Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Familias Latinas VDSA - Club de Pesca el mes de Septiembre
2025-09-09 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico, VA, 23233, United States
¡Familias Latinas! Vamos a Pescar el 9,16,23 y 30 de septiembre de 6pm a 730 pm. Suplimos todo lo que necesitan para pescar.
Pueden registrase por separados con el botón registro. Es importante registrar cada persona separada para saber cuántas barras y equipo necesitamos llevar.
Donde: Deep Run Park
Hora: 6pm a 7:30 pm
Cuando: Septiembre 9, 16, 23 y 30
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4DA8AC22A3F49-57174739-club#/
Para mas información email ccastle@virginiadsa.org o llamar al 804-390-5640

F'burg Picnic in the Park
2025-09-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Kenmore park, 1401 Kenmore Park, Fredericksburg, 22401, United States
Picnic in the Park
Get ready for a fun-filled family evening at Kenmore Park! Join us at Sunday, Sept. 7th, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, for playtime and a picnic! Please bring a picnic food to share and don’t forget your picnic blanket!
Register Here

Williamsburg - Back-to-School Bowling 2025
2025-09-07 15:30 - 17:30 | Twin Pin Bowling, 2057 Lebanon Church Rd, Newport News, 23691, United States
Join the Greater Williamsburg Community for Back to school Bowling at Twin Pin Bowling Center in Yorktown next to the entry gate of Yorktown Naval Weapons Station.
1976 Lebanon Church Road
Newport News, VA

Register HERE
All ages welcome. Please register for each family member attending. Limited to 40 attendees.
No cost to bowl. No food or drinks allowed but items will be available to purchase!
Sunday, September 7th, 3:30 – 5:30 PM.
Made possible by the Junior Women’s Club of Williamsburg!
Any questions, please contact Williamsburg Community Coordinator, Stephanie Cleary – scleary@virginiadsa.org

Charlottesville - Family Meet Up at the Gazpacho in the Garden
2025-09-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Morven Sustainability Lab, 661 Morven Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Hey VDSA families from Charlottesville and nearby areas!
Let’s get together at a beautiful event hosted by Morven UVA—their students have planned a fun, family-friendly day, and honestly… who can resist fresh tomato gazpacho? 🍅
🎟️ Tickets are $10 per person, and there are also raffle tickets available for purchase.
If you’d like to join us:
Buy your event tickets here:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-14th-annual-morven-gazpacho-in-the-garden-tickets-1203521658679
Then register on our sign-up sheet so we know who’s coming and can coordinate a shared spot.
👉 LINK
🧺 Don’t forget to bring your own picnic blanket, chairs—or both!
We hope to see many of you there for a great time outdoors!

Art in the Park (ages 2-12) (RVA)
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA, 23060
Join us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best!

September 6 – Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
September 20 – Huguenot Park, 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA 23235

10:00 am to Noon
Baby to 12 years old
Siblings welcome
Register Here

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-09-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to start the virtual Improvaneer Method 5 week class again!!
7:00 to 8:00 pm

Returning and new participants welcome!
Teens and adults are welcome to sign up!

The Improvaneer Method:
Teaches participants:
Eye Contact. Creative Thinking. Adaption To Change. Quick Thinking. Focus. Listening. Voice Projection. Character Development. Attention To Detail.
Structure:

Each class lasts one hour and has a theme, a discussion, five games, and ‘homeprov’ that the participants are to practice with friends and family.
In each class we will gradually build in real world scenarios by mostly playing games that imitate various jobs, situations, and connections in real life.
Each week parents will receive an outline of what is coming up in the class.
After the class, emails will be sent to with ‘homeprov’ reminders.

Note from Rob Snow – CEO and Creator
The Improvaneer Method Way focuses on supporting our mission while maintaining immense respect, admiration, and support for the individuals utilizing the program. At all times, we will create a positive learning atmosphere that incorporates fun, humor, and discipline into the achievement and ultimate practice of this skill.
Learn more:
https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/90605-virtual-improvaneer-fall-2025

Tri-cities Crewe Railroad Museum
2025-08-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Crewe Railroad Museum, 125 Carolina Ave., Crewe, 23930, United States
​We will meet at Crewe Railroad Museum on August 30,2025 from 10-1. We will meet there and have a sack lunch following. If you have any questions, please contact me at 217-892-2932.
Register HERE!

Dads’ Night Out
2025-08-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Capital Ale House, 13831 Village Place Drive, Midlothian, VA, 23118, United States
Richmond Area Dads’ Night Out!!
Connect with other Dads in the greater Richmond area who understand your journey!
Share and learn during this social time with other Dads.

