The Washington area — affectionately known as the DMV — has so much to offer families of all ages and interests. Our Welcome to Washington Guide is the perfect resource, whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident looking for new family-friendly shopping, outings or party places! We’ve included a wide-selection of listings in this print guide (great to keep for future reference!). Be sure to look around our website for even more great local finds!
Arts
Abrakadoodle
abrakadoodle.com; [email protected]
703-538-4278
Northern VA, Prince William County, Loudoun County, VA, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, MD, Washington D.C.
Abrakadoodle parties — no muss, no fuss, just lots of fun!
The Center for Ballet Arts
thecenterforballetarts.com; [email protected]
703-273-5344
3955 Pender Dr., Ste., 105 Fairfax, VA
Ages: 3-Adult
The Center for Ballet Arts provides a well rounded curriculum and pleasant, encouraging environment for dance training in many different disciplines. Classes are designed to promote flexibility, strength, artistry, coordination and technique. Stop by!
Encore Stage & Studio
encorestage.org; [email protected]
703-548-1154
4000 Lorcom Ln., Arlington, VA
Theatre by Kids, for Kids! Founded in 1967, Encore Stage & Studio’s mission is to build a lifelong appreciation for live theater by involving young people in all aspects of theater arts –onstage, backstage, in the classroom, and in the audience. Encore strives to educate and entertain by offering productions each season that are by and for young people, and through enriching classes and workshops with qualified, enthusiastic teaching artists. We believe that participating in live theatre builds problem-solving skills, teamwork, creativity, literacy, and self-confidence.
Harmonia School of Music & Art
harmoniaschool.org; [email protected]
703-938-7301
204F Mill St., NE, Vienna, VA
Ages: 3 1/2-Adult
Offers outstanding music lessons in all instruments & voice and musical theater programs taught by highly qualified and nurturing faculty. One of the finest musical theater programs includes, acting, theater and voice & diction classes. Performance opportunities through Youth Theater Productions in fall & spring.
International School of Music
ismw.org; [email protected]
301-365-5888
10450 Auto Park Ave., Bethesda, MD
301-320-4400
4701 Sangamore Rd., L-03, Bethesda, MD
With two locations in Bethesda, International School of Music offers music lessons in all instruments and voice to students of all ages and levels. Nurturing & patient faculty who make lessons fun & engaging.
Kennedy Center
kennedy-center.org
2700 F St., N.W. Washington, DC
The Kennedy Center is home to heartwarming and fun-filled performances for every age group and their families, from world-premiere productions based on favorite children’s books, to music, dance, theater, storytelling, puppetry, and much more.
Olney Theatre Center
olneytheatre.org
301-924-3400
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, MD 20832
A professional, award-winning regional theater, Olney Theatre Center produces and presents extraordinary theater and performance on its four-theater campus for an ever-more diverse set of audiences in our community. One of two state theaters of Maryland.
Perfect Pointe Dance Studio
perfectpointe.com; [email protected]
703-533-8830
2499 N. Harrison St., Ste. 1-LL, Arlington, VA
Offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, musical theater, dance and acrobatics for ages 18 months through adult! Qualified and caring staff, family-friendly atmosphere, fun performance opportunities.
Perfect Pointe (formerly heartbeats) Music & Dance Studio
hbeats.com; [email protected]
703-440-9000
8060 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA
Offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hiphop, modern, acrobatics, contemporary & musical theater dance styles. Private music lessons include guitar, ukulele, violin/viola, drums, voice and more! Highly qualified staff, family-friendly atmosphere and fun performance opportunities.
Tiny Dancers
tinydancers.com; [email protected]
703-385-5580
Fairfax City, Old Town Alexandria, Mosaic District
A unique program for children two to 12. Ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater and Wiggletoes taught in a fun and nurturing environment that allows each child to develop a love of dance.
Zazzy Peacock Studios
zazzypeacock.com; [email protected]zazzypeacock.com
301-633-4714
12280 Wilkins Ave., Artists and Makers Studio A1, Rockville, MD
Zazzy Peacock Studios offers art and crafts classes, parties, after school and summer camps for kids, teens and adults. Fun and creative activities for everyone!
Child Care
A Child’s Place
achildsplaceinc.com
703-698-8050
3100 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA
A Child’s Place in Fairfax was established in 1981. We take children eight weeks to five years. Please stop by for a visit.
