Henrico County has released its Summer 2026 Recreation and Parks program guide, featuring a wide variety of activities designed specifically for youth and teens. Registration opens for Henrico County residents on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., and for non-residents on Friday, May 22, 2026. Because these high-interest programs fill up quickly, slots must be secured online through the county's registration portal. Here's a curated list of highlights the of top youth and teen summer events that require advance registration so you can plan ahead and lock in your spots.
Youth/Teen Line Dance
Dates: Tuesdays, June 2-30; July 7-28; and August 11-25, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Eastern Henrico Recreation Center
Cost: Free
Weekly rhythm class demonstrating choreographed multi-genre aerobic dance patterns designed to build motor coordination. Designed for ages 9 to 17. Course #18583, #18584, and #18585. Registration link: Program search | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
Studio at The Springs: Fluff & Tuft Rug
Dates: August 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: The Springs Recreation Center
Cost: Free
Specialized textile class introducing basic rug tufting gear operation to fabricate small visual wall or floor fiber layouts. Designed for ages 13 to 17; must attend with an adult. Course #18541 and #18542. Registration link: Program search | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
Strawberry Shortcake Creations
Dates: August 7, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Belmont Recreation Center
Cost: Free
Kitchen baking class instructing students in scratch baking methods for sponge pastries, manual reduction sauces, and whipped emulsions. Designed for ages 10 to 15. Course #18594. Registration link: Program detail | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
Cookie Decorating Workshop (Youth Series)
Dates: June 18, 2026 (Fun in the Sun); July 20, 2026 (Sweet Summer Treats); and August 17, 2026 (Under the Sea)
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Belmont Recreation Center
Cost: Free
Beginner-level pastry piping courses covering sugar cookie detailing with royal icing. June session is for ages 8 to 11 (Course #18713); July session is for ages 12 to 15 (Course #18714); August session is for ages 8 to 11 (Course #18715). Registration link: Program search | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
Archery - Beginner (Youth)
Dates: July 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Eastern Henrico Recreation Center
Cost: Free
Indoor introductory target safety class detailing range behaviors, stance mechanics, structural bow alignment, and physical release metrics. Designed for ages 9 to 17. Course #18675. Registration link: Program search | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
Archery - Intermediate (Youth)
Dates: July 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Eastern Henrico Recreation Center
Cost: Free
Indoor follow-up archery curriculum teaching accuracy corrections and consistency drills. Requires passing a Henrico archery class within the prior 365 days. Designed for ages 9 to 17. Course #18676. Registration link: Program search | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
Outdoor Archery
Dates: June 28, 2026 (Dorey Recreation Center) and August 15, 2026 (Crump Park)
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (June 28); 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM or 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (August 15)
Location: Designated park targets per date
Cost: Free
Field archery class instructing youth on natural wind drift patterns, outdoor equipment handling, and range protocols. Designed for ages 8 to 12 (June) and 9 to 17 (August). Course #18654, #18686, and #18687. Registration link: Program search | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
Soft and Safe Sword Fighting
Dates: June 27, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Meadow Farm
Cost: Free
A basic class teaching traditional historical fencing mechanics, footwork, and grip orientations using heavily padded foam replica training weapons. Designed for ages 10 and up. Course #18631. Registration link: Program detail | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
In the Park After Dark: Catfishing
Dates: August 22, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Osborne Park
Cost: Free
Night fishing instructional course at the pier. Instructors demonstrate how to cut fresh bait, tie specialized fishing hooks, and execute casting techniques. Participants age 16 and older must hold a valid Virginia fishing license. Designed for ages 10 and up. Course #18690. Registration link: Program detail | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
Learn to Play Riichi: Japanese Mahjong
Dates: August 29, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Deep Run Recreation Center
Cost: Free
An introductory rules and gameplay workshop teaching the complete tile-based configurations, strategies, and turn mechanics of traditional Japanese Riichi Mahjong. Designed for ages 10 and up. Course #18656. Registration link: Program detail | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
Studio at The Springs: Mat-tastic Creations
Dates: June 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM or 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Springs Recreation Center
Cost: Free
Guided craft workshop where youth design, stencil, and hand-paint custom durable fabric floor coverings. Designed for ages 7 to 13. Course #18539 and #18540. Registration link: Program detail | Henrico County Recreation and Parks Online Registration
