By Grace Ann Brew
If you often find your children twirling in tulle skirts and grinning in glittering tiaras, chances are they love Disney. In order to be a princess, however, they can’t simply look the part—they must act the part as well. It’s time for the kids to ditch the dress-ups and truly be inducted into the ranks of royalty by participating in these fun summer activities taking place in NoVA.
Design a dress like Cinderella
Sew a beautiful gown like Cinderella at Crafty Stiches’ American Girl Doll Workshop. Participants ages 6 and older will create clothes for their 18-inch dolls. Talking mice are not included, however all other materials will be provided. Preregistration is recommended and available online. / Aug. 15, noon-1:30 p.m.; 1604 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg; $45
Frolic with frogs like Tiana
Learn to take care of a frog like Princess Tiana at Hidden Pond Nature Center’s animal care lesson. Volunteers will teach participants ages 12-16 how to feed, handle and look after a range of pond creatures including frogs, turtles and snakes. Note: kissing the frogs is strongly discouraged. / Aug. 18, 4-5:30 p.m.; 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield; $8
Shoot an arrow like Merida
Bull Run Regional Park will hold a one-time introductory archery class for those just beginning princess training. Learn how to shoot an arrow like Princess Merida, whether it’s to protect your royal family from a demon-bear or just for fun. Preregistration is required and available online. / Aug. 30, 11-12:30 p.m.; 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville; $35.25
For an even more Disney-filled summer, visit Wolf Trap on Aug. 21 for “Disney in Concert.” The Wolf Trap Orchestra will be performing Disney classics such as “Let it Go,” “Hakuna Matata” and “Under the Sea.”
