Private schools just had their Spring Break and public schools have theirs coming up and as we're waiting for the weather to warm up, we've got vacations on the brain.

Have you ever been stuck with a family vacation that actually seemed like more work than not being on vacation? If you are used to having childcare, a family vacation can be a shocking experience. It's not something that most people want to admit, and of course we all love spending lots of time with our kids, but hard-working parents need some real down-time too or they're going to have their own little melt-downs that no binky can fix.

Taking a babysitter on vacation with you might seem like a huge luxury, but sometimes luxuries are really necessities. But wanting to take a baby sitter on vacation with you and actually doing it are two different things, two things with lot of steps in between, like how much to pay and how to find a sitter who will travel with you, etc. The experts at Sittercity have shared some tips with us on how to make the fantasy a reality.

In March we've had a lot of very popular posts. While the 100 Things to Do with Your Kids in NYC is still the most popular post on the site for the third month in a row, the Camp Guide has been getting almost as many viewers. We added a couple more posts to the Camp Guide this month and will continue to add as we post related content.

Who has time to read? We've rounded up the top stories you don't want to miss from the NYC media this week.

Toxic Toys. A PBS Now program talks about the dangerous chemicals in many plastic toys, not just ones from China. Watch the episode online.

Buy the NYC Toilet Map for only $2.50??”a must-have for the potty training years. ??”NewYorkology

This week, a toy and clothing swap, a contest to name the Riverside Park Hawks, a chance to meet Mo Willems, and a fun way to learn physics. All free. Plus some cool, off-beat activities and concerts worth the price. And don't forget the free Elf Tennis demo classes on Sunday.

I haven't done an archive post in a while and it's too bad, because looking back on the posts from last March there a ton of good ones. In fact, I just updated the POPULAR POSTS list over in the left sidebar with some new, great old posts like Useful Links for School Hunts, An Overview of the Preschool Admissions Process, and more.

But today's post is a great list of alphabet books. Unique, artistic alphabet books have become very trendy lately. These ones all celebrate the alphabet through urban environments:

Harbor Conservatory is proud of its 38 year history of helping children gain
a deeper appreciation of music, dance and theater through individual and
group instruction, special ensembles, public performances, master classes,
and faculty and guest artist recitals. The Conservatory serves beginning
students as well as though talented youngsters with professional
aspirations.

SUMMER PROGRAMS
3 Different programs - ideal for children and teens ages 6-19, Beginners &
Intermediate

MUSICAL THEATER INTENSIVE

This course is ideal for youngsters' 11-16 years of age, beginners and

Basketball City provides NY's most comprehensive youth instructional basketball programs all year round.

Summer camps - Beginning June 15^th 2009 through the end of August, at Hunter College. This year's camps include Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Five- Star, New York Knicks, and the Basketball City FUNdamental Camps. 

For boys and girls ages 7 -18.

Call (718) 786-4242 Or visit www.basketballcity.com for more information!

Check out more cool camps in our Summer Camp Guide!

Ballet Hispanico 2009 Summer Program for Children

PRE-SCHOOL SUMMER DANCE WORKSHOP (Ages 3-6)

SPAIN
Session 1: June 8-12

MEXICO
Session 2: June 15-19

EL SALVADOR
Session 3: June 22-26

PANAMA
Session 4: July 6-10

COLOMBIA
Session 5: July 13-17

ARGENTINA
Session 6: July 20-24

FEE: $285 per session
Registration begins Monday, February 2nd

This culturally enriching program offers two week-long sessions in which children are engaged in the arts and culture of topic. Daily activities include classes in Creative movement, costume and mask making, and Latin rhythm and drumming. Each 5-day workshop culminates in a studio performance for parents on the final Friday of each session. Daily snacks relevant to the culture of study will be provided. Students will be divided by age group (3/4 & 5/6).
Classes are held Mon-Fri, 9:00-11:45am.

For detailed scheduling information, please visit www.ballethispanico.org

Ballet Hispanico
167 West 89th Street (between Columbus & Amsterdam)
New York, NY 10024
P: 212.362.6710
F: 212.362.7809
www.ballethispanico.org

For more camp ideas, check out our Summer Camp Guide!