Kids New York - January 23, 2012

Happy Campers

Summer Camps in the City

You can buy birthday gifts en route to the party and whip up cookies hours before the bake sale. But procrastinate on signing up for camp and you’ll be in for a loooong summer.

Six spots to consider for the under-five set.

The 2 and ups
CitiCamp at Citibabes has biweekly themes ranging from dinosaurs to space to buried treasures. Each theme is explored through art projects, music and movement, dress-up, and free play. 52 Mercer Street, at Broome Street (212-334-5440). Two-week sessions. Call for pricing.

The 2012 camp program at New York Kids Club is built around the summer Olympics (think sports and fitness meet global culture). We love that their enrollment options give parents total scheduling flexibility — you choose how many days, hours, and weeks. Multiple locations (347-706-4700). Prices vary, starting at $280 per week.

The 3 and ups
Get the kids out of your tiny apartment and into The JCC in Manhattan. The building has a full-size gym, huge rooftop playground, theater, two beautiful pools, and more. Littles will beat the heat with daily swims in the training pool and water play on the roof. 334 Amsterdam Avenue, at 76th Street (646-505-4430). Starting at $2,500 per four-week session.

The Art Farm in the City offers much of the usual camp curriculum (crafts, music, soccer) paired with the unique opportunity to care for animals — birds, bunnies, lizards — at their on-site petting zoo. 419 East 91st Street, between 1st and York Avenues (212-410-3117). Prices vary, starting at $250 per week.

The 4 and ups
Get a daily dose of the great outdoors, sans the long bus ride. Oasis in Central Park takes full advantage of the park’s facilities for a program that focuses on sports and recreation. 3 West 95th Street, at Central Park West (718-596-4900). Starting at $1,005 for a two-week session.

Bank Street Summer Camp offers enrichment inside the classroom (activities follow Bank Street’s progressive educational philosophy) and out (regular swim excursions to Lake Welch in Harriman State Park and weekly field trips). 610 West 112th Street, between Broadway and Riverside Drive (212-875-4705). $960 per two-week session; $2,880 per five-week session.

CELEBRATE
Chinese New Year
What: Ring in the Year of the Dragon in Chinatown with a traditional firecracker ceremony and cultural festival.
Why: Singing and dancing, plus tons of animal costumes.
When: Mon., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chrystie St., b/t E. Houston & Canal Sts. Free.

HEAR
Carnival of the Animals
What: The Little Orchestra Society’s Lolli-Pops series is back with a whimsical suite by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.
Why: You’re never too short for a little high culture.
When: Sat., 10 & 11:30 a.m.; Sun., 1 & 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., at 68th St. (212-772-4448). Tickets online at littleorchestra.org. Adults and children, $40.

SEE
Frog Prince
What: The classic Brothers Grimm tale gets a humorous update with lessons in expressing feelings and facing fears.
Why: The interactive performance gets kids on stage.
When: Sat. & Sun., 2 p.m.
Where: Galli Theater, 347 W. 36th St., b/t 8th & 9th Aves. (212-352-3101). Tickets online at ovationtix.com. Adults, $20; children, $15.

Photo: Roberto Munoz / Getty Images

  Arts and Crafts, Music, Outdoorsy, Sports, Summer Camps