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 facilities at the Aquatic Center include a six-lane, 25-yard main pool with a one-meter board, as well as an adjacent shallow water "teach pool" area. Lockers and showers are available. The Aquatic Center offers group swim lessons for children (six months and up), lifeguard training, and swimnastics. Classes are held weekday afternoons and evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings. Private Lessons are also available on a very limited basis.

There is Family Recreational Swim time, during which the pool is open to the public for informal recreation, including limited lap lanes (1-3), a diving area, and a shallow play and teach pool area. During the designated Lap Swim Only time, all six lap lanes are available for lap swimming only. The teach pool area and recreation areas are unavailable.

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 goal of the Audubon Naturalist Society is to foster stewardship of the region's environment by educating citizens about the natural world, promoting conservation of biodiversity, and protecting wildlife habitat. To this end, it manages three nature sanctuaries and offers a variety of activities, including family programs, children's classes, a nature preschool, birthday parties, summer camps, and more.

The Society's headquarters are at the Woodend Sanctuary, a 40-acre nature sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD featuring the Woodend mansion - on the National Historical Register - a wildflower meadow, meandering trails, and a pond. The Rust Sanctuary property in Leesburg, VA includes a manor house and 68 acres of land with a pond, forest, and meadow. The Webb Sanctuary's 20 acres are on the edge of Clifton, a restored 19th century railroad village in southern Fairfax County. Features include a small stream flowing by a meadow, native orchids, several amphibian species, and a good variety of birds. A self-guided trail winds through the property.

Birthday parties can be held at the Woodend Sanctuary. Families choose from one of seven nature and science-inspired themes. Birthday celebrants spend an hour exploring nature and participating in activities and games led by a naturalist, then have time for birthday food and cake. Contact Sarah Krizek at 301.652.9188 ext. 26 for more information.

The Audubon Nature Preschool is a morning preschool program for four-year-old children located at the Woodend Sanctuary. The preschool builds on children's inherent curiosity about the world by using hands-on, nature-based activities to foster social, physical, and academic skill development. The 40-acre outdoor environment and Edwin Way Teale Learning Center serve as natural venues for language, artistic, and musical expression as well as scientific observations and discoveries. Contact Stephanie Burpee at 301.652.9188 x41 for more information.

Offering unique nature programs for children ages four to 16, the Audubon Naturalist Society's summer camps are designed to foster environmental awareness and expand natural and cultural knowledge. Sessions are held at the Woodend and Rust Sanctuaries, are taught by experienced environmental educators, and maintain a teacher ratio of eight to one. Camps feature fun experiences with the natural world through hands-on activities, hikes, games, crafts, and experiments.

The Audubon Naturalist Society also offers school programs, Cub Scout and Girl Scout programs and children's and family programs. Please see the website for more information.

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.

Have the Islands come to your kid's next party with the services of Braid Party and Princess Crowns. Children sit in a big pink chair and take turns getting their hair braided into crowns. It takes about 15 minutes per child and the braids last approximately two weeks. Henna body art is also available.

The Budding Yogis studio brings mindful yoga to kids, teens, adults, and families in a safe and peaceful studio in NW Washington DC. It currently offer classes in yoga for kids of all ages, teenagers, and adults, as well as special classes that allow family members to practice yoga together. The studio is also home to Circle Yoga, which offers classes in Anusara Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Lifting your Spirits with Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Senior Yoga.

Children (three and up) can have themed yoga birthday parties that include one hour of yoga, plus 1/2 hour for eating or gift exchange. And for kids ages five to 12, the studio offers yoga summer camps.

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.

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.

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.

Clark's Elioak Farm is a petting zoo for the whole family. They have horses, cows, goats, pigs, alpacas, chickens, and more that the kids can pet and feed. They also offer hay rides and pony rides ($2 per child) and have a kids play area. The Farm acquired many of the storybook items from the old Enchanted Forest, including Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach (including the six mice), Mother Goose and her Gosling, the Black Duck, Papa Bear, a number of Gingerbread Men, a large Candy Cane, the Little Red Schoolhouse, the Easter Bunny's House, and the Beanstalk with the Giant at the top. Kids can explore these larger than life models spread out around the Petting Zoo. Clarkland Farm runs a produce stand, so parents can pick up fresh produce as well.

Petting Zoo birthday party packages are available, including a personalized tour of the petting farm, and a hayride through the fields ending at a reserved table in the picnic area.

Claude Moore Park encompasses 357 acres in Eastern Loudoun County, and can be divided into two major areas: the Sportsplex and the nature area.

The Sportsplex includes four lighted baseball fields and three lighted softball fields as well as a lighted football field and unlighted practice field. This area also hosts a two-story central building with concession stand, two single restrooms, and meeting space. These fields are used primarily through the months of April to November and host softball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, football, and flag football programs.

