We had a fantastic art party at KidCreate in Fairfax (both as a guest and a host). May be slightly too small for your headcount but worth a call. The location in Alexandria has a much more restrictive headcount.

There is a place that does cooking classes for birthday parties in Ballston: https://cookologyonline.com/kids-birthday-parties/

I was going to say LittleGym. Great for that age.

Thank you for the feedback!

Children's Science Center and Bowling both seem like great options.

And the list of good pizzerias is very helpful!

You can get decent pizza at Santinis, Listranis, and Red Tomato. If you're planning to eat at the restaurant, I think Rocco's or Italian Oven might be best to host a group. If you are open to a place a couple miles out, Timber Pizza on Old Dominion. No shortage of pizza in McLean, lol!

Sarging

Bowling?

Andy’s Pizza is very popular

You could also try the Children’s Science Center at Fair Oaks. We’re doing DD’s 6th there after attending several parties. The kids have a blast and they can accommodate larger groups. I know… not art or cooking….. but worth a look anyway. If you really want art, I would probably try Kidcreate for that size group. We’ve had mixed experiences with the projects, but since you get to pick you can probably find something that works for your group.

If you're going to do it at a place, you'll need to trim down the guest list.

Thank you for the feedback! We really appreciate it.

One follow-up question.

If anyone has strong feelings about the best/most-kids friendly pizzeria in downtown McLean, I would like to hear from you!

Would like to support something independent rather Dominos/Papa Johns.

That is a large group. My kids have done art camp at kidcreate and enjoy it.

You could do a pottery party, Arlington has one but the max is 15 kids.https://www.arlingtonva.us/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/parks-recreation/documents/art/art-parties-2025.pdf

Lots of people have said great things about Tea with Mrs. B
I doubt you could find a cooking class for that many kids, but Sur La Table has camps and might do birthday parties

My Gym, Scramble, Hyperkids

We had my daughter’s party at Hyperkids and it was well attended.

Hi, we are looking for birthday party ideas for our DD who is turning 5. Between 18-25 guests. We live in N.Arl/McLean.

We did a soft play center last year, and are looking for something a little more off-the-beaten track this year like an art or cooking class. If anyone has ideas or personal experiences, specific recommendations, or feedback about Kidcreate, please share. We would very grateful. Thank you.