Kids Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2009

You Say It's Your Birthday

Birthday Party Guide

Another year, another hobby. Here are party ideas to help you keep up.

Toques-in-training will whip up a feast at Cookology (21100 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling; 703-433-1909), the expansive culinary school that offers cooking parties for kids 4 and up.

Give your sugar baby a candy party from Treats by Twixt (3222 M Street NW; 202-494-9708). The custom fetes (in your house or the store) will have mini sweethearts doing the licorice limbo, making edible jewelry, and filling up on a candy buffet (complete with chocolate fountain for dipping Peeps).

Budding scientists can take a hike or play nature games at a bash hosted by Living Classrooms (202-488-0627). Choose from themes like Super Snakes, Awesome Amphibians, Radical Reptiles, or Wacky Wetlands.

Parties are a horse of a different color at the Stoney Creek Saddle Club (12010 Stoney Creek Road, Potomac; 202-251-5795) where guests groom and tack, ride, and hang around the barn. Plus, a private lesson makes the guest of honor feel extra special on her day.

Because some things never change.

LEARN
Holistic Moms Network D.C. Chapter Launch
What: Stop in at the parents meeting to trade info on nutrition, discipline, and more.
Why: Get the whole truth.
When: Mon., 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: National Integrated Health Associates, 5225 Wisconsin Ave. NW, b/t Jennifer & Ingomar Sts., ste. 402.

WATCH
International Children’s Festival
What: Bhangra dance, rhythm street dance, Irish bluegrass, and other performances by 400 artists from more than 20 countries.
Why: It’s a small world after all.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna (703-255-1868).

SEE
Lord of the Flies
What: Catch the classic survivor tale at one of the pay-what-you-can preview performances.
Why: You’ll be glad to be stranded.
When: Wed. & Thurs., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney (301-924-3400).