Hop on Over For a Sneak Peek!
It might seem early, but many of these special events fill up quickly, so take a sneak peek at our Easter Guide — packed with fun (and growing bigger every day!)… MORE
Animal Explorer: Young zoologists (1-3 gr) will explore animal habitats and adaptations while crafting butterflies, tree frogs, fish, and more!
Mixed Media Fun: Creative minds (1-3 & 4-7 gr) will mix mediums to design art projects like model magic flower bouquet paintings, fish aquarium art, acrylic pours, and more!
Magical Wonderland: Aspiring magicians (1-4 gr) will master illusions by creating ‘double-images,’ kaleidoscopes, and more!
If science and discovery are more your kid’s style, explore Club SciKidz, where future innovators will enjoy hands-on STEM adventures all summer long!
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From Family Car to Showroom Shine — Schedule a Clean Car Today
Between school runs, snack time, and errands, the family car is home to never-ending crumbs, juice spills, and mystery stains. If you can relate and your vehicle (even the family minivan) needs a little TLC, Mobile Steam Car Detailing comes to you — conveniently offering services in your driveway. With a variety of services and packages to choose from, your car can feel new! Even better, get $20 off a detailing package, plus free windshield guard protection (until 2/28; cannot be combined)… MORE
From Chilly Days to Poolside Play: Get Swim-Ready Now
There might be a chill in the air, but summer is so much closer than you think, and summer fun starts with water safety! Start prepping now. Through Goldfish Swim School’s play-based learning approach called The Science of SwimPlay, little swimmers will have fun and build their confidence and important water safety skills! Find your preferred location today (Reston, Alexandria, Falls Church) and learn more… MORE
LEGO Like Never Before! The Art of the Brick — a world-renowned LEGO art exhibit — is coming to the DMV for a limited time. This one-of-a-kind exhibition by celebrated artist Nathan Sawaya transforms more than 1 million ordinary LEGO bricks into 130+ extraordinary works of art that will leave you in awe… MORE
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Grab Your VIP & Get Ready to Dance
On February 15, 2025, kids are invited to grab their VIP — their Very Important Person — and enjoy an unforgettable night! The VIP Dance, a semi-formal event, is open to kids and a special adult in their lives. Guests will enjoy a festive island-themed atmosphere, complete with rhythms spun by a live DJ, a photo booth, and more… MORE
Feel the Love at Monkey Joe’s Monkey Joe’s invites you to feel the love (and spread a little, too!) when you visit for some high-energy fun! Make more than memories on Valentine’s Day! On February 14, 2025, while taking a break from bouncing and playing, kids are invited to make a special craft… MORE
Bring the Crew for Tex-Mex Bliss: $1 Kids’ Meals Await
Treat your family to fresh this weekend at El Fresco Tex-Mex Grill! More than made-from-scratch recipes, you’ll save a few pesos, too! From 5-8 pm on Saturdays, $1 gets little ones 12 and under their choice of yum from the kids’ menu (dine-in only; not valid with other promos)… MORE
Scrub In for a Summer of Science & Medicine
Future doctors are invited to journey into the field of medicine with Club SciKidz! Their STEM summer camps offer immersive experiences that are not only fun, but inspiring, too:
Mini Med School Camp: Lil’ healthcare workers (PK-K) will explore the human body and learn about anatomy, germs, first aid, and more!
Jr. Physician Camp: Young doctors (1-3 gr) will enjoy hands-on experiments, build body models, test for germs, and more!
Young Surgeon Camp: Aspiring physicians (4-7 gr) will practice giving shots, making meds, stitching wounds, and performing actual dissections!
If your child is fueled by creativity instead of science, check out Doodle Dynamo, where kids can unleash their inner artists this summer!
DullesMoms’ supporters want to share some Extra! Extra! news with you:
A Summer of Science Awaits Your Children!
Science takes the lead this summer! The Children’s Science Center Lab invites you to explore all they have to offer kids this spring and summer break. Their camps offer one-of-a-kind STEM-focused fun with the chance to create, design, tinker, and more! Even better? For a limited time, enjoy an early bird discount with code EARLYBIRD25. Register today… MORE
Feel the Love at Monkey Joe’s Monkey Joe’s invites you to feel the love (and spread a little, too!) when you visit for some high-energy fun! Make more than memories on Valentine’s Day! On February 14, 2025, while taking a break from bouncing and playing, kids are invited to make a special craft… MORE
Grab Your VIP & Get Ready to Dance
On February 15, 2025, kids are invited to grab their VIP — their Very Important Person — and enjoy an unforgettable night! The VIP Dance, a semi-formal event, is open to kids and a special adult in their lives. Guests will enjoy a festive island-themed atmosphere, complete with rhythms spun by a live DJ, a photo booth, and more… MORE
StageCoach Theatre Company is committed to inspiring, nurturing, educating, and empowering artists and performers of all ages! Run by Jerri Wiseman, April Bridgeman, and Terry Smith, classes and camps are taught by a seasoned theatre professional and are ideal for sharpening performance skills, making new friends, and, of course, having fun!