Tuesday, August 26th, 6PM

Capital Ale House Midlothian
13831 Village Place Dr, Midlothian, VA 23114

RSVP to Jan Rychtar, ary60249@gmail.com

Hanover-Guiding Your Child's Leap into Early Learning (Ages 0-5yrs)
2025-08-26 15:00 - 16:30 | Atlee Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Dr, Mechanicsville, 23116, United States
Guiding Your Child’s Leap into Early Learning (Ages 0-5): Family Lifeline, in partnership with VDSA, presents a session to prepare families for transitioning children into early learning environments (daycare, preschool, kindergarten). Resources and support will be provided, with a focus on information relevant to children with disabilities. VDSA caregivers are welcome. See specific locations and dates for this presentation below.
8.12 Petersburg- Petersburg library at 10:15 am
8.14 Henrico – Deep Run park (shelter 4) at 10:00 am
8.26 Hanover – Atlee Library at 3:00 pm
Register Here! https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/89550-guiding-your-child-s-leap-into-early-learning-ages-0-5yrs

Pajama Movie Night Party
2025-08-23 17:00 - 20:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
You’re Invited to a Pajama Movie Night!
Get ready for a cozy night in! Join us for a pajama movie night filled with snacks, and good company in your pajamas! Don’t forget your pillow and blanket!!
Date: Saturday, August 23rd from 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: VDSA’s Activity Room – 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124
For ages 13+ / Cost: $5.00
Register Here

Art in the Park (ages 2-12) (RVA)
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
Join us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best!

August 23 – Deep Run Park, Henrico, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233
September 6 – Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
September 20 – Huguenot Park, 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA 23235

10:00 am to Noon
Baby to 12 years old
Siblings welcome
Register Here

CHARLOTTESVILLE MEETUP + WALK
2025-08-23 08:30 - 10:30 | CHS High School track, 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Charlottesville All-Ages Social Meetup + Walk
– to train for the Special Olympics 10K/2-mile

Date: 8/23 & 9/6 from 8:30-10:30am
CHS High School track, 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville VA 22901
**Four laps around the track equal one mile.**
After the walk, we’ll head to Kindness Café/YMCA outdoor playground for some fun and connection!
Register Here:

Fredericksburg Dads' Night Out
2025-08-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Hacienda El Patron, 2805 Plank Rd, Frederickburg, VA, 2401
Let’s Meet Up for Dads’ Night Out

Please join fellow Fredericksburg dads a for a night out. Come and connect with other dads, share stories, and enjoy a relaxing evening. It’s a chance to support each other and create some fun!

Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/88622-fredericksburg-moms-and-dads-night-out

Charlottesville Moms' Night Out
2025-08-22 18:00 - 20:00 | un Pin (Dairy Market, Cville), 946 Grady Avenue, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
Mom’s Night Out
Date: Friday, 8/22 at 6 PM
Sun Pin (Dairy Market, Cville) 946 Grady Avenue
Charlottesville VA 22903,
$10/hr to play + food; www.sunpins.fun
We’ll also be checking it out as a potential spot for future youth/teen meetups!
Register Here:

Richmond – Painting Class
2025-08-22 12:30 - 13:30 | VA
Every other Friday During the Summer Months
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$15 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: June 13 & 27 – July 11 & 25 – August 8 & 22
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83873-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-summer-2025

Richmond Area Moms' Night Out
2025-08-15 19:00 - 21:00 | VA
Richmond Area Moms’ Night Out
Join other moms in conversation.

Portico Restaurant – July 18, Friday at 6:00 pm

12506 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23238

Latitude Seafood Co. – August 15, Friday at 7:00 pm

15532 Westchester Commons Way, Midlothian, VA 2311

Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/88808-richmond-area-moms-night-out

Henrico- Guiding Your Child's Leap into Early Learning" (Ages 0-5yrs)
2025-08-14 10:15 - 11:30 | Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico, VA, 23233, United States

Petersburg-Guiding Your Child's Leap into Early Learning (Ages 0-5yrs)
2025-08-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Petersburg Library, 201 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, United States

Tri-cities Pool Party
2025-08-10 16:00 - 20:00 | Battlefield Park Swim and Raquet Club, 3108 Homestead Dr., Petersburg, 23805, United States
Join VDSA at Battlefield Pool for some swimming, feast, fun and friends. Bring a dish to pass. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided. Individual with Down Syndrome is free. All others in the party are $5. See you on August 10, 2025 from 4-8.
Have questions? Contact mfreds@virginiadsa.org or 217-892-2932
Register HERE!

Fredericksburg Moms' Night Out
2025-08-09 19:00 - 21:00 | CAVA, 3205 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA, 22407
Let’s Meet Up for Moms’ Night Out

Please join fellow Fredericksburg moms a for a night out. Come and connect with other moms, share stories, and enjoy a relaxing evening. It’s a chance to support each other and create some fun!

Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/88622-fredericksburg-moms-and-dads-night-out

Richmond - Spray Park and Playground get together!
2025-08-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Twin Hickory Recreation Center, 5011 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA, 23059
Join us for the Spray Park and Playground get together!
July 26 and August 9

Twin Hickory Recreation Center

Address: 5011 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
10:30 am – Noon

Siblings, grandparents and relatives also welcome to join us
The area has fence 3/4 of the way around with one entrance and exit

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/89600-richmond-spray-park-outings

21 Shades Pool Party (Williamsburg)
2025-08-08 15:00 - 19:00 | Chickahominy River Park, 1350 John Tyler Parkway, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
It’ a Family Affair! Join us Friday, August 8th from 3 pm to 7 pm. Bring your families for a fun day at the pool. Individuals with Down syndrome get a free pool pass. Some food and beverages provided in the shelter next to the pool. For pool entry cost and pool rules please visit Chickahominy Riverfront Park website https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/902/Hours-Fees
Chickahominy Riverfront Park is located at 1350 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/89495-21-shades-pool-party

Richmond – Painting Class
2025-08-08 12:30 - 13:30 | Art Factory, , 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA, 23112

Fredericksburg Boat & Splash Time
2025-08-06 09:30 - 11:00 | Alum Springs Park
Join Fredericksburg VDSA families for outdoor fun at Alum Spring Parks. Play on the playground, build a boat, sail your boat, and splash in the creek! Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet! We will meet at the picnic table closest to the playground. Contact Christy Murphy (540-273-1108) with any questions.
*Boat supplies will be provided*

Don’t forget to have some dry clothes in the car ;)
Click to register!

Richmond Grandparents Group - August 2025
2025-08-04 18:30 - 19:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Richmond Grandparent Support Group – Join us in August!

Connect with other grandparents on a similar journey. This group is peer-led and will promote conversation and connection for caregivers like you. This meeting will take place in-person at our Richmond office. Feel free to bring a bagged dinner! Laid back group conversation.

A support group where we share our experiences with our grandchildren. We enjoy a bagged dinner together and learn from each other.
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/89602-grandparent-support-group

Williamsburg Annual Picnic and Pool Party
2025-08-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Williamsburg Picnic and Pool Party
Join us Friday, August 1st from 5 pm to 7 pm for Fun in the Sun. We have the pavilion reserved and we can take turns swimming, splashing on the Splash Pad, or walking the Virginia Capital Trail. lease plan to bring a side dish to share:
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/89275-williamsburg-annual-picnic-and-pool-party

STEAM - Science "It's in the Reaction"
2025-07-31 14:00 - 16:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
New STEAM ‘Science’ Summer Program!
VDSA is thrilled to announce an exciting new STEAM Summer Program that’s packed with action! This 7-week program will dive into the fascinating world of Science, exploding with experiments that are sure to leave each attendee in a state of wonder and awe. From chemistry concoctions to physics phenomena, our instructor Carol Coffin will guide you through a series of hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for discovery. Register for the whole 7 weeks or pick and choose your reaction – either way, get ready for a summer of scientific exploration and fun!
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/87340-steam-science-it-s-in-the-reaction

Richmond - Summer Employment Academy
2025-07-30 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-28 09:00 - 13:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
The Summer Employment Academy is a 4-week summer program in which high school students with Down syndrome have on-site career experiences along with in-class soft skills employment training. This program is open to any student with Down syndrome aged 16 and up.
The Richmond classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays in July at the VDSA Office. Students are in-class two days per week and on a job site two days per week. The student rotates through 4 different job sites for an individualized and well-rounded career exploration experience. While at the job site, they practice the soft skills they are learning in class while working with a job coach. Class size is maximum eight students with Down syndrome.
For more information, contact Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org.

Summer Pontoon Boat Ride
2025-07-29 16:00 - 19:00 | Osbourne Landing, 9680 Osborne Tpke, Richmond, VA, 23231
Summer Pontoon Boat Ride
Join VDSA and Beyond Boundaries for Summer Pontoon Boat Rides!
Join us for a relaxing 1 hour 30 minutes cruise down the beautiful James River! We will begin our pontoon adventure from the dock at Osborne Landing and cruise downriver, enjoying wildlife.
Cost: $10.00 per Family
All ages welcome
Families are welcome but space is very limited
Parents must accompany any children under the age of 16 (Life vests are required)
Please ensure your child is comfortable with an almost 1.5 hour sitting boat ride.
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/87059-summer-pontoon-boat-ride
