Join Parks and Recreation for a great month of summer fun. Check out our list of programs, activities and special events. Whether you want to get outside or cool off in the centers, we’ve got you covered!
Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. The registration period for September classes is Aug. 24-Sept. 2. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center and online at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation. 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. 23 and Wednesday, Aug. 24 to provide free swim evaluations. Info: 757-259-4185.
Classes
Play & Learn Story Time (PALS) (ages 3-5)
Fridays, Aug. 5, Aug. 19, Sept. 2 and Sept. 16, 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 ENJOYstory time with volunteers who will read fantastic books, EXPLORE the pictures and words in the books, SING and MOVE to music, 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-D
Red Cross Babysitting Course (ages 12+)
Thursday, Aug. 25, 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. 608010-A
Health/Wellness
Fit Mama – Stroller Fit (all ages)
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$13/day; $8 for JC/W, #308550-A
$65/10 pack; $60 for JC/W, #308550-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 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. Info: 757-259-4176.
Track Your Health/ Know Your Numbers, Free!
Saturday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
Come in for a free health screening that includes blood pressure, body mass index and non-fasting cholesterol check. Then work towards improving your numbers with your doctor’s advice, exercise and better eating. No registration required.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Canoeing By Choice (ages 10+ with disabilities) New
Sunday, Aug. 21, 10-11 a.m.
$15; $10 for JC/W residents
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Join us at the park pool and get introduced to canoeing or kayaking! Our sessions always start with boats on land and include an orientation to the boat, paddle and life jackets. We’ll teach paddling techniques and as comfort levels grow, we’ll increase the challenges until we are on the water in the pool. 901100-C
Yoga (ages 13+ with disabilities)
Tuesday, Aug. 30, 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.
Outdoor Programs
Interpretive Paddles (ages 18+)
Monday, Aug. 1, 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 James River Association. 16 participants max. To register: jrava.org. Info: email Jamie Brunkow at jbrunkow@irava.org.
Women’s Mountain Bike Ride (ages 18+) Free!
Saturday, Aug. 6, 9-11 a.m.
Freedom Park
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. Riders meet at the Interpretive Center. Info: email the EVMA at president@evma.org. 808724-A
Beginner’s Mountain Bike Ride (ages 18+) Free!
Saturday, Aug. 6, 9-11 a.m.
Freedom Park
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. Riders meet at the Interpretive Center. Info: email the EVMA at
president@evma.org. 808714-A
Freedom Park Nature Walks (ages 16+) Free!
Saturday, Aug. 13, 1 p.m.
Freedom Park
Join us on a walk through Freedom Park each month to learn about the natural world! This month will feature butterflies, led by local butterfly expert and Virginia Master Naturalist Adrienne Frank. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen, binoculars and appropriate footwear. Meet at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center.
Life of Bees (all ages)
Saturday, Aug. 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
Come take a closer look at the only insect that makes food for people – the honey bee. Children can find out how these helpful insects work together to form colonies, collect pollen and make honey. We promise no one will get stung! Meet in the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Instructors: Pam Burton and other beekeepers from the Colonial Beekeepers Association. Info: please register by emailing wbgkids@gmail.com. $5 donation suggested.
Landscape Your Garden Like a Pro (ages 18+)
Saturday, Aug. 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
Award-winning VSLD Certified Landscape Designer Peggy Krapf has been working in the Williamsburg area for 23 years. She’ll pass on tips and tricks to have the nicest yard in the neighborhood!
Special Events
Butterfly Festival (all ages)
Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 6-7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Freedom Park
Interact with over 200 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. Learn first-hand about the life cycles of these beautiful insects! Free; however a $5 donation is suggested.
Family Splash Party
Saturday, Aug. 6, 6-9 p.m.
Upper County Park
We’re hosting two FREE family fun nights at the pool. Join us for games, prizes and fun. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
For the complete list of County parks, summer camps and for more information on all programs (unless otherwise noted), please visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or call 757-259-4200. For outdoor events, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 if inclement weather is forecasted.