When spending Thanksgiving day in the kitchen, kids want to help too! Instead of letting them dip their fingers into the gravy or steal a coveted piece of the pumpkin pie, let them get their hands messy at these six hands-on workshops in NoVA.
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Maggiano’s Thanksgiving Kid’s Cooking Class
Saturday, Nov. 16, 9-11 a.m.
Your little chef might not be able to keep up on the cooking-crazy holiday, so take them to a class of their own to learn how to make Italian food with a Thanksgiving twist. Participants will also create festive arts and crafts, and indulge in breakfast items and treats. All children must have an adult present. // Maggiano’s Little Italy: 2001 International Drive, McLean; $26
November Create Collage and Sing with Emily
Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This Thanksgiving-themed sing-and-play class will teach attendees a variety of songs and send them home with music sheets, as well as lead them through the creation of a collage (based on a chosen song) to take home. Materials will be provided but families are encouraged to bring print materials with pictures, colors and patterns (those Black Friday newspaper ads?). // Gallery Clarendon: 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Suite R-800, Arlington; $25
Kid’s Decorating Class: Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Sunday, Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
If you’re looking for a decorative centerpiece for your holiday table, what could be better than one created by your kid? Bring your children to this hands-on workshop to make their own cake pops and chocolate-covered pretzels, which they will turn into a “turkey” centerpiece, and enjoy light refreshments along the way. // Fran’s Cake & Candy Supplies: 10927 Main St., Fairfax; $75
Teacher & Neighbor Thanksgiving Gifts
Sunday Nov. 24, noon-2 p.m.
Help teach your child the gratitude of the season by taking them to this gift-making workshop, designed specifically for their age group. Kids will make peanut butter truffle spoons, pie pops, popcorn stalks/corn on the cob sweets, Rice Krispie treats on a stick and wrapped breakfast muffins. One they take them home, let them give them to friends, family members, teachers, neighbors and more. // Chefscape: 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Suite 120, Leesburg; $60
Parent and Me Cookie Decorating Class
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Everyone knows Thanksgiving is all about the pie, but your kids might not be feeling the apple, pecan or pumpkin on the table. Instead, let them learn to design and decorate their very own Thanksgiving-themed cookies with royal icing. Your child we be decorating four Thanksgiving cookies to take home, and curating skills that could turn them into a true baker! // Love Bug Home Studio: 683 Springhouse Square, Leesburg; $30
Thanksgiving One-Day Pony Class
Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-noon
This one-day class is designed for beginner horse enthusiasts in three different age groups: 3- to 5-year olds, 6- to 8-year olds and a 9-and-older group. Each session will teach the basics of horsemanship including safety, grooming, horse terminology and riding. Let your child celebrate the holiday weekend with a new opportunity. // Hogback Mountain Pony Rides: 19732 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg; $100