Actors, actresses, and performers of all kinds are invited to StageCoach Theatre Company this summer for a season full of drama, with many productions ending in an exciting performance before a live audience!
Acting Camps
June 15-19, 2026 Play-in-a-Day Acting Camp
Ages 5-12
Throughout each camp day, students will play theater games, build acting skills, create a brand-new plot and characters, and explore the world of performance. At the end of the camp day, students will present a short showcase featuring everything they’ve learned and created.
June 22-26, 2026 Advanced Acting for Young Performers
Ages 8-12
A high-energy camp for young actors ready to shine brighter on stage. Campers will explore exciting scenes, create bold characters, play engaging acting games, and learn to express big emotions with confidence.
July 13-17, 2026 Teen Acting Foundations
Ages 12-18
Perfect for intermediate and aspiring teenage actors looking to build a strong foundation in stage movement, vocal projection, script work, and creating compelling stage characters with confidence.
July 27-31, 2026 Advanced Acting for Teen Performers
Ages 12-18
Designed for serious teen actors hoping to take their dramatic and comedic skills to the next level. Explores complex scenes, advanced character-development methodologies, and text-analysis tools.
Improv Camps
June 15-19, 2026 Teen Improv Camp
Ages 12-18
Campers learn the basics of improvisational theatre while building teamwork, spontaneity, and creativity. They play well-known improv comedy games and grow more fearless on stage. This camp concludes with a performance.
July 6-10, 2026 Youth Improv Camp
Ages 6-12
Campers learn the basics of improvisational theatre, build creativity and teamwork, and play popular improv games while becoming fearless on stage. This camp concludes with a performance.
July 20-24, 2026 Teen Improv Camp
Ages 12-18
Campers learn the basics of improvisational theatre, build creativity and teamwork, and play popular improv games while becoming fearless on stage. This camp concludes with a performance.
July 27-31, 2026 Youth Improv Camp
Ages 6-12
Campers learn the basics of improvisational theatre, build creativity and teamwork, and play popular improv games while becoming fearless on stage. This camp concludes with a performance.
Musical Theatre Camps
June 22-26, 2026 Musical Theatre Camp: Bunnies
Ages 5-10
Bunnies! by John Jacobson is a fun, furry musical with a heartwarming story of sharing and friendship—a true hippety hoppity good time! This camp concludes with a performance.
June 29-July 3, 2026 Musical Theatre Camp: Bingo
Ages 5-10
Everyone loves Bingo, and Bingo loves everyone — even Scar the cat. When Bingo gives away the letters from his special collar to help friends, he’s left without a name. What will the farmer say? This camp concludes with a performance.
June 29-July 3, 2026 Musical Theatre Camp: I Love Broadway
Ages 10-14
A celebration of Broadway dreams and finding a place on stage. Students sing, dance, and discover that everyone has a role in the magic of theatre. This camp concludes with a performance.
July 6-10, 2026 Silly Sailors Camp
Ages 5-10
Campers set sail on a maritime musical adventure as crews compete to reach Antarctica and return. To win, they must retrieve three impossible treasures — including a dancing penguin and a secret sea shanty clue. This camp concludes with a performance.
July 13-17, 2026 Musical Theatre Camp: Meow!
Ages 5-10
An exciting musical theatre experience tailored for young performers. Students explore singing, dancing, and creative expressions centered around fun, imaginative themes. This camp concludes with a performance.
July 20-24, 2026 Musical Theatre Camp: Let’s Walk Together
Ages 5-12
A joyful musical revue celebrating friendship, unity, and understanding through uplifting songs and scenes. Performers discover that what truly matters is walking side by side — together. This camp concludes with a performance.
Aug 3-7, 2026 Madagascar Kids Camp
Ages 5-12
Based on the DreamWorks animated film Madagascar, this high-energy stage adaptation follows Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, and friends on a wild journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to Madagascar.
