Reader Pick
Summer Day Camp
Congressional Camp
Imagine a day packed full of archery, crafts, nature walks and all the idyllic activities you might find in a summer camp located hours away from the bustle of the DMV. At “Congo Camp” (the shorthand used by those in the know), kids ages 4 to 14 can enjoy many of the activities of a traditional overnight camp without leaving Northern Virginia. The Sleepy Hollow campus in Falls Church is located on 40 acres, which means there’s room for everything from horseback riding or zip-lining off a three-sided climbing tower to jumping in a new, tricked-out swimming pool. The camp does field trips, too, such as kayaking on the Potomac. “For a large number of families, we’re part of their summer tradition,” says camp director Dan O’Neil. –Adele Chapin
Other top vote-getters:
Calleva, Camp Kids Place, Camp Sarraka, Knights of Columbus Summer Camp, MoCA Arlington Summer Camp, Social Grace Summer Camp, Steve & Kate’s Camp, Summer@Potomac, TIC Summer Camp, YMCA Arlington Summer Camp
Reader Pick
Summer Sleepaway Camp
Sandy Hill Camp
Other top vote-getters:
Camps Airy & Louise, Camp Rim Rock, Camp Tockwogh, Camp Varsity
Reader Pick
Pet Boarding
Fur-Get Me Not
The daily schedule at Fur-Get Me Not almost sounds more like a preschool than a dog boarding facility: It includes free playtime, activity sessions, lunch, potty breaks and rest times. Dogs and their owners love it, which is why the canine-centered day care, boarding and training facility is now celebrating its 23rd year in business. Fur-Get Me Not recently underwent a huge remodel to double the size of its multibuilding facility. “I think one of the standouts is that we really treat each dog as an individual,” says owner Tammy Rosen, who got her start as a dog trainer. Her latest innovation is an “enrichment school,” complete with dog training and nature walks on Arlington trails. –Adele Chapin
Other top vote-getters:
Bark + Boarding, Country Club Kennels, District Dogs, Dogtopia, Dude’s Dog House, Old Dominion Animal Health Center, Olde Towne Pet Resort, Playful Pack
Editor Pick
Fun on Wheels
Saturday Skate Night
Come winter, one of the hottest places in town isn’t a club. It’s the Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center. On Saturday evenings from late October through March, people of all ages and backgrounds don roller skates and boogie around TJ’s indoor track to a mix of DJ-spun tunes. Skate rentals are available, as are skate “walkers” for newbies still finding their groove, and a snack bar and moon bounce round out the offerings. In addition to being a fun place to hang out with friends and people-watch, Gunston Middle School student Max Ruckh says, “It helped my skating skills a ton.” And with an admission price of just $2 (plus $3 for skate rentals) it’s a bargain. –Kim O’Connell
Reader Pick
Family Photographer
Matt Mendelsohn Creative
Other top vote-getters:
Cindy Kane Photography, Donna Owens Photography, Rachel E.H. Photography
Reader Pick
Private High School
Bishop O’Connell High School
Other top vote-getters:
Bishop Ireton High School, Flint Hill School, Gonzaga College High School, The Madeira School, The Potomac School, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, The Sycamore School, Veritas Collegiate Academy
Reader Pick
Kids’ Haircuts
Westover Barber Shop
Other top vote-getter:
Chesterbrook Barber, Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Reader Pick
Veterinarian
Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic
Other top vote-getters:
Arlington Animal Hospital, Ballston Animal Hospital, Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Clarendon Animal Care, McLean Animal Hospital, Northside Veterinary Clinic, Suburban Animal Hospital
Reader Pick
Tutoring Service
MLS Educational Consultants
Other top vote-getters:
The StudyPro, Tutoring Club of McLean, Zee Tutoring