Abrakadoodle inspires the artist in every child. The national mobile arts education program meets both the National and State Standards for visual arts education. Classes are developmentally appropriate and introduce kids to color, texture, shape, and creativity. Abrakadoodle programs are broken into age-appropriate groupings, including Twoosy Doodlers, for children age 20-36 months; Mini Doodlers, for children age three through Kindergarten; Doodlers, for children in grades one through six.

A summer camp, Camp Abrakadoodle, is offered for children ages three through 12. Abrakadoodle Parties are led by an art teacher and feature age-appropriate activities and art lessons, plus each party guest leaves with a framed piece of their own original art.

Abrakadoodle inspires the artist in every child. The national mobile arts education program meets both the National and State Standards for visual arts education. Classes are developmentally appropriate and introduce kids to color, texture, shape, and creativity. Abrakadoodle programs are broken into age-appropriate groupings, including Twoosy Doodlers, for children age 20-36 months; Mini Doodlers, for children age three through Kindergarten; Doodlers, for children in grades one through six.

A summer camp, Camp Abrakadoodle, is offered for children ages three through 12. Abrakadoodle Parties are led by an art teacher and feature age-appropriate activities and art lessons, plus each party guest leaves with a framed piece of their own original art.

Abrakadoodle inspires the artist in every child. The national mobile arts education program meets both the National and State Standards for visual arts education. Classes are developmentally appropriate and introduce kids to color, texture, shape, and creativity. Abrakadoodle programs are broken into age-appropriate groupings, including Twoosy Doodlers, for children age 20-36 months; Mini Doodlers, for children age three through Kindergarten; Doodlers, for children in grades one through six.

A summer camp, Camp Abrakadoodle, is offered for children ages three through 12. Abrakadoodle Parties are led by an art teacher and feature age-appropriate activities and art lessons, plus each party guest leaves with a framed piece of their own original art.

Abrakadoodle inspires the artist in every child. The national mobile arts education program meets both the National and State Standards for visual arts education. Classes are developmentally appropriate and introduce kids to color, texture, shape, and creativity. Abrakadoodle programs are broken into age-appropriate groupings, including Twoosy Doodlers, for children age 20-36 months; Mini Doodlers, for children age three through Kindergarten; Doodlers, for children in grades one through six.

A summer camp, Camp Abrakadoodle, is offered for children ages three through 12. Abrakadoodle Parties are led by an art teacher and feature age-appropriate activities and art lessons, plus each party guest leaves with a framed piece of their own original art.

Abrakadoodle inspires the artist in every child. The national mobile arts education program meets both the National and State Standards for visual arts education. Classes are developmentally appropriate and introduce kids to color, texture, shape, and creativity. Abrakadoodle programs are broken into age-appropriate groupings, including Twoosy Doodlers, for children age 20-36 months; Mini Doodlers, for children age three through Kindergarten; Doodlers, for children in grades one through six.

A summer camp, Camp Abrakadoodle, is offered for children ages three through 12. Abrakadoodle Parties are led by an art teacher and feature age-appropriate activities and art lessons, plus each party guest leaves with a framed piece of their own original art.

Facilities at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park include two gymnasiums, approximately 8,000 sqaure feet each (with a moveable partition for use separately or together), plus two large basketball courts in the gymnasium; three multi-purpose rooms; and a Fitness Center. Classes, such as gymnastics and basketball are offered, as well as summer camps.

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.

The city of Alexandria has played an enormous role in the history of America. So it makes sense that the Alexandria Archaeology Museum exhibits tell the story of archaeologists and volunteers working to bring Alexandria's buried past to light. Excavated artifacts ranging from prehistory to the Civil War are on display.

Would your kids like to be TimeTravelers? Visit www.timetravelers.org to get involved in this fun passport program searching for objects and information from the past.

Schedule an Alexandria Archaeology Adventure Lesson and uncover the past by examining artifacts, old maps, and archival materials from the city's excavated sites. The Lessons, 45-minute hands on activities, are perfect
for K-12 school groups, scouts, and birthday parties.

At All Fired Up, children and families can let their inner artist shine on any one of hundreds of pottery pieces (even dishes for your pets) or mosaic designs. The glazes are nontoxic and lead free so children and babies can participate. The studio provides the pottery, paints, design ideas (stencils, stamps, etc.), and the firing. It takes about a week before the finished piece can be picked up.

Lots of birthday party (and other kinds of parties too!) packages are available, and they all include the pottery, invitations, balloons, and paper plates and forks.

Summer camp, for children ages six to twelve, is offeed weekly throughout the summer, for either a half day or a full day.

