The longest-running children's theater in the DC area, Adventure Theatre presents fully staged live productions of fables, fairy tales, musicals, and children's classics.

A free book club encourages kids to read books the plays are about before seeing them performed. Children who register receive a membership pin, a book club passport - stamped for each play seen, name recognition on a lobby display, and a certificate of completion. Special book club performances (for which members get two discounted tickets) are offered for each production, and include post-show discussions and activities.

The theater is climate-controlled and has a capacity of 193 in comfortable, tiered, stadium-style seating.

Classes are offered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring, in all phases of the dramatic arts, for both children and adults.

During the summer, teen and kid workshops are offered from 9am to 3pm.

Andy's Parties is a full-service children's party (best for ages three through 11) and event planning company. The basic party package includes games, music, a craft activity for every guest to take home, pizza, juice, cupcakes, ice cream, goodie bags, and a special gift for the birthday child. Set-up, cleanup, and all supplies are included, and the event is led by Andy's Parties staff members.

There are lots of ways to add on to or customize the basic package as well - theme parties (princess parties, safari parties, pirate parties, sports-themed parties, holiday parties, dance parties...), a magic show, balloons and other decorations, and more. Andy's Parties leads parties at your home or other venue, or can host in-store parties (up to 18 children).

Andy's Parties also offers enrichment classes for kids (ages birth through 10) - such as Mommy and Me Playgroup, Kaleidoscope Adventures Class, and Kaleidoscope Chronicles - plus classes from independent instructors such as KinderMusik and Abrakadoodle. Check the website for current classes.

Summer Themed Mini-Camps - five-day morning camps for children ages three to seven - are offered from the end of June through August. Themes include Pirates, Princesses, Dinosaurs, Safari Animals, and Mixed Themes Weeks. They fill up quickly, so check the website for registration information.

Andy's Parties is a full-service children's party (best for ages three through 11) and event planning company. The basic party package includes games, music, a craft activity for every guest to take home, pizza, juice, cupcakes, ice cream, goodie bags, and a special gift for the birthday child. Set-up, cleanup, and all supplies are included, and the event is led by Andy's Parties staff members.

There are lots of ways to add on to or customize the basic package as well - theme parties (princess parties, safari parties, pirate parties, sports-themed parties, holiday parties, dance parties...), a magic show, balloons and other decorations, and more. Andy's Parties leads parties at your home or other venue, or can host in-store parties (up to 18 children).

Andy's Parties also offers enrichment classes for kids (ages birth through 10) - such as Mommy and Me Playgroup, Kaleidoscope Adventures Class, and Kaleidoscope Chronicles - plus classes from independent instructors such as KinderMusik and Abrakadoodle. Check the website for current classes.

Summer Themed Mini-Camps - five-day morning camps for children ages three to seven - are offered from the end of June through August. Themes include Pirates, Princesses, Dinosaurs, Safari Animals, and Mixed Themes Weeks. They fill up quickly, so check the website for registration information.

Animal Ambassadors is an environmental educational outreach organization based in Loudon County, VA. It offers an educational program, perfect for birthday parties, that includes live animal meet-and-greets and information about the animals being presented.

Animals include reptiles and amphibians (snakes and toads), mammals (kinkajou, fennec fox, chinchilla, or coatimundi), invertebrates (giant African millipedes, scorpions, tarantula, or Madagascar hissing roaches), or birds (parrots, macaws, or cockatoos).

The well-known Barry's Magic Shop, owned and operated by professional magician Barry Taylor and his wife Susan since 1974, is one of the largest magic emporiums in the DC metro area. The shop maintains an impressive stock of magic-related books, videos, and props for the discriminating conjuror and carries a full range of magical supplies, including everything from the conjuring classics through the latest cutting-edge tricks on the market.

The Bella Bee Glamour Girl Workshop is a traveling Glamour Girl Workshop, great for birthday parties and more. Girls get to make up the outside with glitter and glamour while learning to also celebrate the positive characteristic pillars on the inside - the importance of beauty that comes from within.

