If you have older children, plan to attend the Winter Wildlife Festival on January 28-30, 2011 for the chance to witness winter wildlife all around Virginia Beach, whether it's following fascinating bird activity, spectacular whale sightings or the musings of harbor seals near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

 
This event includes educational workshops and engaging excursions that are sure to captivate outdoor enthusiasts, both novice and expert. Registration is required to attend workshops and excursions (some require a fee), so sign up for sessions such as:

• Back Bay/ False Cape Terra-Gator & Tram Tour
• Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Excursion
• Fort Story & First Landing Bird Walk
• Owl Prowl
• Urban Birding
• Whale Watching
• Whitehurst Tract Excursion

Be sure to stop by the Exhibit Hall at Princess Anne Recreation Center on Saturday, January 29 from 10 am to 4 pm and speak with our Winter Wildlife Festival partners. You'll also learn ways to get involved with local efforts and see what conservation groups and businesses are doing. Children's activities available too!
 
Visit VBgov.com/WinterWildlife for a full list of excursions and educational sessions along with registration information.

Saturday, December 18, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm | Kempsville Rec Center

Join us for an exciting introductory class to break dancing for free at Kempsville Recreation Center. Breakin' 101 is open to ages 6 and up - fun for the entire family! Learn the foundational moves while getting a good work out. The focus of the class will include musicality, top rock, get downs and floor work. Please bring water, comfortable shoes and an open mind!

Instructed by Jackie Marrow, former president of the James Madison University Break Dance Club. Membership or visitor pass is needed for each participant.

Have questions? Call Kasey at 460-7540.

Construction is complete, the ribbon is cut and the new Kids Cove playground at Mount Trashmore Park is open for all children to enjoy! If you missed the Grand Opening on December 10, you can take a look at some photos of the event and new playground on our Flickr page.

Like the playgrounds at Little Island and Great Neck Park, Kids Cove is barrier free for kids of all abilities. The giant play structure has a variety of climbers and slides, but also features double-wide ramps and decking making it completely wheelchair accessible. Separate swinging and climbing areas offer something for all ages. The play areas are all built upon colorful rubber surfacing that is firm enough for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs and also helps to buffer falls.

Now if we could just get the weather to be a little more cooperative....