AQUATICS
Rec Racers
Tuesdays/Thursdays, Nov. 21-Jan. 2*, $120/session
Level 1 • Ages 7-10: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Level 2 • Ages 11-14: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
*no class Nov. 23
James City County Recreation Center
Rec racers is a program for children who have participated on a swim team during the summer and want to continue swimming without committing to travel clubs.
Registration Requirements:
• Participant has been on a swim team
• Ability to swim 25 yards continuously in all competitive strokes except butterfly (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke)
ARTS & SPECIAL INTERESTS
Thanksgiving Gratitude Craft Party • Ages 8-12 NEW!
Saturday, Nov. 11, 10-11:30 a.m. $25
James City County Recreation Center
Learn the history of the first Thanksgiving in Virginia, held in Charles City at the Berkeley Plantation! Create crafts focused on giving thanks and local history. Explore the differences between the first Thanksgiving and how we celebrate today. Instructor: Paula Harris Guerra.
Drop-In Genealogy Workshops • All Ages
Sunday, Nov. 12, 2-5 p.m. $10
James City County Recreation Center
Need help finding an ancestor? Drop in if you’d like to learn how to begin your search, how to manage Ancestry.com, or even if you just need some help tracing your family tree. Ask questions and get answers from a Genealogist. Bring your laptop and come for an hour or stay the whole afternoon! Instructor: Paula Harris Guerra.
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL/BREAK PROGRAMS
Registration is open for Winter Break Programs for elementary school children! Space is limited; register by Dec. 15, noon. The program is open to children in grades K-5, ages 5-10 (must be enrolled in kindergarten). Included are field trips and a pre-New Year’s celebration. Program dates are Dec. 20-22 & 27-29 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop-off and pick-up at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School. Kids should bring lunch every day, except Dec. 29. Fee: $25/day. Activity calendars will be sent to parents before the program start date. If not already enrolled in REC Connect, a completed registration packet is required and can be downloaded at: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/664/REC-Connect-TOP.
Two new programs are being offered during Winter Break for preschoolers and teens. Little Tykes will hosts two half day programs for children ages 3-5 (currently not attending kindergarten and must be potty trained). Program dates are Dec. 27-28 from 8:30 a.m. – noon. Fee: $15/day. Teens are invited to register for four new trips held Dec. 20-21 & 27-28. Ages and price varies per trip. For more information, check out Fall 2023 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure.
FITNESS/HEALTH/WELLNESS
Family Zumba: Gratitude Glow (World Kindness Week) • Ages 5+ FREE!
Friday, Nov. 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Are you looking for something fun and healthy to do with your family? Family Zumba gives you and your family a chance to be active together. Offered one Friday each month with a different theme. Exciting music with easy-to-follow movements makes a perfect fitness class while having fun!
Family BAM! - Family Drum Gratitude Glow (World Kindness Week) • Ages 5+ FREE!
Friday, Nov. 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Take a Friday night out this winter and try something new with your crew! Drum fitness is a fun and active class for people of all ages and abilities. Drum away stress while increasing your fitness and listening to amazing music. You’ll leave this class feeling like a rockstar!
Kids Bounce • Ages 8-13
Saturday, Nov. 11, 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.
Journey to Sound: Bathing in Gratitude • Ages 14+ NEW!
Friday, Nov. 3, 6-7:30 p.m. $5
Freedom Park
The power of sound has been recognized for centuries as a tool for healing, meditation and spiritual growth. Scientific studies have shown that sound vibrations can positively impact our nervous system, reduce stress, improve sleep quality, enhance focus and support overall well-being. We’ll guide you to create a space where you can release tension, let go of mental chatter and connect with your inner self. No experience needed. Come try something new or experience something you already love!
Learn to Row • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, Nov. 4, 10-10:45 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Have you ever wanted to try what many call “one of the most efficient forms of exercise?” Have you ever wanted to learn the proper technique of rowing? Now is your chance! Join us for a free introduction to indoor rowing using our indoor rowing machines (ergs). Unlike most activities, rowing incorporates the use of your legs, core and upper body. We’ll focus step-by-step on proper form so that you can learn and appreciate this complete full-body, low-impact, lifelong exercise.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturdays - Nov. 11 & Nov. 25, 10-11 a.m.
