New York Family’s May 2013 Issue

VID_3998 — Melissa Joan Hart; cover photo by Lindsay May for Classic Kids Photography

Features

A Total Sweet Hart
Everyone’s favorite teenage witch, Melissa Joan Hart is now a mom of three—and still a TV star with singular charm

Moms We Love
This year’s group of local mom heroes reminds us of the many ways to contribute to family life in the city

Hot Summer Programs For Cool City Kids
A preview of great children’s programs for summer fun and learning

When Day Is The Way
Many day camps now attract older campers who appreciate their mix of programs and attractions

Terrific Twosomes
Discover some of the city’s best mommy & me classes

Registry Rescue
Ten tips for taking the stress out of the baby checklist

Family Fun Guide

Ten Great Events For May
NYC wildflower week, all about frogs, block building galore, and more

Home & Away

Quality Time
Three whimsical springtime recipes for kids: Petite Watermelons, Rainbow Cookes, and Sweetie Pie Pie Pops

Travel
Where the wild trips are: America’s most underrated national parks

Columns

Editor’s Note
Big hug

Contests & Special Events
The New York Baby Show, Blackboard Awards, Ultimate Nursery Giveaway, and New York Family on Pinterest

It’s My Party
Birthday celebrations at FAO Schwarz, The Gaga Center, and All Souls

Kid Report
Two weeks at St. Jude Children’s Hospital turned an NYC Teenager into a dedicated advocate for its mission

Scoop
NYC’s newest kids’ gym, African-inspired fashion, delicious cupcake crawl, and more

LYSST
Pass these fabulyss Mother’s Day gift ideas to your partner—or just treat yourself!

Activity Of The Month
A writer reflects on some important life lessons that horseback riding taught her

A Special Place
With the addition of specialized programming for 3- to 5-year-olds, Gymboree is more popular than ever with city families

Growing Up
A prominent author finds the secrets of successful families in some unlikely places

The Last Word
Hoping mightily for a natural childbirth, a local mom labored through 20 hours of contractions before wrestling with a different choice

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;