Serving the Washington metro area since 1984, Biggo Productions specializes in entertainment for children. Founded by an educator, Biggo Productions features "Biggo the Clown" as well as magicians. Biggo Productions performs at parties, picnics, business promotions, and anywhere laughter is needed.

Blue Sky Puppet Theatre has been entertaining Washington-area children for 34 years. The touring company offers a wide range of family-friendly shows to suit almost any occasion, and brings performances to your venue, be it home, school, church, community center, or corporate picnic.

Blue Sky productions are filled with music and humor, and nearly all the shows have a moral and/or academic lesson. The company performs original shows about math, peaceful conflict resolution, and sharing. It even offers an updated version of the three little pigs in which the wolf is a vegetarian!

Call the office to ask for a list of shows or check out the website to see what the puppets look like and get an idea of which show will best suit your needs.

For more than 40 years, Bob Brown Puppets has been touring throughout the eastern and midwestern United States, performing shows for schools, libraries, theaters, parties, and more.

Two birthday shows, "Clowning Around" and "Kaleidoscope," offer entertainment specifically designed for youngsters between the ages of three and seven. The shows are in a variety show format rather than a story show format. Children sit on the floor in a large half circle while the puppeteers manipulate the marionettes within the open part of the circle. The puppets can actually walk right up to the children and sit in their laps. Children are invited to teach the clown how to roller-skate, push the clown on the flying trapeze, or catch the ball from the jolly juggler.

If you haven't been to a party with Broccoli the Clown or Jake the Magician, then you're sure to have seen either of them at any number of fairs, festivals, or other shows. On the DC scene for at least 25 years, Jake Stern knows how to entertain children of all ages, and their parents too! As Broccoli or the Magician, Jake can be booked for large events or parties, and uses his unique blend of comedy, magic, balloon sculpture, and audience participation to keep everyone laughing.

Catriona's Castle was created in 1988 as a unique children's theatre experience. A "Fairy Godmother" brings elaborate costumes (most are hand-crafted), small scale scenery, and unusual props to homes, schools, camps, or other locations, providing an interactive entertainment program with a fairytale or nursery rhyme theme.

The One Hour Theatre Birthday Party for 10-30 children costs $395 and includes an hour of interactive theatre, 30 costumes, 30 themed invitations, a special favor bag for the birthday child, and ten standard guest favors; additional favors can be added for a fee. Mother Goose and Goldilocks parties run 45 minutes and cost $25 less. A storybook theme cake can also be provided, for an additional fee.

Catriona's Castle also offers drama classes, for children ages three to 10. A four week session of one hour classes costs $70. The drama program is held at the Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market Street in Leesburg, Virginia, and can be reached by calling 703.771.5913.

Magician Louis Meyer's ChildTime Magic specializes in age-appropriate magic shows for children. Each show is tailored to the birthday child's age and interests, and features comedy magic, audience participation, live animals, balloon sculptures, and a magic trick for each child at the end of the show.

Donna Stivers, a Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College Graduate and clown from the Big Apple Circus, provides silly birthday party entertainment, lasting approximately one hour. The magic show is geared to the age of the children and generally runs 20-30 minutes (shorter for younger children and longer for older children).

The birthday child, if willing, is dressed up as a magician and also does some magic. Stivers makes a special birthday balloon hat for the birthday child, and all the children at the party get a balloon - they can choose between their favorite animal or a balloon sword.

Stivers also offers face painting, hand painting, or temporary tattoos.

Come Play With Me theatre parties for kids offers several themed parties in your home. Gwen Garfinkle, kid wrangler and drama coach, runs the show.

The Culinary Kids Cooking School offers classes and parties to elementary and middle school age children in schools, community centers, churches, and homes in Baltimore and the surrounding area. Parties include set up and clean up, apron decorating, and of course preparing and eating a meal and dessert.

Dancensations Dance Center offers classes for all ages and abilities in various styles of dance and gymnastics, including ballet/pointe, jazz, tap, rhythm tap, lyrical, hip hop, gymnastics, and a combo ballet/tap class for younger children.