Aug 10-14, 2026 Musical Theatre Camp: Just Sing
Ages 6-12
An original revue featuring high-energy, inspirational, and pop hits by John Jacobson. Students sing, dance, and act in an empowering show celebrating friendship, kindness, and discovering their own greatness. This camp concludes with a performance.
Intensive Camps
June 29-July 10, 2026 Musical Theatre Intensive Camp: Little Shop of Horrors
Ages 14-19
The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn discovers a mysterious plant he names Audrey II. The foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises fame and fortune in exchange for blood. As the plant grows, Seymour uncovers its shocking origins and plans for global domination. This intensive camp includes live performances.
July 13-24, 2026 Musical Theatre Intensive Camp: Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Ages 10-19
In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home and live in the world above. An intensive theatrical experience designed to challenge and develop young performers, culminating in live, full-scale performances.
Aug 3-14, 2026 Play Intensive Camp: She Kills Monsters
Ages 13-19
A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, this high-energy play follows Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home after the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure. Features live performances.
Technical Theatre Camps
July 27-31, 2026 Technical Booth Bootcamp
Ages 10+
A behind-the-scenes experience in which students train in lighting design, programming, sound mixing, and cue running. By week’s end, campers can confidently manage a live performance from the tech booth.
Aug 3-7, 2026 Technical Theatre Camp
Ages 10+
Students explore lighting, sound, set design, costumes, props, and run crew while collaborating with the Madagascar Kids creative team to bring their performances to life, working backstage during live shows.
Audition Prep
Aug 10-14, 2026 Audition Prep Camp
Ages 11-14
Designed for performers ready to shine, the program teaches students to select songs and monologues, build strong audition pieces, refine dance technique, and develop professionalism. By week’s end, campers feel polished, prepared, and confident for any audition.
Enjoy music, entertainment, craft vendors, and multicultural vendors and organizations. There will even be children’s activities, crafts, and food trucks! The fun all happens from 12-5 pm at Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center in Sterling, VA; admission is free… MORE
Kiddie Open Gym is Back!
Little feet, big fun! Kiddie Open Gym is back every Monday in February at the Herndon Community Center (even Presidents’ Day)! Kids and their chaperones are invited to make new friends (parents, too!) while exploring soft play equipment, mats, balls, and more! Learn more and pre-register today… MORE
Curiosity & Creativity Meet at Animationland!
While the National Children’s Museum’s permanent exhibits are always exciting, their visiting exhibit is sure to get kids (& parents) excited, too! Until mid-May, join Tracey (a pencil dog!) and her crew on an immersive journey to create stories using science and imagination at NCM’s latest exhibit: Animationland. Plan your visit today… MORE
From Coding to Crafting, Camps for Every Kid!
Summer is closer than you think, so now’s the perfect time to plan for days filled with discovery, learning, and, most importantly — fun!
Club SciKidz
From Minecraft Game Design and Coding with Roblox to Mini Med School and Jr Vet, kids will find a STEM camp they’ll love at Club SciKidz! They even have character-themed camps like Pokémon, American Girl Doll, and Harry Potter! Learn more.
Doodle Dynamo
Kids are invited to unleash their inner artists at Doodle Dynamo camps like Animal Explorer, Magical Wonderland, Mixed Media Fun, and more! Learn more.
DullesMoms’ supporters want to share some Extra! Extra! news with you:
Swim Safe & Swim Strong in 2025
Make waves in 2025 at Goldfish Swim School! Offering learn-to-swim opportunities plus the chance to reinforce safety skills, Goldfish invites your family to register for a free trial lesson in a pool that’s always 90°! Connect with your preferred location (Reston, Alexandria, Falls Church) and sign up today… MORE
Find a Round-the-World Adventure at the International Festival
On Sunday, February 2, your family is invited to the International Festival — a free community celebration! This annual festival explores the diverse cultures and traditions that make up Loudoun County. Enjoy music, entertainment, craft vendors, and multicultural vendors and organizations. There will even be children’s activities, crafts, and food trucks… MORE
Give Your Child a Strong Start with BeanTree Learning!
Your child’s early years are times of rapid growth! As children learn about themselves and the world around them, BeanTree Learning, Northern Virginia’s premier school for early childhood education, offers nurturing programs designed to make the most of these important times! Get to know them today… MORE
Divorce is difficult for children, and there is no question that it is especially hard on children with special needs. These children require additional assistance, support, and accommodations for disabilities that could be medical/physical, developmental, or psychological.
