Lizzie Plaugic

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to summer camps in NYC Ranging from helping high-functioning kids with learning disabilities and Asperger's to helping those with more serious differences, these special needs camps allow children to play sports, take field trips and enjoy music activities in environments that work within kids' limitations without limiting their potential.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to summer camps in NYC Niche-loving children will have no shortage of camp programs to choose from this year—there are more special interest summer camps for kids in New York City than ever before.Mini fashionistas can use their summer break to learn the ins and outs of the fashion industry while future Top Chef contestants can try their hand at making chocolate. Other special interest summer camps for kids include architecture classes, film-making programs and foreign language session.  

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to summer camps in NYC While older kids may head off to a specialized program or sleepway camp for the summer, the city's youngest children also have plenty of summer camp options. Little ones can choose from a wide variety of summer camps for kids including a number of half day programs at city play spaces like Kidville and Apple Seeds. Another favorite: Preschool camps that offer kids the option to play in rooftop sprinklers, participate in field trips and make crafts.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to summer camps in NYC Middle and high school students who have outgrown finger painting and cheesy games have more mature, challenging summer camp options than ever. At these summer camps for teens, participants can work with their peers to hone their skills in performing arts, science, technology and fashion, or to learn how to become a counselor at a little kids' camp. Looking for a more traditional summer camp? The 92nd Street Y's camps for teens, known as Trailblazers, offer both overnight stints and daytime excursions to amuseument parks and sporting events.

Last week, New York families took advantage of the 17th annual Kids' Night on Broadway—kids ages six to 18 were treated to a free Broadway or Off Broadway show when their parents purchased a full-price ticket. Ticket holders were also invited to interact with their favorite shows at Discovery Times Square's pre-theater Fan Fest on Tuesday, February 25. The Fan Fest offered free workshops and activities designed to complement various shows like Annie, Mary Poppins, and The Lion King. Kids played themed games, watched a makeup demonstration, tried their hand at Broadway Karaoke and met with performers in Autograph Alley. The Broadway Green Alliance also collected plastic bottle caps to use in the set of a new Off Broadway production of Peter and the Starcatcher. Scroll through our slide show to see images from the night's festivities.

If your family has seen The Lion King on Broadway, there's a good chance your children were almost hopping out of their seats trying to get closer to those life-size giraffes. Now, at the first-ever pop-up exhibit dedicated to the show (or any Broadway show, for that matter), kids can get an up-close look at the musical from behind the scenes. In honor of the musical's 15 years on Broadway, the 5,000 square-foot exhibit "Inside The Lion King" showcases 86 artifacts from the production, including early concept sketches, a 17-foot ostrich, a 13-foot elephant and several intricately designed costumes. As they roam through the exhibit, kids can stop and take a picture of a five-foot Wildebeest mask, the show’s iconic image of the sun, and wax renditions of Rafiki and Scar from Madame Tussauds, among other items. Touch-screen tablets located throughout allow fans to explore even more behind-the-scenes elements of The Lion King, including inspirations for the show’s design.Disney teaching artists will also be on hand for a series of kid-friendly workshops: "Storytelling" (Sat Dec 8) gives kids and tweens an inside look into the playwriting process; "Music" (Sun Dec 9) explores the sounds of the savannah and the techniques used to mimic those sounds onstage; "Movement" (Sat Dec 15) teaches choreography from the show, and "Design" (Sun Dec 16) explains the artistry behind the show and gives participants the chance to create an original mask. All workshops take place at 10:30am and 3p

With a combined total of 70 years of circus experience between them, it’s no wonder that John Lepiarz and Lisa Lewis have made performing a family affair. The Boerum Hill couple, who founded the Super Scientific Circus in 1994, introduced their daughter Lea, 9, to the trade when she was just a tot. “Lea did her first show with the Bindlestiff Cavalcade of Youth when she was three. She danced with spinning plates and put a needle through a balloon,” says Lisa. Today, the fourth grader choreographs her own work each year for the group’s annual show—everything from walking on stilts to emceeing a magic show. Most of all, though, the trio loves performing for family audiences. “It’s so nice to watch people of all ages sharing a moment and laughing together,” Lisa says. “I love it when we can be a part of that experience.” THEIR FAVORITE... THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE“We’ve been members of the New Victory Theater (209 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves; 646-223-3010, newvictory.org) for years. Lea’s favorite show was Lookingglass Alice, which played a few years back. We also like all of the theater’s circus acts—especially since we know some of the performers. We’re excited to see our friend Bello onstage this season.” RESTAURANT“Lea loves the spare ribs at Michael and Ping’s (437 Third Ave between 7th and 8th Sts, Gowanus, Brooklyn; 718-788-0017, michaelandpings.com), a certified-green Chinese restaurant. They’re made with a really good sauce. The restaurant is right across the

Planning your kid's next bash? We've rounded up ten theater-themed birthday parties for children—everything from a party where kids watch an improvised musical about the kid of the hour to bashes that take place before (or after) a favorite Broadway musical. Plus: We're giving away four theatrical birthday parties for children. Enter our jumbo party sweepstakes for a chance to celebrate with Annie, Cinderella, Spider-Man and Story Pirates.