Regular classes are offered during the summer, as well as weekly summer camps.

Dave Shepherd is not only an experienced children's entertainer - he's also a teacher, and he makes a special effort to empower kid audiences to be co-creators of the magical experience.

Dave performs in English or German... or both!

Decorate a Cupcake party hosts come to your home or party location and keep children entertained for 90 minutes decorating a yummy work of art and a gift box.

Eclips Kids provides a salon experience just for kids - from toddler haircuts to coloring, fancy updos, braids, and manicures and pedicures. The decor is bright and friendly and there are plenty of cartoons and toys to keep everyone happy. They also do custom beauty birthday parties.

If there are three or more kids in the same family getting haircuts on the same day they get a 10% discount.

Eclips Kids provides a salon experience just for kids - from toddler haircuts to coloring, fancy updos, braids, and manicures and pedicures. The decor is bright and friendly and there are plenty of cartoons and toys to keep everyone happy. They also do custom beauty birthday parties.

If there are three or more kids in the same family getting haircuts on the same day they get a 10% discount.

Enchanted Play offers themed parties and products for fundraising, birthday parties, proms, and bar/bat mitzvahs. Party themes include Build a Buddy, Princess Tea Party, Prima Ballerina, Teddy Bear and Me Tea Party, Rock Star, and more. All party packages include invitations for 10 children, sweet treats or 1/4 sheet cake, a theme craft for up to 10 children, a special gift for the guest of honor, and an Enchanted Play Specialist to coordinate the event.

Forensics 101 is a science education initiative serving students, teachers, families, and communities with a dynamic out-reach education program that brings science-related, hands-on lessons and experiments to middle school and high school students across the DC metro area. Its mission is to encourage continuous learning and achievement in science by developing and delivering high quality, in-depth forensic science learning experiences for students, teachers, adults, and families in an effort to not only educate, but to also stimulate a sense of excitement about and enthusiasm for the various forensic science disciplines.

One of the most popular children's performers in the area, The Banjo Man plays a number of regular gigs around town, as well as one-time shows at venues throughout the area - see our calendar for details - and is also available for parties.

Woony & Company offers face painting, balloon sculptors, and caricature artist services for birthday parties, festivals, school fairs, fundraisers, restaurant functions, corporate events, daycares, and more.

Glam Rock Art Airbrush Tattoos & Body Art specializes in airbrush temporary tattoos, airbrush face painting, and body art. They offer high quality temporary tattoos using FDA approved inks that last five days, and can last up to ten days with proper care.

Parents will be happy to know that the ink they use is non-allergenic, non-toxic, water-based, and all ingredients are FDA approved. The ink also dries instantly and is completely water proof in 30 minutes.

Headfirst provides summer camps, winter and spring break camps, year-round sports clinics, and after school programs.

Summer Day Camps for children ages three to 14 include Arts & Crafts, Dance, Swimming, Magic, Cooking, and Scientific Discovery. Sports Summer Camps for children ages four to 14 include Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Dance, and Soccer. Headfirst also offers overnight summer camps for kids ages nine to 18. Its well-known, national college recruiting showcase camps are unparalleled.

Baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and basketball clinics are offered, as well as coaching for individual and team instruction, and year-round recreational and travel sports leagues for both young athletes and adults.

Jonathan Austin is an award winning entertainer, with a party repertoire that includes juggling, magic, unicycling, and lots of comedy and audience participation. His shows are custom tailored to fit your needs.

The JumpWorks Family Entertainment Center, located inside the Carteret Mortgage Boys and Girls Club, offers indoor inflatable parties and open play time for families and groups on such fun and colorful inflatables as the Dragon's Tower, the Buccaneer, the Bouncer of Monkeys, and the Princess Club. A free play area is also available, where children can enjoy basketball and other floor games or take a ride on one of the pony-hops.

Birthday parties include invitations, 75 minutes of private bouncing, 45 minutes in a private party room, table settings, and set up/clean up help - for 26 kids! Add ons, including cakes, ice cream, pizza, cotton candy, and more are also available.

