Tag Archives: gymnastics

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!

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.

Feb 20, 2013

The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn is open for fun!

The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn opened last month at 291 South Van Dorn St. Last week I got the chance to check out their gym and there are so many things to love! Little Gym offers classes, birthday parties and camps for children ages 4 months-12 years.

Currently offered classes include:

Parent & Child Classes for children ages 4 month-3 years
Pre-K/K Gymnastics for children ages 3-6 years
Dance for children ages 4-5 years
Sports Skills for children ages 3-6 years
Grade School Gymnastics for boys and girls ages 6-12

While visiting their facility I was impressed by the layout with one large open gym area, adjacent activity/dance room and a waiting area for parents with full visibility into both rooms. Their instructors were amazing with the kids and very well trained. Little Gym prides themselves in promoting three-dimensional learning that gets kids moving, develops their minds and promotes social skills. I have a timid child, so the ability to join a class at any time without a long-term commitment is very appealing to my family. I also love the ability to see my child and have her see me. They are also currently offering free introductory classes!

This coming Friday, Feb. 22nd is your opportunity to experience The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn! They will be having an Open House from 5:30-7:30 p.m. They will be having raffles, structured games and open play in the gym.

Dec 10, 2011

Winter Class Registrations are now open

It’s that time of year! Time to sign up for new sessions of classes right and left. We’ve found lots of fun classes to keep you busy thru the long cold winter!

City of Alexandria Classes

The City of Alexandria’s Winter Program Guide was just released and registration will begin on Dec. 14th. Classes begin in January.

Swimming: As always, swimming classes will be offered at Chinquapin Recreation Center with programs for every age and skill level beginning at age 6 month up to 17 years. Register as soon as possible because these classes fill up fast!
Art: Abrakadoodle & Art in Hand art programs are offered for children 20 months – 3 years old.
Music: Music classes are offered thru Music Together at Chinquapin Recreation Center for ages 0-5 years and Little Hands Make Music for ages 0-6 years at the Durant Center.
Dance: Tiny Dancers dance classes are being held at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in Old Town for ages 2-5. Ballet is being offered for 5-6 year olds.
Soccer: UK Elite Petite Soccer is offered for ages 2-6 years old.
Basketball: Jump Shots for Tots for 3-6 years old and Jump Shots for Kids for 7 and up
Gymnastics: Gymnastics classes are offered by All Star Legacy Cheer, Dance and Tumble at the Charles Houston Recreation Center for ages 3-12.
Martial Arts: MiKiDo Ruff & Tumble is offered for 3-5 year olds and Tae Kwon Do is offered for ages 6 & up
Nature and Science: Nature Programs are being offered at the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center. Little Adventures for ages 3-5 has monthly classes and in Jan., Feb. & March they are offering the following classes: Stories in Nature: Beaks, Artic Tales, Ancient Artists, Groundhogs, Valentine Nature Craft, Stories in Nature: Itchy Bear, Bit-O-Green, Turtles & World of Slime! Ages for classes range from 3-10. Even though some classes aren’t until March, be sure to sign up early, because these book quickly!

Fitness/Wellness

Dance and Movement: Local Motion Studio is a brand new studio that is opening in January by an amazing Del Ray mom! Not only do they offer creative movement classes for the kids ages 2-7 but they also offer adult yoga, ballet barre, core & restore, prenatal fitness and postnatal fitness class. But here’s the best part; They offer quality on site childcare! Local Motion Studio’s mission is to bring the joy of movement to everyone – at any stage and any age. There is a special on adult 10-class passes now until opening on January 2nd; $50 off!! A great time to buy!
Swimming: Registration is now open for swim classes at the YMCA. Act fast, because these classes fill up fast!
Yoga: Mom & Baby Yoga classes are being held at Yoga Birth and Beyond starting in January. This class is for babies who are 6 weeks old but not crawling yet.
Yoga in Daily Life offers yoga classes for children 4-8 years old on Mondays starting the first week in January. The class includes relaxation techniques, posture, stories, games and more.
Infant massage classes will be offered in January and February by Moore Than Yoga. The classes are in Arlington but I love Jennifer Moore so much that I can endorse leaving Alexandria for this wonderful class.

Language

Wee Speak Spanish language for little learners now has registration open for winter classes. Wee Speak Spanish brings Spanish to life for children ages 18 months – 5 years in a way they naturally learn and enjoy themselves—through singing, dancing, games, and stories in Spanish. Classes are right here in Del Ray.
Old Town French Winter/Spring classes to begin the week of January 23rd. Classes will be on Monday afternoons and Tuesday mornings. French playtime for you and your child to enjoy together! Your child will enjoy learning French by doing many fun, hands-on activities. Classes are for children ages 9 months to 7 years-old with parent/caregiver.
Musikgarten offers full immersion classes in German at Emmanual Episcopal Church on Russell Rd. The classes combine the benefits of early childhood music with language immersion and enrich your family life with active music-making while nurturing language skills.
A beginner class in baby sign language is being offered by Little Hands Speech Therapy. This class is a great introduction to sign language for moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers. 90 minutes of signs, songs, and activities focused on learning and using signs to facilitate communication!
Spanish Immersion Alexandria is registering now for the Winter Session. A home-based Spanish immersion drop off program for children ages 2-5. This is a weekly 1.5 hour Spanish program that includes a fun theme, music & songs, snack, craft and even a take-away homework assignment!

