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Outdoor Recreation
Explore the Outdoors!
Ideally situated on the Hampton Roads peninsula, James City County offers access to the Chickahominy and James Rivers, home to the John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail; the Colonial Parkway and the Historic Triangle; and lies along the Virginia Capital Trail. In addition to these great opportunities, James City County Parks offer a variety of amenities and programs for you to explore our area!
Check out what we’re offering this season or find a facility or park that meets your outdoor adventure needs. Have you heard about the technical terrain for mountain biking? Freedom Park is home to some fantastic Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association trails as well as Go Ape, a treetop adventure course.
Make sure you are enjoying the outdoors safely! Before heading out, take a look at these Outdoor Safety Tips.
We would love to hear from you about offerings you would like to see in Outdoor Recreation.
Fall Classes
For the complete list of our fall offerings, check out the Fall 2023 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure. To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here.
Archery 101 ● Ages 9-15
Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept. 19-28, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $50
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road
Designed for beginner to intermediate ability. Learn the safe use and handling of a recurve bow in addition to proper range procedures. Equipment provided or bring your own (instructors will inspect for safety before approval for use during the session).
Archery for Adults ● Ages 16+
Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept. 19-28, 6 -7 p.m. $50
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road
Designed for beginner to intermediate ability. Learn the safe use and handling of a recurve bow in addition to proper range procedures. Equipment provided or bring your own (instructors will inspect for safety before approval for use during the session).
To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here.
For the complete list of our fall events, check out the Fall 2023 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure. To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here.
For the complete list of our fall events, check out the Fall 2023 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure. To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here.
Adult Kayak Trips ● 18+
Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.- noon ▪ $15
James City County Marina, 2054 Jamestown Rd.
Paddle along the Powhatan Creek on a 3-mile out-and-back trip from the James City County Marina to Powhatan Creek Park. Kayaks, life jackets and paddles will be provided.
Luray Caverns ● 13+
Saturday, Oct. 28, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. ▪ $50
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
Spend the day underground! Self-guide through the largest and oldest natural caverns in the eastern United States while discovering the geological history that has created this incredible environment. . Preregistration is required at least ten days in advance of trip date. Fee includes transportation to and from trip destination and all admission fees. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch. Meet in the James City County Recreation Center lobby at 7 a.m.
GardenFest at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens ● All Ages
Friday, Dec. 1, 5- 9 p.m. ▪ $30
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
Millions of lights line garden paths and twinkle in trees under the night sky at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Fee includes admission into the gardens and transportation. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Parks & Recreation
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Recreation Services
Physical Address
5340 Palmer Lane
Suite 1B
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone 757-259-5351Fax 757-259-5358
REC Connect Info Line:
757-259-3170
Activities Hotline (weather):
757-259-3232