Spend Your August with Prince William County Parks!

Prince William County Parks and Recreation has an August packed full of events and activities to help you enjoy the last full month of summer with family and friends. This month we’ve got a free outdoor concert and outdoor movie all in one night! We’ve also got fun and educational water safety event, historic tours, Miracle League baseball, and more! There’s also a unique opportunity to be part of designing our next playground. Check out all the details below.

Water Safety Day with Stewie the Duck! – Tuesday, August 4
Join us on Tuesday, August 4, 2-6 pm at Hammill Mill Pool for a fun and educational water safety event for the young ones and parents. Young children and parents will learn the basics of water safety in an engaging, age-appropriate way. There event will kick off with a reading of “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim.” There will also be lots of activity stations for families to learn all the basics of water safety.

KABOOM! Playground Design Day Workshop – Wednesday, August 5
Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is excited to partner with Amazon and KABOOM!, a national nonprofit organization, to create a new all-inclusive playspace at George Hellwig Memorial Park. Join us Wednesday, August 5, 6-8 pm for a Design Day Workshop where you and your child(ren) will help us design the new playground at Hellwig Park. Your support is essential to making this project a success. We hope you’ll join us! Light refreshments will be provided. Workshop will be held at 14420 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA.

Revolutionary War Memorial Dedication & Tavern Night – Saturday, August 8
Take a sip of history while learning about Williams Ordinary, a historic tavern in Dumfries. Enjoy period music, meet costumed reenactors, and try your hand at 18th-century games as you explore this local landmark. This year guests are invited to attend the dedication of the new Revolutionary War memorial located behind Williams Ordinary, which honors Prince William County’s role in America’s fight for independence. Dedication will take place on Saturday, August 8, at 4 pm. Following the dedication, Water’s End Brewery will be on site serving historically-inspired brews for Tavern Night paired with a delicious menu from Dixie Bones BBQ. Event is from 4-8 pm. Ages 21+ | FREE | Parking: The Rose (Level 5)

Double Header: Fridays at 5 Concert & Movie in the Park – Friday, August 14
Fridays at 5 is back by popular demand! Kick off your weekend on select Friday nights with high-energy live music, dancing, and nonstop fun for all ages. Grab your crew and head out for this FREE outdoor concert series—featuring delicious local food trucks, refreshing beer and wine for purchase (21+), and an unbeatable community vibe. Join us Friday, August 14 from 5-8:30 pm. After the show, stick around for Movie Night in the Park: The Sandlot starting at 9 pm. All the fun happens at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza, 1 County Complex, Woodbridge, VA.

If you can’t make it on the 14th, catch our next Fridays at 5 event on August 21, featuring Chocolate Factory Band.

Catch a Miracle League Baseball Game – Saturday, August 15
The fall season of our Miracle League baseball program kicks off with its first game on Saturday, August 15 at 8:45 am at George Hellwig Memorial Park. Prince William County Parks is proud to participate in the Miracle League baseball program which provides youth and adults ages 5-17, as well as adults 18 years+ who have mental and physical disabilities, the opportunity to play baseball on an adapted field. All games are scheduled to be played at Dr. Richard Tami Miracle Field at George Hellwig Memorial Park, our accessible, custom-designed, rubberized surface field that removes the barriers that might otherwise keep children and adults with disabilities off the field and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. Games are free to watch. Come out and cheer on our players! You will walk away inspired.

Ribbon Lodge Bug and Bird Day – Saturday, August 22 & Sunday August 23
This event is a photographer, bird watcher and bug enthusiast delight! Join us on Saturday, August 22,10 am - 1 pm. as we explore the wonders of nature found at Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Bring your binoculars and cameras to record the variety of insects and birds found every day at the historic site. Take a guided walking tour with our expert birder. Advanced ticket purchase recommended. $5 per person. Kids under 6 are free.

Kettle Run Anniversary Tours – Saturday & Sunday, August 22-23
Join Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park staff and volunteers on Saturday, August 22 or Sunday, August 23 to commemorate the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Run. The August 26-27, 1862, battle, while small, was bloody and took a heavy toll on the soldiers who fought here. Visit the park for walking tours that will share the story of the first battle of the Civil War fought at Bristoe Station and the larger implications it had on the decisive Second Manassas Campaign. Battlefield tours will be offered at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Registration is not required and the tours are free. All ages are welcome. Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, 10708 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA.

If you're looking for something else to do, be sure to check out the current issue of Leisure magazine or download our PWC Recmapper app to check out the latest activities or map out your own plans at one of our parks or facilities.