School’s out, but the learning — and fun — keeps going at Appleseed’s.

Appleseeds
10 West 25th Street / between Broadway and 6th Avenue
Chelsea / New York City / map it
212.792.7590 / website

When Ben Stiller spent a night at the museum, he was chased down by a bunch of resurrected dinosaur exhibits, but when Wendy Fentress spent a night at the museum, she was joined by a group of nine and ten-year-olds for the ever-popular overnight stay at the American Museum of Natural History,

Parents can sign their 8-12-year-olds up for a sleepover at the museum, where they’ll view the latest IMAX film and explore fossils by flashlight, in addition to other fun activities. Dates sell out fast…and why wouldn’t they? It may not be what you think of when you hear the phrase “all-nighter,” but it just might be the best sleepover you’re kids have ever been to.

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West & 79th Street
Upper West Side / New York City
212.769.5100 / website

From now until April 6th, Madison Square Garden is a certified bigtop and you know what that means….the circus is in town.

Yes, the famed Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey is back in New York with its 138th edition of family fun to Manhattan. We sent our kids expert, Wendy Fentress, over the MSG for a preview and some clowning around. Pun intended — this is the circus we’re talking about! Grab the family and head to the bigtop to look at stunning acrobatics, daredevil stunts and hilarious clowns.

You’ll feel like a kid again. Not to mention, we’ve spotted some circus-goers leaving the Garden wearing some pretty fabulous hats.

Madison Square Garden
2 Penn Plaza / between 7th and 8th Avenues
Midtown / New York City
website

In today’s wii-remote yielding days, it’s sometimes difficult to get your kids out of the house (and out of the cookie jar). But our kids expert, Wendy Fentress, has some fun activities that will make kids forget about video games and junk food.

At the Art Farm in the City, kids will learn about outdoor animals through music and visual art. They’ll even interact with hamsters, turtles, fish and other animals and the center’s indoor animal farm. Wendy helped make some baked goodies at “Chefs on the Farm,” a cooking class that teaches kids how to make cookies, scones and muffins, in addition to teaching them about farm animals.

Art Farm in the City is designed with kids in mind, but with classes designed for siblings or parent/child teams, life on the Farm is a family affair.

Art Farm in the City
419 East 91st Street / between York and 1st Avenue
Upper East Side / New York City
212.410.3117 / website

More rambunctious tots will love The Little Gym on the Upper West Side. They’ll improve their motor skills, build confidence and make friends. Aspiring Olympians can take tumbling classes. Mini ballerinas can take dance classes and karate kids can opt for non-contact classes mixed with gymnastics.

The Little Gym
2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor / between 74th & 75th Streets
Upper West Side / New York City
212.799.1225 / website

After a few classes at the Art Farm or Little Gym, you’re kids will be saying “Wii who?”

Whether you live on Long Island or just like to get away from the city on weekends, the Island has more than just great beaches to help you plan a fun, family weekend.

Amid the hundreds of shops at Roosevelt Field Mall, one store caters to kids like none other. You and your favorite kid can head to Build-a-Bear Workshop to create a one-of-a-kind furry friend (or velvet friend if you’re allergic like our kids expert). Children can even record a special message for their new cuddly friend to say – just make sure it’s something you won’t mind hearing every time your kids (or you) squeeze the bear’s hand!

Build-A-Bear Workshop at Roosevelt Field
630 Old Country Road
Garden City / Long Island
516-248-0027 / website

For the inquisitive child, the Long Island Children’s Museum has the perfect mix of education and fun through its interactive exhibits. A “bricks and sticks” exhibit will teach kids about architecture, while the communications station is perfect for future Lois Lanes and artsy types who may find a penchant in graphic design.

Long Island Children’s Museum
11 Davis Avenue
Garden City / Long Island
516.224.5800 / website

If your household bans sugar after 5pm in an effort to slow down an energetic tot, Pump it Up may be the perfect place for a family fun day. Known as the “inflatable party zone,” Pump it Up provides cushy play-arenas for kids to romp around in. After all the bouncing, sliding, and laughing your kids will do, we’re betting you’ll have a quiet ride back to the city and some very happy little ones.

Pump it Up
135 Dupont Street
Plainview / Long Island
516.575.2300 / website