Your August Bucket List

How will you spend the last full month of summer? If you need some ideas to fill up your August “bucket list” we’ve got plenty. Come watch a movie in the park with us, enjoy a free outdoor concert, cool off and have some fun going down the big water slide at SplashDown, or be there for the first pitch at our upcoming season of Miracle League baseball. Check out our August bucket list recommendations below.

Catch a Movie in the Park
Come join us for a free movie night at Chinn Regional Park on Friday, August 1 (8:30 pm – 10:30 pm). Cooler weather plus a cool movie—Captain America (PG13) makes for a perfect family night outdoors!
The movie will begin at sunset. Come early and get a good seat. Please bring your lawn chair or blankets for seating. Please note a parent or guardian must attend with children under the age of 16 and alcohol is not permitted at this event.

On Friday, August 15 we’ll be showing Mufasa – The Lion King at Veterans Memorial Park. Click here for more details.

See Some Reptiles Up Close
The popular Reptile World program will have its last show for the summer at our Jean C. Smith Amphitheater on Thursday, August 7 (10:30 am). The show was designed to give audiences the opportunity to meet an interesting selection of live, large, colorful, and gentle reptiles from all over the world. Audiences enjoy discovering what reptiles are, what makes them different from birds and mammals, and how important they are in our environment. Many of the myths and misconceptions are dispelled, instilling a greater appreciation, and understanding of these fascinating reptiles. For information and reservations, call 703-792-8780.

Enjoy a Free Outdoor Concert
Join us on Friday, August 8 for Fridays at 5 and enjoy some live music courtesy of Medicine Man, and DJ Moe Vibez. With their eclectic mix of rock and roll, country, rhythm and blues, funk and disco these seasoned pros offer an energetic, professional performance that will keep any audience engaged and dancing the night away.  DJ Moe Vibez will also be spinning some tunes to get you up on your feet dancing! Food and drink will be available for purchase. Check out all the details here.

Go On a Full Moon Hike
Grab your flashlights and register to join our Park Naturalists on Saturday, August 9 (7:30 -9:30 pm) for a slow-paced VIP hike along the beautiful Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. You'll enjoy learning about the different plants and animals that thrive in the wetlands, all while enjoying the beauty of the boardwalk under the full Sturgeon moon. We'll end the evening around the fire roasting a delicious summertime s'more. Please note event may be cancelled if there is inclement weather.

Take a Historic Tour
The Office of Historic Preservation offers plenty to do this month and throughout the year. In August, you can take a guided tour of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park—hallowed ground that was a Civil War camp, cemetery and battlefield. Learn about Camp Jones and the battles fought in 1862 and 1863. Tours are offered on the 2nd and 4th weekends May – October at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Tours depart from the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Insect repellant is encouraged. Learn more here.

On Sunday, August 24, 11 am – 3 pm, come join Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park staff and volunteers to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Run. The August 27, 1862 battle while small, was bloody and took a heavy toll on the soldiers who fought there. Visit the park for walking tours that will share the story of the first battle of the Civil War fought at Bristoe Station. Call 703-366-3049 with any questions.

Have Some Fun at the Water Park
Summer will soon be winding down so if you haven’t visited our pools and waterparks, now’s the time to do so. SplashDown offers two 4-story waterslides that make for tons of summer fun. In addition, there’s a tropical twister slide, two fast cannonball waterslides and a 700 ft. lazy river and more. 

At Waterworks waterpark, there are two fast slides, jungle walks and a zero-depth pool entry. Toddlers will enjoy a wading pool with slides and bubblers just the right size or the splash pad. 

Learn more about all of our water parks and pools here.

Shop at a Yard Sale
Come hunt for treasures at our community yard sale at the Pat White Center at Ben Lomond on Saturday, August 16, 7 am - 1 pm. You never know what you will find! If you’re interested in selling next time, keep an eye out for information on how to participate in our September and October yard sales.

Take a Walk with a Doc
Come walk with us on Thursday, August 21, 12 – 1 pm. Our free Walk with a Doc series brings people together for a common purpose—taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Walking truly is the best medicine, and we want to make it safe, accessible and fun for people. Each Walk with a Doc event is led by a healthcare provider who spends a few minutes talking about a relevant health topic. The walks are also an incredible opportunity for community members to connect, learn from each other and celebrate both similarities and differences. These social connections are critical for a long and healthy life. Walks meet at the front desk. 

Catch a Miracle League Baseball Game
The fall season of our Miracle League baseball program kicks off with its first game on Saturday, August 16 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.

Registration for the program is now open for participants if you know of a family member or friend who would like to play.