James City County (JCC) Parks & Recreation has announced its August events calendar.
Arts & Special Interest
Virtual Genealogy – Advanced • Ages 16+ FREE! VIRTUAL!
Tuesdays, Aug. 3-24, 5-6 p.m.
Are you already researching but want to learn more? We’ll dive deeper into research platforms, DNA testing, land records and more! Come learn about DNA tests and what you can find in them. Class conducted via the Zoom application. Register by July 30 to receive the Zoom meeting link. Instructor: Paula Guerra.
Before & After School & Summer Camp
REC Connect/T.O.P
REC Connect and Teens On Point (T.O.P) are still accepting registrations for Summer Camp 2021 and Before & After School 2021-22 programs. Limited spaces available at Laurel Lane and Berkeley Middle School (T.O.P) for Summer Camp 2021. Registration packets are available for download at REC Connect/Teens on Point (T.O.P) website or for pickup at the James City County Recreation Center and Abram Frink Jr. Community Center.
Camps
Need camps?! We’ve got outdoor adventures, arts and pottery, sports, cooking, science and language, camps for youth with disabilities, just to name a few! Full day to half day options all summer long. For the complete list, check us out at We’ve Got Summer Camps!
Health & Wellness
Intermediate Meditation Techniques • Ages 16+ FREE! NEW!
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 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.
Functional Fitness! Chair Exercise and Balance • Ages 18+ FREE! NEW!
Friday, Aug. 6, 11-11:45 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Everyone should feel good at any stage in their life. Learn specific exercises to help improve strength, range of motion, balance, cardio fitness and mood! Get your blood flowing and your heart pumping all while engaged in a safe and effective seated exercise. All fitness levels.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Sensory Friendly Movie Night • All Ages/Abilities
Friday, Aug. 27, 6-8 p.m., $5/family
James City County Recreation Center
Enjoy a feature film with family and friends in a safe and accommodating environment. The lights are turned down low and special sensory seating areas provided. Popcorn and snacks included. Registration required. Registration deadline is Aug. 20. For more information, please call 757-259-5354.
Outdoors
Outdoor Pools & Splash Pad
The County’s two outdoor pools and splash pad are open through Labor Day! The pools are located at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and Upper County Park – for operating hours, fees and services offered, visit our outdoor pools page.
Take Your Kid Fishing • Ages 5-12 FREE!
Saturday, Aug. 14, 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.
Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak • Ages 16+ FREE!
Two Sessions:
Monday, Aug. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Powhatan Creek Park
Participants 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. Offered in partnership with the James River Association. Registration required by visiting https://thejamesriver.org/whats-happening/connect-with-the-james/. Paddle craft, paddles and personal flotation devices provided.
Camping Under the Stars • All Ages/Families
Saturday, Aug. 14, 2-5 p.m. (overnight option included), $25
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Pitch your tent or borrow one of ours and spend the night camping! We’ll show you the basics of camping including how to set up your tent, how to hammock camp, build a campfire, and learn to cook on a campfire. Afterwards, stay the night at our campground (included in the cost of the program). An adult must accompany children.
Campfire Social • All Ages/Families Free!
Saturday, Aug. 14, 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 • All Ages/Families Free!
Friday, Aug. 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Freedom Park
Topic: Bats. We’ll explore the meadow and Free Black Settlement seeking out the resident bat population to learn about their foraging habits and benefits to humans. Join us on the third Friday of each month to explore the plants and animals that live in James City County parks.
Special Events
Movies Under the Stars • All Ages/Families Free!
Friday, Aug. 20, 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! An adult must accompany children 12 and younger. Scheduled feature: Frozen 2 PG. Movies subject to change. Weather permitting.
Jamestown Jams Concerts: The Deloreans! • All Ages/Families Free!
Friday, Aug. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Put on your best 80s outfit and come enjoy free live music with The Deloreans, a seasoned showband comprised of six distinct vocalists who cover the most memorable artists and nostalgic songs of the 80s. Each band member is featured throughout the show, making this band’s most notable attribute its unmatched variety. Chairs and blankets encouraged. Food is available for purchase from the Skrimp Truck, Virginia Diner and Sno-to-Go; the Williamsburg Winery will also be serving their fine wines. Snacks, picnics and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. All items are subject to inspection before entrance. No alcohol or large, plastic coolers permitted. Pets are not permitted at Jamestown Jams for the safety of all attendees. Only service animals are permitted entrance to the concerts. The concert entrance opens at 5:30 p.m. Concerts take place on the grassy field within the Park. Parking is available behind the old Jamestown Campground building with additional parking in the Jamestown Settlement auxiliary lot located at Jamestown Beach Event Park and at Jamestown Settlement’s bus lot, if necessary. During the concerts, the Park operates on normal schedule and remains open to the public. The County is pleased to partner with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg (The Arc) for this year’s concerts. The Arc will be selling assorted beer and all proceeds benefit their local activities and programs.
Coming up Sept. 24, 6-7:30 p.m., J Baxter & The Sauce featuring party-rock, show performance and soul music showcasing a range of influences including James Brown, Michael Jackson, Parliament Funk and more. This 14-piece band (six vocalists, drums, bass, guitar, keys, three horns and a DJ) is comprised of a team of accomplished professional musicians having shared stages with legendary performers ranging from Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Chase Atkins and more. For more information on the concerts, contact Angie Sims at parks.rec@jamescitycountyva.gov or call 757-259-5403.
Contact Us
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 2021 Activity Brochure.For more fun, follow us on Facebook as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of James City County Parks & Recreation! #jccparksrec
Inclement Weather
All outdoor events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the activities hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules. James City County Parks & Recreation continues to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID guidance as released.
Program Sites
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road
Little Creek Reservoir Park, 180 Lakeview Road
Powhatan Creek Park, 1831 Jamestown Road
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road in Toano