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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.
Spring Classes
To register for any Parks and Recreation programs, click here.
Archery (Ages 9+)
These courses are designed for beginner to intermediate ability. Learn the safe use and handing of a recurve bow in addition to proper range procedures while learning balance, focus and technique. Sessions run April 17 - May 8 at Upper County Park.
Archery 101 (Ages 9-15)
- Noon - 1 p.m.
Archery for Adults (Ages 16+)
- 2 - 3 p.m.
To register for any Parks and Recreation programs, click here.
Camps
Outdoor Experience with JRA! (Ages 10-16)
Join the James River Association for a spring break week alternative! Come experience a week of outdoor adventure and education. We’ll canoe Powhatan Creek, learn about and perform seine netting, perform water quality tests, bike the Virginia Capital Trail, and participate in fun environmental games tied back to learning about the James River and its watershed. Camp is held at the JRA Educational Center located at 1335 Colonial Parkway.
4/5-4/9 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | $215
Special Events
Check back soon for our upcoming spring events. We are currently working on ensuring safety and fun for all of our special events.
To register for any Parks and Recreation programs, click here.
Upcoming Trip Information
Tour Luray Caverns - Ages 13+
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. Register by Feb. 24. Fee includes transportation to and from trip destination and all admission fees. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch. Meet in the JCCRC lobby at 7 a.m. Full trip details are available by calling 757-259-5355.
Saturday, 3/6 | 7 a.m.-6 p.m. | $45
Tour Fort Monroe
Take a tour through more than 400 years of local history! Explore Old Point Comfort at Fort Monroe while taking in the historical significance of the area along with the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Register by March 23. Fee includes transportation to and from trip destination and all admission fees. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch or be prepared to purchase one from four local dining options. Meet in the JCCRC lobby at 10 a.m. Full trip details are available by calling 757-259-5355.
Friday, 4/16 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | $20
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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