How do you celebrate the birthday of a kid who is perpetually in motion and lives (lives!) for competitive challenges and athletic pursuits? With an an action-packed, adrenaline-filled, sport-themed birthday, of course! From passive players to extreme enthusiasts, we’ve rounded up the best bets for a fun-filled party.
Photo: iFly
A Daredevil Afternoon
If you have an extreme sport enthusiast in the house, then plan a thrilling shindig at the new iFly experience in Loudoun county. Packages start with a thirty minute session which accommodates 12 guests. Included in the price is pre-flight training, flying gear (i.e. flight suits, helmets and goggles) and a video clip of each flight to share on social media. Party goers will each receive a flight certificate.
Cost: Starting at $659.95
20315 Commonwealth Center Dr. (Ashburn, Va)
571-446-4359
Online: iflyworld.com
Sports Boot Camp
Your pint-sized super fan can celebrate the team of their choice at Port Discovery’s Sports Boot Camp—the museum’s deluxe birthday package—that includes sport-themed activities, like decorating a placemat and making a paper football. Included in the deal is a two-hour rental of a private room to enjoy food (pizza and beverages are included for children), cake and more. Also included is admission for 10 children and 10 adults; post-party, your guests can enjoy athletic pursuits, like soccer, surfing and snowboarding in the indoor ExerKids Game arena.
Cost: Starting at $325
35 Market Pl. (Baltimore, Md)
Phone: 410-727-8120
Online: portdiscovery.org
Ice, Ice Birthday
What’s special about the Wheaton Ice Arena isn’t their basic birthday package (although there is nothing wrong with renting a private party room and letting the kids free skate)… with just a minimum of three participants, you can custom tailor a class for party participants (who wouldn’t want to recreate Disney on ice?!). You can also rent the entire rink for an over-the-top celebration (starting at $300/hour).
Cost: Starting at $75/hour (for a private party room)
11717 Orebaugh Ave. (Wheaton, Md)
301-905-3004
Online: montgomeryparks.org
Photo: Great Play
Go for the Gold
Let your little Olympian enjoy the theatrics of a real spectator event; when players enter the Great Play Arena, the lights come down, the music starts and they are the star-attraction as a spotlight shines down on them and their image is displayed on a score board. The Olympic-themed package (think capture the flag and relay races) are geared toward children 5 to 10 years of age; the center offers themes for children starting as young as one.
Cost: Starting at $370 for up to 18 children (90 minutes of play)
11395 Government Pkwy. (Fairfax, Va)
703-246-9550
Online: greatplay.com
Hit it Out of the Park
A day at the ballpark is a great way to celebrate a little slugger’s birthday; Nationals Park has a picnic area and a Family Fun Area that lends itself well to small gatherings, but for true MVP treatment, plan a party at Pfitzner Stadium, home to the Potomac Nationals (the minor league cousin to the Washington Nationals). Party guests will receive unlimited rides in the Kids’ Zone, a team pennant, a hot dog, chips and small drink and special seating. The birthday boy or girl will get special recognition with an on-field celebration.
Cost: $20/child, $11/adults (minimum of 6 guests)
7 County Complex Ct. (Woodbridge, Va)
703-590-2311 (ext 225)
Online: potomacnationals.com
Photo: Urban Evolution
A Parkour Party
Urban Evolution creates gladiator-like themed parties (think America Ninja Warrior) for parties of six or more. Parties are reserved for Saturdays and Sundays from 6 to 8 pm (when classes are not in session). Bring your own food and beverages (they provide the tables). Parkour classes start with basic moves — like how to jump, kick, flip, scale and twist – before mastering the obstacle course.
Cost: $35/child (for 6 to 10 people); $30/child (for 11-15); $25 (for 16+)
5505 Cherokee Ave (Alexandria, Va)
8442 Kao Circle (Manassas, Va)
6801 Eastern Ave (Baltimore, Md)
Online: urbanevo.com
A Vertical Adventure
At Earth Trek’s — a climbing center with local outposts in Rockville and Arlington — a party includes two hours of instructor-led climbing (no experience necessary) for kids six and up. All necessary equipment (read: harnesses) are included. The climbing center provides a table and basic table cloth — you provide the food and refreshments. Included in the package is a free t-shirt for the birthday boy or girl.
Cost: Starting at $295 (for up to 10 climbers)
725 Rockville Pike (Rockville, Md)
240-283-9942
1235 S. Clark Street (Arlington, Va)
800-Climb-Up
Online: earthtreksclimbing.com
Has your sports star had a cool competitive birthday party? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.
—Meghan Meyers
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