Birthday parties are the social events in kids’ lives, so of course they should be unforgettable. Fortunately, Northern Virginia has plenty of ways to celebrate another trip around the sun for tots through teens, whether they want toy time, puzzle-solving or artistic endeavors.
For littles and the elementary set…
Treat your tot to two hours of total toy immersion when you rent out The Toy Nest, a toy library. Check the catalog to see what’s in stock, but it’s a good bet there will be puzzles, Lego sets, Disney princess costumes, games and musical instruments for little ones to enjoy. All parties take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday or Saturday and accommodate up to 12 children and their caregivers. Choose from three party types: basic (food not included), the Bakeshop Package (including cupcakes from the nearby bakery), and the Bakeshop & baddpizza Package, which covers cupcakes and New York-style pizza from the local chain. Pricing starts at $300. // 125 N. Washington St., Falls Church
For homebodies…
There’s no place like home, especially when the party can come to you. Arlington County facilitates rentals of all sorts of amusement, including moon bounces and sports-themed inflatables, and snow cone and popcorn machines. The former cost $150 and up for four hours (you can add more time for an additional fee), while the latter cost $60 for two hours. Another option: The Office for Teenagers provides DJ and inflatable screen rental services while putting Arlington middle and high schoolers to work mixing the music and handling setup and take-down.
For artistic types…
Slip on some smocks and head to Art House 7, a two-story art studio that offers birthday parties from 1-3 p.m. on Saturdays for kiddos 5 and up. The celebrant can choose from multiple mediums: painting (usually acrylic on canvas), wire sculpture, jewelry making (beads and hammered-metal charms), polymer clay charms, and needle felting. Packages start at $350, and goodie bags containing a sketchbook, markers or watercolors, pencil and ruler are available for $8 apiece. // 5537 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Langston Boulevard)
For gamers, bruh…
Can’t pry those controllers from your youngster’s hands? Then add them to their whole body at Sandbox VR. Using headsets and body-worn sensors, partygoers will find themselves in a virtual world where they can work together to battle bad guys. Although this might be best for tweens and teens, there’s no age limit for parties. Participants must be at least 48 inches tall, however. Contact the venue for pricing. // 1656 Silver Hill Drive, McLean
For codebreakers…
Send your child—and some friends—on a hunt for a hidden customized birthday card at Bond’s Escape Room. That’s in addition to figuring their way out of puzzle-filled rooms with intriguing names such as Enchanted Castle, Death By Chocolate and Art Attack, where you unlock paint and tools to use in the splatter room (protective clothing provided). Birthday parties include an hour in the escape room for up to 10 sleuths and an hour in a private party room before or after the game, plus pizza and drinks. Packages start at $475. // 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
For animal lovers…
Host a Puppy Party at home and support Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. For a minimum donation of $415, workers will bring pups—conveniently available for adoption should a bond prove unbreakable—for a 60-minute meet-and-greet. Check out the “Puppy Protocols” downloadable sheet for details and note that for children’s events, the organization requires that an adult is present to help ensure that partiers and pups alike stay safe.