Summer planning just got a whole lot easier. Arlington’s Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR)2026 Summer Camp Catalog is live, featuring fun and engaging experiences for kids and teens across ten weeks of camp from June through August—with something for every interest and age group. Whether your camper loves nature, creative arts, sports, or something else—DPR has you covered with a wide range of summer options designed to keep kids active, learning, and having fun.
Registration Dates & What to Know
To help families plan ahead, camp registration opens in phases based on camp type. (more…)
Arlington invites the community to come together for an inspiring evening honoring the life, legacy, and enduring impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the County’s annual MLK tributethis Sunday, January 18 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Wakefield High School.
This year’s production, Dreams, Faith & Justice in Action, brings Dr. King’s message to life through dance, music, and storytelling throughout the evening. Hear from distinguished community speakers including attorney and activist Marcia Olivia Payne, Esq., pastor and author Dr. Shakina Dunbar Rawlings, and the Honorable Judge William T. Newman, Jr. who served as Arlington’s first African American County Board Member and Chair. The program will also spotlight local changemakers whose work embody Dr. King’s principles of service, equality, and shared purpose.
The 2026 tribute is anchored by the renowned Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University who will grace the stage with powerful performances rooted in a 50-year legacy that has captivated audiences around the region and across the world. As a premiere performing arts ensemble, Howard Gospel Choir has performed at the invitation of the White House and the Kennedy Center, debuted at #19 on the billboard top gospel music album chart, and served as a trailblazer for gospel ministries across collegiate campuses. The stage will also highlight local and regional talent from lyrical dancer, Jayme Howard, the Patterson Elementary School choir, and the Gunston Middle School step team. Click here to learn more about this year’s performers, speakers, and crew.
Free Admission and Community Support
Admission to the event is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Can’t make it in person? A livestream will be available so the entire community can take part. Attendees are encouraged to drop off food donations at the event in support of the Arlington Food Assistance Center, and also explore meaningful ways to serve during MLK weekend and throughout the year.
Learn more and RSVP here for this free community celebration!
Arlington launches Deer Management Program to protect local forests
Spring 2025 Deer Drone Survey Map
Surveyed Deer Population Reduced but Still 3x to 6x Recommended Levels
Estimated Statewide Deer Population Curve
Lacey Woods Park
Barcroft Park
Tree that will most likely die from deer damage
Browse line is 5 to 6 feet from the forest floor affecting plants ability to regrow
Deer browsing damage
Deer rubbing/scratching damage
For the past several years, Arlington County has studied the impact of white-tailed deer on our forests. The findings are clear: an overabundant deer population is threatening the health of Arlington’s natural areas by stripping away young plants and impacting forest health and regeneration. To address this, the County will begin managing its deer population in February 2026 through a hybrid approach of professional sharpshooting, fencing, and repellents in select natural land parks. This Program follows extensive research, public input, and consultation with regional and national experts.
Why it Matters:
Healthy forests are vital for cleaner air and water, wildlife habitat, and the health and wellbeing of Arlingtonians. Without action, deer browsing will continue to degrade these ecosystems, leaving fewer native plants, more invasive species, and less forest for future generations.
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
Between school, activities, and everyday life, teens have a lot going on and finding something they actually want to do after school or on the weekends can be a challenge. Well look no further! Arlington County has leveled up its Teen Programs – adding even more opportunities for students to stay active, connect with friends, and explore their interests through free and safe programming.
Here’s a look at how your teen can get involved:
Introducing, The REC! Arlington’s Teen After-School Zone
The REC after-school programs are safe spaces where teens can drop in for activities, they get to choose themselves. They are places for teens to relax, explore interests, and connect with friends. From sports and cooking classes to tutoring, art and nature visits, there’s something for every teen at The REC!
Where: Arlington Mill, Walter Reed, Thomas Jefferson, and Gunston Community Centers; Kenmore Middle School. Learn more and see the full schedule here.
Teen Night Events are BACK! Get the latest line up of Teen Nights— now rotating between select REC locations on Fridays from 6-9 p.m.! It’s all the fun you’d expect including music, games, art, eSports—plus, free dinner! And don’t miss the first Teen Takeover of the school year on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 7-10 p.m. at Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center!
Where: Teen Nights at Arlington Mill, Thomas Jefferson, and Gunston Community Centers; Teen Takeover locations vary. Learn more and see the full schedule here.
More Gym Time, More Flexibility
More drop-in gym hours just for teens and youth have been expanded across Arlington’s community centers! Whether it’s shooting hoops, blowing off steam, or just hanging out with peers, teens now have even more time set aside for drop-in play—no registration required.
Where: Visit our website for gym schedules by location. How to Get Started: Get Your Teen Pass!
The Teen Pass is Arlington’s free all-access ticket to fun. With the ease of a swipe, middle and high schoolers can access free Department of Parks and Recreation after-school and weekend programming like The REC and Teen Nights. Teen Pass holders get access to all* of Arlington County’s fitness centers for free!
It’s free to register, auto-renews until age 18, and physical cards can be picked up at any community center. Get a Teen Pass today!
*Excludes Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center. Must be at least 13 years of age.
Discover what else is in store: Click here to learn about teen trips, employment opportunities, skills development and so much more.
