Community Recreation

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Overview

Winchester Parks and Recreation offers many opportunities for all ages to engage! Whether you enjoy hands-on activities, music, acting, or exploring outdoors, we have programs for you!

All registrations are processed through CommunityPass! Individuals and Families are required to create an account in order to register for programs. Phone registrations will not be accepted.

Performing Arts

Dance

Dance with Me
These fun and engaging dance classes provide a foundation in proper dance education suited for children of various abilities. NOTE: There is no dress code; however, dancers will need ballet shoes.

Ages: 1-2


Tiny Toes Dance
These fun and engaging dance classes provide a foundation in proper dance education suited for children of various abilities. Classes incorporate ballet, jazz and tap dance as well as a variety of educational add-ons and seasonal inclusive themes. NOTE: There is no dress code; however, dancers will need ballet and tap shoes.

Ages: 2-4


Sessions

Music

Musical Tots:
Musical Tots is a unique class designed for children ages 4 and under that encourages free movement and exploration of sounds. Each Class is 45 minutes long and will meet once a week for ten weeks. 

This is a caregiver and child class, be expected to participate in fun activities with your child to help improve their development in these skills. 

The classes feature many great skills for your child to learn and develop by using pitch exploration, games, dancing, rhythm exercises, singing, and a few musical instruments. Some instruments that the children will get to use are egg shakers, wrist bells, rhythm sticks, boomwackers, and tambourines. Other items used during the class will include a parachute, stuffed animals, and rhythm scarves. The guardians also get a PDF packet with songs to take home to learn with their child. 

Many of the activities in these classes will promote cognitive development through the use of colors, numbers, shapes, and letters. Through movement, children will work on balance, flexibility, developing fine and gross motor skills, and coordination. Caregivers can meet others in the community and have a blast while playing and dancing with their children.

Goals of the Music and Movement Class:
- Develop fine and gross motor skills
- Be able to interact in basic time
- Learn new songs while having fun
- Develop listening skills
- Have a better understanding of their voices and bodies
- Develop more social and sharing skills
- Find enjoyment in music at a young age
- Have fun


Sessions

Workshops

WPRD offers a variety of workshops throughout the year including Arts & Crafting, Baking, Gaming, Specialty Cookie Decorating, and Spanish for young children. Our current offerings are listed below:

Family Game Night

Join us for Family Game Night on the first Wednesday of every month! It's a fun-filled evening where families can bond over a variety of exciting board games. With a huge selection of games to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're into strategy games, quick challenges, or classic favorites, you'll find the perfect game for your group.

Bring the whole family and make it a memorable night of laughter and friendly competition. Feel free to bring your own dinner or snacks to enjoy while you play! We can’t wait to see you there!

Ages: 5+

Fee: FREE

Sessions

Storytime Creations

Join us for a fun and interactive preschool program designed for young learners! In each session, children will enjoy a story time where they listen to an engaging book, followed by a creative craft based on that weeks book. Children will also participate in a hands-on activity, making either a snack or a special take-home item. Parents are encouraged to assist their little ones in crafting and completing activities, creating a wonderful bonding experience. Perfect for nurturing creativity, learning, and fun!

Ages: 6 and under

Sessions

Storyland Art

Storyland Art
Calling all budding artists! Spring classes begin March 10th for your younger artists. Your child will be introduced to various art mediums and techniques, with projects inspired by children’s literature, book illustrators, and art history! Fees include materials for each project.

Age: 6-12


Mixed Media and Art Journaling for Teens
For your creative teens who don't have time for an art elective, or just want to spend an hour each week with art supplies and friends. Spring classes begin on March 10th. We'll work with various art materials each week and use art history, book illustrations, and contemporary art as inspiration for our projects and journaling. Fees include an art journal and materials for each project.

Ages: 13-17


Sessions

Nature Walks

Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve Guided Walks

For Spring Nature walks join us at Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve at 8:30 a.m. on the following Saturdays:

  • April 12
  • April 26
  • May 10
  • May 24

Meet at the trailhead of the Preserve at the intersection of Jubal Early Drive, Handley Ave., and Meadow Branch Ave. for a 2 hour walk focusing on bird migration and wild flowers. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water, binoculars and camera if you have them. This free activity is cosponsored by Winchester Parks and Recreation Department and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Audubon Society. Call 540-303-3983 if you need additional information.

Nature Heals

Nature Heals is a mindful, immersive experience designed to reconnect participants with nature. Enjoy a slow walk along Jim Barnett’s Arboretum Trail, where participants will identify and review the natural history of some of the 150+ plants and trees found in the arboretum. This program encourages relaxation, observation, and a renewed appreciation for the healing power of nature. Program led by Jim Smith, Audubon Arboretum Co-Founder. Meet at the POW/MIA Pavilion in Jim Barnett Park.

Sessions