10 Ways to Get Active, Creative, and Connected This January
January is the perfect time to reset, recharge, and try something new, and we're here to help you start the year strong. Whether you’re looking to stay active, learn a new skill, or beat the winter blues, we offer a wide range of programs and classes for all ages and interests. Here are 10 great things to do this January that will keep you and your family engaged, energized, and connected to your community all month long.
Send the Kids for a Night Out
Send your kids to us for our Kid’s Night Out program at Veterans Memorial Park on Friday, January 9 (6-9 pm.) It will be a fun-filled evening for them full of adventure and excitement while parents enjoy some time off. This program is packed with activities like games, music, arts and crafts. Children will have the opportunity to play, socialize, and explore in a safe, supervised environment, all while enjoying snacks and refreshments. Program is for ages 5-12. Register today.
Improve Your Volleyball Skills
Kids ages 10-15 can join our league that serves to improve overall performance, including ball control, form, and defensive and offensive tactics. Our instructors will guide young athletes through different drills geared to improve overall performance. Each session has been designed to engage your child in game-related situations while providing guidance. Program begins January 10 at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center. Register here.
Learn to Swim
There are still some sessions left for teen/adult beginner swim class (and intermediate level.) The beginner class will help participants gain basic aquatic skills and swimming strokes. Intermediate classes help improve participant's proficiency with front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke. Participants must be comfortable in water depths over 6 ft. Participants will also learn skills and concepts for staying safe around the water in addition to those needed to help themselves in an aquatic emergency. Find your class and register today.
Take a Zumba Class
If you haven’t experienced one of our Zumba classes yet, you’re missing out! Zumba blends Latin-inspired dance with aerobic interval training. The result is a fun, music-driven Zumba workout that boosts your heart rate while improving coordination, endurance, and strength. Ready to join? Spots are still available for January 9 and 10 classes at Chinn Aquatic & Fitness Center. Click here to register.
Do Some Stargazing
Join us on Saturday, January 17 from 6-8 pm for some stargazing at the beautiful Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. Start the evening with a hot chocolate around a warm firepit, followed by a stroll along the boardwalk where instructors will show you constellations, nebulas, planets, and other night sky favorites with the use of telescopes and astronomy binoculars. This is one winter program you won’t want to miss. Click here to register. *Registration is required for each participant. For a smooth checkout, please confirm all participants are listed in your household account before purchase.
Explore the Principles of Pilates
This renowned fitness method is built on foundational principles that have stood the test of time in the world of health and wellness. Join us for this Educational Workshop to explore these core principles and learn how to apply them to your daily life: Breathing, Concentration, Control, Centering, Precision, Balanced Muscle Development, Rhythm & Flow, Whole-Body Movement and Relaxation. *This program is FREE for passholders and $12 for non-member guests. Registration is required. Ages 14+. Workshop is held at Dale City Recreation Center on Saturday, January 17, 1:00-1:55 pm. Click here to register.
Attend a Free Historic Lecture
During the Jim Crow era, many public libraries were segregated and inaccessible to Black residents. They resisted integration even after the landmark case Brown vs. Board of Education. Discover the truth about the barriers imposed on the Black community and learn about the citizens-turned-activists who used protests and lawsuits to achieve more equitable library services from historians Chris Barbuschak and Suzanne S. LaPierre, authors of Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries. This lecture is a FREE program jointly sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William. Join us at the Old Manassas Courthouse on Thursday, January 22, 7-8:30 pm. No registration required.
Learn to Code
Introduce your child to the wonderful world of programming! In this program, kids ages 6-14 will learn basic programming concepts using a simple drag-and-drop interface within the software Scratch, a project developed by the MIT Media Lab. Participants will use their imaginations and implement creative thinking, while at the same time learning how to create and program simple games. Use pre-made art assets or create your own. This program is instructed by CyberTeck Academy. Click here to register to see all class options by age and register. Program held at Pat White Center at Ben Lomond on January 23.
Become a Chess Player
Learn chess with Silver Knights Chess Academy (formerly Magnus Chess Academy.) Silver Knights has taught 100,000 children to play including state & national champions, but most students are beginners looking to learn a new skill and have fun. Class time is divided between lessons and practice games. Lessons range from the basic rules to advanced tournament strategies. All chess supplies are provided. Class is for children ages 6-14. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, please visit chessacademy.com. Register here to join us on Monday, January 26 (9 am – 4 pm) at Pat White Center at Ben Lomond.
Paint and Sip
On Friday, January 30 at the Pat White Center you can paint a cozy winter scene while you sip on some hot chocolate. Join with a friend or come alone and make some new ones! Whether you are new to painting or are a hobby painter, you will enjoy two hours of canvas creating and hot chocolate. Ages 18+. Register today.
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