Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Virtual birthday parties in Washington, DC and beyond

A few friends of our friends as well as family members have had birthdays during this pandemic. We celebrated the best way we could think of; a drive to our nephews house blaring Stevie Wonders ‘happy birthday’ with handmade posters and cards and we mailed gifts via Amazon to others. While neither are ideal, we still were happy to be able to wish them a happy birthday during this tough time. Another great idea is to organize a birthday parade; I saw it play out on Glennon Doyle’s IG when her daughter’s friends planned a fun surprise parade and it brought tears to my eyes. Now that we are looking at months of this social distancing some of our favorite places have thought about how to continue to make birthdays specials for our kiddos. So prepare to bake a birthday cake, order a birthday banner or themed decor and check out the options below. We introduce to you virtual birthday parties!

Shellebrate, Mermaid theme from Badlands

District Dabble Lab
Virtual Parties: Like they do for Birthday Parties at the DabbleLab, Emily will do a completely customized theme (mermaids, unicorn, rainbow) party for the child. She always personalizes something for each attendee, so if the parent would like to include the birthday child’s friends in a Zoom party, they are welcome to send the names and Emily will make a art kit for each one for the parent to pick-up and deliver to the guests of their virtual party.  If the family is doing something just for the child and his/her siblings, Emily will create completely personalized and custom craft kits for them.  

Dabble On-The-Go Art Kits: These change weekly and include three projects and a personalized art bag.  Orders should be placed the week before and they are ready for delivery or pick-up on Monday of the following week. Emily will deliver within 2 miles at no charge and between 2-10 miles for a $5 fee. Anyone can do contact-free pick-up at the DabbleLab. 

Red Panda Art Studio
Red Panda Art Studio is now offering virtual birthday parties! They will facilitate a 45-minute art activity with you and your guests! Art activity can be customized to any theme using materials most families will already have at home (markers, paper, paint, etc)– or you can arrange for them to create customized art kits to deliver to participants! Red Panda aims to bring some art fun to your Zoom party during this time! Extend the birthday fun by creating together! Email Stephanie for all of the details! 

Virtual Art Classes: Stephanie is also offering virtual art class. Both of my kids are taking art class with their besties once a week and it is perfect. The projects use art supplies you likely have at home and are done over Zoom.

Henry’s Sweet Retreat
At home birthday party package includes decorations, cookie activity, games and cake and is available for curbside service! Included are 16 pre-baked sugar cookies for the family to decorate with 4 colors of icing and 4 kinds of decorations. A bright colored rainbow “Happy Birthday” banner and special hat for birthday kid and a birthday cake. The package includes an 8” cake (perfect for a family) decorated and a special message. This also includes games for 4-6 year olds and games for 7 & up that have instructions. Some choices are: Jelly Belly jelly bean tasting – they’ll give you 6 (fairly simple) flavors to try and figure out! Henry’s Helper – dress a paper doll cut out using frosting as glue. Missing Candy Game – figure out what candy is missing. M&M game – includes cups, m&m’s and straws. Candy Ball Saran Wrap ball (all you need is dice). Soda Tasting – they’ll give you 3 unique sodas to taste blindly to figure out the flavor.

Henry’s Sweet Retreat

ArtJamz
Offering various virtual classes and at-home paint kits. Unleash your inner artist! at home with an ArtJamz at-home paint kit and/or order a few for your kids friends and have your own Zoom party. You could also sign-up the attendees for a jamming live virtual painting experiences taught by a talented artists.

All Fired Up
While they are not offering virtual birthday parties, they are delivering take home kits with everything you need. You could browse the choices and order a few for your kids friends and have your own Zoom party!

Badlands
Beginning this weekend, Badlands has launched Badlands Birthdays in a Bag! – providing everything you need to replicate a themed birthday party, Badlands style! There are 4 themes available for purchase:  Born to sparkle (unicorn), Hear Me Roarrr (Dinosaur), Shellebrate (Mermaid) and Calling All Heroes!  (Superhero).  Each kit contains décor, birthday signage, plates, cups and items to deck out your birthday party at home.  Also included are a mindful moment card, activity sheets and virtual activities with accompanying materials like themed bingo to enjoy with friends and family at home or virtually! 

Birthdays in a bag can be ordered via Badlands’ recently launched non contact Pull-in Pantry, a service providing pantry staples, alcohol and STEAM activity kits like Slime, Build a Rocket and Craft Kit (with more kits to come in the weeks ahead).  The Pull-in Pantry not only provides a vital service to the community, but also helps to support Badlands’ staff pay relief during this challenging time.  The pantry operates every Thursday – Sunday from 12pm – 6pm.  Orders can be placed anytime and a pick up window chosen or call 240-599-5108.

The Great Zucchini
The award winning children’s entertainer who needs no introduction is offering 30 minute Zoom parties.

Mad Science
Live, virtual, interactive birthday parties are now available. Let Mad Science host your child and up to 40 of their friends in a secure Zoom ‘party-room’. Mad Science is Washington FAMILY Magazine’s 2019 Winner for Best Kid’s Entertainer. Call for more details at 301-593-4777.

My Gym Bethesda & Potomac
Party On! (Online, that is!) Everyone is at home and social distancing, but don’t let that stop you from throwing a birthday bash your child will always remember. My Gym LIVE brings great birthday parties to your home, living room or backyard! A 30 minute My Gym live birthday party includes LIVE age appropriate interactive entertainment from a My Gym Teacher. Dance, play games, party virtually and make memories together! My Gym birthday shirt for the birthday child is available for pick-up as soon as they re-open and they receive 4 free weeks of live online classes for the birthday child. Each party attendee will receive one free live online class for party attendees.

Marsha Goodman Wood
Virtual Birthday parties! I’m so glad to be able to provide this option for people to make their child’s birthday special even while we stay safe and practice social distancing. It’s nice doing these on Zoom because all the children can see each other and dance together from a distance. Usually the musician mutes everyone else while performing a song so the party participants can make noise without cutting off the performer and interfering with the audio. Then, the performer can unmute the participants to give people an opportunity to talk back or to each other between songs. It’s really a nice way to be able to celebrate while we can’t meet in person. There are some other online options that work for parties, too, such as Google Hangouts (and if a parent had another preferred platform, I’m open to anything that works best for the family).  I try to keep my performance like I would at an in-person party, with songs tailored to the age of the birthday child and partygoers, and lots of opportunities to sing & dance along. I also provide the host & participants with album downloads so all of the families can have some music to enjoy even after the party is over. My goal is to give the birthday child and their family a joyous day and a positive experience making music together at home! The best way for families to schedule is to go to the above link and contact Marsha either by email or phone 202-246-6688.

Zig Zag Zooooom! 
The incomparable magistical laffinator, Zig Zag offers a variety of virtual shows for young and not-so-young kids.  Packed with Puppetry, Music and Kid’s Magic, Zig Zag’s shows will fill your home with joy and laughter.

Busy Bees
For Busy Bees, parties equal happiness and togetherness. They say it’s time for us to bring that back to our families! They have created a way to be “together”, while we are apart. Through designed celebration packages,  your lil’ ones and their friends will join together in the same mission  while at the “same place” (enter same Zoom backdrop created for each of the activities)! Packages are perfect for virtual playdates, or virtual birthday parties.
Order yours now for curbside pickup at our Falls Church store on the specified date.

Birthday party ideas for older kids in and around Washington, DC

I love planning our Bambinos birthday parties but as our son has gotten older, his requests have gotten more precise and less intense. I do appreciate his taste for not having a big, blown out celebration and our bank account also thanks his simple request. This year he wants to have a sleepover, that’s it. I keep pushing something more exciting but that’s plenty of fun to him, so that’s what it shall be. The last two years he begged to just play a baseball game with his friends at a local park. After applying for the permit at the park, I decided to create a new birthday post in preparation of his future parties as well as for all of you with an older crew who have outgrown some of the ideas on previous birthday posts we’ve created (see bottom of this post). 

Summit Ropes Indoor Adventure Park

Summit Ropes Indoor Adventure Park

The St. James

Invicta Sports Club Archery Party

American Parkour

ZavaZone: Trampoline & Indoor Adventure Park

Ninjabe

The District Chef

Shawdowland Laser

Bach to Rock (parties starting at age 4-10+)

Game Truck of Northern Virginia

The Baseball Zone

Kayak the Potomac and celebrate with cake at the Wharf

Rockville Sportsplex (Choose from Small Field Package (soccer or dodgeball), Inflatables, Court (basketball, soccer, dodgeball or hockey) or Field)

Mini-golf at East Potomac

Top Golf (Teens & Kids options available)

Washington Nationals game or local baseball game: Bethesda Big Train, Potomac Nationals, Bowie Baysox

Go Kart Track (Must be 54′ to drive by yourself)

ArtJamz

iFly Loudoun

Tea with Mrs. B
Or a tea party at one of these fancy hotels

Cake Pop Party at Baked by Yael

Cookie decorating at Henry Sweet Retreat

Monster Mini Golf

Pinstripes bowling

A Game of Rooms
(Age minimum 12 years old)

The Escape Lounge

The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School (Teens and adults alike will have a great time ziplining and climbing through the trees!)

Other related links:
Birthday party ideas, venues & entertainers in and around Washington, DC

My Gym birthday party

More Indoor Options that may host parties

Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake

Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake has been in operation since 2003 and consider themselves to be a premier attraction for families with young kids in Maryland, DC, and Virginia while being conveniently located in Annapolis with parking! The program has been tailored over time to keep kids engaged and immersed in an incredible adventure at sea.  They are family owned and operated and their biggest asset is their incredible crew, some who have been with the ship for over 10 years. Their ability to bring out the personality in all their young charges is what keeps people coming back year after year and contributes to the reputation as a family-friendly destination. The Pirate Adventure is a great time for kids but also makes for an enjoyable boat ride for grown-ups. The cruise includes views of the Naval Academy and historic downtown Annapolis. We were treated to an amazing afternoon aboard ship and brought along our friends to enjoy the adventure together. Photos are courtesy of Stefanie Harrington, DC area photographer.

I can attest to the fact that they specialize in family fun and even more so just plain old fun for kids. The experience began with customized pirate themed face and body paint for the kids, a quick lesson in pirate talk and mateys dressing to the part if they so choose all before climbing on board. Once on the ship, kids learned they needed to find the map in order to start the cruise to find the treasure. No child needed the attention of their parents the entire hour and a half cruise. The crew kept them completely entertained; adults might as well have been back on land. It was a chance for parents to just watch their Bambinos interact and take part in the fun interactive adventure while siting back and taking in the views from the boat, which let’s be honest, we don’t get to do very often.

They also host field trips and groups, birthday parties as well as families. The indoor party room completes the experience at sea with a pirate ship theme and pizza and cupcakes can be delivered to keep the party going after the trip.

They set sail seven days a week, six times a day from mid-April through Labor Day and weekends only through Halloween.

Ticket prices are $22 per person, $12 for children 2 and under and they offer discounted tickets at certain sailing times and for special events.

Location: 311 Third St. Annapolis, MD. 21403 (Less than an hour from DC!)

(Photos taken by Stefanie Harrington)

Not your typical kid gym

Need a place to escape the heat (or cold in the winter) and head indoors? Here are a couple of places that are sure to make your child happy and get some exercise when it’s too hot to be outside in the afternoon (or too cold in the winter). Most of these unique spaces offer camps, classes and birthday parties in addition to providing a space for your Bambinos to move. 

(Photo: Badlands)
Badlands Playspace– 5200 Randolph Rd. Rockville, MD 20852
Read about our fun there!

Scramble Indoor Play– 5412 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22304
Scramble is the first European-style play center in Alexandria. Scramble offers incredible indoor play every day of the week, birthday parties Fri-Sun and a full program of summer camps for Elementary-age children this summer.

Elemeno– 709 8th St SE Washington, DC 20003
Formerly known as SkillZone. Parent coworking, SkillZone indoor play, early childhood STEM, family social events, kid-free time & private parties.

Magic Ground– 3100 14th St Northwest 3rd Level Washington, DC
See original review here.

Laugh Out Loud Stations Mega Fun Center– 6250 Greenbelt Rd. Greenbelt, MD 20770
CRAZY FUN Rides and AMAZING attractions all in one place to develop LOL Stations as the Best Indoor Theme Park and Birthday Party Place in the Washington metropolitan area, where the entire family can play together!! LaserTag, Challenge Course, Tumbler, Bumper Cars, Ball Blaster, Bouncers, 4-Level Playground, Himalaya, and much more!! Purchase a package or pay for single games.

Hyper Kidz!- 9309 Snowden River Parkway Columbia, MD 21046
Themed zones for kids ages 0-13. Other attractions include an interactive LED dance floor, laser light show, interactive screen games, bubble machine, glow-in-the-dark play, a concession stand, souvenir stand, and giant lite brite boards. Hyper Kidz encourages healthy and active social play.