Note: The center is scheduled to open in early December, but party reservations can be made now.

All of the activities at JW Tumbles gyms are designed to enhance children's abilities in such areas as: physical skills, fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, and sports preparation. And it's all done in a non-competitive, fun atmosphere that allows each child to experience it all at their own pace without ever feeling left behind.

Programs are divided by age: Tumbles Tykes (with parent participation), is for little ones ages four months to three years, and JWT Kids is for kids ages three to nine years. Specialty classes include arts, sports, cheerleading, and gymnastics. JW Tumbles also offers a Kid's Night Out program, personal training, and birthday parties, either at the gym, or the location of your choice.

All of the activities at JW Tumbles gyms are designed to enhance children's abilities in such areas as: physical skills, fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, and sports preparation. And it's all done in a non-competitive, fun atmosphere that allows each child to experience it all at their own pace without ever feeling left behind.

Programs are divided by age: Tumbles Tykes (with parent participation), is for little ones ages four months to three years, and JWT Kids is for kids ages three to nine years. Specialty classes include arts, sports, cheerleading, and gymnastics. JW Tumbles also offers a Kid's Night Out program, personal training, and birthday parties, either at the gym, or the location of your choice.

All of the activities at JW Tumbles gyms are designed to enhance children's abilities in such areas as: physical skills, fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, and sports preparation. And it's all done in a non-competitive, fun atmosphere that allows each child to experience it all at their own pace without ever feeling left behind.

Programs are divided by age: Tumbles Tykes (with parent participation), is for little ones ages four months to three years, and JWT Kids is for kids ages three to nine years. Specialty classes include arts, sports, cheerleading, and gymnastics. JW Tumbles also offers a Kid's Night Out program, personal training, and birthday parties, either at the gym, or the location of your choice.

Since 1972, Kaydee Puppets has toured Virginia, DC, and Maryland with a variety of wonderful puppet shows, all featuring large mouth puppets. Each 30 minute performance is live to allow for spontaneous audience interaction and participation. Productions include The Three Pigs, The Princess and the Pea, The Ugly Duckling, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Sleepy Beauty, and more. There is also a special show called The Colonial Connection, which serves as an introduction to, or review of, America's early happenings. During December, Kaydee Puppets also performs Annie Bear Visits Santa's Workshop for holiday parties and events.

Kaydee Puppets offers a variety of workshops for schools, group parties/picnics, and adults, covering topics such as how to have fun with puppets and how to be a puppeteer. Birthday party shows are also offered, at the location of your choice. They include a 30-minute performance (choose two of the available shows), followed by time for children to ask questions and meet the puppets.

Kids Pro Soccer offers an effective, fun, and reliable soccer program for children ages two through 17, with locations throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Children develop basic soccer skills and gain confidence participating in a group sport activity through fun games and drills designed especially for young players.

Kids Pro Soccer works with kids all year long. During the school year, they offer eight-week sessions in Fall, Winter, and Spring, and six-week sessions in Summer, plus full-day, and half-day weekly summer camps.

Parents can become a Soccer Class Coordinator, which allows them to schedule practice at a convenient day, time, and place, plus receive a 50% discount on their child's participation fee.

Kids Pro Soccer also offers great Soccer Birthday Parties at the location of your choice!

Leesburg Animal Park includes a number of large animals in cages that can be fed by visitors, a large petting area where one can feed and pet llamas, sheep, cows, and goats; and for an extra fee, pony rides and wagon rides around the entire park.

Little Sprouts Playtime Center is an indoor playground that offers a variety of classes (and camps) in addition to open play time. Classes include music and movement, arts and crafts, cooking, and playdough fun. Parents can drop the kids off for Mom's Morning Out or Parent's Night Out. There is also an Enchanted Princess Tea Room, where little princesses can go wild with dress up, tea time, stories, crafts, and more.

Birthday parties, with a choice of themes, can be held in the playroom, and include open play time, pizza, drinks, and more. Parties can be held in the Enchanted Princess Tea Room as well - with a bit more glitz involved! Little Sprouts also offers a home party package, in