Autumn Awaits: Explore, Learn, and Play with Prince William County Parks
We’re officially in the “dog days of summer" with fall just around the corner. The kids are headed back to school this month and we begin to look forward to cooler temperatures, the changing of the leaves and our favorite fall and holiday activities. If you’re looking to get a head start on planning those fun fall outings, our new issue of Leisure is now available and is a great guide to all our upcoming classes, programs, events and activities. Below is just a glance at some of our offerings. Be sure to view the full issue of Leisure for even more fall fun!
Active Adults
Want to make sure you stay active and independent as you age? We’ve got lots of programs to help you achieve that goal. Starting in September we’re offering the SAIL program (Stay Active and Independent for Life) in partnership with the Prince William Area Agency on Aging. SAIL is a 12-week strength and balance fitness program for older adults where participants will learn warm-up, aerobics, balance, strength, and stretching exercises that can be performed in seated or standing positions. These exercises are designed to improve strength, balance, fitness, mobility, and reduce fall risk.
Do you know your vital health numbers? If not, then we encourage you to take advantage of our free health screenings on November 5 (8 am-12pm) at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center in partnership with Marymount University Center for Optimal Aging. We’ll be doing health screenings and offering other resources to support your overall well-being as you age.
History Programs
Are you a history buff or just want to continue learning? Prince William County Parks’ Office of Historic Preservation has a ton of programs and events coming up this fall. On September 12 & 13 come join us for World War II weekend at Rippon Lodge where you can view military equipment, armaments, and historic military vehicles and explore how citizens at home supported the war effort. Tours include information about Admiral Richard Black, a WWII veteran, survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the last owner of Rippon Lodge. The two-day event is free. Family can enjoy crafts, music, games and more.
Do you believe in ghosts? Whether you believe or not Ben Lomond Campfire Ghost Stories might be for you. Ben Lomond has a diverse and grim history as a Civil War hospital, a farm, and a private home. Over the years, many residents have claimed to see ghosts and other spooky happenings at the site. Is Ben Lomond haunted or not? Join us for an eerie evening around the campfire to hear some of the ghost stories associated with the historic site. Bring your own chair and flashlight.
Get Outdoors
We’ve got several programs that take place outdoors so you can have fun doing something active while enjoying the weather or just connecting with nature. From Backpacking 101 (and 102), to kayaking to learning the art of birding, you can find your next outdoor or nature activity with Prince William County Parks.
Just for the Kids
From STEM programs to art classes, chess, winter camps and more—our programming doesn’t stop once the kids go back to school. We’ve got programs galore this fall for your child to enjoy and help keep them busy on those days off from school. From the littlest one to teens and tweens we offer fun and educational programs to keep their hands and minds busy.
Family Fun
Our outdoor movies on the park continues! On August 14, join us for a “double header”—Fridays at 5 concert at 5 pm and then stay for the movie (The Sandlot) starting at 9 pm. Both are free and take place at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza. On September 18 at 7:45 pm we’re showing Toy Story 5 (the new one) at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center. And on October 9 at 7 pm we’re heading to Veterans Memorial Park for a showing of Minions and Monsters.
Our always popular Family Pumpkin Carving is back again this year! You bring your ideas and creativity, and we’ll provide one pumpkin for each registered participant along with carving tools. Join us on Saturday, October 25 (10 am-12 noon) at Veterans Memorial Park.
On Thursday, October 29 (2-4 pm) stop by Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center for an afternoon of fun as we host our very first Trunk-or-Treat event for the Chinn community. Families are invited to wear their favorite costumes and enjoy a safe way to trick-or-treat with their kids. For those registered, we encourage you to decorate your vehicles and be prepared to share some fun treats with our preschool students.
Looking for something else? You can find all of this and so much more in the fall issue of Leisure.
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