Oh shoot, here we go again. It seems like winter break just ended and it’s already time to plan childcare for spring break, plus the multitude of public holidays, teacher workdays and half days. What’s a working parent to do? Arts organizations, parks departments and sports leagues are increasingly taking note of the need. Here are a few solutions that will keep the kids safe, having fun, exercising and learning—until you have to plan their summer. Check out these mini winter camps.
This story has been updated.
Arlington County Parks and Rec
Kids and teens love the idea of time off until an hour goes by and they’re bored. Arlington Parks and Rec has you covered with a whole spectrum of day-off camps and trips, including county buses that whisk away teens and tweens ages 11-17 for amazing adventures. Younger kids ages 5-11 can enjoy Break Blast Camp at Carver Community Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or try out basketball camp, music, cooking or soccer. Additional options include the SPARK Business Academy Engineers Camp or a magical clay lab camp. Locations, times and fees vary.
Code Ninjas
With Code Ninjas, kids can learn computer coding, master Minecraft, build Roblox worlds or even design their own games as they advance through the belt levels to achieve black belt coding status! On President’s Day, Feb. 16, Code Ninjas will offer Roblox: World Creators from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., inviting both newbies and seasoned players to take part in a creative adventure. On March 20, Code Your Own Arcade challenges campers create retro-style arcade games with Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. Spring break, March 30 to April 3, brings a Modding with Minecraft camp in which experienced Minecrafters will learn how to make unique mods. Fees range from $110 for single-day camps to $275 for weeklong programs. 4694 King St., Alexandria
Dynamic Gymnastics
This gymnastics studio offers day camps for boys and girls ages 5 to 13 on many school closure days. Your child need not be enrolled at Dynamic to attend their camps. Tumblers can enjoy a fun introduction to gymnastics, or build upon their skills with training, games and arts and crafts. Single-day camps are $130 per student and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dynamic has three day camps planned for Feb. 16 and 17 and March 20, plus a few days over spring break between April 6 and 13. Bonus—check the calendar for Kids Night Out events on select Saturday evenings year-round. 3441 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church
EmPOWER Kids Out of School (OST) Camps
Children 5 and older can burn off energy jumping on a trampoline, learning to do a cartwheel and acquiring new ninja skills, then cool down with a little mindfulness to end the day. Out of School Time (OST) Camps sell out fast here, so be sure to register in advance. Camps are $90 and run 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an extended day option until 5:30 for an additional fee. Siblings get a discount. OST camps follow the Arlington Public Schools calendar, so you’ll find care here on most APS holidays and teacher workdays. This winter and spring, sign up for camps on Jan. 23, 26 and 30, Feb. 16, March 20, May 27 and June 19. 4700 King St., Alexandria
Encore Stage Holiday Mini Camps
When school is off, Encore is onstage. Kids up to grade 2 can learn about theater through games, crafts and storytelling, while students in grades 3-5 will create a play in just one day, exploring plays and themes based on popular children’s movies and stories. On Jan. 30 and March 20, kids will perform Zootopia; on April 6 they’ll do Scooby-Doo and on April 13 it’s the Lego Movie. Need coverage after Memorial Day? Sign up for camps on May 26 and 27. Encore mini camps are are $95 per day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the option of paying extra for additional morning or evening hours. Camps take place at Cherrydale United Methodist Church, 3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, and Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King St., Alexandria
ETC: Educational Theatre Company
Theatrical kiddos can participate in a day of the arts at ETC’s Drama Day, with professional teaching artists guiding campers through drama, movement, music and visual arts workshops. The next program on Jan. 30 is Magic: For Good and Evil. Sign up again March 13 for Animal Team Up, and April 13 for Planet Protectors. Each Drama Day is $90 for campers in grades K-5 (scholarships are available) and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2920 Arlington Blvd., Arlington (Arlington Heights)
Fairfax County Parks & Rec
Need a little time to unwind or clean the house? The Fairfax County Park Authority has your back, too. Choose from a full roster of winter camps, from arts and sports to STEM and nature. This winter’s options include an ACTion! Broadway Camp, basketball and pickleball camps, and Gamer Adventures. The county has programming planned for Jan. 29 and 30, and Feb. 16 and 17 Sign up at the Park Authority Camps website. Prices and locations vary.
