If you’re tired of plopping an inflatable bounce house in the yard and letting your children’s friends run rampant at their birthday party each year, these Northern Virginia venues may be of interest. Offering a way for you to keep mischievous munchkins out of your home, these unique party places also come with creative themes.
An added bonus: There’s no clean up required.
Amphora Bakery
The kitchen is always at the heart of any great party. Here, you can let the professional pastry chefs at Amphora Bakery teach children how to artfully decorate their own cupcakes, cookies or mini-cakes. Party activities vary by package, but all include a shared birthday cake decorated by a pastry chef, decorations, drinks and aprons for the guests. // 294 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon
Encore Stage and Studio
Get treated like a VIP at Encore Stage and Studio by living it up in a party room before viewing a family-friendly performance (during which the birthday boy or girl’s name will be announced to the entire audience). After the show, embark on an exclusive backstage tour where little ones can meet cast members. Showtimes can be found on Encore’s website. // 400 Lorcom Lane, Arlington
Friendship Firehouse Museum
It’s not uncommon for tots to get excited when they see a fire engine. At Old Town Alexandria’s Friendship Fire Company, partygoers will enjoy a tour of the historic museum, soaking up sights like antique fire-fighting equipment, engines and uniforms. Taking things one step further, kids will also be able to role-play fire safety scenarios, design a firehouse banner and model fire hats in a mini-parade. // 107 S. Alfred St.,
Alexandria
Leesburg Animal Park
Exploring the Leesburg Animal Park grounds, children will be able to view exotic creatures, feed and pet farm animals, take a wagon ride and watch an exclusive animal show. Private parties feature a reserved area with decorations, a souvenir bucket of animal food, pony rides and an up-close encounter with a special animal. // 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg
Northern Virginia Ninja at CrossFit Loudoun
Inspired by NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, kids can embrace friendly competition by navigating though obstacles and putting each other’s strength, coordination, flexibility and speed to the test. Obstacles include the warped wall, monkey bars, a rope jungle, slack line, balance logs and much more. Trained coaches will be there to lead the party, going so far as to teach the crew some fierce warrior moves. Parties have exclusive use of the entire facility. // 21531 Blackwood Court, Suite 110, Sterling
Skate N Fun Zone
Lace up your skates and let the good times roll. Parties at Skate N Fun Zone include two hours of skate rentals, reserved party room access, laser tag, game tokens, refreshments, drinks and, of course, roller skating. By letting the kids burn off some of their seemingly endless energy, partygoers’ parents will thank you. // 7878 Sudley Road, Manassas
Sun & Moon Yoga Studio
Instill the importance of a positive, healthy lifestyle into your children and their friends by hosting a private yoga party. A certified instructor will lead a 45-minute class and teach kids different poses, breathing exercises and musical movement. There will also be a craft activity. Custom themes are available, though you must bring your own food and drinks. // 3811 Lee Highway, Arlington; 9998 Main St., Fairfax
Tea With Mrs. B
Take your tea party to the next level by having high tea at Mrs. B’s. There are multiple themes to choose from, including Mrs. B’s signature Little Lady Tea, Royal for Princes and Princesses Tea, Favorite Doll tea time, tea with the fairies and a spa-themed tea. Among crisp linens and fine china, Mrs. B entertains the children with party games and friendly lessons about table manners. Add-ons and custom themes are available. // 136 W. Jefferson St., Falls Church
Washington Dulles International Airport
If your child has a fascination with flying, an airport party may be the next best thing to actually getting airborne. Private party room packages are available to host kid’s birthdays with out-of-this-world activities such as TSA and K9 demonstrations, a Dulles scavenger hunt or airport bingo. An optional 30-minute guided airport tour is an available add-on option. // 1 Saarinen Circle, Dulles