Celebrate the summer solstice by joining James City County Parks & Recreation for Project: 5:47, the Longest Day of Play! June 21 is the longest day of the year. We’ll rise and shine at 5:47 a.m. as we cater to the sun and offer free recreational activities and outdoor adventures all day including free access to our outdoor pools, free use of the Recreation Centers, free select group fitness classes and so much more!
Come explore a new park or tryout out a new activity! Below is a sampling of our offerings – these listings are free; however, some require registration by June 18. First-come, first-served! Please note, programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or lack of minimum registration levels.
Drop-In Programs · NO Registration Needed!
5:47-7 a.m.
Sunrise Paddle ▪ All Ages; 15 & younger with parent/guardian
Bring your own paddlecraft or borrow ours on this self- guided paddle tour of Powhatan Creek.
James City County Marina
6 a.m.-9 p.m. ▪ Age restrictions apply for equipment use
James City County Recreation Center. Your free visit includes use of the indoor pool which features wheelchair accessibility, an indoor walking track, gym with basketball courts, racquetball courts, whirlpool and saunas and a fitness area with free weights and circuits of Cybex and Life Fitness equipment and cardiovascular equipment with broadcast vision theater. The game area offers air hockey, a pool table, table tennis and foosball. The outdoor park features the Skate Park; MyPlace, an inclusive playground; and walking trails. New for 2023…a free day access to The Lounge, designed for ages 55+. Select group fitness classes are free and available throughout the day; see below for free group fitness class listing.
10-11:30 a.m.
Paddle with JRA ▪ Ages 16+
Paddle with the James River Association in this guided paddle tour of Powhatan Creek near Jamestown Island.
James City County Marina
10 a.m.-noon
Line Dancing ▪ All Ages
Come join a fun group and line dance with instructions provided.
James City County Recreation Center
10 a.m.-noon
Snake Talk ▪ All Ages
Come see and learn about local snakes from Larry Mendoza of the Virginia Herpetological Society.
Veterans Park/Kidsburg
10 a.m.-noon
Guided Historical Tours ▪ All Ages
Meet at the Free Black Settlement for guided historical interpretations of the lives of one of the nation's first free black settlements. Tours ongoing throughout the program timeframe.
Freedom Park
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Intro to Pickleball ▪ Ages 16+
Courts will be open for beginner players to come out and play with a certified pickleball instructor.
Veterans Park/Kidsburg
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Outdoor Pools▪ All Ages
Your free visit features use of the outdoor pool at Upper County Park and the outdoor pool and splashpad at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. For more information on the outdoor pools, visit us online. Chickahominy Riverfront Park & Upper County Park
Noon-2 p.m.
Axe Throwing ▪ Ages 10+
Come test your aim at Go Ape with Axe Throwing. Check in between noon-1:30 p.m.
Freedom Park
1-4 p.m.
Public Art Project ▪ All Ages
Join us near Kidsburg to help create a public art masterpiece.
Veterans Park/Kidsburg
2-3 p.m.
Park Pop Up▪ All Ages
Pop by the beach to pick up Parks & Recreation swag and information and also for a cool summer treat.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
3-5 p.m.
Trackless Train Rides ▪ All Ages
All aboard for an afternoon ride on the Kiwanis Kids trackless train!
Veterans Park/Kidsburg
4-9 p.m. ▪ Age restrictions apply for equipment use
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center. Your free visit includes use of the fitness area equipped with a circuit of Cybex And Nautilus cardio equipment, dumbbells, a weight bench and a pull up dip station; gym; and multipurpose room with game tables and large screen TV. The outdoor park includes basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer and softball fields.
6-7 :30 p.m.
Scout Program ▪ All Ages
Earn your Scout badge for Naturalist or Animal Habitats. The first 15 families to check-in will be able to make a bluebird house. Program is open to all, not just Boy/Girl Scouts.
Freedom Park
Registered Programs · Preregistration Required by June 18!
Activities with low enrollment may be canceled in advance. Registered participants will be notified of any cancellations. Unless otherwise noted, please register at https://jamescitycountyparksandrec.perfectmind.com/; search under “Free Events” for Project:FiveFortySeven.
6-7 a.m.
Sunrise Yoga on the Beach ▪ Ages 14+; 13 & younger with parent/guardian
Begin your day aligning your body and breathing in the fresh air with your toes in the sand. Bring a yoga mat or a beach towel.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Group Fitness Classes ▪ Ages 14+
The following Group Fitness classes are FREE! (no membership required or punch pass required today; however preregistration is required through JCCRC signup.com): Cycle & Strength (7 a.m.), Sunrise Flow Yoga (7 a.m.), Cardio Interval (9 a.m.), Low Impact Energize (1:15 p.m.), Yoga (4 p.m.), Cycle & Core (5:30 p.m.), Zumba (6 p.m.).
James City County Recreation Center
2:30-3:45 p.m.
PANDA-monium Martial Arts ▪ Ages 6-10
Spend an afternoon in the Orient with fun, Asian-inspired arts and crafts and activities followed by a beginner martial arts lesson by a certified instructor. Registration is required.
James City County Recreation Center
5-6 p.m.
Tai Chi ▪ Ages 14+
The practice of Tai Chi involves various postures, weight shifting and energy patterns, with an emphasis on balance, centering and brain health.
Freedom Park
6-7 p.m.
Drumming for Wellness ▪ Ages 14+
Class held outdoors under the trees! We'll use the drum and the voice as a modality to practice mindfulness.
Freedom Park
Outdoor activities are weather permitting; call the weather hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule. For more information on the Longest Day of Play, call 757-259-4022. Check out our Summer 2023 Activity Brochure for a complete listing of Parks & Recreation offerings. For the latest on summer camps, visit us online. Visit facebook.com/jccparks for event updates and full program descriptions! For details on center and park amenities including operating hours, please click on the links below:
Program Sites
Abram Frink Community Center, 8901 Pocahontas Trail
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road
James City County Marina, 2054 Jamestown Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road
Veterans Park /Kidsburg, 3793 Ironbound Road
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov