Got a kid’s birthday coming up? Don’t fret—there are party venues galore in Northern Virginia, offering your tot or tween the opportunity to crawl through tunnels, master their triple lutz, or unlock the mysteries of a pharaoh’s crypt. Check out these local venues.
For littles and the elementary set …
If your child could go toe-to-toe with the Energizer Bunny, head to Scramble, where kids can climb through multilevel play structures, score soccer goals with giant bouncy balls, build a fort with soft bricks and more. For the youngest of birthday tikes, there are also mini slides and spaces for sensory fun. Party packages include two hours of play time, pizza, fruit, water bottles, favors and add-on options. // 130 East Fairfax St., Falls Church, and 5412 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. Packages start at $300.
For kids looking to reach new heights …
Wall-to-wall jumping courts. Trampoline basketball. A ninja warrior course. Skyzone in Springfield will put plenty of pep in your kid’s step with several lofty attractions. Birthday packages include one hour of jumping, a private party room or party table, socks for each guest, tableware, a party host and add-ons such as pizza, beverages, additional jumping time and a party T for the birthday honoree. // 5325 Port Royal Road, Springfield. Packages start at $300.Â
For nature lovers …
Book a fest with friends in the great outdoors at Gulf Branch Nature Center and Park, Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park or Potomac Overlook Regional Park. The two-hour parties (with extra setup and cleanup time) are geared for kids age 4 and up and include a spotlight on your child’s favorite animal (think snake, frog or turtle) from a center naturalist. A 30-minute hike can be added for an additional fee. // Locations vary. Contact each park for rates.
For challenge-seekers …
Star in your own theme-park-style adventure at the 15,000-square-foot 5 Wits, which opened in 2019 at Ballston Quarter. Recapture an escaped dragon in Drago’s Castle, stop a rogue company in Espionage or help uncover a pharaoh’s crypt in Tomb. Each experience has hidden secrets and tech-driven challenges. Party packages include two adventures, a decorated party room, tableware, pizza and drinks, with extras available for a higher rate. And though the adventures are open to all ages, 5 Wits says they’re best for kids 7 and up. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston). Package start at $450.
For Olympic hopefuls …
A party at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex will warm the hearts of hockey players, speed and figure skaters, or anyone who enjoys rapidly gliding across ice while perched on thin blades. Here, partygoers can glide around the rink and then replace those burned calories with pizza, lemonade and cake—all included. So are plates, cups, silverware and candles, skate rental, and dedicated staff members to help both on and off the ice. (Want to take your ice party to the next level? The Washington Capitals mascot, Slapshot, can also be booked for an additional fee.) // 627 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington (Ballston). Packages start at $375.Â
For budding artists …
Calling all Picassos, Van Goghs and Brittos ages 5 and up: The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington offers two-hour parties that start with an hour-long art class—all materials, such as canvas, paint, pastels and paper, provided. The second half is self-run by the hosts, usually with time for food, cake and games. Parties max out at 15 kids, and the center requires one adult for every 10 children, with a total capacity of 25 in the classroom. Art-themed goodie bags are available for an additional fee. // 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Virginia Square). Contact the museum for rates.
For manners-minders …
A party at Tea with Mrs. B would make Fancy Nancy swoon. Part posh high tea and part etiquette lesson, the 90-minute fetes include tea service for 8-20 children, vintage dress-up, tutelage from Mrs. B herself, and customizable themes and activities. Add-ons and extended time are also available for an additional cost. // 136 W. Jefferson St., Falls Church. Packages start at $625.
For gamers …
Put a modern twist on an age-old game of tag. Don a vest and grab a laser shooter before searching for friends-turned-foes in a dark maze at Ultrazone Laser Tag. Groups play at least one 15-minute game, and you might want to bring some (read: a lot of) extra change because the arcade games are pretty tough to avoid, seeing as they’re at the entrance. Party packages, which have a 10-guest minimum, do include some game tokens, plus a private party space, pizza, soft drinks and goodie bags. // 3447 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church. Packages start at $259.90.
For music makers …
Party like a rock star at Bach to Rock, where the birthday child and their friends turn into singing sensations and/or band mates. Options are grouped by age: Kids ages 4 to 6 can try out rock ’n’ roll instruments, while kids over 6 can grab a mic and belt out a tune karaoke-style. Partygoers 7 and up can choose a fave song, record it in the studio and take it home to enjoy on repeat. Dabbling as a deejay for a day requires double digits on the birthday cake. // 6649A Old Dominion Drive, McLean. Packages start at $349.
For young yogis …
If doing sun salutations to honor another trip around that great ball of fire is your kid’s jam, roll out a mat for a 45-minute yoga session at Sun & Moon Yoga Studio. There’s also time for (host-provided) post-pose snacks, and themes such as fairies and dinosaurs are also available. This may be the one time kids leave a party feeling Zen instead of riled up. Namaste to that. // 3811 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Cherrydale). Packages starts at $250.