City County, New Town and CultureFix. Check out the scheduled bands and activities at https://newtownwilliamsburg.com/events-news/
Bikes out of Hibernation • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, May 6 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jamestown Settlement parking lot
Bring in that neglected bicycle for a free once-over to get it ready for the cycling season! Representatives from local bike shops, the Williamsburg Area Bicyclists and BikeWalk Williamsburg will be on hand to offer safety inspections, adjustments, tire pumping and free helmets and helmet fittings, while supplies last.
Campfire Socials • All Ages FREE!
Saturdays:
May 13 • 7-8 p.m.
June 3 • 7:30-8:30 p.m.
July 15 • 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 12 • 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 16 • 6-7 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Come celebrate warm weather with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering! Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking beautiful Gordon Creek.
Family Fun Fest • All Ages
Saturday, May 20 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Parking: $5/car (cash or check only)
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy hands-on activities, family entertainment, costumed characters, amusements, music and much more! Grab some lunch provided by our food vendors and visit all our local craft and business vendors!
Tails on the Trail • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, June 3 • 9-11 a.m.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail
Did you know the first Saturday in June is National Trails Day? Get active with your pet and join the Heritage Humane Society for this kick-off event! This self-guided adventure will start you off at one of the County’s eight trails for your exploration throughout the summer. For more information, visit heritagehumane.org.
Capital Color Ride • All Ages
Saturday, June 10 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fee: $18; register by May 12 for $13 and save!
Ages 3 & younger Free!
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Venture along the Virginia Capital Trail from Chickahominy Riverfront Park to the James City County Marina and back, while encountering color stops, snacks and water at rest stops. Registration includes a free shirt and refreshments, while supplies last. For more information and registration forms, visit runsignup.com/capitalcolorride.
Student Art Show & Exhibit • All Ages FREE!
June 16 – July 14*
Williamsburg Regional Library
Come view and admire the works of Parks & Recreation’s oil painting and pastel students! Anne Kushnick’s students will display their unique pieces with some available for purchase.
*Exhibit available during library hours
Movies Under the Stars • All Ages FREE!
Friday, June 16 • 8:30 p.m. Scheduled feature: DC League of Superpets PG
Friday, July 28 • 8:30 p.m. Scheduled feature: Brian & Charles 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. Weather permitting.
Project: FiveFortySeven • All Ages FREE!
Wednesday, June 21 • 5:47 a.m.-11:59 p.m.
Various parks, facilities and 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 the JCC Parks & Recreation Weather permitting. Facebook page beginning May 5. #jccparksrec
Spencer’s Ordinary Wreath Ceremony • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, June 24 • 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.
Splash on Friday • All Ages FREE!
Friday, July 21 • 6-8 p.m. • Upper County Park
Friday, Aug. 18 • 6-8 p.m. • Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Friday, Sept. 15 • 6-8 p.m. • James City County Recreation Center
Register early! Come enjoy family time with us in the pool! Free swim area and an area for our Wibit inflatable obstacle course are available! Games and prizes included. Non-swimmers are required to use a lifejacket, which are provided. Registration required.
Drool in the Pool • All Ages
Saturday, Sept. 16 • 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 available at the gate. Music, refreshments and goodies featured! All proceeds benefit the animals of Heritage Humane Society. For more details, visit heritagehumanesociety.org.
Kiwanis Kids Train FREE!
The Kiwanis Kids Train is coming to a park near you! The trackless train will make special appearances throughout the summer at Parks & Recreation special events and select parks. The train is a partnership between the County and three local branches of the Kiwanis Club to provide the community with year-round, family-friendly entertainment. The American Style Gas Locomotive features a smoke system, public address system, bell, horn and three passenger cars, one is ADA accessible. All cars have seatbelts, a child-proof latch and floor lights. For the list of scheduled appearances, visit https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/3965/Kiwanis-Kids-Train, or call 757-259-5360. All rides are free.
Registration
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 Spring/Summer 2023 Brochure. Copies of the brochure can be downloaded or picked up 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 park offices, all public County government offices and the James City County and Williamsburg libraries.
*All outdoor events are weather permitting. Please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Program Sites
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
Greensprings Interpretive Trail, 3751 John Tyler Highway
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Jamestown Settlement, 2110 Jamestown Road
Sullivan Square (behind Legacy Hall), 4301 New Town Avenue
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road, Toano
Williamsburg Regional Library, 515 Scotland Street
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov