TJ Community Center: Fitness, Gym, Skate Nights, Hours & Rentals
TJ Community Center, officially known as Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center, is a public Arlington County recreation facility at 3501 2nd Street South, Arlington, VA 22204. It offers an indoor fitness center, walking and running track, gymnasium, exercise classes, youth activities, outdoor courts and seasonal Family Skate Night events.
The center is also associated with community gatherings and the Arlington County Fair. Whether you want to exercise, attend a class, bring children to Family Skate Night or request space for an event, this guide explains the relevant schedules, prices and official contacts.
Information reviewed October 19, 2026. Hours may change for special events, holidays and facility operations.
TJ Community Center Opening Hours
Arlington County’s official Thomas Jefferson facility page publishes the following regular schedule:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed under the posted regular schedule |
Fitness Center Age Restrictions
The fitness schedule includes an additional restriction:
Gym activity schedules, fitness classes, skate nights and private programs are separate from standard building hours.
Facilities and Amenities
Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center combines indoor fitness and recreation with outdoor athletic facilities.
Strength and cardio equipment for eligible fitness members and pass holders.
An indoor walking and running track for exercise throughout the year.
Indoor basketball, pickleball, fitness activities and scheduled community events.
Changing areas and showers associated with the fitness facility.
Indoor recreation space, subject to staff supervision and scheduled programs.
Space used for creative activities and community classes.
Nearby basketball, tennis, pickleball and soccer facilities.
Outdoor recreation space for children and families.
Drinking fountains, restrooms, accessible restroom facilities and Wi-Fi.
TJ Fitness Center: Equipment, Memberships and Passes
The fitness center provides cardio machines, resistance equipment, free weights and an indoor track.
Equipment Available
Matrix treadmills, ellipticals, indoor cycles, upright and recumbent bikes.
Concept2 rowers, Matrix ClimbMills and Cybex Arc Trainers.
Matrix selectorized equipment, functional trainer and Life Fitness Smith machine.
Dumbbells up to 100 pounds and additional resistance-training equipment.
Equipment such as NuStep machines and other specialized cardio options.
One-on-one Pilates training offered separately through the County’s program.
Published Arlington Community Fitness Membership Rates
The County’s general fitness membership provides access to participating Arlington County community fitness centers, including Thomas Jefferson, but excludes Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center unless you have the appropriate Long Bridge membership.
| Membership | Arlington Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, 12 months (18–54) | $232 | $304 |
| Senior, 12 months (55+) | $78 | $109 |
| Adult, 6 months | $124 | $165 |
| Adult, 3 months | $67 | $88 |
| Eligible student continuation pass (18–25) | $62 | Not listed |
| Teen pass (13–17) | Free | Not listed |
Daily Fitness Guest Passes
| Pass | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Adult day pass (18–54) | $8 | $10 |
| Senior day pass (55+) | $6 | $8 |
Reduced membership rates may be available based on household income and family size. Ask about the current application and supporting documents.
Fitness Programs and Drop-In Classes
Arlington County offers exercise classes at Thomas Jefferson. Its current drop-in fitness listing includes cycling and strength-conditioning options.
Examples from the Published Class Schedule
| Class | Listed Session | Published Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Core & More | Monday, 9–9:45 AM | $7 |
| Muscle Blast | Tuesday, 5:30–6:15 PM | $7 |
| Muscle Blast | Wednesday, 12:15–1 PM | $7 |
| Core Mobility | Thursday, 9–9:45 AM | $7 |
| Circuit | Friday, 9–10 AM | $7 |
| Indoor Cycling | Tuesday, 9–9:35 AM; Wednesday, 7:15–8 PM | $7 |
Many of these sessions require an Arlington Community Center Fitness Membership, while other outdoor-oriented workouts may have different membership requirements.
How to Join a Fitness Class
- Open the official Arlington County drop-in fitness class page.
- Choose the class and confirm TJ Community Center as the location.
- Check the current month’s date and time.
- Verify whether a fitness membership is required.
- Reserve or register if the class requires it.
- Bring appropriate clothing, water and your pass.
- Check in at the fitness center before the activity.
Basketball, Pickleball and Gym Recreation
The Thomas Jefferson gymnasium supports scheduled sports and community activities. The County also lists outdoor courts and athletic facilities nearby.
Indoor gym activities and nearby outdoor basketball options, subject to scheduled use.
Scheduled play, organized competitions and access to marked outdoor facilities.
Gym activities and recreational programs when scheduled and approved by staff.
TJ has also hosted organized pickleball tournaments. However, a tournament listing is not a guarantee of daily open pickleball courts.
How to Find Open Gym Times
- Visit the center’s official activity schedule.
- Select the relevant sport or program.
- Check the day, age limit and any fees.
- Determine whether preregistration is required.
- Call 703-228-5920 if the schedule is unclear.
- Confirm that the gym is not closed for an event or rental.
2026–27 Family Skate Night at TJ Community Center
Family Skate Night is one of Arlington’s well-known community activities. The event transforms the Thomas Jefferson gym into a roller-skating venue with music and optional activities.
Upcoming Skate Night Dates
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, December 19, 2026 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, January 30, 2027 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, February 6, 2027 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, February 13, 2027 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, February 20, 2027 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, February 27, 2027 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, March 6, 2027 | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday, March 13, 2027 | 6–9 PM |
Skating Admission and Equipment
Skate Night has separate charges for admission, roller skate rental, skate walkers and bounce-house activities. These options must be selected individually when required.
An Arlington school notice from March 2026 listed the following prices for that earlier skating session:
| Item | March 2026 Reference Price |
|---|---|
| Admission | $3 |
| Skate rental | $4 |
| Bounce house | $3 |
| Skate walker | $6 |
Arlington states that skate-night purchases, including admission, skate rental, skate walkers and bounce tickets, are non-refundable and non-transferable.
How to Attend Family Skate Night
- Choose a listed Saturday date.
- Open Arlington County’s official Family Skate Night webpage.
- Review current ticket and equipment prices.
- Choose admission and any required skate rental.
- Reserve the correct skate size if renting.
- Consider a skate walker if a beginner needs support.
- Complete preregistration to reduce the risk of unavailable skate sizes.
- Bring your tickets and arrive during the advertised event window.
Family Skate Night Birthday Party Rentals
Arlington County has published a dedicated birthday party package for the 2026–27 Family Skate Night season.
Dedicated party room and guaranteed skate rentals for up to 20 guests, including the birthday child.
Same published package, subject to availability and the official booking conditions.
What’s Included?
- Exclusive use of a birthday party room from 6–9 PM.
- Guaranteed skates for up to 20 guests, including the birthday child.
- Participation during the scheduled Family Skate Night event.
- Party arrangements controlled by the County’s reservation process.
The County does not permit birthday parties or similar private celebrations in the communal skating areas without an approved party reservation.
Applications for the 2026–27 season opened September 1, 2026. Check the official event page for available dates and the linked request form.
Youth and Teen Programs: The REC
Thomas Jefferson Community Center hosts a location of Arlington County’s The REC, a free after-school program for eligible middle school students.
Monday–Friday, 2:30–6 PM.
Excludes school days off and holidays under the regular program schedule.
Open to Arlington middle school students.
Published participation cost: no charge.
What Does The REC Offer?
The County describes center-based programming that may include:
- Games and group activities.
- Music and dance.
- Arts and creative projects.
- Cooking and food-related activities.
- Recreational sports.
- Activities selected by participating teenagers.
Schedules and activity choices vary by center and season.
How to Register for The REC
- Open Arlington County’s official The REC webpage.
- Locate Thomas Jefferson Community Center.
- Use registration activity number 720427-D when listed for the current season.
- Verify the student’s age and school eligibility.
- Complete the County’s registration process.
- Review attendance and pickup rules.
- Confirm the program start date and any school-break changes.
Senior Fitness and the Arlington 55+ Program
Arlington County offers additional fitness opportunities for older residents.
55+ Fitness Benefits
The County’s 55+ fitness page states that eligible people with a 55+ Pass may use the fitness center at TJ Community Center without an additional facility-use charge on weekdays from opening until 2:30 PM.
After 2:30 PM, the same page lists a $4 visit charge under that particular 55+ arrangement.
Arlington County also advertises selected Enjoy Arlington class discounts for residents age 62 and older, depending on the activity and applicable policy.
How to Use the 55+ Fitness Benefit
- Review eligibility for the Arlington County 55+ Pass.
- Apply or renew the pass as needed.
- Check the Thomas Jefferson fitness center’s hours.
- Plan a weekday visit before 2:30 PM when eligible for no-additional-charge access.
- Ask about charges if visiting later.
- Follow fitness center age, equipment and check-in rules.
TJ Community Center Meeting and Gym Rentals
Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center is an established venue for recreation activities, public meetings, sporting events and community gatherings.
For space availability, room suitability and booking conditions, Arlington County directs inquiries to its central Facility Scheduling Office.
Phone: 703-228-4747, option 2.
What Can You Ask to Rent?
Depending on current Arlington County policies, rental inquiries may concern:
- Indoor athletic or gymnasium activities.
- Approved organization meetings.
- Recreation and fitness-related group events.
- Community gatherings.
- Activities associated with specific permitted events.
Ask the scheduling office for the currently approved room inventory, rental rates, deposits, insurance requirements and application process.
How to Request a Facility Rental
- Choose your event type. Identify whether it involves sports, a meeting or another permitted activity.
- Estimate attendance. Count participants, organizers, volunteers and guests.
- Select possible dates. Prepare your preferred date and one or two alternatives.
- Contact scheduling. Call 703-228-4747, option 2, or email the facility office.
- Confirm TJ availability. Ask whether the requested room or gym space can accommodate the event.
- Request a written quote. Include hourly rates, minimum durations, staffing and equipment.
- Review the policies. Ask about food, decorations, insurance, security and permitted activities.
- Submit the required application. Follow the County’s official reservation process.
- Complete approval and payment. Do not treat an inquiry as an approved reservation.
- Save confirmation. Check room access, parking, event timing and cleanup obligations.
Arlington County Fair and Community Events
TJ Community Center is widely recognized as a location associated with the Arlington County Fair.
It also serves as a venue for other civic and recreational events, including public meetings and County activities.
Examples of TJ Events
A recurring community event associated with TJ’s indoor and outdoor facilities.
Seasonal Saturday evening roller skating and family entertainment.
County meetings and community gatherings scheduled in approved rooms.
The County’s published calendar lists a free Open Door Monday event at the center on November 23, 2026, 6–8 PM, with RSVP instructions and availability limits.
Individual event access rules can differ from normal fitness membership requirements. Check each event’s published details.
Parking and Accessibility
Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center is located at 3501 2nd Street South in Arlington, Virginia.
The County’s facility page labels on-site parking as limited. Larger events and sports tournaments can increase demand.
Before You Drive
- Allow extra time for parking on event days.
- Check whether a nearby school or athletic event is happening.
- Follow posted parking restrictions.
- Ask staff which entrance to use for your activity.
- Confirm drop-off arrangements if bringing a group.
- Request accessibility accommodations in advance when needed.
Arlington County’s Parks and Recreation guidance recommends making accessibility accommodation requests approximately two weeks in advance when possible.
Accommodation contact: 703-228-4740; TTY 703-228-4743.
TJ Community Center Map and Directions
Street address: 3501 2nd Street South, Arlington, VA 22204.
Public transit and walking may be useful alternatives when parking is busy. Check a current transit planner for the best route and any service changes.
Which TJ Community Center Activity Should You Choose?
| Your Goal | Best Next Step |
|---|---|
| Use cardio and weight equipment | Review Arlington Community Fitness Membership or daily pass options. |
| Walk or jog indoors | Ask about indoor track access under the fitness center rules. |
| Join a strength class | Check the current TJ fitness class schedule and $7 sessions. |
| Play basketball or pickleball | Confirm current open-gym or registered sports times. |
| Take children roller skating | Choose a published Family Skate Night and preregister. |
| Host a skate birthday party | Review the $275 resident or $500 non-resident party package. |
| Find free teen activities | Check The REC’s Monday–Friday after-school program. |
| Exercise with a 55+ Pass | Review weekday access before 2:30 PM and the County’s senior rules. |
| Rent a room or gym | Contact Arlington Facility Scheduling for current options and a written quote. |
First-Time Visitor Checklist
- Check center and activity hours.
- Confirm any age restrictions.
- Bring the correct membership or pass.
- Wear suitable athletic clothing.
- Review current drop-in class costs.
- Check whether gym space is available.
- Follow staff check-in instructions.
- Reserve skating tickets in advance.
- Choose correct rental skate sizes.
- Check the skate walker and bounce-house fees.
- Book a birthday room separately if needed.
- Allow extra time for limited parking.
- Ask about accessibility accommodations.
- Save tickets or approved rental paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is TJ Community Center located?
TJ Community Center, officially Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center, is located at 3501 2nd Street South, Arlington, VA 22204.
What are TJ Community Center’s regular hours?
The published schedule is Monday–Friday 7 AM–9 PM and Saturday 8 AM–5 PM, with Sunday closed. Special events and seasonal operations may change access.
What is the TJ Community Center phone number?
The main telephone number is 703-228-5920. For facility scheduling and rental questions, call 703-228-4747 and choose option 2.
Does TJ Community Center have a fitness center?
Yes. Thomas Jefferson has cardio machines, strength equipment, free weights, an indoor track, locker rooms and showers. Membership or eligible passes are required for fitness access.
How much is a TJ Community Center fitness day pass?
Arlington County lists adult daily fitness passes at $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Senior daily passes are $6 for residents and $8 for non-residents.
Can I play basketball or pickleball at TJ Community Center?
The center has a gymnasium and lists basketball and pickleball facilities. Court access depends on the current activity calendar, scheduled programs and reservations.
Does TJ Community Center host Family Skate Night?
Yes. Arlington County publishes a 2026–27 Family Skate Night schedule with selected Saturdays from 6 PM to 9 PM. Ticket prices and equipment availability should be checked for the chosen date.
How much is a Family Skate Night birthday party?
The 2026–27 birthday package is $275 for Arlington residents and $500 for non-residents. It includes a reserved party room from 6–9 PM and guaranteed skates for up to 20 guests.
Are there free after-school programs at TJ Community Center?
Yes. Arlington County’s The REC provides free after-school programming for eligible Arlington middle school students, normally Monday–Friday from 2:30 PM to 6 PM on school days.
How do I inquire about TJ Community Center rentals?
Contact the Arlington County Facility Scheduling Office at 703-228-4747, option 2, or email facilitiesscheduling@arlingtonva.us to ask about approved spaces, availability, fees and rental requirements.
Official Sources and Visitor Resources
Independent visitor guide reviewed October 19, 2026. Arlington County Parks and Recreation controls final schedules, admission, eligibility, program registration, event reservations and facility rental rules.