Ten Things to Do in January

What are your new year’s resolutions? Are you looking to focus on fitness, learn something new, like dance or a new sport, or perhaps you just want to get out and have more fun?  Whatever your resolutions are for the new year, we invite you to start your new year off with Prince William County Parks and Recreation. We’ve got recreation and leisure activities for adults and children of all ages and abilities and you’re sure to find something you love. Check out some of our recommendations for January below.

Be Part of a Music Ensemble 
Join our music ensemble program! Budding musicians (ages 6-12) will participate in musical instruction and theory as well as musical games, special extension curriculum-based activities, musical listening excerpts, related projects and more. Students will get to choose which instrument they want to play for the session (piano, guitar, violin or drums). Rental instruments and music are provided. Students will take instruments and music home in between classes to enjoy. Various dates and sessions are available. All classes take place at Veterans Memorial Park. View all dates and register here.

Join Our Healthy Kids Club (adapted program)
This program is designed for children with disabilities, ages 4-8, and introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing through gross motor play. We will use a variety of games, songs, and props to develop fine and gross motor skills needed for sports. It is a fun way for children to get fit and learn healthy habits while they improve their sports skills. Register your child today. Our January class session begins on Wednesday, January 10, 5:15-6:00 pm. Class takes place at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center.

Plan a Date Night 
Need a night out without the kids? Let our Veterans Park staff watch the kids on Friday, January 12, from 6-9 pm. You can drop off your kids ages 5-12 for an evening of fun games, art and more! Juice, water and a snack will be provided to the kids. Sign them up here. There are also dates available in February, March and April. 

Become an Expert Minecraft Animator 
Does your child aspire to become an animator? In this beginner-level class, older students ages 10-14 will be introduced to basic 2D and 3D animation techniques using Minecraft characters and stages using the software, Mine-imator. Students will learn how animators work by completing a variety of short animation exercises and projects and applying basic acting theories and animation principles to scenes they create. Class begins Saturday, January 13 at Veterans Memorial Park. A similar class for children ages 6-9 is also available. Register today.

Take Our Chinn Cycle Challenge
Register to join us on Sunday, January 14, 9-10:30 am for this challenging 90-minute ride at Chinn Aquatic & Fitness Center. The ride will include a rocking mix of hills, drills, and endurance to kick-off your new year’s resolutions or break-through plateaus. Free for passholders; $12 group exercise drop-in rate applies for non-passholders. Ages 16+ are welcome. 

Attend a Free Historical Lecture 
The fighting prowess of the U.S. Marine Corps is second to none, but few know the Corps’ humble beginnings and what it achieved during the early years of the American Revolution. Jason Bohm rectifies this oversight by weaving the men, strategy, performance and personalities of the Corps’ formative early years into a single story. Join us for this free lecture, the first in a series in the upcoming months. The lecture will take place at Old Manassas Courthouse, 7 – 8:30 pm on Thursday, January 25. Ages 10 and older are welcome.

Learn How to Use Your Own Drop Spindle 
Have you ever wondered where your clothing comes from? Whether it’s wool, linen, cotton or silk, making clothing is a long, painstaking process that starts with spinning fibers into threads and yarn. Join us on Saturday, January 27, 10 am – 12 pm at the historic Haislip-Hall Farmhouse where you will learn the history of textiles and learn how to use your own drop spindle. This is a joint program with Prince William Public Library’s Bull Run Makerspace. Register today. For ages 13+.

Make Your Gym Time Count
In this 2-hour workshop on Friday, January 26, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, participants will discover the science-based physical and mental techniques needed to have consistent, effective, quality movements during exercise using deep focus, concentration and specific breathing techniques. This class will include both a lecture and an active exercise session on the four exercise modalities of fitness: muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, power/speed and flexibility. Wear closed-toed shoes, clothing appropriate for working out and bring a water bottle. Register today. The workshop takes place at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center.

Take a Dance Class
From ballet, to modern, to tap and more, we’ve got a dance class just for you, no matter your age or ability. Check out all of our offerings with class sessions starting in January here.

Find a Sport You Enjoy
Children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, can explore our many sports clinics and classes this winter. From running, to basketball, to volleyball and more, your child can explore and learn a sport of their choosing. Check out all our available sports programs and clinics here. Register today as these popular programs fill up fast!