So how is everyone doing? Are the children driving you crazy a lil?  Here are some activities that will lighten your load a little bit.

Kids’ Week in the parks

Apr 18–22    10am–3pm

In all five boroughs, this free program introduces kids to the city’s wetland ponds, woods, streams and other natural landscapes. The Urban Park Rangers present a different theme every day, with complementary activities including an I-Spy nature hike, orienteering and compass lessons, and a tree-mendous time learning how to identify forest specimens.  go to  nycgovparks.org for details

 Y Splash Week

Apr 18–22

Head to your local YMCA, where kids can receive free swimming lessons!! Though the program is free registration is required. Various YMCAs; see ymcanyc.org for a list of locations.

Wednesday 4/20/2011

~Spring Sprouts

 1–4pm

Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Celebrate Earth Day  with this seed-planting workshop. Kids will learn all about the nascent shoots, from how they grow to which types can be planted at home. Then little ones make crafty creations using seeds. Ages 3 and up

click prospectpark.org

Meet the Author: Mark Kurlansky

  11am

@BookCourt  Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Just in time for Earth Day. This well known author  reads from his new children’s book,  A World Without Fish, which explains to kids what’s happening to marine life, the oceans, and our environment—and suggest how they can help. Ages 4 and up.

 Blooming Naturalists

 1–4pm

@Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park
Kids can follow their natural instincts as they discover plant and animal life in the park. These budding wildlife experts will make nature journals and learn tools of the trade. go to  prospectpark.org

New York City Botanical Gardens (Grounds-Only Admission)

 10am–6pm

Stop and smell the roses by exploring the 250-acre natural terrain of the gardens. Admission is free all day  for the garden on Wednesday but special exhibits, programs and classes cost extra. Hopefully it will be a nice day .

Private Picasso Art Safari

1 pm

@ Still Hip
In this  45-minute demo class, lil blossoming artists investigate the wild kingdom by making animal-inspired art projects like papier-mâché dino eggs and caterpillar accordion books. Ages 3 to 4.

Have Fun!

CC