Kaizen MMA Spring Break Camp
Keep the kids active over spring break at a camp that keeps littles moving—and takes them out on daily field trips. Each day begins with fun indoor games, creative challenges and team-building activities. Then it’s off to Great Falls Park, HyperKidz indoor playground or an indoor pool for the rest of the day. It’s $369 for the week with a discount for those enrolled in their afterschool program. Check the website for dates and schedules. Doors open at 8 a.m. and pick up time is from 5 to 6 p.m. Beginner and advanced martial arts students are welcome. 2190 Pimmit Drive, Falls Church
The Little Gym
Littles can burn off steam on cold winter days with indoor tumbling, balancing and exploring. The Little Gym is one of only a few places to offer day-off programming for tots who haven’t yet entered elementary school. Their Super Quest camp is open to participants ages 3-12, while older thrill seekers ages 6-12 can take their gymnastics skills to the next level with the Grade School Skill Thrill. Each session is $70. 2209 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington
Mulford Riding School
Young equestrians can get outside, enjoy fresh air and exercise with horses at this riding school in Centreville. Camps are offered rain or shine during spring break, and on other Fairfax County Public Schools days off. Scheduled daily activities include riding lessons, grooming and horse care, games, archery and an adventure course. To get in the saddle, attendees must wear riding attire: a helmet (which you can rent), long pants, boots or sturdy closed toe shoes. Each single day-off camp is $250. 15105 Lee Highway, Centreville
Camp Sarraka
This local camp got its start more than 10 years ago when brothers Jake and Brody Karton, then 13 and 11, were asked to create a weeklong outdoor camp for the community surrounding their Barcroft neighborhood. They still run it to this day, packing the schedule with unique challenges designed to inspire kindness, creativity and healthy competition. This spring, sign up for camps March 13 and 20 and March 30 to April 3 (spring break), as well as grade-prep day April 13 and all three days of Memorial Day break, May 25-27. Camps are $120 and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with optional extended care for an extra charge. 4444 Arlington Blvd. and 3313 Arlington Blvd., Arlington
Silver Knights Chess Academy
When school is closed, kids can spend the day putting their minds to the test at this chess camp (formerly Magnus Chess Academy) in various NoVA locations. Campers are divided into groups by skill level, and lessons range from the basics to master games and tactics. Students get breaks for fresh air throughout the day. Break camps are offered on most public school days off in both Arlington and Fairfax counties. Kids can sign up for single-day, multi-day or weeklong sessions. Silver Knights also offers camps on snow days and virtual options. Dates and locations vary. Check the schedule for details and prices.
The T.E.A. Center
Dedicated to developing leadership skills, The Transformational Education Adventure (T.E.A.) Center welcomes kids ages 2 to 12 to participate in structured learning and small group activities, plus an afternoon tea. Programming covers teacher workdays, including Jan. 29 and 30, Feb. 17, April 6 and 10, and May 16. A spring break camp March 30 to April 3 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m costs $499 for the week or $124/day. Camps here follow the FCPS calendar. Campers will enjoy nature crafts, a petting zoo, Minecraft engineering and ice cream socials. 1491 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Tysons Art & Learning
Here, young artists can unleash their creativity and explore the art world. A winter break camp, available for 8 days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is $90 per day (sibling discount is $80 per day), with the option of extended care until 5:30 p.m. for an additional $20 a day. Most school closings are covered, and a spring break camp runs March 30 to April 3. Campers may attend on select days or the entire week, exploring a variety of artistic media, including acrylic painting, watercolor, colored pencils, charcoal and clay. While there are some craft projects, the main focus is on fine art skills such as drawing and painting. 8343 Greensboro Drive, McLean
Virginia Dance Conservatory
Aspiring dancers can enjoy half-day themed camps from 9 a.m. to noon when schools are closed at this Arlington studio, a Best of Arlington winner for afterschool enrichment. The schedule includes a dance class, themed crafts, snack time and choreography. Participants can join a Broadway star party Jan. 30, American Girl adventure Feb. 16, or a day with The Descendents on March 20. Holiday camps are $90 for participants ages 5-8. 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington