Many Mommy Poppins writers absolutely adored Birdhouse Factory, the last show Cirque Mechanics brought to the New Victory Theater. So we were all really looking forward to the Las Vegas troupe’s new spectacle Boom Town. Of course high expectations can sometimes lead to disappointment.

So I’ll be honest: Not everyone here enjoyed Boom Town as much as my five-year-old daughter and I did. There’s no question that the Metropolis-esque Birdhouse Factory was more striking in terms of aesthetics, narrative and feats. But Boom Town, which is set in the Wild West during the Gold Rush days, has a lot of hokey charm, with silly clowns, impressive aerial and balancing acts, and lots of silly slapstick.

Here are seven reasons why I think circus lovers should book a trip to Boom Town.

Warning: Mother Nature is reminding us who's boss by bringing storms our way on Earth Day weekend. Before you head to an outdoor event, be sure to check its official website for weather-related updates or cancellations.

The very first Earth Day in 1970 was a grassroots event that hoped to inspire the U.S. government to enact important environmental legislation. Four decades later, Earth Day—which always falls on April 22 but is also celebrated on other days—is a worldwide phenomenon with more than 1.5 billion participants. To some, it's a massive secular holiday; to others, it's a day of action.

There are tons of Earth Day activities for kids, including huge green festivals, fun eco-crafts, educational workshops and much more. No matter how you decide to mark the day, take heart in knowing that NYC is one of the greenest cities in America.

Here's how to celebrate Earth Day 2011 in the Big "Green" Apple.

Planning what to do this weekend? We’ve got some exciting weekend events lined up for you. With warmer temperatures upon us, you’ll find more fun activities to enjoy outside. From farm animals to National Park Fee Free Days to Easter Egg Hunts, you are sure to find something fun to start your weekend off right!
 

This weekend you're sure to find a kid-friendly event that will suit everyone from theater-goers to nature nuts and history buffs to girly-girls. There's a Kids Trout Fishing Derby, a Martial Arts Expo, a Revolutionary themed weekend of events in Morristown, theater performances of favorite books like the Hungry Caterpillar and the Berenstain Bears, a fair at Grounds for Sculpture, and an Easter-themed Alice in Wonderland Chocolate tea party. And don't forget the many Earth Day events!

There's so much for New York City families to do this weekend (not to mention during next week's spring break) that it's hard to decide where to start. You can head to Coney Island for Luna Park's opening day. Or get into the Easter spirit with an old-fashioned egg hunt. There are quite a few this weekend, including the annual shindig in Carl Schurz Park, which features a concert by Moey’s Music Party. And don't forget about all of the Passover festivities.

If you're looking to rock out, catch The Fuzzy Lemons in Williamsburg, one of many cool kiddie concerts happening this weekend. Tweens should enjoy the coming-of-age musical Barrio Grrrl! in Greenwich Village, or they can try their hand at a funky art project inspired by the Jewish Museum's Maira Kalman exhibit.

Other fun includes a comic book convention just for kids, Healthy Kids Day at the Park Slope Armory, free animal films at MoMa and early Earth Day activities. If you're just looking to get out and celebrate the season, our brand-new Mommy Poppins Spring Fun Guide is full of great spring activities in NYC and beyond.

Finally, The Mommy Poppins Event Calendar overflows with storytimes, live theater, music, Easter, Passover and other activities this weekend and beyond. Enjoy!

My son is three and like many kids his age, he has trouble staying still. But at Potato Needs a Bath—a 30-minute puppet show currently playing at the New 42nd Street Studios—he sat rapt, and only moved his little body when he needed a better view of puppeteer Shona Reppe and her colorful cast of fruits and vegetables.

Even though this one-woman show was created with two- to five-year-olds in mind, I loved it just as much as my son thanks to clever puns and a creative set with cool nooks and crannies. Here's what to expect, plus a roundup of other New York City theaters that regularly put on shows for preschoolers.

Why is this night different than any other night? Because we're telling you about the best Passover parties in town.

While some kids hunt for plastic candy-filled eggs, children who celebrate Passover are already scouting out possible hiding places for the afikoman. This year, the first Seder begins at sundown on Monday, April 18, and the holiday lasts through Tuesday, April 26, which coincides exactly with public school spring break.

There are plenty of ways to mark the holiday, so break out those bitter herbs, grab that extra chair for Elijah and head to these nine Passover events.

We recently highlighted 11 great stage shows and 6 cool exhibits for families this spring. Now it's time to tell you about all of the wonderful kids' bands that will be performing this season. Big names include Grammy winner Dan Zanes; legendary folk singer Peter Yarrow; Seattle’s answer to The Beatles, Recess Monkey; David Weinstone and the Music for Aardvarks band and an all-day concert at KindieFest.

So put on your dancing shoes and head to one (or more) of these 13 family-friendly concerts.