At All Fired Up, children and families can let their inner artist shine on any one of hundreds of pottery pieces (even dishes for your pets) or mosaic designs. The glazes are nontoxic and lead free so children and babies can participate. The studio provides the pottery, paints, design ideas (stencils, stamps, etc.), and the firing. It takes about a week before the finished piece can be picked up.

Lots of birthday party (and other kinds of parties too!) packages are available, and they all include the pottery, invitations, balloons, and paper plates and forks.

Summer camp, for children ages six to twelve, is offeed weekly throughout the summer, for either a half day or a full day.

Good and plentiful regional food from across America - just about anything one can think of - is served in a fun, boisterous, environment, with a sweeping view of Capitol Hill, in historic Union Station.

The children's menu includes hot dogs, pizza, and chicken tenders.

America has booster seats and high chairs.

The Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse is an historic 1930's Art Deco Theater that has been converted into a unique restaurant/theater with comfortable chairs and table-side service. It houses a restaurant, the Old Arlington Grill, and the full menu is available in the theater - including appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts - and, of course, popcorn. Every seat has access to a table or counter inside the theater. The kids' menu is pretty standard - chicken fingers, cheese pizza, hamburgers - but the meals (all around $5) don't come with a drink, and the drink prices seem disproportionately high, so make sure to at least pack a drink from home!

The Drafthouse shows "sub-run" movies - top box office films that have already premiered, but have not yet been released to DVD or pay-per-view. It regularly offers one or two selections for family friendly movies, and at least once a month offers Baby Night, an evening where babies are welcome, so new parents can get out to enjoy a film. The Drafthouse also hosts live entertainment, including live music, comedians, karaoke, family friendly entertainment, theater, and more.

Artworks Fine Art Studio is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of fine art; classes focus on the fundamentals of drawing and painting. Instructors at Artworks use a step-by-step teaching process which helps children produce beautiful works of art, while at the same time, building self esteem. Students begin by learning basic drawing and pastel techniques, and once this level has been mastered, they move on to watercolors, and eventually oils. Classes are offered after school and on Saturdays.

Summer camp, for children ages five to twelve, is a weekly day camp exploring many different art mediums hands-on, such as painting, sculpture, candy making, t-shirt decorating, and more.

Birthday parties consist of one hour of teaching, followed by half and hour for refreshments and an art show. Artworks provides decorated studio space and an art lesson with a finished piece each child can take home.

Artworks Fine Art Studio is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of fine art; classes focus on the fundamentals of drawing and painting. Instructors at Artworks use a step-by-step teaching process which helps children produce beautiful works of art, while at the same time, building self esteem. Students begin by learning basic drawing and pastel techniques, and once this level has been mastered, they move on to watercolors, and eventually oils. Classes are offered after school and on Saturdays.

Summer camp, for children ages five to twelve, is a weekly day camp exploring many different art mediums hands-on, such as painting, sculpture, candy making, t-shirt decorating, and more.

Birthday parties consist of one hour of teaching, followed by half and hour for refreshments and an art show. Artworks provides decorated studio space and an art lesson with a finished piece each child can take home.

Ashburn Ice House offers public skating and lessons for all ages - including a Mommy/Daddy and Me Tot Skating Class, as well as myriad ice sports. This rink features two NHL Sized ice rinks, professional-style locker rooms, a pro shop, a state-of-the-art fitness center, POMODORO Pasta, Pizza, & More restaurant, the Mezzanine/Viewing Lounge, a dance studio, and a video arcade.

The At Play Cafe is a coffeeshop with a supervised play area for preschoolers. The play area is fully enclosed by a half wall so parents can still keep an eye on their kids from any seat in the cafe. And when the gym studio is not being used for classes and birthday parties, there are gym mats, balls, and ride-on toys for the kids to use.

Classes offered range from yoga to art to music to storytelling. Check the website for a current listing of classes available.

Audrey Moore RECenter at Wakefield Park is approximately 76,000 square feet in size and houses a 50m x 25yd pool, one 3m and two 1m diving boards, and a Super Slide. The natatorium also contains spectator seating, a spacious outdoor sundeck, and locker rooms with saunas and showers. In addition to the various racquetball/wallyball, and squash courts, the center has a large gymnasium with six basketball hoops, and volleyball nets. The center also contains a dance room, a pottery lab and kiln, an arts and crafts room, a photography lab, three multi-purpose activity rooms, a kitchen, and a senior center/teen zone.

Overlooking the natatorium and gymnasium is a fitness center, equipped with Cybex machines connected to the FitLinxx network, a wide selection of cardiovascular equipment, free-weights, and a stretching area.

Surrounding the center are numerous trails, including the Cross County Trail, utilized by cyclists, runners, and nature lovers. In addition to the well-lit outdoor basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, the center is surrounded by baseball, softball, and soccer fields, and the Wakefield Skate Park.

