Classes & Programs

Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism Offers
Instructional Programming,
Outdoor Camps and Outdoor Programs!

On This Page
Registration Methods | Classes | Outdoor Programs
55 & Better Programs | Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Instructor Information

Registration Methods

Online Registration - Preferred Method

Visit our online registration site for more information and to register.
Use the search feature in the top gray menu bar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon.
Look for specific activities and classes by typing in a key word (example: "art").
Or, use the links to the specific class listings on this page.

In-Person Registration

Visit your nearest Chesapeake Community Center to register and complete your payment.
Or, visit the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Administrative Office/Visitor Center anytime during operating hours to register for any classes and outdoor camps/programs.

Drop-in Participation - Not Permitted at This Time

Pre-registration is required for all instructional classes and camps. The number of class participants per program are limited.

Classes

Adult Classes (18+)

Teen/Adult Classes (13+)

Youth Classes

Select classes are offered day and evening. Participants do not have to be homeschooled in order to participate in homeschool classes.

Art and Creative Skills (ages 6-13)
Art and Creative Skills for Homeschoolers (ages 6-13)
Ballet & Tap (ages 6-12)
Beginner Gymnastics (ages 6-12)
Boxing 101 (ages 6-12)
Cheerleading Skills (ages 6-12)
Jazz & Hip Hop (ages 6-12)
Martial Arts - Karate 101 (ages 6-13)
Martial Arts - Karate 102 (ages 6-13)
Sewing 101 for Homeschoolers (ages 6-13)
Spanish for Beginners (ages 9-14)
Tennis 101 (ages 6-10)
Tennis 101 for Homeschoolers (ages 6-16)
Tennis 102 (ages 8-14)
Tennis 102 for Homeschoolers (8-16)
Tennis 102 - Match Play (ages 10-16)
Tennis 103 - Match Play (ages 10-16)

Pre-School Classes

Forest Friends (ages 2-5)
Jazz & Hip Hop for Preschoolers (ages 3-5)
Little Picassos (ages 3.5-5)
Mini Michelangelos (ages 2-3)
Pre-Ballet (ages 3-5)
Stepping Stones (ages 3.5-5)
Tike Tunes (ages 2-5)
Tots in Motion (ages 2-3.5)
Trail Tots (ages 3-5)

Outdoor Programs

See our Chesapeake Outdoors newsletter for a full listing of what's happening this month!

The following events are FREE! Pre-registration may be required.

Battle Walk - April 16 [FULL], June 11, September 10, December 10
Colonial Garden Tour - May 21, July 20, September 21, November 16
Fireside Chat at Northwest River Park - May 7, June 4, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5
Guided Nature Hikes at Different Parks - April 23, May 28, July 23, August 27, September 24, November 12
Guided Nature Hike/Owl Prowl - October 22 (Northwest River Park), November 19 (Dismal Swamp Canal Trail), December 10 (Northwest River Park)
SunDays at Elizabeth River Park - April 16, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 3
Skywatch at Northwest River Park - April 23, May 21, June 18, July 23, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17

Nature Academy at the Chesapeake Arboretum

Ages 5-12, $5 per class. March through October on the fourth Thursday of the month. Registration for that month's class opens on the first day of the month.

Trash Talk - April 28, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Growing Gardens - May 26, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Buzz Like a Bee - June 23, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Animals on Display - July 28, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Keeping Forests - August 25, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Forest Foragers - September 22, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Natures Scariest - October 27, 2022 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Outdoor Summer Camps

Registration opens April 11th. All camps will take place at River Crest Community Center.

Super Science Week Camp: July 11 - July 15, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., ages 6-9, $100
Survival Week Camp I: July 18 - July 22, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., ages 6-9, $100
Survival Week Camp II: July 25 - July 29, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., ages 9-12, $100
Crazy Nature Week Camp I: August 1 - August 5, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., ages 6-9, $100
Crazy Nature Week Camp II: August 8 - August 12, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., ages 9-12, $100
Pre-School Ranger Camp A.M.: August 15 - August 19, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., ages 3-5, $50
Pre-School Ranger Camp P.M.: August 16 - August 19, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., ages 3-5, $50

55 & Better Virtual Programs

Join us for these exciting "Virtual" activities using Zoom Video Conferencing!

If you are interested in participating in future virtual opportunities, please email your contact information to seniorprograms@cityofchesapeake.net and request to be added to our Master Email List.

Bingo Madness

Mondays and Fridays at 11 a.m. and Evening Bingo on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Bingo prizes can be picked up curbside at The Portlock at South Norfolk, 3815 Bainbridge Boulevard, on the first Tuesday of from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the previous month's Bingo winners.

55 & Better In-Person Programming and Events

For in-person classes and programs, check out our activities guide. If the class or group is full and you are interested in being added to the waiting lists, please send us a request by email to seniorprograms@cityofchesapeake.net:

Therapeutic Recreation Programs

All new and returning individuals participating in Therapeutic Recreation Programs will need to have an updated assessment completed ASAP. Assessment information packets are available online for you to print and complete prior to attending an assessment with a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (C.T.R.S.). The assessment is to ensure all staff are aware of each individual’s communications style, necessary modifications, and other helpful information that will eliminate barriers to recreation participation. We will also establish measurable goals that each participant will be encouraged to work on while in T.R. programs. To set up an assessment or if you have any questions, please call 757-382-1328.

Summer Camp

Dates: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 - Friday, August 19, 2022 (No camp on July 4th due to the holiday)
Location: Great Bridge Community Center
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $100 per week with $25 Registration Fee
Registration Opens: Monday, April 4, 2022 (in person only). Call 757-382-1328, email mbeck@cityofchesapeake.net or come to Chesapeake Visitor's Center. Participants will need to complete an assessment prior to the start of camp
Registration Deadline: Registration for each camp week must take place no later than the Friday before the camp week begins.

Social Groups

These social groups are dedicated to increasing participants’ independence while creating opportunities for individuals to make new friends and enjoy fun activities. Visit our online registration site or more information on the following programs:

TR PARENT/CAREGIVER Information Meeting
TR-C.R.E.W. (Chesapeake Recreation, Education and Wellness) Club Programs (Ages 18+) - In Person
TR-Chair Exercise (Ages 18+) - In Person and Virtual Options
TR-Outdoor Fun (Ages 18+) - NEW! - In Person
TR-TEEN Picasso's in the Park (Ages 13-22) - NEW! - In Person
TR-Painting to Music (Ages 18+) - NEW! - Virtual
TR-Karaoke (Ages 18+) - Virtual

Instructor Information

We're always looking for coaches and instructors! For more information and to apply, contact us at 757-382-6411 or visit our web page on How to Become an Instructor or Volunteer Coaches Information.