The nature area includes the remainder of the park, which does somewhat surround the Sportsplex. The nature area includes 11 total miles of hiking trails including the blue-blazed Scout Trail, the park's longest trail at 3.5 miles; this trail is dedicated to the Girl and Boy Scouts in recognition of the many service projects those groups have completed to enhance the park. The park's trails access various natural habitats at a gentle grade. Other trails range from a quarter mile to three miles. Each is blazed with a different color and the trails link the different park habitats allowing for a variety of hiking experiences. A trail map and guide are available at the Visitor Center and online.

The nature area also includes the Lanesville Heritage Area, the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, two covered picnic pavilions (available for rent), Visitor Center, Education Center, amphitheater, and Frogshackle Nature Center, an 1860s log cabin. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills scattered throughout the nature area available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The park also offers two fishing ponds; large-mouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill are the primary fish species. The ponds are stocked by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Creel limits are posted near the ponds. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult. Virginia fishing licenses are required for people 16 and older. Other programs include birthday parties, field trips, letterboxing, and more.

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 Leonard Family operates the educational (and fun!) Cows-N-Corn at their working dairy farm in Virginia. Families can visit the animals, walk through the corn (during maze season), and learn about modern farming techniques - with an emphasis on how to take care of 300 dairy cows. Educational hay wagon rides, available for families and school groups, tour the farm and teach riders first hand about cow life, from baby calves to the adult dairy cows that are producing "nature's most nearly perfect" food. Pick-your-own pumpkins and haunted hayrides are also available in the fall.

The Pasture Play Area (open during the Spring & Fall) features a variety of games and playthings, such as straw bale mazes, Peddle Karts, peddle tractor driving, and a train, tractor, and wagon play set. Children can view a special group of farm animals on display in this area as well.

The farm hosts parties of all kinds, with catering available on site.

The Leonard Family operates the educational (and fun!) Cows-N-Corn at their working dairy farm in Virginia. Families can visit the animals, walk through the corn (during maze season), and learn about modern farming techniques - with an emphasis on how to take care of 300 dairy cows. Educational hay wagon rides, available for families and school groups, tour the farm and teach riders first hand about cow life, from baby calves to the adult dairy cows that are producing "nature's most nearly perfect" food. Pick-your-own pumpkins and haunted hayrides are also available in the fall.

The Pasture Play Area (open during the Spring & Fall) features a variety of games and playthings, such as straw bale mazes, Peddle Karts, peddle tractor driving, and a train, tractor, and wagon play set. Children can view a special group of farm animals on display in this area as well.

The farm hosts parties of all kinds, with catering available on site.

Filled with excitement and discovery, the Croydon Creek Nature Center highlights nature in an urban setting. Interesting exhibits and informative programs provide educational opportunities to help visitors understand the importance of "thinking globally and acting locally." The center is located minutes away from Rockville Town Center on 120 acres of beautifully preserved forest with a variety of hiking trails, open meadow areas, and a winding creek bustling with wildlife.

Croydon Creek Nature Center offers a variety of public programs for all ages including children's birthday parties, school programs, and summer camps.

The Cub Run RECenter is a 65,000 square feet facility that includes a huge indoor entertainment pool featuring two water slides (a 30-foot-high slide that exits the building in an enclosed tube and a 20-foot-high slide with an open tube, both of which have a minimum height requirement of 48 inches), a spa, a vortex, a current channel, an open shallow water area, and a water playground with interactive play features, a tiny-tot slide, and a zero depth entry. There is also a 25-yard by 25-meter swimming pool, for those who actually want to swim.

There is a state-of-the-art fitness center, two multipurpose rooms, and a party room. The multi-purpose rooms hold classes in fitness and recreation such as dance, arts and crafts, sports, martial arts, drama, and photography. Both nature and birthday parties can be booked in the party room (pool parties are also available). Call 703.817.9407 for more information about all party packages.

Cub Run also offers a nature program with a resident naturalist. Classes and programs take advantage of the nearby Sully Woodlands and 1,400 foot nature trail with the naturalist as a guide. Children's classes, family programs, summer nature camps, scout badges, school field trips, and in-depth nature study for adults are also available.

The Curiosity Zone is a hands-on science center for kids ages two through 11. Classes and summer camps build on kids' natural curiosity, using familiar, fun, hands-on activities to inspire them to think creatively about the world around them. Most classes take place in a kid-sized lab - full of fun, inspiring things, but nothing dangerous.

Parents and siblings can easily pass class time in the parent's lounge, offering chairs, newspapers, and magazines, and the Secret Science Agents' Clubhouse, a connected play area featuring beanbag chairs, books, and self-directed science activities.

Birthday parties can be held in the party room, and include demonstrations and hands-on activities - kids even make their own drinks, invitations, balloons, and more.

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.

Just 70 miles west of Washington DC, dinosaurs still roam the earth. Well, big fiberglass models do, anyway!

Dinosaur Land is one of those jaw-dropping roadside attractions that must be seen if you're in the area!

A birthday party room is available for rental. Call for details.

