Henrico's 'Free for All' effort spotlights summer programs and activities

A Henrico County campaign is highlighting the wide variety of free programs, activities and events available to the community throughout the summer.

The Free for All campaign encourages residents and visitors of all ages to take advantage of the resources and other offerings from Henrico County Public Library and Recreation and Parks. The campaign will be promoted throughout the summer through social media and other outlets. 

“Free for All is your free passport to summer that’s filled with fun, enriching and engaging programs, events and activities, whatever your interests are,” HCPL Program Director Rick Samuelson said. “We’re excited to share all that’s available to the community and encourage everyone to take part.”

Henrico offers nine library locations, including five large area libraries, as well as 50 Recreation and Parks facilities, such as community centers, museums, historical sites, boat landings, skate parks, a farm and a nature center.

Upcoming programs include workshops and activities on babysitting, line dancing, cookie decorating, jewelry making, gardening, birdwatching, movie and book discussions, and “bubble-palooza” parties.

For most programs, HCPL and Recreation and Parks provide supplies and other resources at no cost to participants. These include crafting materials for art classes, cooking and baking supplies, and equipment for kayaking, archery and similar activities.

The program guides for activities scheduled through August are available online: 

• Libraries 2026 Summer Program Guide;
• Recreation & Parks 2026 Summer Program Guide.

In addition to programs, Henrico offers a wide variety of resources that are available every day. Library patrons can reserve workspaces, access free digital content from anywhere and take advantage of job-hunting tools. HCPL’s digital media labs also allow residents to digitize photos and videos, produce podcasts and experiment with 3D printers.

Residents can register for Open Access Activities or instructor-led fitness classes from Recreation and Parks. They also can access walking and biking trails, fishing ponds, spray parks, picnic areas, basketball and pickleball courts, animal exhibits and more.

In addition to general exercise classes, specialized therapeutic and modified fitness classes are designed to help promote Recreation and Parks’ mission to enrich lives and connect communities, regardless of age or ability.

“We offer free programs for everybody of all abilities to foster well-being,” said Katie Jones, marketing coordinator for Recreation and Parks. “These programs are designed to help residents learn a skill, make a friend or just come and make their lives better. It’s pretty simple, but it’s important.”