Various classes and camp programs are offered at the center. See the website for more information.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Artsy Class for Little Kids in DC, Baby Ballerina is a dance studio for children ages one- through six-years old. At this school for little princesses, children enter a magical world designed to encourage their creativity, rhythm, and confidence. The studio offers ballet, tumbling, tap, and jazz instruction filled with fairies and fairytales to infuse the love of dance in every child involved regardless of their age.

To showcase student's accomplishments and foster self-esteem, recitals are held throughout the year - including Baby Nutcracker at Christmas. There is a Summer Princess Camp Program for ages two to six with dance, crafts, and performance at the end of the week. Several special Princess-themed birthday party packages are also available.

Ballet Petite's specialized curriculum is designed specifically for younger children, and is an intermediate step between natural movement and formal classical ballet training, progressing from creative movement to pre-primary ballet through age five. Ballet Petite brings together fundamental dance instruction with costumes, props, music, and acting, and the enchantment of fairytales and ballet stories. Ballet Petite also offers classes in Kindermusik Sign and Sing and Musical Theater. The Youth Performing Arts School provides more advanced instruction in ballet, musical theater, jazz, tap, acting, and voice for children six and older.

Classes are grouped by age at first, with the younger two- and three-year olds dancing with their parents or caregivers. Four- and five-year olds progress to pre-ballet and tap classes on their own. Classes for children six and up are based on ability. New students can call to arrange a free trial class.

Summer camps are offered for kids two and a half and older (half days for the little ones), with themes ranging from Dr. Seuss to American Girls to Broadway.

Budding ballerinas can also have a birthday party in one of the studios. Call for more details.

Ballet Petite's specialized curriculum is designed specifically for younger children, and is an intermediate step between natural movement and formal classical ballet training, progressing from creative movement to pre-primary ballet through age five. Ballet Petite brings together fundamental dance instruction with costumes, props, music, and acting, and the enchantment of fairytales and ballet stories. Ballet Petite also offers classes in Kindermusik Sign and Sing and Musical Theater. The Youth Performing Arts School provides more advanced instruction in ballet, musical theater, jazz, tap, acting, and voice for children six and older.

Classes are grouped by age at first, with the younger two- and three-year olds dancing with their parents or caregivers. Four- and five-year olds progress to pre-ballet and tap classes on their own. Classes for children six and up are based on ability. New students can call to arrange a free trial class.

Summer camps are offered for kids two and a half and older (half days for the little ones), with themes ranging from Dr. Seuss to American Girls to Broadway.

Budding ballerinas can also have a birthday party in one of the studios. Call for more details.

Ballet Petite's specialized curriculum is designed specifically for younger children, and is an intermediate step between natural movement and formal classical ballet training, progressing from creative movement to pre-primary ballet through age five. Ballet Petite brings together fundamental dance instruction with costumes, props, music, and acting, and the enchantment of fairytales and ballet stories. Ballet Petite also offers classes in Kindermusik Sign and Sing and Musical Theater. The Youth Performing Arts School provides more advanced instruction in ballet, musical theater, jazz, tap, acting, and voice for children six and older.

Classes are grouped by age at first, with the younger two- and three-year olds dancing with their parents or caregivers. Four- and five-year olds progress to pre-ballet and tap classes on their own. Classes for children six and up are based on ability. New students can call to arrange a free trial class.

Summer camps are offered for kids two and a half and older (half days for the little ones), with themes ranging from Dr. Seuss to American Girls to Broadway.

Budding ballerinas can also have a birthday party in one of the studios. Call for more details.

Ballet Petite's specialized curriculum is designed specifically for younger children, and is an intermediate step between natural movement and formal classical ballet training, progressing from creative movement to pre-primary ballet through age five. Ballet Petite brings together fundamental dance instruction with costumes, props, music, and acting, and the enchantment of fairytales and ballet stories. Ballet Petite also offers classes in Kindermusik Sign and Sing and Musical Theater. The Youth Performing Arts School provides more advanced instruction in ballet, musical theater, jazz, tap, acting, and voice for children six and older.

Classes are grouped by age at first, with the younger two- and three-year olds dancing with their parents or caregivers. Four- and five-year olds progress to pre-ballet and tap classes on their own. Classes for children six and up are based on ability. New students can call to arrange a free trial class.

Summer camps are offered for kids two and a half and older (half days for the little ones), with themes ranging from Dr. Seuss to American Girls to Broadway.

Budding ballerinas can also have a birthday party in one of the studios. Call for more details.