Powhatan Creek 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. New trail start location every month.
Group Fitness Classes • Ages 14+
Get in shape for fall! 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, Nov. 1, 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.
Thriving Together: Mindful Motion-Tai Chi for Cancer Resilience • Ages 16+ FREE! NEW!
Monday, Nov. 13, 10-10:45 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
This monthly program series is designed to support individuals impacted by cancer in their journey to fitness and wellness. Whether you’re a survivor or currently undergoing treatment, we welcome you to a safe and inclusive space where you can come together and exercise. Discover the benefits of physical activity, connect with a compassionate community, and find strength and inspiration as we thrive together.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6-7 p.m.
Freedom Park Playground Shelter
Everyone can drum! Immerse yourself in the rhythmic world of drumming and discover the transformative power of sound and movement. Join us in the drum circle for social interaction, fun, self-expression, stress reduction, community building and an opportunity to develop rhythmicity and improvisational skills! No musical experience needed. Instruments provided, but bring a drum if you have one.
Rhythm Revolution – Outdoor Drum Fitness • All Ages FREE! NEW!
Sunday, Nov. 5, 2-3 p.m.
Veterans Park
Join us for a thrilling, innovative and immersive fitness experience. Set in the great outdoors, this unique class combines the power of drumming, invigorating workouts, and the convenience of wireless headphones to create an engaging session. As you put on your headphones, you’ll connect to the infectious rhythms of music, clear instructions of our skilled instructor, and to a sense of unity with your fellow participants. Wireless headphones provided. No experience needed.
INCLUSION & THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
Teensational Socials: Kickball Games • Ages 13-21 with Disabilities FREE!
Fridays – Nov. 3 & Nov. 10, 4-5:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Meet at the outdoor baseball fields at JCCRC for some friendly kickball games. Provided in collaboration with Capernaum. For more information or to register for an activity, contact Anna Steiner at annawsteiner@gmail.com.
Yoga • Ages 18+ FREE!
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7-8:30 p.m.
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Rd.
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, any upcoming events or to become an Arc member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
Forest Explorers Friday: Colors of Fall | Create a Leaf Lantern • All Ages & Families FREE! NEW!
Friday, Nov. 17, 5:30-7 p.m.
Freedom Park
Park staff have been busy collecting fall leaves from local trees and shrubs for you to create a beautiful leaf lantern. Materials provided, while supplies last. All programs are weather permitting.
Freedom Park Full Moon Hikes: Beaver Moon • All Ages FREE!
Monday, Nov. 27, 5-6 p.m.
Freedom Park
Come explore us AFTER DARK during the full moon! Freedom Park closes at sunset; however, Multiuse Trail 3 only reopens for this self-guided hike on select nights. After sunset, visitors may use Multiuse Trail 3 only, all other areas of the park are closed. The full moon hikes use an out-and-back one-mile, paved ADA-compliant trail winding through wooded forest and the Colby Swamp. Users must depart Multiuse Trail 3 by the closing time. No registration required. Weather permitting.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Live Well Expo • Ages 55+ FREE!
Thursday, Nov. 2, 9-11:30 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Learn about senior services available in the community including nutrition, home health care, social and recreational services and more! Free preventive health screenings, medication checks and vaccinations.
Santa Calling • Ages 9 & younger FREE!
Tuesday, Dec. 5 • 5:45-8 p.m.
Register by Nov. 28. Santa Calling returns for children ages 9 and younger living in James City County and Williamsburg! Arrangements have been made with the North Pole for Santa and/or Mrs. Claus to personally call each child on the phone. Completed forms are due by Tuesday, Nov. 28. Santa/Mrs. Claus will attempt to call children between 5:45-8 p.m.; however, specific call times cannot be guaranteed due to their holiday schedule. Registration forms are available beginning Nov. 1 at the Recreation Centers, Freedom Park Interpretive Center, Chickahominy Riverfront Park and online at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation.
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 Fall 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
Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School, 3131 Ironbound Rd.
Freedom Park/Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Rd.
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
Powhatan Creek Trail, 3131 Ironbound Rd.
Veterans Park (Kidsburg), 3793 Ironbound Rd.
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov