Arts & Special Interest
Father’s Day Gift Making • Ages 4-9
Saturday, June 10, 1-2:30 p.m.; $15
James City County Recreation Center
Craft a gift like no other this Father’s Day! Learn about Shrinky Dinks and create a customized keychain for dad with the child’s picture on it! Pack a nut free snack and drink. Instructor: Paula Harris Guerra.
Before & After School, Summer Camp Notice
ALL REC Connect Elementary and Middle School Teens On Point (T.O.P) summer camps are FULL. A waitlist is available for all sites; registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to space availability. Register now for the Before & After School Program for 2023-24. Registration forms and program information are available for download here or for pickup at any payment site. For more information, call REC Connect at 757-259-5351.
Camps
For the complete list of summer camps, visit us online.
Note: The Days of Discovery Summer Camp for children with disabilities is currently FULL. Applications are still being accepted as part of a wait list should cancellations occur. For more information, call 757-259-4200.
Health/Wellness
NRPA Family Health & Fitness Day • Ages 4+ FREE! NEW!
Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Veterans Park
Join us in celebrating the myriad of health and well-being resources located right here in James City County. We’ll be celebrating Family Health & Fitness Day — an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This day will include fitness classes, nutrition education, park and recreation center access, raffle prizes and a variety of family friendly activities. Come out and discover the many diverse opportunities we offer to ensure health and well-being of everyone in our community! Questions? Call 757-259-4176.
Kids Bounce • Ages 8-13
Saturday, June 24, 10-10:45 a.m.; $5
James City County Recreation Center
This mini trampoline class is a unique experience for kids to burn energy and enjoy their own fitness class. There is something magical about bouncing on a trampoline that kids find incredibly engaging. They’ll enjoy 45 minutes of exciting bounce fitness to fun music.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturdays, June 10 & June 24, 9-10 a.m.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail
Being active is the secret to staying healthy, and walking is a great way to get moving! Let our walking coaches 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. Two Saturdays monthly; new trail location each month.
Yoga for Arthritis and Joint Health • Ages 14+
Saturday, June 17, 9:30-11 a.m.; $8
James City County Recreation Center
During this 1.5-hour workshop, we’ll work all the major joints gently and systematically through a full and natural range of motion to enhance joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness. You’ll go home with practices to add to your everyday life!
Yoga for Athletes; Balancing Your Workouts • Ages 14+
Saturday, June 17, 1-3 p.m.; $10
James City County Recreation Center
Calling all level activity junkies! Yoga for athletes 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 ideal way to effectively cross-train and stay active on recovery days. All levels welcome.
Tai Chi for Beginners • Ages 14+ FREE!
Wednesday, June 21, 5-6 p.m.
Freedom Park
Get introduced to the basic elements of Tai Chi. We’ll cover joint loosening exercises, breathing techniques and other fundamental exercises. The practice of Tai Chi involves various postures, weight shifting and energy patterns, with an emphasis on balance, centering and brain health.
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.
Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, June 7, 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.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, June 21, 6-7 p.m.
Freedom Park
We’ll use the drum and the voice as a modality to practice mindfulness. 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 needed. All instruments provided.
Inclusion
Yoga • Ages 18+ w/Disabilities FREE!
Tuesday, June 27, 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.
Outdoors
Forest Explorers Friday: Osprey • All Ages & Families FREE!
Friday, June 16, 5:30-7 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
We’re meeting at Chickahominy Riverfront 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. All programs are weather permitting.
Scout Program • Naturalist/Animal Habitats • All Ages FREE!
Wednesday, June 21, 6-7:30 p.m.
Freedom Park
Come out for our Longest Day of Play and earn your scout badges for Naturalist or Animal Habitats. Learn about birds, plants and habitats to get you well on your way to earning Webelos or Junior Girl Scout badges. This program is geared toward Webelos and Junior Girl Scouts, but all are welcome. The first 15 families to check-in will be able to make a blue bird house. No registration required.
Nature Photography Skill Building Series • Ages 16+ FREE! NEW!
Focus on Birds: Friday, June 16, 6-7 p.m.
In the Garden: Friday, June 23, 6-7 p.m.
Freedom Park
Join us for this special series presented by local Virginia Master Naturalist, Jim Easton. Easton will cover the aspects of creating a good photograph including light, location, equipment and several important design elements. Presentation includes a 60-minute lecture illustrated with photos.
Outdoor Pools Open • All Ages
James City County’s two outdoor pools and splash pad are open for the summer! For locations, costs and operating hours, click here for details on the Outdoor Pools.
Special Events
New Town Tunes, Concert Series Extended! • All Ages FREE!
Wednesdays through June 21, 5:30-8 p.m.
Sullivan Square, behind Legacy Hall in New Town
The popular New Town Tunes live outdoor concert series has been extended – featuring more of our local favorites over more nights! Gates open at 5 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the outdoors while you take in the tunes! Food and beverages available for purchase from New Town restaurants, local food trucks and breweries. Dogs welcome! The free concerts are offered in partnership with James City County Parks & Recreation, New Town and CultureFix. Concerts are weather dependent. Scheduled bands:
Save The Dates!*
°June 7: Slapnation
Party Band
°June 14 : Deloreans
The Ultimate 80s Tribute!
°June 21: Brasswind
The Classic Horn Band
For more information, visit https://newtownwilliamsburg.com/events-news/
Capital Color Ride • All Ages
Saturday, June 10 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Registration fee: $18; 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 Library, 515 Scotland Street
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.
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. Scheduled: DC League of Superpets PG
Project: FiveFortySeven, Longest Day of Play • All Ages FREE!
Wednesday, June 21 • 5:47 a.m.-11:59 p.m.
Multiple 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, free access 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 click here or #jccparksrec *Weather permitting.
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 in honor of the valiant Americans who gave their lives in the Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary on June 26, 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 Spring/Summer 2023 Brochure.
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.
Program Sites
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park/Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road
Greensprings Interpretive Trail, 3751 Greensprings Interpretive Trail
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Sullivan Square in New Town, 4301 New Town Avenue
Veterans Park/Kidsburg, 3793 Ironbound Road
Upper County Park,180 Leisure Road, Toano
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov; 757-259-5415