Education
Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten & Nursery
acornhill.org; [email protected]
301-565-2282
9504 Brunett Ave., Silver Spring, MD
Play-oriented Waldorf school with singing, crafts, gardening, storytelling. Parent-infant/toddler, parent-child, half & full day and summer programs. Certified nursery/kindergarten. 45+ years experience. Rolling admissions.
The Auburn School
theauburnschool.org; [email protected]
703-793-9353 or 301-588-8048
3800 Concorde Pkwy., Ste. 500, Chantilly, VA
9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD
We offer a dynamic educational program for intellectually curious students with challenges in the areas of organization, socialization and pragmatic language. We support the development of academic skills, social competency and pragmatic language.
The Barrie School
barrie.org; [email protected]
301-576-2847
13500 Layhill Rd., Silver Spring, MD
Ages: 18 months-Grade 12
Montessori education for students age 18 months through Grade 5, and Project-Based Learning in grades 6-12. New for 2018-19: Montessori Makerspace, and high school planetary science and marine biology courses. Extraordinary Environment for Learning.
BeanTree Ashburn Campus
beantreelearning.com
571-223-3110
43629 Greenway Corporate Dr., Ashburn, VA
BeanTree Learning in Ashburn provides unparalleled care and nurturing for infants through PreK. Led by a team of experienced and caring educators, BeanTree provides children with a safe and stimulating environment for academic success and provides parents with peace of mind. Year-round enrollment available for fully-accredited academic and specialty programs.
BeanTree Westfields Campus
703-961-8222
5003 Westfields Blvd., Chantilly, VA
Fully accredited, discover the BeanTree difference at our Westfields/Chantilly Campus! Offering unprecedented educational offerings for your child in every stage of academic development, BeanTree offers infant care through full-day private kindergarten, before/after school and summer camp. Year-round enrollment for full and part-time academic and specialty programs.
Brooksfield School
brooksfieldschool.org; [email protected]
703-356-5437
1830 Kirby Rd., McLean, VA
Ages Served: 3-11
Spanish, dance, art & music, summer camp, drama, outdoor adventure program, extracurricular activities.
Capitol Learning Academy
capitollearningacademy.org; [email protected]
Southeast, Washington, D.C.
Progressive, affordable private elementary school providing individualized learning experiences to prepare students for their futures.
Edlin School
edlinschool.com; [email protected]
703-438-3990
10742 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston, VA
Edlin is an academically gifted private school for K4-8th grade established in 1989. The school emphasizes a classic curriculum in combination with STEAM to create the best learning conditions for gifted students in small class sizes.
Emerson Preparatory School
emersonprep.org; [email protected]
202-785-2877
1816 12th St., N.W., Washington D.C.
A happier and healthier path to a higher education for bright students who thrive in a small and inclusive community.
Fairfax Christian School
fairfaxChristianSchool.com; [email protected]
703-759-5100
22870 Pacific Bvd., Dulles, VA
The Fairfax Christian School is an award–winning, independent, university–preparatory school serving Kindergarten through 12th grade since 1961. New Dulles Campus • Coed • Student–Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • World Languages: French, Spanish, German, Chinese • Tuition Range: $24,800 – $37,725 • AP Classes • Competitive Sports • Art & Music • Enrichment Programs • Transportation • Extended Day • Summer Program • ESL Program.
Feynman School
feynmanschool.org; [email protected]
301-770-4211
6300 Tilden Ln., North Bethesda, MD
Grades: Preschool – Grade 5
Ages: 3+
The area’s leader in educating academically gifted children, Feynman School features extraordinary programs in science, math, language arts, theater and music designed to maximize your child’s potential.
German Language School
dswashington.org/glc; [email protected]
8617 Chateau Dr., Potomac, MD
The GLC (German Language School) offers German classes for children ages three and up for adults at all proficiency levels. Classes are offered Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Highly-qualified German teachers make German language learning fun!
Jamon Montessori
jamonmontessori.com; [email protected]
301-384-3131
52 Randolph Rd., Silver Spring, MD
Ages: 2-Grade 2
An international Montessori school. Our students are enriched in afternoon Spanish immersion. STEM and art classes. Soccer, percussion and dance too!
Kenwood School
kenwoodschool.com; [email protected]
703-256-4711
4955 Sunset Ln., Annandale, VA
Kenwood is a charming environment to learn in. The students receive an individualized experience which helps them grow and learn more than is possible in a large classroom setting. We pride ourselves on our home-like atmosphere and loving faculty.
Lindamood – Bell Learning Processes
lindamoodbell.com; [email protected]
800-300-1818
Montessori School of Cedar Lane
preschoolmontessori.com; [email protected]
703-560-4379
3035 Cedar Ln., Fairfax, VA
Montessori School of Cedar Lane has been providing over 40 years of Montessori tradition to Northern Virginia. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him.
Montessori School of Northern Virginia
msnv.org; [email protected]
703-256-9577
Two campuses:
MSNV Hillbrook – 6820 Pacific Ln., Annandale, VA
MSNV Valleybrook – 3433 Rose Ln., Falls Church, VA
MSNV is a non-profit, parent cooperative school, providing a comprehensive Montessori education for children ages two to 12. With two campuses set in peaceful residential neighborhoods, MSNV offers challenging, self-paced instruction guided by Montessori certified faculty.
Nysmith School for the Gifted
nysmith.com; [email protected]
703-713-3332
13625 EDS Dr., Herndon, VA
The award winning Nysmith School is committed to nurturing each student’s love of learning and learn to their potential. 550+ students from three-years-old through 8th grade. A Top 10 School in the World by Johns Hopkins 2015 CTY Talent Search. 2014 Tommy Award for the “disproportionate” achievement of alumni at TJ.
Pinecrest School
pinecrestschool.org; [email protected]
703-354-3446
Small classes; hands-on curriculum emphasizes problem solving and critical-thinking skills. Individualized approach; each child grows academically, socially and emotionally within caring and positive environment. Summer camp. Before- and after-care.
Randolph-Macon Academy
rma.edu; [email protected]
540-636-5484
200 Academy Dr., Front Royal, VA
R-MA focuses on preparing students for college through rigorous academics and Air Force JROTC. The 59 graduates of the Class of 2017 were offered nearly $6 million in college scholarship offers and 242 acceptances to 145 different colleges and universities.
Reston Montessori School
restonmontessori.com; [email protected]
703-481-2922
1928 Isaac Newton Sq. West, Reston, VA
Established in 1987, Reston Montessori School is a private, co-educational school for children from three months through third grade.
Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy
spring-bililngual.org; [email protected]
301-962-7262
3514 Plyers Mill Rd., Kensington, MD
Montessori preschool with Foreign Language programs.
Sunset Hills Montessori
sunsethillsmontessori.com; [email protected]
703-476-7477
11180 Ridge Heights Rd., Reston, VA
At SHMS, we are committed to recognizing and cultivating the uniqueness of each individual child. We have a community of educators, and wonderful families, that have chosen SHMS because of a shared vision for early childhood and elementary education. This community, fostered through high teach retention and involved families, supports each child during this critical time of development. Frequent field trips further expand concepts learned in the classroom, following the Montessori tradition of “going out.” Building on the foundation laid by Maria Montessori.
Health Care
David Hughes Orthodontics
drhughesortho.com; [email protected]
703-451-0502
8314-A Traford Ln., Springfield, VA
Invisalign preferred provider. Call for a complimentary exam and diagnostic records. Records are for our use only.
McLean-Reston Pediatric Dentistry, Cris Ann Ternisky, DDS, Michael J. Ternisky, DDS and Golnaz Jalali, DDS
mcleanpediatricdentist.com
703-356-1875
McLean Doctors Building: 6711 Whittier Ave., McLean, VA
703-481-9200
Town Center Office Building: 1760 Reston Pkwy. Suite 204, Reston, VA
Pediatric dental growth and development. Preventative dentistry including school exams, fluoride treatments, pediatric oral surgery, early orthodontics, habit appliances, sealants, cleaning and general consultations.
Pediatric Dental Care
mypdcdentists.com
703-383-3434
10614 Warwick Ave., Ste. B, Fairfax, VA
703-992-7100
6120 Brandon Ave., Ste. 114, Springfield, VA
PDC – Kids come first. We offer comprehensive dental treatment for all ages. We are pediatric dental specialists treating children starting from age one. Healthy smile…healthy child.
