Category Archives: Uncategorized

Jan 08, 2019

Birthday Party Time!

Looking for a place to have your child’s next birthday party? Alexandria has plenty of options no matter what your child is interested in.

Alexandria Neighborhood Recreation Centers
Multiple Addresses
• Charles Barrett Recreation Center
• Charles Houston Recreation Center
• Cora Kelly Recreation Center
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center
• Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center
• William Ramsay Recreation Center

Each Rec Center has it’s own amenities that can be rented out for party use.

Alexandria Fire Department
Contact your local fire station to find out if they have availability. Many fire stations in the city host birthday parties and they can be booked by contacting the fire station.

Chinquapin Rec Center
3210 King St, Alexandria
The home of the city’s only public indoor pool and a soft play room that can be rented for parties. The city has pool party and soft play room party packages.

Lee District Recreation Center
6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria
The Lee District Rec Center located in Fairfax County also offers pool parties, soft play room and gymnasium rentals.

Our Special Harbor
6601 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria
There is no fee to use the public use spray ground located beside the Lee District Rec Center. The fully accessible complex features Chesapeake Bay-themed attractions including a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, misting sunflowers and a lighthouse. The beach area is quieter with softer bubblers and interactive water tables. The computerized water maze and dumping crab basket provide more lively activity. There are adjacent covered picnic facilities that can be rented for party use.

The Little Gym
291 S Van Dorn St, Alexandria
Named Best Gym Party by Parents Magazine, an Awesome Birthday Bash at The Little Gym gives your birthday kid and their friends the full run of the facility, filling the celebration with instructor-led games, music, and fun LEGO Juniors or LEGO DUPLO building activities created especially for your birthday boy or girl. And you don’t have to worry about setup or cleanup, making it totally awesome for you too!

Paint This
1013 King St, Alexandria
Paint this is a ceramics, mosiac and glass fusion studio. They offer birthday parties and give you 10% off your pieces if the party is 10 or more.

TopGolf
6625 S Van Dorn St, Alexandria
This facility offers both Mini-Golf parties or Driving range parties. The facility offers a full kitchen and bar that can add food and drinks to your party package.

Great Waves
4001 Eisenhower Ave, AlexandriaGreat Waves waterpark is a great place to host your birthday parties in their exclusive birthday party areas. Call 703-960-0767 ext. 100 with any questions.

YMCA
420 East Monroe Avenue, Alexandria
Their parties include a birthday team member to host the party, awesome activities, basic decorations, water, and paper products. Each party is approximately 2 hours long: 1.5 hours of fun structured activities with 15 minutes of set up and 15 minutes of time to clean up.

Sport Rock Climbing Center
5308 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Sportrock has a dedicated party area for hosting birthday parties. From a couple of hours to all day (or night!) – they can custom build your event. To discuss options and pricing, submit a Special Event Request on their website.

Flight Trampoline Park
7200 Fullerton Rd, SpringfieldMultiple party packages include exclusive use of a Flight Party Room after flight jump time. Party Attendant to assist with check-in, set up, and clean-up.

Upcycle
1712 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria
Have a creative birthday party with Upcycle. Party guests participate in hands-on art experiences in their studio. Parties are scheduled on Saturday afternoons from 1:30 – 3:30 pm. The fee is $250 for a maximum of 15 children.
The party format is generally:
Gathering Time – 15 minutes – Children preview materials and have a snack (provided by you).
Art Activity – 1 hour and 15 minutes – UpCycle staff educate children about reuse and facilitate a 2-D mixed media project.
Birthday Treat – 15-30 minutes – Children have cake or cupcakes (provided by you).

Ultra Zone
3447 Carlin Springs Rd, Falls Church
Ultra Zone Laser Tag and Family Amusement Center birthday party package includes a private party room just for your party, a party host that stays with you the entire time and is completely dedicated to your party, laser tag games, unlimited soft drinks for all of your guests, pizza, place settings.
For your convenience, they can provide additional items such as cake, cupcakes, balloons, and gift bags. They’ll take care of every detail. There is no need to bring anything but your guests. Of course, you are also welcome to bring your own food, cake, and other items if you prefer.

Dave & Busters
6655 Spring Mall Dr., Springfield, VA
Dave & Buster’s birthday parties are perfect for kids of all ages. With kid-friendly food to keep them fueled for fun and hundreds of games, there’s something for everyone. We’ll do the work—they’ll have a blast. Put some play in your day!

Chuck E. Cheese
6301 Richmond Highway
Two hours of fun, your own table space, and the help of one of our host/hostesses. Your birthday star gets a Birthday Shout Out and the awesome Ticket Blaster experience. It’s their choice of party outfits: Superhero, Princess or Chuck E. T-shirt. Fun and easy-to-personalize invitations view email invitations.

Huntley Meadows Park
3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA
Parties are scheduled for a two hour block. Families will have the outdoor classroom to set up their party food and decorations. Supervision of children in the outdoor classroom and straightening up post-party is the party host’s responsibility.
The $225 fee covers 20 or fewer children. Parties are for ages 4-12 years. An additional $12 fee is assessed per child over 20, up to a maximum of 30 children. Siblings ages 12 years and under count as party participants. The children will be seated for cake and ice cream, provided by the family, at the tables. Food and beverages may only be consumed at the tables.
Party participants enjoy a 60 minute naturalist-led presentation including a craft and a nature walk.

Buddy Ford Nature Center
5750 Sanger Ave.
The Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center offers birthday parties for children ages 4 to 12. Each 2 hour birthday party features live animals, a nature-oriented activity, and use of a private room. Fee for City of Alexandria residents: $165 for a party of up to 12 children (Nonresidents: $200). $10 for each additional child (up to 17 total children). To secure a party date, prior registration and payment are required. For booking information and forms, please call 703.746.5525Some of their most popular themes include:
Amphibians (Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, etc.)
Reptiles (Snakes, Lizards, Turtles)
Turtles and Tortoises

Fairfax Sportsplex
6800 Commercial Dr., Springfield, VA
Our birthday party or team party packages are perfect for your child and his / her friends. For $110 you get the use of one of our courts for 1 hour and then you may use the tables on our observation deck to have the party for the second hour. You provide the decorations, food, drinks that your child would like. There is no per child charge. (NOTE: Due to indoor leagues, the Sportsplex is unavailable for parties on the weekends and after 4pm Monday – Friday)

Hidden Pond Nature Center
8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield, VA
NOW OFFERING TWO PARTY TYPES TO MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DAY EXTRA SPECIAL. Choose from Nature Birthday Party or Campfire Birthday Party
ALL PARTIES INCLUDE ANIMAL PRESENTATION AND GUIDED HIKE. BRING YOUR CAKE, PRESENTS, AND FOOD TO COMPLETE THE FUN. Cost: $175

Lake Accotink
7500 Accotink Park Road , Springfield, VA
Choose from Two Packages:
*Lucky Duck Premier Package*
WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS (May 3 – October 19, 2014): $139 for 10 children (required minimum)
WEEKDAYS (June 23 – August 29, 2014): $129 for 10 children (required minimum)
Includes:

2-Hour Private Party Tent Reservation (seating for 30)
Private Tour Boat Ride (hour following tent rental)
2 Rounds of Mini-Golf per child (18 holes)
2 Carousel Rides per child
Tickets for additional children may be purchased for $5.95 on the day of the event.

*Standard Package*
WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS (May 3 – October 19, 2014): $99 for 10 children (required minimum)
WEEKDAYS (June 23 – August 29, 2014): $89 for 10 children (required minimum)
Includes

2-Hour Private Party Tent Reservation (seating for 30)
2 Rounds of Mini-Golf per child (18 holes)
2 Carousel Rides per child
Tickets for additional children may be purchased for $5.95 on the day of the event.

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
4101 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria
Great for kids aged 5 to 95, AWLA Birthday Parties provide the opportunity to celebrate a birthday our favorite way—with animals! Children and parents alike enjoy these fun, informative shelter visits which include animal-themed activities and a visit with one of our Animal Ambassadors. Best of all, children learn animal welfare themes in a fun way—from our animals themselves.
AWLA Birthday Parties can be booked on Fridays at 4pm, and last 2 hours. Due to staff and schedule restrictions, this is currently the only time we can offer parties. Parties must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance, and we cannot guarantee all dates will be available.
*We are unable to offer birthday parties during the months of July & August*
Each party includes:

Downloadable party invitation template.
Up to 15 party guests (including birthday child and siblings).
Use of our classroom, tables and chairs for 2 hours.
A tour of our adoptions facility.
One shelter enrichment activity.
Meet and greet with an Animal Ambassador.
Special gift for the birthday child.

Please remember to bring decorations, food, drinks, cake and candles, cups, plates and all utensils. Also, if the group plans to do an activity, remember all necessary activity supplies (supply list is provided by the Youth Program Coordinator). Food may be delivered to the shelter.
Pawties cost $200 for a maximum of 15 children (including the birthday child). A $50 non-refundable booking fee is due at time of booking, and parties will not be considered booked until this is received. The Birthday Party fee of $150 is due prior to the beginning of the party.

Bubble Bounce
6553 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA
Bubble Bounce is an indoor play center specializing in inflatable play.

Local Motion Studio
2377 S Dove St, Alexandria
Parties can be scheduled between 4:00-6:30 on Saturday and 2:30-5:00 Sunday afternoon, depending on availability. Call soon because spaces fill quickly!
Parties Include:

2-3 staff members to set up, clean up and provide a movement class
1 1/2 hours of fun (15 minutes open play, 1 hour class, 20-30 minutes of refreshments) – (times are approximate and can vary based on requests)
Up to 12 children: $295
13-20 children: $345

For Parties with children turning 3 or younger, the class is with a caregiver. We can only accommodate the “up to12” option. You provide, food, napkins, plates, drinks, utensils and any decorations. Local Motion is happy to assist in ordering pizza and cakes to make it that much easier for you.

JW Tumbles
3223 Duke St, Alexandria
JW Tumbles birthday parties are especially popular among Tumblers and parents alike. Providing the birthday child and his or her best friends with action-packed excitement, everything is included from games to music, swinging to sports, dancing to zip lines! The parties are private and parents love that they can relax while JW Tumbles takes care of everything.

Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 South Alfred Street, Alexandria VA
Does your child love fire engines? Then experience the historic Friendship Firehouse and become the newest “member” of the fire brigade. The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, and was the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855 and remodeled in 1871.
See hand-drawn fire engines, water buckets, and other historic fire-fighting equipment, as well as ceremonial uniforms and banners. Kids will take part in role-playing games and activities to help them earn their fire hat and badge. Wrap up the party with a parade using a banner the kids designed themselves! Ages: 4 and above (limit 10 children). $250 for 10 children

Gadby’s Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street, Alexandria VA
For children ages 6 and up (20 children maximum), this charming historic space offers a choice of two themes. You child can host an afternoon tea party or entertain friends with tavern games. The 1.5 hour party includes a costumed guide, a hands-on tour of the museum, a craft, games, and even a gift for the birthday child. $250 and up.

Gymboree
318 South Pickett Street, Alexandria VA
Choose your child’s favorite theme and they’ll create a private, personalized party experience filled with kid friendly activities guaranteed to be 100% fun with zero clean up! They specialize in 1st birthday parties all the way through to 5th birthday parties. Gymboree Play & Music Parties are available to members and non-members. Birthday party themes are suitable for babies, infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
109 King Street, Alexandria VA
Who doesn’t love the idea of an old fashioned ice cream party?

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA
Perfect for those who love science! This party is designed to teach students to become an
apothecary apprentice.The Apothecary served local customers, including the Washingtons and Robert E. Lee, between 1792 and 1933. The shop was t r a n s f o r m e d into a museum shortly after its closing and visitors can still view the original bottles, ingredients, products, and documents left behind by this 141-year-old family business.
Learn the basics of making and marketing your own brand of medicine. Then mix your own special “potion” to take home. Ages: 7 and above (limit 15 children) All parties are 90 minutes and include a museum party leader, hands-on tour of the museum, special themed activities and crafts, as well as tablecloths, plates, napkins, and forks. All you need to bring is the cake and kids! $250 for 10 children, with a $100 deposit due at time of reservation.

Tiny Dancers
621 South Washington Street, Alexandria VA
Fairytale birthday party themed parties for your little dancer. The package features a 90-minute themed party with costumes, props, and crafts. $375 and up for up to 10 children.

Mount Vernon Recreation Center
2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria VA

Ice Skating Party
Mt. Vernon RECenter’s indoor ice rink is the perfect spot for your next birthday party/event. Open year round, and with public sessions daily, we are the coolest place to celebrate yet. Skates are available to rent in all sizes. Parties must be scheduled during a public session time. Available for groups of 12-50 with advanced booking.

Pool Party
Mt. Vernon RECenter’s pool is a great spot for your next party! A beach area, tumble buckets, fountains, and diving board are all waiting for you. Pool is open year round and parties must be scheduled around open swim time. Open Swim times on Saturday and Sunday– after 1pm. Swim time must be scheduled before serving food.

Shadowland Laser Adventures
5508 Franconia Rd, Alexandria
ShadowLand’s laser adventures are exciting “whole-group” activity where all the kids share in the same experience at the same time. A ShadowLand birthday party includes either one or two adventures, a private events room, a sponsor (our staff) to assist in the event, soft drinks for the party, plates, cups and utensils for the event, clean up and prep for the event and a ShadowLand Gift for the birthday child.
To reserve an event or if you have any questions, contact the ShadowLand Adventure Center you wish to visit for complete details. An events coordinator is available to discuss your event Monday-Friday 11am to 6pm. Springfield: 703-921-1004

Bowl America
6450 Edsall Road, Alexandria
Kids love their parties–and it’s a piece of cake for the parents too! From set-up to clean-up, they do it all so that the whole family has time to enjoy the happy occasion. And with their all-inclusive “Birthday Party Plans,” all you do is pick a date and select your food plan; they’ll handle everything else! Party Plans include bowling, a Bowl America Birthday T-Shirt for the birthday child, eight video game tokens for each child, bowling-themed paper products, party invitations and the food plan of your choice.

Regal Theater
3575 Potomac Ave., Alexandria
Looking for something special for a Birthday party? Head to the movies at a Regal Entertainment Group theatre! Make your favorite person a “Star For A Day” with their own party at the movies!

Sep 28, 2016

Why Alexandria City Public Schools?

When my husband and I moved to Del Ray, the last thing on our mind was the school system. We had two dogs and no children on the horizon. Thirteen years later, we have two children in Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and we are thrilled with our experience. I frequently have new parents ask how my children are doing in Mount Vernon Community School and now GW Middle School. Both have proven to be excellent schools and my children’s education has been top notch. I’m happy with the teachers and administrators, but I also think a crucial factor to educational success is a high level of community and parental involvement. This brings me to introduce my guest author for this post!

I first met Karen Graf as she spearheaded the organization of the MVCS bookroom. Karen’s tireless dedication ensured that ALL children at MVCS have access to books that were at their reading level. Karen has catapulted on from the MVCS bookroom to become the Chair of the Alexandria City Public School Board.

I asked Karen recently if she would do a guest post on ‘Why Alexandria City Public Schools’ since it’s such a common question. Without further ado, here is her piece:

The first month of school has passed. I’m often asked by new and prospective parents why people send their children to ACPS and why they choose to stay. Based on the last several years, we know that something has shifted in a positive direction in the City of Alexandria. In fact, I have heard the dialogue change around ACPS. This benefits the whole community in many ways.

I informally surveyed a group of parents who have children in the division between kindergarten and eighth grade. I ask them why they send their children to ACPS. Most everyone gave “community” as the reason.

A common story is that they moved to Alexandria City before their children were at school age. Many were interested in living in neighborhoods where they could meet neighbors, walk to school and participate in their community. The community connection is strong in Alexandria City and they were betting on that being in the schools. They found that the schools served as a community gathering place. Playgrounds were seen as a way to meet people and many felt that that were make lifelong friends through participating in the schools.

Many parents felt strongly about wanting to be in a functioning, urban school district in a city that felt like a small town. They welcomed ACPS’ diversity. The workplace is global and having kids experience diversity at such a young age helps them develop skills for adapting to the world at-large. There was a belief that this helps them build resilience and grit, which are emerging concepts in the education community.

They also like that each school has a different “personality” and they felt that this led to similar values in the school populations. When I asked them to clarify values, they said that most people have a deep believe in the public education system and enjoy the benefits of a diverse staff and student population.

There’s also a strong time and money investment in the schools. Many community partners, nonprofits and parents across the city are giving their time, money and energy to better our school system. This serves as a capstone to divisions becoming high performing.

All of these reasons might be enough for someone to start at ACPS, but why do they stay? The general thought was that people want to help their city and their neighborhoods progress. They also recognize that TC Williams has some of the best offerings in the state. The high school provides the most AP courses in the Commonwealth, has a robust Career and Technical education program and the counseling department is committed to assisting students towards realizing their college goals. With such a large student population, there are exciting opportunities for students to experience successes and science, arts and music.

The parents also cited the dedicated, committed staff. As I listened to them, I realize that education is complex. Every student learns differently and every teacher teaches differently. However, through the differences, ACPS is committed to creating equitable opportunities for every child in the school system. What struck me was that these parents have pride in their children, their school experience and the city of Alexandria. And this combination is what is helping the focus on high-performance.

I’m excited for this school year. And I’m really eager to continue to observe the successes of our staff and our students in the coming year. With a community like ours, success is defined by those making a difference in people’s lives. And in our city, Alexandrians give and receive that in bucket loads.

May 13, 2016

First Annual La Bella Strada

La Bella Strada: Del Ray’s First Annual Street Painting Festival
Hosted by The Del Ray Montessori School
Sat. May 14, 2016, 9.00 am — 3.00 pm

La Bella Strada is a family friendly modern street painting festival that originates from an ancient Italian art form. We believe it will become another signature event to continue making Del Ray one of the most sought-after neighborhoods and shopping venues in Metro DC.

Organized by the parents of students who attend The Del Ray Montessori School, this unique event takes place along Mt. Vernon Avenue throughout the day on Saturday, May 14, 2016. The festival brings artists, energetic volunteers, and local businesses together to enliven our cottage neighborhood with vibrant colors, crowd-drawing masterpieces, and a one-of-a-kind experience of witnessing the creation of large-scale chalk paintings directly on the sidewalks. Similar festivals have successfully brought splendor and visibility to communities around the world.

La Bella Strada in Del Ray will also feature a Casa de Bambini (“Children’s House”) area to provide a space for young artists to create a collective chalk masterpiece of their own, as well as designated sidewalk squares where families and individuals can participate in making their own colorful work of art.

All proceeds will help fund The Del Ray Montessori School’s capital campaign for a larger, more permanent home. We invite you to share our passion for Montessori education in Del Ray, and hope you will join us.

Check out their Facebook Page for more info and updates

Dec 04, 2015

A Charitable Tradition for Alexandria’s Children

There is something about Santa and little cherubs dressed in their holiday best that is just so irresistible! This year, the ever-energetic Junior Friends of the Campagna Center have brought the magical music, crafts and sugar spurred festivities of Deck the Halls to a more schedule friendly time and in a soul-warming setting. Sunday at 1pm and again at 3:30 volunteers will treat children to a visit from Santa straight from the North Pole to the heart of the programs itself, the historic Campagna Center of Alexandria. I’ll be bringing my camera to catch our girlies sneaking candies from their gingerbread construction sites and hopefully some candid shots of their sugarplum dance moves. While they craft and play I’ll be scouting out the raffle options. Last year they had their sites on the American Girl doll while I was focused 100% on a cornucopia of local boutique gift cards and goodies. Mama needs a little something in her stocking too! While we’ll enjoy the frivolity of this special celebration, and the knowledge that our ticket price and raffle going to the fundraising efforts, there is another very direct way we’ll contribute Sunday. Deck the Halls is also a drop off site for The Campagna Center’s holiday toy drive. You can help to brighten the holiday season for many more children participating in the early childhood programs by bringing a gift of an unwrapped toy. We cherish this chance to shop for gifts other children will love this season. Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend is full of so much energy and tradition, and what better way to wrap it all up after the greenery, Scotch, shopping, parades and touring than a little quality time with the littles. Deck the Halls with Santa is presented by TTR Sotheby’s and while the 3:30 section is sold out, tickets for the 1pm can be purchased at TCC today and tomorrow, any of the weekends’ events as well as at the door Sunday while supplies last.
Hope to see you there!
All proceeds benefit The Campagna Center that offer educational and social development programs to 2,000 families and children in Old Town Alexandria.

Sep 14, 2015

Working parents rejoice; Alexandria YMCA offers a new daycare option!

The Alexandria YMCA has a long history of serving local family. This past year they took another step forward and began offering daycare services. The YMCA has had a relationship for many years First Assembly of God, Alexandria at 700 West Braddock Road offering summer camps at their location. The preschool is located on the lower level of the facility. YMCA Camps are offered on upper levels of the facility. The YMCA Academy offers preschool for children 18 months through pre-K. They currently offer three classrooms with a low ratio of students to teachers.

The Academy’s goal is to provide a pre-school program designed to stimulate the natural curiosity of our kids. Through hands on fun learning activities, the Academy aims to lay the foundation for the future so that children grow to be caring, respectful, honest and responsible lifelong learners. The classrooms are large, spacious and colorful. Every quarter, the Academy offers either a parent lunch or special activity for the children. Children have the opportunity to take swim lessons and ballet lessons through the YMCA programming as a part of the program.

Access into the Academy is monitored via key code. Daily activity logs are given to parents and important information is communicated via email. Children have lots of outdoor space on First Assembly’s large lawns, a new outdoor leaning space is being designed that is set to officially open in October of this year and they have use of a large indoor space to play in the church during inclement weather. Hours of the Academy is from 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are provided as part of student tuitions.
New for this school year the academy has expanded its age groupings from 6 weeks to preschool.

Be sure to check out the YMCA Academy. Call 703-838-8085 to get further information or contact Paloma Jimenez at Paloma.Jimenez@ymcadc.org

May 13, 2015

Mount Vernon Community School Garden Party

This Saturday, May 16 come to Mount Vernon Community School with the whole family for a plant seedling sale, potted plants, floral bouquets, bake sale, live music, an advice table with straw hat gardeners, pour over coffee, and more! All to benefit the MVCS Playground Fund.
From 8 am-2 pm at Mount Vernon Community School Playground

Mar 13, 2015

Spring Break is almost here!

After such a cold and bitter winter we’re all feeling a little giddy about the signs of spring. One sure sign of spring is my new panic of having to find a spring break camp for the kids. Spring break for Alexandria City Public Schools is March 30-April 3rd. I highly recommend a trip to a tropical location for Spring Break but if you’re like me and need to stick around and work, you’ll need to find a camp to keep the littles entertained for the week. Here are a few Alexandria options that we’ve come across:

SewLab Classes, Ages 7+
SewLab is offering week-long 2 hours/day Spring Break Kid/Teen Sew classes. March 23 – 27, 9-11 am or April 6 – 10, 9-11 am. Instruction is tailored to meet the needs of each individual based on their current sewing level. Small class size. Register online. Need more info? Please email sewlabva@gmail.com
SewLab is located at 1315 Mount Vernon Ave, in Del Ray, Alexandria, three blocks north of G.W. Middle School and 10 minute walk from the Braddock Road Metro Station. On street parking only.

Hoop Life Spring Basketball Camp
March 30 – April 3 from 9AM – 4PM For Boys & Girls ages 5-14 years old. At GW Middle School $205 for Alexandria City Residents, $230 for Non Residents
Children will learn the fundamentals of basketball from professional basketball trainers with real life experience on multiple levels of basketball including the NBA. Campers will learn fundamentals at skill stations and get an opportunity to display their newly acquired skills during skill competitions and scrimmages for prizes and awards. Each camper will leave with improved skills, a heightened basketball IQ, and a renewed passion for the game. No previous experience is required.

British Soccer Camp will be at Chinquapin Recreation Center. Each day is based around a different soccer topic as our coaches build up each player’s skills in a fun and relaxed environment that encourages development. For ages 3-17

Need a creative activity for spring break? Metamorphosis Art and Enrichment Center is providing 90 minute art workshops for parents and children. Choose 1 or more than 1 as you and your child will create original pieces side by side. No art experience is needed just a fun a relaxed attitude. They are located at Convergence on 1801 N Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302. All workshops are 90 minutes $45 for 1 parent/1 child. Art supplies are included. Register at Workshops

Super Doodlers Art Camp will be held at two locations: Lee Rec Center and Charles Houston Rec Center. For ages 3-12. With Super Size, Superheros, and Super FUN. You’re a kid! You’re an artist! You’re a Super Doodler! Create super-sized drawings and masks! Imagine superheroes and your own superpowers! Make a paint super-mess to produce spectacular sculptures and paintings! Blast off with super space art! Super Doodlers create nonstop super FUN in this super-duper camp! See the city’s website for hours and details

Tennis Camp for ages 5-14 will be held at Chinquapin Rec Center with a half day and full day option. The court is a great place to have fun and learn new skills while making new friends. Kids will learn basic tennis strokes including forehand, backhand, volley, overhead and serve. A variety of great games will keep kids moving with time to cool down at Rixse Pool each day. Sign up on the city’s website.

FUNtastic Spring Break Camp at Lee Rec Center. Ages 5-17. Sign your kids up for a 5 day Spring Break adventure! Enjoy a variety of structured activities, that include exploring nature, hiking, scavenger hunts and much more! You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your camper is enjoying enrichment activities, meeting new friends and experiencing just the right mix of activities your child is sure to enjoy! Participants are required to bring a bag lunch and drink. Sign up on the city’s website

Nature Spring Break Camp will be held at the Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center on Sanger Ave. for ages 7-11 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. A fun-packed, week-long, full-day adventure camp where children learn about the history of Native Americans. Activities include woodland hikes, live animal exhibitions, storytelling, games, crafts and much more all while using natural materials! Museum and fishing field trips included. Sign up on the city’s website

I know it’s not Alexandria but Baroody Camps is offering a Spring Break in Annandale, just straight down Duke St.

Mar 05, 2015

BOUNCE Gymnastics in Del Ray

Do you have a child that loves gymnastic? Does your kids like to tumble, balance and bounce? Be sure to check out Del Ray’s only full fledged gymnastics facility, Bounce.

The owner, Lanette opened the doors last summer and the classes are becoming more popular as families hear about this new gymnastic facility. Bounce is in Del Ray  at CrossFit MVA (you do not have to be a member) & UpCycle Bldg 1712 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria 22301

My daughter began taking classes with Lanette last fall and I have the highest praise for the classes and teachers. It’s great for kids of all skill level. Lanette keeps the class fun, fast paced and challenging. Lanette’s enthusiasm and positivity shines throughout all of her interactions with her students. She allows students to try one introductory class for free.

Bounce is a recreational program with fabulous, portable equipment from Tumbl Trak. They have a 20′ tumble track and landing mat, a cheerleading tumbling floor with carpet bonded foam, Jr. Parallel Bars, Jr. Balance Beams, Vaulting Mat, Wedge Mats, a Developmental Fitness Wheel, as well as pull up bars, rings and ropes. Their classes are beginner to intermediate. They follow USAG fundamental skills that lead to skill progressions and routines.

Oct 16, 2014

Alexandria City Play Groups

If you’re looking for a play group for your little one, the City of Alexandria has several low cost options!

Mount Vernon Rec Center, right here in Del Ray has Kids Rock Social Hour for ages 0-4 years on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. You can drop into the Rec. Center and sign up for only $25 per season and this session goes until Nov. 24th. The group meets in the large play room and encourages development through music, movement and play.

There are also drop in hours at Charles Houston Rec Center (CHRC) & Chinquapin Park Rec Center (CQRC) offer Soft Time Players Mon-Fri. This unstructured play for ages 0-5 years encourages motor skill development on three-dimensional soft play equipment. CHRC soft play is open from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. M-F, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sun. CQRC is open for soft play from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. M-Thur. and 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Both locations are $5 for 1/2 hour play for city residents.

Cora Kelly Rec Center (CKRC), CHRC and Nannie Lee Rec Center (NLRC) offer Lil Gymmies drop in play time for children 2-5 years old. The play sessions have toys, balls, hulla hoops, moon bounce inflatables and more. RKRC Lil Gymmies is on M-W from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. CKRC is on Sat. from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. NLRC is on Thur. & Fri from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Play time is $5 per half hour for residents.

Sep 11, 2014

First Annual Soccer Cleat Exchange sponsored by Del Ray Baby

Del Ray Baby will host an informal soccer exchange to help out our community. If last season’s cleats are a bit too tight please join us to exchange them for a larger pair. We’ll be working on the honor system. Everyone is invited. Please tell your friends and teammates. If you bring a pair of shoes, you may take a pair.

How It Works

Clean your out-grown cleats, tie the laces together and clearly label with size.
Place your old clean cleats in the appropriate size location.
Take home the pair that you need.

Location

Mount Vernon Community School/Recreation Center on Mt. Vernon Ave. on the outdoor basketball court (Across from Los Tios)

Time & Date

Monday, Sept. 15th at 6 p.m.

Other Notes

Please clean cleats up before bringing them
If the cleats have holes or broken soles please don’t bring them
Please only soccer cleats — no baseball or American football

We look forward to seeing everyone!