Contributed by Info Guru Terri Wallace

There is a fleeting time in the life of a young girl, when her doll is her best friend, when stars are made for wishing on, and when dreams really do come true.

Take advantage of this time by taking her to the American Girl Place and trying some of their activities…show to her that, sometimes, her fondest wishes will become reality.

10. Special Events

The American Girl Place offers many special events. These events vary, and have included activities such as cooking classes, arts activities, and scavenger hunts.

9. Doll Hair Salon

Not only does the American Girl Place offer activities for adults and children alike, but they also offer special services for the dolls, such as the Doll Hair Salon. Your daughter’s best friend can have her hair smoothed and styled. This is especially important, since she will want to look nice for the next activity on your daughter’s to-do list.

8. Photo Studio

The Photo Studio allows your daughter to feel like a star when she sees her face on the cover of a magazine! She will treasure this memento as a reminder of the day that you spend with her and made her heart’s fondest dreams come true.

7. American Girl Café

The American Girl Café is the place for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and parties. It is also the place where you can catch your breath, rest your feet, and watch your daughter glow as she tells you about the wishes she has fulfilled … and the adventures she has planned for the rest of the day.

6. Shopping

No little girl can leave the American Girl Place without engaging in a little shopping. The store offers dolls, clothing, accessories, books, and more. While she is busy oohing and ahhing, be sure to jot down all of her favorite items to ensure that you can recreate a little of this magic at each of the year’s gift giving holidays.

5. Crafts

No day at the American Doll Place is complete without at least one craft activity. If you are lucky, your little one will present you with her handiwork at the end of the day as a reminder of this perfect day that you spent together.

4. Doll Hospital

Life is full of little accidents—even for a doll. Little brothers sometimes contribute to these accidents. But whatever ill befalls them—from lost limbs to hearing aids, the Doll Hospital will cure what ails them and send them home, as good as new. The hospital also offers ear piercing services!

3. Historical Character Events

History is always front and center at the American Girl Place, and historical character events are scheduled regularly. Bring history alive with lessons and events planned around the colorful characters from the American Girl Dolls collection.

2. Parties

Birthday party packages are available that include: private celebration space; a meal with a pink-and-white cake and ice cream; goody bags and doll tiaras for each girl; a keepsake for the birthday girl; a table activity and a craft; and a set of invitations and thank-you notes. And since everything is taken care of for you, this just might be the answer to your fondest wish, too!

1. Late Night at American Girl Place

Let her stay up past bedtime with a special Late Night package at the American Girl Place. The package boasts: an hour and a half of private time—get the American Girl Place all to yourself; a meal in the Café; a Doll Hair Salon Spectacular special event; a sitting at the Photo Studio, with a souvenir issue of American Girl® magazine with your girl as the cover model; and a $40 gift card!