Dance

The Ballet Studio is the small dance studio on Mt. Vernon Ave. across from the 7-11. They offer classes for children 3 and up.

Arts

Art at the Center is offering lots of great classes starting Jan. 9th. Art classes start for children as young as 18 month and up.
For children five and up, The Art League offers art classes that are now signing up for the winter session.
The Little Theater of Alexandria is now enrolling for their winter/spring classes with fun classes for kids as young as 3.

Music

Music Together Alexandria The winter session will begin at Del Ray United Methodist Church on January 9, 2012. The Chinquapin Rec Center classes will begin on January 23. Currently enrolled families may enroll for the Winter session beginning November 16, 2011 through Sunday, December 4 for Del Ray Methodist Church classes. New families may register beginning Monday, December 5 for Del Ray.

Sports

Khary Stockton Soccer Winter Soccer Session at Skyline Sport & Health. 2 six week sessions offered for ages 2-5 years, 5-8 years, 9-12 years & 13-16 years.
Just for Kids winter session offers soccer, t-ball, sports & movements classes

Nov 10, 2011

Winter Athletic Options

I don’t know about your kids, but winter time is tough for my kids because they aren’t getting in enough active play every day! I’ve gone through and found lots of options for winter athletics in Alexandria

For the little kids, here are some class options:

Mount Vernon RECenter ice skating rink offers Mom & Me and Snow Plow classes for kids 3-5. Registration is open until the end of the month

JW Tumbles offers classes for kids as young as 4 months old. Parent participation classes are available up to 3 years of age and 3-5 year olds can join in independent classes

Gymboree has Play and Learn classes for children 6 months – 5 yrs. and Sports classes for 3-5 year olds

TheYMCA on Monroe Ave. has swim classes for all ages. Registration for classes opens up for members on Dec. 3rd. and non-members on Dec. 13th. Classes start in January.

The YMCA offers Youth Basketball for 4 year olds with the amazing coach Ken. The current session started last week and is still enrolling.

Just for Kids offers T-ball starting Jan. 2nd for kids 2 1/2- 4 1/2 years old,

Mount Vernon Athletic Club has started their fall tennis club but you can still register and your cost will be pro-rated. They offer a ‘Quick Start’ class for 4 year olds that’s designed to bring kids into the game by utilizing specialized equipment and shorter court dimensions tailored to age and size.

I know I promised Alexandria, but the Barcroft Sport & Fitness Center is so close and is so wonderful, it deserves a mention. They offer gymnastics and little olympians classes (which is a broad overall sports class) for kids as young as 2. The new session starts the 3rd week in Jan. and the registration catalog, which is called ‘Enjoy Arlington’ will come out the beginning of Dec.

For the elementary school kids:

Mount Vernon Youth Athletic Association has a basketball league for kids as young as 5 years old + but move quickly, because you’ll need to register this week

Ice Skating classes are offered at the Mount Vernon RECenter at 2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria. Registration is open for basic through advanced classes until the end of the month

TheYMCA on Monroe Ave. has swim classes for all ages. Registration for classes opens up for members on Dec. 3rd. and non-members on Dec. 13th. Classes start in January.

Interested in a swim team? The Alexandria Sea Dragons at the Alexandria YMCA are signing up members. All swimmers ages 5-18 need to swim 25 yards, or successfully pass a swim assessment with an instructor’s approval. To sign-up, contact Aquatics director Ellen Jones at ejones@ymcadc.org or 703-838-8085 if you have additional questions.

Also at the YMCA, there is Karate for Kids for 5-12 year olds and Youth Basketball for 4-8 year olds. The new session for these will begin in December.

JW Tumbles on Duke St. offers children aged five and a half to seven a climbers class where kids learn skills such as how to swing a golf club, leap off a springboard, high-bar techniques (like flipping), do back walkovers and more.

Baroody Camps at Alexandria Country Day School at Russell Rd. is now open for registration. They offer basketball clinics and gymnastics classes for ages 5-11.

Just for Kids offers baseball and sports movement class that is floor hockey and LAX starting the new session on Jan. 2nd.

Mount Vernon Athletic Club in south Alexandria has started their fall tennis club classes but you can still register and the cost will be prorated. They offer classes for beginners through competitive players.

Didn’t get enough soccer this fall? Fairfax Sportplex is right outside the city limits in Springfield off Edsall Rd. and offers Youth Soccer Leagues starting in January. This league is a bit more structured (with a goalie, refs and scoreboard) than the Alexandria Soccer Associations league.

The city of Alexandria will release their new Recreation Program Guide in December for activities beginning in January such as new sessions of swim classes at Chinquapin Recreation Center.

The Barcroft Sport & Fitness Center in south Arlington offers amazing gymnastics classes for all ages. The new session starts the 3rd week in Jan. and the registration catalog, which is called ‘Enjoy Arlington’ will come out the beginning of Dec.

Let us know if there’s anything else that we’ve missed!