Oh shoot, here we go again. We just got through winter break and there are soooo many days off, half days, teacher prep days and holidays to plan for this winter and spring. What’s a working parent to do? Arts organizations, parks departments and sports leagues are increasingly taking note of the need. Here are a few solutions that will keep the kids safe, having fun, exercising and learning—until you have to plan their summer. Check out these mini, one-day break camps.
This story has been updated.Â
Arlington County Parks and Rec
Full days off from school? Early release days? The county has you covered for Arlington Public Schools teacher workdays and/or parent-teacher conference days. Coming up on Jan. 30, send your 11-17 year old on a Teen Trip to Basye, Virginia for two hours of snowtubing. And on Jan. 31, the teens are going skiing! Younger kids ages 5-11 can enjoy Break Blast Camp at Carver Community Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $50. Or try out a soccer or basketball camp, coding or dance. Check back for spring day-off camps March 14 and 31, plus spring break (April 14-18) and the grade prep day April 21. // Locations, times and fees vary.
Baroody Break Camps
From sports and STEAM activities to cooking and drones, Baroody Camps offer enrichment opportunities on MLK Day and during teacher work days and parent-teacher conference days. Programs are designed to foster a child’s development and curiosity. You can also find their offerings on the Arlington County Parks and Rec site. // Various Locations
Code Ninjas
Kids can become a ninja of computer coding, master Minecraft, build Roblox worlds or even learn to make their own games as they advance through the belt levels to achieve black belt coding status! On MLK Day, Jan. 20, they can learn to build Roblox worlds using terrain tools and advanced building techniques. Come back Feb. 17 for Minecraft Modding Masters. Camps are $110 and run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. // 4694 King St., Alexandria
EmPOWER Kids School’s Out Camps
Children can burn off energy jumping on a trampoline, learning to do a cartwheel and acquiring new ninja skills, then cool it all down with a little mindfulness to end the day. Out of School Time (OST) Camps sell out fast here, so be sure to register in advance. Camps are $90 and run 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for kids 5 and older. Siblings get a discount. OST camps follow the Arlington Public Schools calendar, so you’ll find care here on most APS holidays and teacher work days. // 4700 King St., Alexandria
Encore Stage Holiday Mini Camps
When schools are closed, aspiring thespians can spend their day off discovering the world of theater. Camp plays and themes are based on popular children’s movies and stories. On Jan. 30, be a part of The Wizard of Oz play in a day. On Feb. 17, aspiring Broadway stars will enjoy a Broadway show hits and choreography workshop. March 14 is Return to Zootopia, and March 31 is Toy Story 3. Camps are for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. They are $90 per day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the option of paying extra for additional morning or evening hours. // Cherrydale United Methodist Church, 3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington
ETC: Educational Theatre Company
Participate in a day of the arts at ETC’s Drama Day. Professional teaching artists guide the kiddos through drama, movement, music and visual arts workshops. The company has programs Jan. 30 and 31, Presidents Day and March 14 and 31. Drama Day is $80 for grades K-5 and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended hours before and after at an additional cost. // Locations vary.Â
Fairfax County Parks & Rec
Schools out? The Fairfax County Park Authority has your back. Choose from a full roster of camps, from arts and sports to STEM and nature. The county has programming planned for Jan. 20 and 29, and on Feb. 17. Sign up at the Park Authority Camps website. // Prices and locations vary.
The Little Gym
Burn off steam on those cold winter days, with indoor tumbling, balancing and exploring. The Little Gym is one of few places to offer day-off programming for younger kids. Their Super Quest camp program takes tots ages 3-12. Older thrill seekers ages 6-12 can take their gymnastics skills to the next level with the Grade School Skill Thrill. Upcoming school break camps on Jan. 20 and 30 run from 1-4 p.m. for $70. // 2209 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington
Magnus Chess Academy
When school is closed, kids can spend the day putting their minds to the test at chess camp. Campers are divided into groups by skill level, and lessons range from the basics to master games and tactics. Students get breaks for fresh air throughout the day. Break camps are offered on most public school days off in both Arlington and Fairfax counties. Kids can sign up for single-day, multi-day or weeklong sessions. Magnus also offers camps on snow days. // Dates and locations vary. Check the schedule for details.
Mulford Riding School
This is where young equestrians can get outside, enjoy fresh air and exercise up close with horses. Camps are offered rain or shine during winter break, spring break and many Fairfax County school days off. Coming up in 2025, find a day-off camp Feb. 17 and a spring break camp. To get in the saddle, attendees must wear riding attire: long pants, boots or sturdy closed toe shoes. Day-off camp is $250/day, spring break camp is $730/week or $250 per day. // 15105 Lee Highway, Centreville
Camp Sarraka
This local camp got its start 10 years ago when brothers Jake and Brody Karton, who loved playing outside in their Barcroft neighborhood, were asked to create a week-long outdoors-based camp for their community. The Kartons were 13 and 11 when it started and still run it to this day. They’re offering camp on MLK day Jan. 20, and on the professional learning days Jan. 30 and 31. You’ll also find coverage here on President’s Day, Feb. 17, as well as March 14 and 31, spring break (April 14-18) and April 21. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $120 with optional extended care for an extra charge. // 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington
The T.E.A. Center
Develop leadership skills at The Transformational Education Adventure Center, a Best of Arlington 2025 top vote getter. Kids participate in structured learning and activities in small groups as well as lots of fun activities and an afternoon tea. Camps are $119/day and take place on many of the Fairfax County school holidays and teacher workdays, including Jan. 29 and April 21 and 28. They run from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for ages 4-12. // 1491 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Virginia Dance Conservatory
Aspiring dancers can enjoy half-day themed camp offerings from 9 a.m. to noon when schools are closed at this Best of Arlington 2025 winner. Taylor Swift-obsessed dancers might enjoy Pop Star Diva camp on Jan. 20—a day filled with jazz class, friendship bracelets and jamming to your favorite T-Swift tunes. Come back Feb. 17 for A Day on Broadway, or in March for a Princess Tea Party camp or a Mermaid Magic camp, where dancers can join Ariel and Sebastian and favorite tunes from popular movies. Holiday camp is $90 for ages 5-8. // 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington