[Note: This post was written by KFDC Contributor Emily Moise, a local writer and mom of two young children.]
Two moms on a mission defied a pandemic to open the play spaces of their — and your little ones — dreams. If and when you are ready to venture back out into the great indoors with your toddlers and preschoolers, put The Wonder on your list. You’ll (re)discover good old-fashioned creative play in seasonally-themed, modernized spaces.
My first impression of The Wonder – Chevy Chase: Playroom Goals. It is everything you’ve Pinterest-ed and more. The currently “vintage camp”-themed location is sleek yet cozy, with ways to play at every turn in the small space. The tee-pees, mini camper, and wooden rocking boat are standouts, but the biggest hit may be the bow-and-arrow and axe throwing corner — all kid-safe versions of course.
A wall full of toys eschews electronics and encourages creative and expressive play. I noted some of the updated yet stripped-down items like the dustless chalk and drawing boards, the trucks with interchangeable parts, and the build-your-own road set. The nearby tables and chairs seem set up for grown-ups to work or catch up with a friend while kids work on their independent play skills.
The Wonder – Arlington, located in the Ballston Quarter mall, is much larger and decked out in pool-themed decor for summer. The flamingo floatie and beach ball pit will draw your kids right in, and the mini mopeds will make them not want to leave (get ready for a good lesson in sharing!). The most unique feature is the tunneled climbing structure that will have your child asking, “are you sure I’m supposed to go up this?” and will require some bravery.
The Arlington location has separate rooms that make it well-equipped for birthday parties. And several areas are conducive to group play, like the Snack Shack taco/ice cream stand, the music corner, and dress-up station. Like the Chevy Chase location, it purposefully lacks fancy gadgets, but there is no shortage of things to do, and the two-hour play time passes before you know it.
There is much more to explore at each location, and even a “Superhero HQ” location to visit if you are ever in New York City. Plus, workshops like “Mad Scientist” and “Dream Bakery” are starting September 13! Check out all of the upcoming classes imagined for ages 0-7.
Even more, KidFriendly DC readers get a special discount when booking play time now through August 31, 2021! Enter promo code KidFriendlyDC5 when reserving your Day Pass online to receive $5 off.
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Where:
The Wonder – Chevy Chase is located at 5481B Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815
The Wonder – Arlington is located at 4238 Wilson Blvd. #1295, Arlington, VA 22203
Summer Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 9am-1pm; Saturday 9am – 11am
Pricing:
Day Pass – $15, 5-Pack of Passes – $55, 10-Pack of Passes – $110
Reserve your play time in advance here. Please note, proof of vaccination for those eligible is required at all three locations. Read more about The Wonder’s Covid protocols here.
