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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 23 JUST FOR KICKS Why not expose kids to a different culture, while being physically active, at a birthday party at a martial arts dojo? J Tiger Martial Arts offers parties for preschoolers through teenagers. Children are constantly on the move during a party here, with party packages featuring a board breaking activity and tae kwon do demo lesson for up to 20 kids. It also includes everyone's favorite birthday party staple, pizza. Martial arts, such as the Korean martial art of tae kwon do, improve flexibility, heighten concentration, reduce stress, boost self-esteem and teach self-defense. Similar birthday party options are avail- able at Master Y.J. Kim's Martial Arts, Jett Martial Arts and Mountain Kim Martial Arts. Other birthday party ideas for the sporty kid include basketball at the gym or playground, soccer and swimming or fishing. THE GREAT ESCAPE Speaking of adventure, enter- tain your young thrill seekers and problem solvers through a birth- day party at the Connect Games Escape Room. Up to 16 guests ages 10 and older can compete to solve escape room puz- zles or even hunt for birthday presents during a party here. "Our escape room is always based off of a local Fredericksburg story," says Kristen Sill with Connect Games. "Escape rooms are a great birthday option because it is such a unique and cool experience. All the kids learn something new, work together to solve puzzles, and interact with each other face-to-face without even thinking about their phone." LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL Moms and dads may feel a tinge of nostalgia after throwing a birthday party at a roller rink for their kids. What once was old is new again with roller skating becom- ing more popular among younger kids, as well as those in middle and high school. Rollerworks Family Skating Center and Cavalier Family Skating Center in Stafford are seeing an increase in skating par- ties, with Cavalier Family Skating Center hosting as many as 20 birthday parties every Saturday. Kids can skate until they drop here. "Roller skating is a great option for many reasons," says Emily Metts Garner, owner and opera- tor of Cavalier Family Skating Center. "It's indoors, so weather isn't a factor. It's a fun atmosphere. It's healthy because kids are moving around and active instead of playing video games. And when kids are done, they go home exhausted." LET'S GET CRAFTY Options abound for kids who prefer to pick up a paint brush instead of a ball. Kids can paint kindness rocks or knickknacks, or tie dye t-shirts or make funky socks at home or at an art studio. At AR Workshop or Board & Brush Creative Studio, DIY projects include woodwork signs and wall décor, floor mats, photo frames, canvas pillows, blankets and blanket ladders. Rollerworks Family Ska ng Center. Rollerworks Family Ska ng Center. Center. "It's indoors, so weather isn't a factor. It's a fun atmosphere. It's healthy because kids are moving around and active instead of playing video games. And when kids are done, they go home exhausted."