With five locations - in the only remaining one-room schoolhouse in Washington, the historic stable at Glen Echo, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens along the Anacostia, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, and on wheels in the Rolling Rainforest - Discovery Creek offers a wide range of programming and outdoor nature experiences to families, school groups, and teachers.

Hands-on exhibition activities, hikes, nature crafts, and outdoor games are offered at Discovery Creek's Weekend Family Programs, geared for children ages two to 11. Reservations are not necessary - just drop in any time during public hours.

Special seasonal programs requiring pre-registration include Polliwog Pals (ages six to 24 months), Toddler Treehouse (ages two to three), and Outdoor Enthusiasts (ages four to six. Class activities are designed for one child and one adult. Depending on the age group, these programs offer the opportunity to hike on local trails, experience nature - including live animal encounters - socialize with other parents, and participate in arts and crafts, story time, and games. Call Discovery or check the website for a current schedule.

Birthday party options include a Wild Things party for kids ages four to six, Goin' Buggy for ages four to 11, a Camping Adventure for kids six to 11, or a Science Safari for kids ages seven to 11. Parties can be held on weekdays or weekends; schedule well in advance.

Summer Nature Adventure programs for four to 11 year olds are available, with one week and some two week sessions.

A $75 Family Membership includes unlimited free admission to Weekend Programs; Early Members' Registration for Summer Nature Adventure camps; Members-only birthday parties; discounts on family programs, such as Toddler Treehouse and Polliwog Pals; invitation to members-only events; advance notice of upcoming events and programs; and more.

The DCJCC, as it's better known, offers a plethora of family activities. Family swim and gym times, playgroups, and special holiday activities make this a great place to be and belong.

Programs for children include infant and toddler classes, chess club, private swimming lessons, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, birthday parties, and after-school care.

The Preschool, for children ages two to five, is open year-round from 7:30am-6pm. The school begins accepting applications one year in advance of the desired start date.

The Parenting Center offers networking opportunities, resources and programming for pregnant couples and for babies, toddlers, young children, and their parents.

Summer camp programs are available for children in grades Pre-K through 12.

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.

Home to the Walney Visitor Center, Cabell's Mill/Middlegate complex, Walney Pond, various historic ruins, picnic tables, sports fields, and hiking trails, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (part of the Fairfax County Park System) provides opportunities for visitors to bird watch, hike, exercise, discover the natural and cultural history of the land, picnic, participate in organized sports, attend an educational program, or just relax.

Kids' Korner, for children ages three through five (accompanied by an adult), is a program held once a month offering preschoolers the opportunity to learn a little nature and history through an outdoor activity and a craft. Reservations are required.

The park also offers a one-hour birthday party program, which includes an indoor session with live animals or site artifacts, a craft to make and take home, and more. When the one-hour program ends, groups may continue their party outside using the outdoor pavilion and/or back lawn.

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.

Fitwize 4 Kids is a "healthy lifestyle center" just for kids, combining circuit style workouts with world-class nutrition education in an energetic, lively, and supervised environment that helps establish girls and boys on the path to a healthy lifestyle. In addition to its core program, the center offers a variety of classes such as kickboxing, hip hop and agility training, Kids' Nights Out, birthday parties, scout programs, youth group outings and more.

Flexible Family Fitness is a personal training center for families - your kids can work out with you. The Physical Education Center provides the individual care and attention that each child needs to feel comfortable, while simultaneously directing and guiding a healthful nutrition and exercise program and fitness routine for all members of the family. By combining quality time and healthy time, Flexible Family Fitness strives to build healthy bodies, healthy families, and healthy relationships. Classes and field trips offered include alternative yoga, bowling, music lessons, acting lessons, horseback riding, chess, golf, hiking, and weight training.

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.

The Ida Lee Park Recreation Center is a 71,000 square foot recreation, fitness, and aquatic facility with such amenities as a 25 meter x 25 yard pool, a warm water pool with zero depth entrance, a spa, a full size gymnasium, two racquetball courts, meeting rooms, locker rooms, a fitness facility, and seven outdoor tennis courts.

A very wide range of classes are offered year-round, including group swimming lessons (six months and up), and private lessons (three and up); safety - lifeguard, first aid, babysitting, and CPR; fitness; group and private tennis lessons (four and up); baseball; fencing; basketball; lacrosse; karate; ballet and jazz; arts; cooking; and numerous summer camps. The Center also hosts birthday parties; call 703.737.2371 for more information.

The International Spy Museum showcases the world's largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Over 600 pieces are on exhibit, including a collection of G-Man toys from the 1930s and 1940s when interest in G-Men was at a high and children searched for worthy role models. Exhibits include:

School for Spies, which provides an introduction to the world of espionage and describes many of the skills and tools essential to a spy.

The Secret History of History, which chronicles the history of spying from biblical times to the early 20th century.

Spies Among Us, chock full of exhibits, films, and videos that examine espionage through World War II, showcasing real-life spy stories. This section explores the role of code-making and code-breaking operations and teaches various ways to create, break, and hide coded messages.