Ballet Petite's specialized curriculum is designed specifically for younger children, and is an intermediate step between natural movement and formal classical ballet training, progressing from creative movement to pre-primary ballet through age five. Ballet Petite brings together fundamental dance instruction with costumes, props, music, and acting, and the enchantment of fairytales and ballet stories. Ballet Petite also offers classes in Kindermusik Sign and Sing and Musical Theater. The Youth Performing Arts School provides more advanced instruction in ballet, musical theater, jazz, tap, acting, and voice for children six and older.

Classes are grouped by age at first, with the younger two- and three-year olds dancing with their parents or caregivers. Four- and five-year olds progress to pre-ballet and tap classes on their own. Classes for children six and up are based on ability. New students can call to arrange a free trial class.

Summer camps are offered for kids two and a half and older (half days for the little ones), with themes ranging from Dr. Seuss to American Girls to Broadway.

Budding ballerinas can also have a birthday party in one of the studios. Call for more details.

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.

A combination toy store and workshop that lets kids create their own stuffed animals, Build-a-Bear offers both drop-in fun and party options for little cuddlers.

Bears and other stuffable creatures start at $5 (for the mini ones) and additional options, such as sound or clothing, are also available. Take your creation home in its own "house" box.

Parties: Guests build their own stuffed animals, and take their new friends home. Call 1.877.789.BEAR (2327) to plan a party.

A combination toy store and workshop that lets kids create their own stuffed animals, Build-a-Bear offers both drop-in fun and party options for little cuddlers.

Bears and other stuffable creatures start at $5 (for the mini ones) and additional options, such as sound or clothing, are also available. Take your creation home in its own "house" box.

Parties: Guests build their own stuffed animals, and take their new friends home. Call 1.877.789.BEAR (2327) to plan a party.

A combination toy store and workshop that lets kids create their own stuffed animals, Build-a-Bear offers both drop-in fun and party options for little cuddlers.

Bears and other stuffable creatures start at $5 (for the mini ones) and additional options, such as sound or clothing, are also available. Take your creation home in its own "house" box.

Parties: Guests build their own stuffed animals, and take their new friends home. Call 1.877.789.BEAR (2327) to plan a party.

A combination toy store and workshop that lets kids create their own stuffed animals, Build-a-Bear offers both drop-in fun and party options for little cuddlers.

Bears and other stuffable creatures start at $5 (for the mini ones) and additional options, such as sound or clothing, are also available. Take your creation home in its own "house" box.

Parties: Guests build their own stuffed animals, and take their new friends home. Call 1.877.789.BEAR (2327) to plan a party.

Cabin John Ice Rink offers a diverse selection of programs and classes (group and private) for all ages and features NHL, Olympic, and studio size rinks that are open all year. You'll also find a warming room, snack bar, coin-operated lockers, skate rental, skate sharpening service, dance studio, pro shop, and three party rooms.

Cabin John Regional Park is 528 acres of possibilities. Children of all ages especially love the playground and the miniature train, but families can also picnic, hike, and camp. There are baseball and softball fields, a Pee Wee soccer field, plus tennis and handball courts. Some of the fields require permits, call 301.495.2525 for more information.

The 700-seat Shirley Povich Field is home to the Bethesda Big Train, an amateur baseball team made up of college kids who spend their summers in the area, working their way through the minors. The team's games make for a great family outing and the players and coaches also run baseball and softball summer camps for kids five and up. Visit www.bigtrain.org for more information.

The Cabin John Indoor Tennis Facility has six indoor courts and offers private and group lessons for ages five and up. Call 301.469.7300 for information about reservations and rates.

Cabin John is also home to the Cabin John Ice Rink and the Locust Grove Nature Center.

Facilities at the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center include an indoor pool and diving well, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, racquetball courts, lighted tennis courts, locker rooms, saunas, and a fitness room. The Center is located in a park with nature and fitness trails and a playground.

Classes and summer camps are offered in aquatics, martial arts, arts, sports, fitness, and more.

Founded in 1996, Classika Theatre provides high-quality theatrical performances in the renowned Russian theatrical tradition to audiences of all ages. The Classika Studio offers visual and dramatic arts programs for children.

If you have a birthday party in mind, you have a few options. You can simply bring your child and friends to a performance at Classika Theatre and receive a personalized autographed poster of the show with birthday wishes from all the actors (let the theatre know you're bringing a birthday group when you call to order the tickets).

Or you can bring cake, refreshments, and decorations to Classika Theatre Studio (located around the corner from the Theatre) for a pre- or post-performance celebration, including a party room for one hour either before or after performance and a theatre chest filled with wonderful props and hats for creative play.

Or you can go all out and get all of the above, plus a 20-minute drama class that features fun theatre games, and a 20-minute arts workshop, where the kids create their own masterpieces to take home. Activities may include making masks, props, puppets, or paintings.