At school, special needs children usually have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) — a plan and/or program that is designed and implemented to support a disabled child’s specific elementary and secondary learning needs. However, when it comes to divorce, there isn’t a universally agreed upon parenting time plan or program that attorneys or the court rely on for divorcing parents with a special needs child. Instead, and because each child’s challenges and family dynamic is unique, parents do their best to figure out a specific visitation plan; that is most often achieved via settlement or mediation, but when parents can’t reach an agreement, the schedule is ultimately determined by the court.
In my experience as a child psychologist and custody evaluator, additional care and consideration need to be given when developing a parenting time schedule for a special needs child. This is because children with impairments, limitations, and/or deficits have additional vulnerabilities and challenges, and they require a visitation plan that respectfully supports their needs and well-being. In addition, separated and divorcing parents most often want more time with their child; however, when a special needs child is involved, I always assert that the quality of visitation time is more important than the quantity of time.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all parenting schedule for special needs children, there are supporting factors to consider, and I offer the following tips:
Bury the Hatchet & Bury it Fast
Divorce is an emotionally painful process, and even when it’s clear that the marriage is over, there is understandably still hurt and upset to process; in the end, loss is loss, and anyone going through a divorce needs to come to terms with things emotionally before moving on. However, as a parent, remaining hurt and/or angry — even if you feel justified to do so — isn’t good for anyone. Special needs children are especially vulnerable to parental problems and discord, so striving to be flexible, thoughtful, and collaborative with one another as parents regarding your special needs child’s wellbeing as quickly as possible is advised.
In my opinion, a good parenting plan should be flexible enough for parents to work together when problems arise, but also be enforceable enough if a parent’s behavior becomes problematic or violates the order. For example, if a child is having significant emotional difficulty separating from the custodial parent for visitation with the non-custodial parent, being loving and supportive of that child as parents toward a solution is what’s most important. Or, if a child might benefit from extending visitation or spending an additional night with a parent due to their struggles, collaborating to determine what’s in that child’s best interests in that situation would be correct.
Sure, you can get angry in these moments and choose to assert your rights and escalate that anger with your ex and/or with the child, but that approach would likely do more harm than good. Developing a parenting visitation plan and order that considers the special needs child’s capacity and well-being — a plan incorporating parental collaboration and flexibility — is the right thing to do. Staying angry and remaining focused on your rights is the wrong thing to do.
Lastly, when parents can’t find agreement in the visitation schedule, or other important parenting areas, engaging a co-parenting therapist to resolve conflicts may be helpful. For longstanding and ongoing high-conflict co-parenting situations, a mature and highly skilled parenting coordinator may also be needed to address disagreements around a special needs child’s routines, treatments, and parenting visitation schedule.
Develop a Plan That Fits Your Child’s Needs
The moniker “special needs” can include various capabilities and conditions. Thus, parents need to agree on the main factors influencing their child’s functioning and ongoing needs.
For example, are you as parents in agreement regarding your child’s temperament and personality style (including their strengths and challenges)? Are you in agreement regarding your child’s diagnosis and treatment(s)? Are you in agreement regarding which parent has more capacity and availability to care for your child? Are you in agreement regarding who your child has historically viewed and experienced as being the more involved, consistent, and reliable parent regarding their care and needs?
Developing a parenting visitation schedule that fits your child’s needs may mean that one parent spends more time with the child than the other parent, and for some parents, that’s difficult to accept and agree to. If reaching an agreement with your ex is difficult, meeting with a parenting professional for individual guidance and support may also be helpful.
Limit Transitions
Having a consistent routine and stability in residential placement is very important for many special needs children. While some special needs children require frequent contact with both parents, too much back and forth between the two parental homes can be difficult for special needs children to manage in general, especially during the school week. Sometimes additional shorter visits (e.g., dinners) during the school week with the non-custodial parent can advantageously bridge a more extended break between the child’s two homes.
Be Conservative With Adjustments
As noted earlier, divorce, and all the changes and adjustments that come with it, can be especially difficult on special needs children. Thus, for the first year (and sometimes longer), I recommend that parents keep life as predictable and consistent as possible in all other ways for a special needs child.
Remaining in the same home or moving to someplace close if you must move, respecting and supporting family relations (e.g., relationships your child has with siblings, grandparents, etc.), not introducing your child to a new romantic partner, and not making any other sudden or drastic changes, will help your child to accept and grow into his or her next chapter of family life more easily. So, when you consider how you want to enjoy your visitation time with your child, keep in mind that for special needs children, consistency supports emotional security, which in turn serves to reduce stress/anxiety.
Regardless of your custody arrangement, with a special needs child, working together as parents to create a parenting schedule that is in the child’s best interest is very important.
