If your child is addicted to HGTV or loves to get crafty, check out these Northern Virginia venues for all things DIY.
AR Workshop
Alexandria
Located in the heart of Old Town, AR Workshop is a great place for kids to create trendy home décor to decorate their personal space. Youth project parties include a choice of plank wood signs, canvas wall hangings or canvas throw pillows. Trained staff members teach techniques and provide step-by-step instructions. The two-hour children’s parties include private use of the entire studio. For added convenience, parties can be reserved online.
Art Frames Solution
Reston
Celebrate creativity with a custom party at Art Frame Solutions. Canvas painting parties can be specially tailored around the child’s interests. For younger children, images can even be pre-drawn prior to painting. Besides painting, the studio offers build-a-frame parties that allow participants to cut mats and construct professional-looking frames. Festivities are suggested for ages 5 and up.
Cupcakes and Lace
Aldie or will travel for an additional fee
Sew and craft at this unique birthday party location. Workshops focus on making accessories for dolls, creating stuffed animals and plushies, sewing throw pillows and fashioning jewelry. Choose between having the party at the spacious studio space in Aldie and hosting it at home.
Michael’s Craft Stores
Multiple locations throughout Northern Virginia
This national arts and crafts franchise has 10 different party options for kids. Little ones will love themes like Super Hero Squad and Pretty Princesses, while packages for tweens and teens focus on creating room décor and memory-making projects. Parties are led by a Michael’s team member and include use of a private party room, all craft supplies, a gift for the host and invititations and thank you cards. Outside food, drinks and decor are allowed.
Muse Paint Bar
Gainesville and Mosaic District
Pick from hundreds of kids-inspired painting subjects. Sit back and relax as an experienced artist leads the party. Muse Paint Bar has its own food menu complete with kids drinks and beer and wine for the adults. Guests are also welcome to bring their own catering and decorations.
Painting With a Twist
Ashburn and Fredericksburg
Kids will love to bring home their very own masterpiece. Experienced staff members run the canvas painting parties, which include dance breaks. Different price tiers are available featuring easier projects for ages 7-12 and more challenging workshops for teens.
Paper Source
Alexandria, Mosaic District and Reston
Schedule a private party with BYO refreshments. Parties can be booked both during and after store hours. Paper Source is known for its unique card-making workshops, but other kid-friendly craft options are available, too. Let the staff take care of the supplies (and the mess).
Workhouse Arts Center
Lorton
Kids ages 5-12 can book a memorable birthday party at the historic Workhouse Arts Center. A party coordinator will help develop a theme, plan customized activities and an art project. Plus, the proceeds from the birthday parties help support the Workhouse Art Center’s community outreach and education programs.