PM Pediatrics – Specialized Urgent Care
pmpediatrics.com
703-644-5437
6358 Springfield Plaza, Springfield , VA
301.982.5437
7401 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, MD
301.230.2767
12254 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
410.266.6767
2301A Forest Dr., Festival at Riva Shopping Center, Annapolis, MD
Coming soon to Germantown: 19820 Century Blvd., Germantown, MD
PM Pediatrics believes that there is a better way to deliver urgent care to kids and young adults. Our mission is to ensure patients receive superior after-hours care, without a long wait. We specialize in treating patients from cradle to college offering a full spectrum of care and we understand life happens. We pride ourselves on providing a clean, child-friendly environment for families. Our courteous, professional staff is extensively trained to make each visit as stress-free as possible. PM Pediatrics is distinctly designed with fun themes and a TV in every exam room.
Home Services
California Builders
califbldrs.com; [email protected]
800-821-9200
California Builders, Inc. is a privately owned, local company that has produced scores of professionally designed, custom built homes & additions for over 43 years! CBI has designed and constructed hundreds of projects for satisfied customers and their quality is guaranteed.
Marlo Home Furnishings
marlofurniture.com
301-738-9000
725 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
703-941-0800
5650 General Washington Dr., Alexandria, VA
301-419-3400
13450 Baltimore Ave., Laurel, MD 20707
Each of Marlo Furniture stores have between 70,000 and 90,000 square feet of showroom area to provide shoppers with more home furnishings, accessories and mattresses on display than any competitor in Maryland, Virginia and the Washington DC area.
Indoor Fun
Kids First Swim Schools
kidsfirstswimschools.com; [email protected]
The KIDS FIRST® Swim Schools are the world’s largest provider of children’s swimming instruction, operating 28 locations across five states, teaching over 125,000 students annually. We are dedicated to teaching kids to be safe and proficient in the water. Expert instructors, a trademarked curriculum and a kid-friendly environment enhance your child’s learning experience.
Outdoor Fun
Boy Scouts, National Capital Area Council
ncacbsa.org; [email protected]
301-530-9360
9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD
Outdoor adventure, life skills, character development and FUN!
Clark’s Elioak Farm
clarklandfarm.com; [email protected]
410-730-4049
10500 Clarksville Pike (Route 108), Ellicott City, MD
Lovely petting farm with a wide variety of farm animals to visit. Pony rides, hay wagon rides and cow train ride. New home of many Enchanted Forest fairy tale and nursery rhyme attractions. Play area, slides and picnic tables available as well.
Potomac Nationals
potomacnationals.com
703-590-2311
G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, 7 County Complex Ct., Woodbridge, VA
Affordable family fun! See future stars of the Washington Nationals. Minor league baseball in a family friendly environment. Fireworks every weekend, giveaways, birthday parties, baseball camps, Kids Zone, autographs, Kids Club, ticket plans & more!
Roer’s Zoofari
roerszoofari.com
703-757-6222
1228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, VA
Birthday parties and Summer Camps, Roer’s Zoofari is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to explore, encounter and connect. General admission includes all major experiences in the park: Open air bus ride, animal feedings and budgie adventure.
Specialty Museums
African Art Museum of Maryland
africanartmuseum.org
410-730-710 • Columbia, MD
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
alexandriaarchaeology.org/
703-838-4399 • Alexandria, VA
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
nationalshrine.com
202-526-8300 • Washington, D.C.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
moneyfactory.gov • Tour office: 202-874-2330
866-874-2330 • Washington, D.C.
College Park Aviation Museum
collegeparkaviationmuseum.com
301-864-6029
College Park, MD
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
mountvernon.org
703-780-2000
South end of the George Washington Pkwy.
The National Academy of Sciences Museum
national-academies.org/arts
202-334-2436 • Washington, D.C.
National Building Museum
nbm.org
202-272-2448 • Washington, D.C.
National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall
nationalgeographic.com/explorer
202-857-7588 • Washington, D.C.
National Museum of Crime & Punishment
crimemuseum.org
202-393-1099 • Washington, D.C.
Navy Museum
history.navy.mil/branches/org8-1.htm
202-433-4882 • Washington, D.C.
The NEWSEUM
newseum.org
888-NEWSEUM • Washington, D.C.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
portdiscovery.org; [email protected]
410-727-8120
35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
discoverymuseum.net
540-722-2020 • Winchester, VA
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
alexandriava.gov/Apothecary
703-836-3713 • Alexandria, VA
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
ushmm.org
202-488-0400 • Washington, D.C.
U.S. Navy Memorial
lonesailor.org
202-737-2300 • Washington, D.C.
Women in Military Service for America Memorial Gallery
womensmemorial.org
703-533-1155 • Arlington, VA
Party Places
Abrakadoodle
abrakadoodle.com; [email protected]
703-538-4278
Northern VA, Prince William County, VA; Loudoun County, VA; Montgomery County, MD; Prince George’s County, MD, Washington D.C.
Abrakadoodle parties—no muss, no fuss, just lots of fun!
Carousel Puppets
carouselpuppets.com; [email protected]
703-444-9426; Area Served: DC, MD, VA
Puppet shows for all occasions! Large and colorful marionettes and hand puppets. Our show has lots of lively music and plenty of audience participation. Everyone gets a chance to participate and use some of the puppets. Suitable for all ages. Puppet making workshops are also available. Everyone gets to make their own puppet that they can take with them. We can also supply goody bags with lots of puppet related items so everyone has something they can take home.
Clark’s Elioak Farm
clarklandfarm.com; [email protected]
410-730-4049
10500 Clarksville Pike (Route 108), Ellicott City, MD
Lovely petting farm with a wide variety of farm animals to visit. Pony rides, hay wagon rides and cow train ride. New home of many Enchanted Forest fairy tale and nursery rhyme attractions. Play area, slides and picnic tables available as well.
Encore Stage & Studio
encorestage.org; [email protected]
703-548-1154
4000 Lorcom Ln., Arlington, VA
Theatre by kids, for kids! Founded in 1967, Encore Stage & Studio’s mission is to build a lifelong appreciation for live theater by involving young people in all aspects of theater arts — onstage, backstage, in the classroom, and in the audience. Encore strives to educate and entertain by offering productions each season that are by and for young people, and through enriching classes and workshops with qualified, enthusiastic teaching artists. We believe that participating in live theatre builds problem-solving skills, teamwork, creativity, literacy, and self-confidence.
Glen Echo Park Aquarium
gepaquarium.org; [email protected]
301-955-6256
7300 Macarthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD
Celebrate with the fishes! The Glen Echo Park Aquarium, a Chesapeake Bay Discovery Center, offers a unique party experience. Follow the flow of water from local streams, to rivers, the Bay and the ocean. Tour the exhibit hall, touch live sea creatures, craft and celebrate in a party room.
Kids First Swim Schools
kiddsfirstswimschools.com; [email protected]
24 convenient locations
The KIDS FIRST® Swim Schools are the world’s largest provider of children’s swimming instruction, operating 28 locations across five states, teaching over 125,000 students annually. We are dedicated to teaching kids to be safe and proficient in the water. Expert instructors, a trademarked curriculum and a kid-friendly environment enhance your child’s learning experience.
Mad Science of Washington
dc.madscience.org; [email protected]
301-593-4777
Mad Science is the leading science enrichment provider for kids in preschool through 6th grade. We offer exciting birthday parties, summer camps, after-school programs, field trips and much more. Visit our website to see all we have to offer!
Mister Barry
misterbarry.com; [email protected]
703-851-7606
Hilarious magic that will make your child’s birthday party amazingly successful, memorable and fun, guaranteed!
Party Pals!
partypals.us; [email protected]
571-265-3898
Indoor/outdoor children’s party fun! We come to you! Games, characters, face painting, custom packages! Master’s in Education.
Ponies Plus LLC
poniesplus.org; poniesplus1cmsu.com
571-283-2408
Traveling pony rides and petting zoo to your location.
Potomac Nationals
potomacnationals.com
703-590-2311
G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, 7 County Complex Ct., Woodbridge, VA
Affordable family fun! See future stars of the Washington Nationals. Minor league baseball in a family friendly environment. Fireworks every weekend, giveaways, birthday parties, baseball camps, Kids Zone, autographs, Kids Club, ticket plans & more !
Robot Works
robotworksacademy.net
703-364-5418
Stay Cool Ice Cream, LLC
poniesplus1cmsu.com
571-283-2408
Daycares, birthdays, corporate. Ice cream truck.
Tiny Dancers
tinydancers.com; [email protected]
703-385-5580
Fairfax City, Old Town Alexandria, Mosaic District
A unique program for children two to 12. Ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater and Wiggletoes taught in a fun and nurturing environment that allows each child to develop a love of dance.
