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

Spanish Classes

La Ronda Class: Spanish classes for children that are 4-12 years old. In this fun class, children will have the opportunity to explore the world of Spanish language and culture. This hour class is designed to ignite their curiosity and love for language through music, movement, instruments, games and more! Children will get to sing and learn traditional Spanish songs, while dancing and following the rhythm with hands-on instrument play. They will be invited to engage in interactive games that make learning easier and fun. This Spanish class will be conducted in an engaging Circle Time format, where everyone will have the opportunity to interact with each other and learn from each other. To close, each child will be invited to create a small craft and we will say good-bye by enjoying a delicious Mexican snack while singing good-bye. This is an outdoor class, weather permitting. Otherwise, class will be provided indoors. La Ronda class is an enjoyable environment where kids can absorb Spanish naturally, all while having fun. This class is open for Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers. All are welcome!

Fee: $65


Canta y Baila Conmigo: Canta y Baila Conmigo® is a Spanish language and culture program that promotes music development and Spanish acquisition. CyBC introduces the musical traditions of Spanish-speaking countries in a language immersion experience. We deliver a unique, world-class program that provides authentic cultural and language enrichment for families looking to raise bilingual, bicultural children.

Fee: $115 


Sessions

Chunky Yarn Classes

Learn how to make a Chunky Yarn Blanket or Chunky Yarn Basket with just your bare hands!! These classes are beginner friendly and are meant for those interested in learning a new skill while doing a project in the art of yarn work.

Ages: 10+

Chunky Yarn Blanket Classes: $80

Chunky Yarn Basket Classes: $50

Sessions

Arts & Crafting

Needle-Felted Pumpkin Patch
Dive into the whimsical world of needle felting in our Needle-Felted Pumpkin Patch class! Needle felting is a fun and easy technique where you use a special needle to sculpt wool into adorable shapes. In this session, you'll create lovely, fluffy pumpkins perfect for fall decor.

Join us for a fun-filled workshop where you'll learn the basics of needle felting and bring your charming pumpkin creations to life. Whether you're new to needle felting or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a cozy and creative atmosphere for all. Get ready to poke, shape, and smile as we craft our own little pumpkin patch!

Ages: 12+


Punch Needle Art: Paint with Yarn
Unleash your creativity and discover the art of painting with yarn in our punch needle class! This exciting and engaging technique allows you to create stunning textured designs that are both fun to make and beautiful to behold.

Ages: 18+


Kids' Paint and Sip Party
Get ready for a splash of fun at our Kids' Paint and Sip Party! This lively event is designed especially for young artists to explore their creativity in a playful and relaxed setting. Kids will enjoy sipping on delicious, kid-friendly beverages while painting their very own masterpieces.

Ages: 7-12


Learn Locker Hooking
Discover the timeless craft of locker hooking and bring it into the modern era with us! Locker hooking is a versatile and easy-to-learn technique that involves pulling loops of fabric through a canvas using a special tool, then locking them in place with yarn. In this class, you'll create a vibrant and unique 12 by 12-inch piece that showcases your creativity.

What You'll Learn:

  • The basics of locker hooking: materials, tools, and techniques.
  • How to choose and prepare your fabric and yarn.
  • Step-by-step instructions to complete your 12 by 12 project.

What to Expect:

  • Hands-on guidance from experienced instructors.
  • A relaxed and supportive environment.
  • All materials provided, with options to personalize your project.

Ages: 18+


Sessions

 

Specialty Cookie Classes

Gingerbread Village Decorating
Let's decorate cookies together! In this class everything is already set up and ready for you to decorate. You'll receive step-by-step live instruction from Andrea who has over 15 years of experience with royal icing alone. You will receive 10 cookies (2 of each shape pictured) and all icing colors/sprinkles needed. Each person attending will need to register separately.

Ages: 12+

Sessions

Baking Classes

Two Consistency Royal Icing
Are you eager to master the art of making royal icing?  Join our 2-hour course where you'll craft your own batch of royal icing, discover tips for achieving the 2-consistency method of piping/flooding, and delve into royal icing consistency. Your registration includes 8 pre-made cookies for practicing the pipe and flood method, along with all the necessary supplies for making royal icing. Royal icing 2  is taught by Andrea Rogers who has over 15 years of experience with royal icing. Royal icing 2 is not a prerequisite to this class and some of the material overlaps.  Please note that this class takes place in the kitchen and you will be on your feet for the entirety of the class. Because this class takes every bit of our 2 hours together please arrive on time and ready to start at the beginning of the scheduled class time. Each person attending will need to register separately.


Marble Dip Method
Have you always wondered how to make beautiful royal icing cookies that will impress your friends and family? Join our -hour course where you'll craft your own batch of royal icing, discover tips for achieving the perfect consistency, and delve into marbling techniques. Your ticket includes 8 pre-made cookies for practicing the marble effect, along with all the necessary supplies for making royal icing. Royal icing 1 is taught by Andrea Rogers who has over 15 years of experience with royal icing. Please note that this class takes place in the kitchen and you will be on your feet for the entirety of the class. Each person attending will need to register separately.


Hot Cocoa Bombs
Do you want to learn how to make the popular HOT COCOA BOMBS that are all the rage? In this class you will learn to just that. You will walk away with at least 1 hot cocoa bomb, your own molds to keep so that you can continue to make them at home, and recipes that are sure to make the process easy and tasty! Each person attending will need to register separately.

Ages: 12+


 

Take Home Kits

Specialty Cookie Kits

Cookie Decorating Take-Home Kits: Take home kits include 1 dozen cookies, icing, instruction card with link to a demo video!

Note: Recipes are nut-free; however, items are not prepared in a nut-free kitchen.

Ages: All

Fees:

  • RDF: $30; Fee: $35

Seasonal Themed Kits

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:

  • September 14
  • September 28
  • October 12
  • October 26

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.

Trips & Travel

Shades of Ireland

Explore beautiful Ireland on this 10 day trip.  This trip is offered through Collette and includes 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners.

Dates: April 7-16, 2025

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 1: Overnight Flight
  • Day 2 & 3: Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, Dublin
  • Day 4: Granville Hotel, Waterford
  • Day 5 & 6: Killarney Towers, Killarney
  • Day 7 & 8: The George Hotel Limerick, Limerick
  • Day 9: Cabra Castle, Kingscourt
  • Day 10: Return Home

America's Cowboy County

Explore some National Parks on this 8 day trip.  This trip is offered through Collette and includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners.

Dates: July 17-24, 2025

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Days 1-3: Alex Johnson Hotel, Rapid City, South Dakota
  • Day 4: Hampton Inn & Suites, Buffalo, Wyoming
  • Day 5: Buffalo Bill Village Holiday Inn & Cabins, Cody, Wyoming
  • Day 6 & 7: The Lodge at Jackson Hole, Jackson, Wyoming
  • Day 8: Return Home

Sunny Portugal

Take a 10 day trip to Portugal.  This trip is offered through Collette includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners.

Dates: September 25 - October 4, 2025

Itinerary at a glance:

  • Day 1: Overnight Flight
  • Day 2 & 3: Turim Marques Hotel, Lisbon
  • Day 4: Vila Gale Evora, Evora
  • Day 5-7: Vila Gale Lagos, Algarve
  • Days 8 & 9: Vila Gale Cascais Hotel, Cascais 
  • Day 10: Return Home