Indeed, in developing a plan, many factors are often considered. Depending on the child’s functioning and needs, your family dynamic, and your history as a couple, there may also be some hurdles to jump. In my experience, however, the tallest hurdles to jump most frequently have less to do with the child’s needs and more with the parents’ longstanding hurt, upset, and conflicts.
When developing a parenting schedule, try to remember that while you didn’t get the marriage right as a couple (for whatever reason or reasons), as parents to your special needs child, you can both work through the challenges that lie ahead to get the co-parenting right.
From Coding to Crafting, Camps for Every Kid!
Summer is closer than you think, so now’s the perfect time to plan for days filled with discovery, learning, and, most importantly — fun!
Club SciKidz
From Minecraft Game Design and Coding with Roblox to Mini Med School and Jr Vet, kids will find a STEM camp they’ll love at Club SciKidz! They even have character-themed camps like Pokémon, American Girl Doll, and Harry Potter! Learn more.
Doodle Dynamo
Kids are invited to unleash their inner artists at Doodle Dynamo camps like Animal Explorer, Magical Wonderland, Mixed Media Fun, and more! Learn more.
DullesMoms’ supporters want to share some Extra! Extra! news with you:
Bounce Into Fun This MLK Day at Monkey Joe’s
Save the date for a school’s-out day of play at Monkey Joe’s! On January 20, 2025, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, enjoy some high-energy, weather-proof fun! Even better? On this special day get 40 game credits with each regularly-priced admission… MORE
Lunar New Year Festivals & Events
2025’s the Year of the Snake! These opportunities are a great way to experience the rich beauty of East Asian traditions, culture, entertainment, and food… MORE
From Coding to Crafting, Camps for Every Kid!
Summer is closer than you think, so now’s the perfect time to plan for days filled with discovery, learning, and — most importantly — fun!
Club SciKidz
From Minecraft Game Design and Coding with Roblox to Mini Med School and Jr Vet, kids will find a STEM camp they’ll love at Club SciKidz! They even have character-themed camps like Pokémon, American Girl Doll, and Harry Potter!
Doodle Dynamo
Kids are invited to unleash their inner artists at Doodle Dynamo camps like Animal Explorer, Magical Wonderland, Mixed Media Fun, and more!
DullesMoms’ supporters want to share some Extra! Extra! news with you:
Bounce Into Fun This MLK Day at Monkey Joe’s
Save the date for a school’s-out day of play at Monkey Joe’s! On January 20, 2025, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, enjoy some high-energy, weather-proof fun! Even better? On this special day get 40 game credits with each regularly-priced admission… MORE
Hey Kids — Dive Into 2025!
Swim safe and swim strong in 2025 at Goldfish Swim School! Specializing in swim lessons and water safety for babies, toddlers, and children, Goldfish invites your family to register for a free trial lesson in a pool that’s always 90°! Connect with your preferred location (Reston, Alexandria, Falls Church) and sign up today… MORE
Never too early to plan for, summer camps go on sale Jan 10, while class registration for little ones (ages 1+) is now open (classes begin Jan 21). Plus, now’s the perfect time to get your tix for a live show, including Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood (Until Feb 8 ∙ Best for ages 5+), Paper Dreams (Jan 11-Feb 16 ∙ Best for ages 1+), and Mother Goose (Mar 1-Apr 13 ∙ Best for ages 1-4).
Unsure what to get? Gift certificates are available and can be used for tickets, classes, and camps… MORE
Free Fitness & Family Fun at HPR’s Open House
Herndon Parks & Rec invites you to discover all they have to offer families like yours! Save-the-date for their Open House on January 25, 2025, at Herndon Community Center. Enjoy a free afternoon of all-ages fun, including fitness room access, swimming, crafts for kids, Zumba, basketball, tennis, and so much more… MORE
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
New Year’s Eve Family Fun!
Tick-tick-tock! Count down to 2025 at these parties and celebrations that ring in the New Year family style… MORE
Can’t-Miss January Fun!
Even with the decorations coming down — the fun isn’t stopping! You’re invited to sprinkle your month with a bit of winter magic… MORE
DullesMoms’ supporters want to share some Extra! Extra! news with you:
Friendships, Skills, & Smiles at BeanTree Learning
Early education is so much more than little ones learning their ABCs! It’s about children experiencing new environments, developing social and interpersonal skills through new friendships, and more! Knowing all the diverse ways children learn, BeanTree Learning’s programs offer daily opportunities for kids to reach their potential! Get to know them today… MORE