(Photo: Nook)
Nook–  Nook Mosaic:Coming Summer 2018 & Nook Ballston Quarter:Coming Fall 2018
Nook is a play and learning space for the young, modern family. Not just a children’s play space, Nook is a blended play, work, and learning experience for the entire family.

Climb Zone-13200 Mid Atlantic Boulevard Suite 130 Laurel, MD 20708
Indoor rock climbing with individual walls, each with a theme. There are a few bounce houses, an area for kids 3 and under to play in, video games and a small cafe. Ages 2-5 are $12, 6 years and older $25. You can stay as long as you’d like. Outside food is permitted. You can have a birthday party here too. Put your harness on and climb aboard your favorite art whether it be Mt. Rushmore or the Alice in Wonderland themed wall, you’ll have a great time.

ZAVAZONE– 45685 Oakbrook Ct #110, Sterling, VA 20166 & 40 Southlawn Court Rockville, MD 20850
ZAVAZONE is an Indoor Adventure Park: a unique space dedicated to active fun for people from ages 5 to 105.  ZAVAZONE brings together ninja courses, ropes courses, trampolines, climbing challenges, zip lines, and more under ONE soaring roof.  It delivers a heart-pumping multi-action experience like no other.  Every visit to ZAVAZONE grants access to ALL of these exhilarating challenges, so you’re always free to create your very own active adventure. The state-of-the-art equipment is overseen by highly trained ZAVAZONE coaches who ensure safety while inspiring guests to make the leap or try a bold new move. All ZAVAZONE activities are included with admission.

Animated Child– 5167 Waterway Drive Montclair, VA 22025
Animated Child is an innovative enrichment center that encourages a child’s natural curiosity, independence and creativity. We engage children in every element of intelligence to highlight their unique way of learning. By exploring in which way a child is smart versus how smart they are, children are empowered to recognize ability within themselves. Great for ages 2-12. Open exploration times, enrichment classes, summer camps and birthday parties are available.

Sprout at Saffron – 3260 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
The ultimate new business concept that combines your productivity (coworking), relaxation, fitness or yoga with your kids playing and learning.  Moms, dads and caregivers can catch up on work or relax in the cafe, take a fitness or yoga class while your kids are taken care of in a holistic and educational environment.  Classes vary from supervised open gym, music, ballerina classes and more! Classes are also offered for kids or adults.

Busy Bees– 11 Wisconsin Circle Bethesda, MD & 6110 D Arlington Blvd. Falls Church, VA 22044
An indoor play space where everything moves, spins or flies just for kids under 48″. $15 (or a pass) will get your kiddos inside, come and go as you please. Open 9-5 everyday. Complimentary coffee, tea and wifi. They also through amazing birthday parties.

Don’t forget these indoor spaces as well:

My Gym–5110 Ridgefield Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816
Kidville– 4825 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Gymboree– Various Locations

Washington, DC’s newest coworking playspace: Workafrolic

I had the privilege of meeting Naomi Rasmussen, founder of Workafrolic, a unique coworking playspace w/ flexible childcare and classes back when her idea was coming to fruition. She now has an amazing space located in between Eckington & Shaw which boasts three stories; top floor is a coworking space with everything you need to work successfully, main level includes a kitchen, lactation room and a separate space for childcare and a basement for older kids, classes and conference calls you may need to take.

Below is a q+a that will allow you to understand what Workafrolic offers and how you can use all it has to offer to your advantage. 

How did the concept begin?

At first, my idea was to build an indoor playspace for infants and toddlers. When my son was too young to enjoy the playground, there weren’t many indoor places outside of my apartment where he could safely explore new surroundings and I could relax knowing it was acceptable for him to be crawling around putting everything in his mouth. As the concept developed, the amenities I had in mind for the parents grew until it was a space that was equal parts for kids and adults. I ended up creating my ideal place as an urban working parent!

Explain what coworking is.

Coworking is when individuals who don’t work for the same organization work side by side in the same office space. It’s often a financially smart arrangement for businesses of all sizes since the overhead costs necessary in managing an office can get expensive. For individuals who would most likely be working from home in isolation, the coworking model has created a valuable opportunity to work in an office setting where they get access to professional networking, printers, and meeting space. The coworking model has been around for a few decades, but there has been a sharp increase in its popularity over the last several years and is now common globally.

What’s unique about Workafrolic?

Workafrolic is unique not only because it is a coworking space that has on-site child care, but because of the flexibility our version of this model affords parents. They can see availability and book child care by the hour weeks in advance or right up to the minute before they arrive. We have long hours during the week (8am-7pm) and weekend (10am-7pm) to accommodate a variety of schedules. We have monthly memberships, but we also welcome non-members to use our services on a drop-in basis. We also host classes that families can participate in together during the week and weekends, like music and family yoga.

Another unique aspect of Workafrolic is that in addition to work space we offer a convenient place for adults to take time for themselves to participate in fitness and wellness classes while their child is being looked after. Parents—and especially moms—often sacrifice their own personal time for work and family responsibilities. Not that we need a reason to have some alone time, but evidence shows that exercise makes people more productive and creative. Self-care also puts parents in a stronger position to care for kids. Integrating this element into the same space with work and family and providing child care makes it easier to fit it all in to the day since time is the reason so many of us don’t get to it.

Workafrolic’s playspace is designed for children from birth to age 6 with toys and activities that engage children at each developmental stage. We believe free play encourages creativity and independence and our playspace gives children materials and space to feed their vivid imaginations and innate desire to learn and grow. The playspace is available as an indoor area for parent-supervised play (Open Play) on the weekends and after 4pm on weekdays. We also rent out the space for birthday parties.

Can a Mom come to Workafrolic if she is nursing? What about if a child needs to nap? 

Absolutely! In fact, one of the benefits of Workafrolic is that mom and child can spend the day in close proximity and can continue their nursing routine as long as they’d like. Our rocking chairs in front of the large windows overlooking North Capitol St are a prime spot for nursing. We also have a comfortable lactation room if you’d like more privacy to nurse or pump.

Most of the children who come to Workafrolic nap here. One side of our main child care space is dedicated to napping and a gate keeps wandering children from bothering the nappers. We have cots, cribs, infant swings, bouncers, and a rock ‘n play, so your little one will certainly find a comfy spot to settle into!

What can those using the working space expect?

Expect to be productive!

Workers can expect a comfortable and inviting space with everything they need at hand to tick things of their to do list. We serve complimentary hot and iced coffee and tea and sell snacks from local food businesses to munch on while you work.

You can also expect to see a lot of Dads! Many people assume moms are the parents using Workafrolic, but our clientele is pretty much half and half so dads should feel very welcome to come work here.

Location: 1707 North Capitol St NE Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-506-2770 

MOCO Movement offers therapy services in a fully inclusive environment + GIVEAWAY

MOCO Movement Center offers world class therapy services in a fully inclusive environment, alongside a sibling or peer taking a sports or movement class. The center was founded by Dr. Andrea Santman because, “After years of providing therapy services for kids, I saw a huge need to offer classes to prep young kids for all of their physical activities ahead. Before throwing them into a sport like soccer, let’s show them the correct way to kick and handle a ball, allowing them to get comfortable before diving in full force.”

The center is equipped with everything from a synthetic ice rink, where kids can put on real ice skates and get acquainted with the skill, before trying it out on a full blown ice rink to a 15 foot climbing wall, allowing kids to test out rock climbing in a less intimidating atmosphere. The space also boasts a a basketball court, exciting obstacle course and simulated playground, where a child has endless opportunities to reach his or her goals. Class sizes range from 2-4 children allowing personalized attention and the freedom of a choose-your-own-adventure style class.  

MOCO Movement Center’s Early Intervention program focuses on children at the development critical ages of 0 – 3 years. MOCO understands the importance of working with your child on a daily basis to accomplish their milestone goals. Their early intervention trained pediatric therapists have years of experience in development, childhood skills/occupations, language development and social interactions that impact growth and learning. 

At MOCO, they use their expert knowledge of development in conjunction with the natural environment to encourage play and engage children to reach their developmental milestones. They work closely with parents and caregivers to develop goals, create plans of care and collaborate on strategies that support family and child-centered objectives, which encourage continued therapy even at home. They utilize a variety of environments including playgrounds, home and other community settings to encourage participation and support generalization of skills across all areas and settings.Their goal is to help children reach their developmental milestones so that they can move and play more independently, build social relationships through play and communication, and successfully transition and participate in school activities with peers.

Classes at MOCO are offered for babies through age 12. Children use thought, strength, and balance on MOCO’s giant obstacle courses designed with oversized blocks, tight-rope-style lines, trampolines, and suspension equipment to acquire foundational skills, including self-confidence and social interaction, and build sport and fitness skills. Classes provide a unique structured, child-driven curriculum guided by highly-trained staff including expert athletes, medical and educational specialists.

