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!

Brickyard Landing
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.

We would love to hear from you about offerings you would like to see in Outdoor Recreation.

  1. Classes
  2. Camps
  3. Special Events
  4. Trips

Spring Classes - Registration Now Open

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.

  • Archery 101 - Saturdays, April 6 - May 4
  • Archery for Adults - Saturdays, April 6 - May 4
  • Archery for Adults - Tuesdays, April 9 - 30

Fall Programs - No Registration Required


Winter: Time to Plan and Prune - Ages 16+

An experienced team of local Master Gardeners will show you how to care for your dormant trees and shrubs during the cold winter months. Learn about the right tools for pruning and how to use and maintain them, along with the best time for pruning your plants. Program is held at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center on Saturday, January 19 from 10-11:30 a.m. A $5 donation is suggested to help the Williamsburg Botanical Garden grow. For details/registration: bit.ly/growjan19. 

Landscaping for Pollinators - Ages 16+

Get tips and ideas for creating gardens that embrace and support pollinators. Presenter: Peggy Krapf, Heart’s Ease Landscape and Garden Design. Program is held at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center on Saturday, February 16 from 10-11:30 a.m. A $5 donation is suggested to help the Williamsburg Botanical Garden grow. For details/registration: bit.ly/growfeb19.