Birthday Idea's in Washington DC, Annadale Area

We go to the theatre a lot so I like that idea too, as others have mentioned; if they are willing to go into DC for theatre, the Shakespeare Theatre has two terrific spaces that do Shakespeare and MUCH more, and Arena Stage specializes in American drama and the big musicals.

But you do note that they are backpackers and travelers. If they are into the outdoors, consider a gift card for an outdoors outfitter store like REI (large chain so there are several around) or Hudson Trail Outfitters. They can get a wide variety of backpacking gear there.

Another option would be a certificate for an outdoor adventure -- if they are outdoorsy but haven't done kayaking, for instance, you could get them a half-day of kayaking instruction. LL Bean actually does this and runs excursions out of Tysons Corner Mall's LL Bean store, going to local lakes. Be aware that these run only on certain days so it's the kind of gift where I'd just ask the recipients if they want to do it before I got it. If they are experienced kayakers already this would be too basic for them, though.

There are also indoor rock climbing facilities around Northern Virginia and if they'd like that , check those out online.

If they are in Annandale they are not far from the new, hot "Mosaic District" of restaurants, movie theatre etc. If they like a nice meal out, go to the Mosaic web site and research the restaurants there. Maybe combine with a gift card for Mosaic's Angelika Film Center for movies, if they prefer movies to theatre.

I second theatre tickets...in addition the kennedy center, there always is (was? been a few years) Arena Stage, Ford's Theatre...and even some good 'little theatre' options (Little Theatre of Alexandria springs to mind). Also, Catholic University, American University (and others I know I am forgetting) often have pretty top notch productions.

I miss the DC area.

**sigh**

Is there anything showing at the Kennedy Center they'd want to go see? Dinner and a show?

Get tix to event at Kennedy Center.

Check out Go Ape. It's a zipline/rope course in Rockville, MD, about 40-45 minutes from Annadale, but that's not an unheard of amount of time to travel anywhere in this area.

There are also plenty of wineries and winery tours in Loudoun County, VA.

If they are willing to drive a bit, check out Living Social for this area. I just checked out Living Social for Annapolis, because that is what I had it set for since I was there a few weeks ago, and saw at least 5 things I'd want to do in Event and Activities section and that was just the first page. I also checked Washington, DC and saw the same amount. My husband and I sound like your friends, with exception we have kids and would love to get a sitter to do all these things.

Kennedy Center is nice, but it sounds like you are looking for something more adventurous. To do that, they have to willing to travel outside of the city.

If you see something you like and want to ask a local, who seems to be like your friends, feel free to PM me and I will answer as best I can.

Well - NOT in DC nor Annadale - there is Harpers Ferry, WV that has a zipline park...

http://www.harpersferryadventurepark.com/

Dancers? Tickets to the Kennedy Center.

http://www.kennedy-center.org/?gclid=CODf3c-ju8YCFdgJgQod...

Roosevelt Island in DC - on the Potomac - you can kayak to it...hike it...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g30242-d4820...

You can schedule a Bed & Breakfast in Middleburg - it's new and top-notch...then they can drive around to the wineries...

if they like beer? There are two breweries here in Ashburn.