Registration for the 2013 Winter Wildlife Festival is now available!  This three-day festival provides you with the opportunity to witness winter wildlife in places like Back Bay and False Cape, Pleasure House Point, Mackay Island, Whitehurst Tract, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel area and more!  New sessions for 2013 include:
 

* Pleasure House Point Bird Walks
* Back Bay & False Cape Birding
* Intermediate Nature Photography
* Photography Field Session
* Day-long trip to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and Fisherman's Island (Adults only)
* Children's Activities by Princess Anne Library
 

And of course we have plenty of returning favorites like the Back Bay/False Cape Terragator & Tram Tour, First Landing Bird Walks, Owl Prowls, Exhibit Hall and more. Check out our festival website for more information and to download a registration form. Sessions have a limited number of spaces, so register early to secure your spot!
 
Our kick-off speaker this year will be writer and wildlife illustrator, Julie Zickefoose. Julie is a Bird Watcher's Digest contributor and a former NPR commentator. She will be speaking about her newest  book, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds, which gives an intimate, eye-opening look at the rich mental and emotional landscape of birds and was chosen as Oprah's Book of the Week in April 2012. The event kick-off will be held at 7 pm, Friday, January 25 at Kempsville Recreation Center. This event is free, but registration is required. A book signing will follow with copies of The Bluebird Effect available for purchase.

Simplify your shopping this year with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation gift cards! Our gift cards can be purchased in any amount that the recipient can use towards a membership, personal training, classes, programs, shelter reservations, birthday parties, and at Owl Creek Tennis Center. So, forget long lines at the mall, wondering which toys he already has or which size she wears, and give a gift they're sure to enjoy! Stop by any recreation center to purchase cards and give the gift of recreation!

Don't get stuck on the couch this winter! Parks & Rec will help your family stay active with exciting classes and programs for all ages. From swimming and dancing to pottery and martial arts, everyone can learn something new or brush up on old skills. 

Looking to kickstart your fitness? You'll find plenty of Body Transformation classes in this catalog to get you on your way. Body Transformation combines exercise with nutrional education and is offered in a variety of formats: Cardio Training, Cross Training, Dance, and TRX® and Boxing.

Look for the Winter Programs & Activities Catalog to be posted online at 9 am, December 8! Both online and in-person course registration also begins at 9 am, December 8.

Lighted park ballfields available for rent include Bayville Farms Park, Lynnhaven Park, Newlight Park, Oceana Park, Red Mill Park & Rosemont Forest Park. Tournament facilities available for rent include the ball fields and multipurpose fields at City View Park and the Princess Anne Athletic Complex.
Learn more about field rentals. 
 

Enjoy Your Child's Birthday Party

Leave the headaches of planning your child's next birthday party to us! You can enjoy the party and we'll handle the details. Our recreation centers offer a variety of party options for children age 1 through 12. From pool parties to rock climbing parties, your child's experience is sure to be a memorable one! Learn more about our birthday parties.