Summer Camp is offered to babies-age 10, half day as well as full day. The summer camp includes movement, music, arts & crafts, science, sports, state-of-the-art equipment, and an inclusive environment. Camps are non-therapeutic and do not have therapeutic goals, however, throughout the day they incorporate a variety of fine and gross motor skills and activities that encourage cooperative group environments.  Birthday Parties are also a hit at MOCO Movement!

My children have taken a few classes here; Kids in Motion and Sports Fundamentals. The students/teacher ratio is unbelievable, the facility has a plethora of equipment and the fact that my 7 & 3 year old can take a class together is priceless. My kids leave the building and before we are in the car they are asking when they can come back. The teachers are extremely hands-on and take great care in having children go through movements and skills the appropriate and safe way. I don’t know of any other facility like this that welcomes all children to work alongside one another, no matter their need or skill level.

Location: 5268A Nicholson Lane Kensington, MD 20895

Giveaway: MOCO Movement is giving away one month of classes to a Bambino who is age 3 months to 10 years old (only one child per family). Enter on Beltway Bambinos Facebook page and Like MOCO Movement’s Facebook page– Bonus entry for commenting on Instagram. Winner will be announced May 30, 2018.

Birthday party ideas for older kids in and around Washington, DC

I love planning our Bambinos birthday parties but as our son has gotten older, his requests have gotten more precise and less intense. I do appreciate his taste for not having a big, blown out celebration and our bank account also thanks his simple request. He wants to play a baseball game with his friends at a local park (again)– which is how he celebrated turning 5. After applying for the permit at the park, I decided to create a new birthday post in preparation of his future parties as well as for all of you with an older crew who have outgrown some of the ideas on previous birthday posts we’ve created (see bottom of this post). 

Invicta Sports Club Archery Party

American Parkour

ZavaZone: Trampoline & Indoor Adventure Park

Shawdowland Laser

Bach to Rock
Rock Birthday Party (Ages 7+)
Karaoke Birthday Party (Ages 6+)
Rock City Birthday Party (Ages 4 – 6)
DJ Birthday Party (Ages 10+)

Game Truck of Northern Virginia

Rockville Sportsplex
Choose from Small Field Package (soccer or dodgeball),Inflatables, Court (basketball, soccer, dodgeball or hockey) or Field

Washington Nationals game or local baseball game: Bethesda Big Train, Potomac Nationals, Bowie Baysox

Go Kart Track
You must be 54′ to drive by yourself.

iFly Loudoun

Tea with Mrs. B
Or a tea party at one of these fancy hotels

Monster Mini Golf

Pinstripes
Head straight to the bowling lanes for an upscale take on a favorite American pastime and host your party lane-side, or choose one of our customizable private reception rooms accommodating groups of 20 to 240. Packages can include bowling, bocce, or a make-your-own pizza class.

A Game of Rooms
Age minimum 12 years old

The Escape Lounge

The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School
Teens and adults alike will have a great time ziplining and climbing through the trees!

Other related links:

Birthday party ideas, venues & entertainers in and around Washington, DC

My Gym birthday party

More Indoor Options that may host parties

Kidville Bethesda keeps Bambinos wanting to go back for more {and more}

Kidville Bethesda offers award-winning gym, art, dance, music, preschool classes and summer camp for children aged newborn – five years old. Their customizable birthday parties are a blast for 1-8 years old and they even offer haircuts for kids of all ages. I brought my first child here for his first few haircuts; it was the perfect environment for an apprehensive first-timer. Kidville also allows you to try a trial class before committing to a series of classes, click here for more info. They are conveniently located in downtown Bethesda, sandwiched in between coffee shops and delicious restaurants at 4825 Bethesda Ave.

My three year old sampled a few classes and has left her wanting to go back at any dull moment we have. She loved the Big Muscle Workout and the Kidville Gymnasts classes. She was able to get acclimated with all of the colorful, fun equipment and meet other classmates before the class started. The classes began with a warm-up, followed by some strength and skills obstacles. She was constantly moving and had a smile on her face the whole time {you can watch your child from various windows} or leave to get that cup of joe if your child is old enough for one of their “drop-off” classes. The teachers are up-beat, get to know your child, professional and energetic.

You can browse their website by age to see the lengthy list of classes appropriate for your Bambinos. When you sign up for classes you also gain entry to the Playspace, which is like open gym time and typically has at least an hour window of time each day of the week if not more. Click here for a schedule of classes.

logo design courtesy of New Leaf Design