The city will be even more alive than usual tonight. Many stores, including those below, will be open until 11pm with special events and activities to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). After doing your part to stimulate the local economy, you can spend the weekend learning about the guy who basically put NYC on the map, or check out some of the city’s many Arts offerings for kids.

Baby CZ (FNO)
Carolina Zapf has just opened her first brick and mortar store to showcase her classic clothing lines for babies and children, including the luxury two-ply cashmere apparel for which she’s known. Now you can get in on the act; Zapf has launched a line of cashmere sweaters for women. Tonight, shop the fall collections and register to win a $500 shopping spree. The designer will also be on hand.
820 Madison Ave. (bet. 68th and 69th), 212-288-8030, babycz.com. (6-11pm)

Blue Tree (FNO)
Phoebe Cates’ charming UES boutique will be serving champagne and macaroons as shoppers peruse her eclectic mix of home goods, gifts, toys and kids’ clothing from around the world.
1283 Madison Ave., (bet. 91st and 92nd Sts.) 212-369-2583, bluetreenyc.com. (Open until 11pm)

Destination Maternity (FNO)
Massages, reps from 7 for All Mankind, “Mama Glow” prenatal yoga sessions (6:30pm & 7:30pm) and supermodel Veronica Webb are all part of Fashion’s Night Out at Destination Maternity’s flagship store on Madison. Webb, along with yoga instructor Latham Thomas and DM’s head designer, will take part in a panel on health, beauty and fashion that will be run by Vogue Senior Editor Abigail Walch (8-9pm).
28 E. 57th St. at Madison, 212-588-0220, destinationmaternity.com.(Open until 11pm)

The Upper Breast Side (FNO)
New York’s go-to breastfeeding resource center will have a special sale for one day only. Dessert snacks will be on offer as well as goodie bags, until supplies last. Throughout the evening, lactation consultants and doulas will be mingling with guests.
135 W. 70th St., (bet. B’way and Columbus Aves.), 212-873-2653, upperbreastside.com. (Open until 11pm)

For the weekend, when you’re done giving your plastic a workout or have had it with window shopping …

See
Jemima Puddle Duck
Hudson Vagabond Puppets presents its production of Beatrix Potter’s tale of an absent-minded duck who ventures out to find a place to lay her eggs. What she finds is trouble.
When: Sat. 9/12 at 1pm & 3pm, Sun. 9/13 at 1pm; adults $15, kids $10. Tickets available at theatermania.com.
Where: The West Side YMCA’s Marjorie S. Dean Little Theater at 5 W. 63rd St. Enter on 64th St.

Visit
New Amsterdam Village
See Bowling Green Park done up like a Dutch village. It’s all in the name of celebrating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Henry Hudson when he was working for the Dutch East India Company. Wooden shoe making, glass blowing and a floral workshop are some of the craft activities set up in the village. Sample Dutch cheese, herrring and sirup waffles and check out live performances throughout the week.
When: 11am-7pm daily through 9/14; free. (All ages) Download a schedule of events at ny400.org.
Where: Bowling Green Park.

Do
New Island Festival on Governors Island
Also part of the NY400 events, the New Island Festival celebrates Dutch theater, dance and music. Events include a waterwalk, an archaeological dig,”Flying Piano” performances and a show featuring a cow that jumps through a hoop.
When: Fri. 9/11-Sun. 9/13, 11am-11pm; many of the events are free, but for others you’ll need a pass - $35 for an all-access, one-day “Passport.” For specific event times and directions, visit newislandfestival.com.
Where: Governors Island (free ferry available).

Try
WeBop! Jazz at Lincoln Center
Trial these classes which allow kids to explore jazz through movement, song, storytelling and play.
When: Sat. 9/12 11:30am (4-5 yrs) and 12:30pm (3-5 yrs); free. (Trial classes for younger children are already full.)RSVP to Xenia Rubinos at 212-258-9835.
Where: Louis Armstrong Classroom at the Irene Diamond Education Ctr. in Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, at B’way and 60th.

Create
The Jewish Museum’s Sculptural Honey Vessels Workshop
Craft a one-of-a-kind honey container in preparation for Rosh Hashanah.
When: Sun. 9/13, 12-4pm; free with museum admission. (Ages 4 and up)
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., 212.423.3200, thejewishmuseum.org.

As people summering away from the city head back into town, and kids head back to school, it’s easy to overbook yourself and your family in September. Well, before the calendar in your BlackBerry/iPhone/Filofax accumulates too much print, consider these events:

Biggest Baby Show Ever
A “must” before you have your own urban baby. Big City Moms and Cookie magazine are throwing a baby shower that’s probably twice the size your wedding was. Four-hundred moms-to-be can wine (mocktails!), dine and peruse the latest essentials for a modern parenting lifestyle. Cybex, Bugaboo, Born Free, Giggle and Skip Hop are just a few of the companies that will be represented there. The shower will also feature baby seminars, including one on greening your home and life for baby, and a section highlighting mompreneurs. And just like at the Oscar parties, there will be swag (translation: freebies).
When: Tue. 10/6, 7:30-9:30pm (6:30pm start time for Super Pass holders), $65 for a basic ticket, $85 for a Super Pass (which includes a gift bag as well as the 6:30pm early entrance). Tickets are starting to go, so now’s the perfect time to motivate and purchase one.
Where: The American Girl Place, 609 Fifth Ave. at 49th St. RSVP to events@bigcitymoms.com or call 917-488-8542. For more info., visit bigcitymoms.com.

Citibabes Scarsdale
This chic Soho parenting mecca is opening a location in Westchester. Enjoy two free trial weeks at Citibabes’ Northern outpost from 8/31-9/13 and sample all the club has to offer. Also, Citibabes Scarsdale is hosting a Grand Opening Party on Sat. 9/12. Festivities will include cupcake decorating, face painting, balloon art, live music, a Think Tank Science Room with exploding volcanoes, arts ‘n’ crafts with the Westchester Children’s Museum and complimentary spa treatments.
When: Trial Weeks, 8/31-9/13. For a class schedule and registration, contact kim.proal@citibabes.com. Grand Opening Party, Sat. 9/12, from noon-5pm. RSVP by 9/8 to kim.proal@citibabes.com.
Where: Citibabes, 7 Popham Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583, 1.800.697.0107. citibabes.com.

Countdown to Labor Day …

Hear
The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD Festival
The Met’s Summer HD FestivalStarting this Saturday for 10 consecutive nights, The Metropolitcan Opera will present award-winning productions from its popular “The Met: Live in HD” series. Each opera will be shown on a giant screen in front of the opera house at Lincoln Center. Watch the stars under the stars; the productions feature opera greats, including Renee Fleming and Juan Diego Florez. Donizetti’s comic opera La Fille du Regiment will be shown on Saturday, Romeo and Juliette on Sunday.
When: Sat. 8/29 - Mon. 9/7. Nightly performances begin between 7:30 and 8pm; free tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis (3,000 seats available). Visit metoperafamily.org for exact times and schedule.
Where: In front of the Metropolitan Opera house at Lincoln Ctr.

Go
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
There are few events more New York than the NYC Marathon, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the U.S. Open. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day kicks off the Open with a day of interactive games, tennis clinics and musical entertainment.
Unfortunately, the big afternoon concert with Jordin Sparks is already sold out.
When: Sat. 8/29, 9:30am-1pm; free.
Where: USTA Billie Jean King Nat’l Tennis Center, Flushing Queens, usopen.org.

Do
NYC Adventures
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and Backpacker magazine turn Central Park into an urban adventure playground. Trampoline performances, kayaking, yoga clinics, rock-climbing walls, a bike helmet giveaway and obstacle courses are all on tap.
When: Sat. 8/29, noon-4pm; free.
Where: Central Park Bandshell. Enter 72nd St from either side of Park, nycgovparks.org.

Dance
Let’s Dance Brooklyn!
This Fort Greene dance studio is hosting an open house on Sunday. It’s an opportunity to meet LDB instructors and for kids to trial a free dance class.
When: Sun. 8/30, Open House, 11am-2pm; Toddler & Parent Dance (ages 15 mos.-3yrs), 11:30am and 12:15pm; Creative Ballet (ages 3.5-5yrs.), 1pm; free.
Where: Let’s Dance Brooklyn, 138 S. Oxford St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Shop
Still Hip’s Bag Sale
The funky Clinton Hill resale boutique is getting ready to “purge” its summer and overstocked gear fall and winter inventory. Buy a bag for $15 or $18 and then go search sale bins and tables for kids’ clothing, maternity wear, toys and gear. Still Hip carries brands such as Zutano, Oilily, Hanna Andersson and Cadeau.
When: Sun. 8/30, noon-3pm (or until supplies last!
Where: Still Hip, 238 Grand Ave. (near Clifton), Brooklyn, 718-398-0008, stillhipbrooklyn.com.

The Tuesday after Labor Day marks the official start of nursery school admissions season. But if your child has the curse of a bad NYC birthday - one that doesn’t make the cut-off for schools - you’ll probably be searching for alternative activities to keep junior entertained and enhanced this year.

Manhattan Movement & Arts Center on the UWS is launching its Pre-school Readiness/Alternative Program for kids ages 2-3.5 this fall. It’s a two-hour, drop-off program. The curriculum consists of a structured format with a theme of the day. Kids will learn language arts, art, science, cooking, math and music. Students will also have a 30-minute, high-energy workout and some quiet time to explore reading, puzzles and block building.The program emphasizes a process-over-product philosophy in which kids learn best by doing and experimenting. Families who sign up by September 1st receive $50 off tuition.

At least you’ll be able to enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend. No mad dash for applications until next year.

Manhattan Movements & Arts Center, 248 W. 60th St. 212-787-1098. Registration form available at manhattanmovement.com.

Take your mind off health care reform for a while …

Do
The High Line and Bash the Trash Environmental Arts
Finally a good excuse to check out the High Line. Kids will fashion their own instruments from recycled materials and then parade around this unique park created on an abandoned elevated railway.
When: Sat., 7/25, 11am; free.
Where: 10th Avenue Square, on the High Line at 17th St., RSVP at thehighline.org

Go
Still Hip’s 2nd Birthday Block Party
Brooklyn’s Still Hip boutique and neighbors host a block party on Grand Avenue. Free yoga, arts ‘n’ crafts and Spanish music classes. Performances by Rolie Polie Guacamole and LIG Funk Band.
When: Sat., 7/25, 10am-8pm; free.
Where: Brooklyn’s Grand Avenue between Lafayette and Clifton, stillhipbrooklyn.com.

Hear
Milkshake
On the kiddie rock circuit, this well-known band has already made the rounds on Noggin, PBS Kids and Discovery Kids. This weekend they play downtown at the Little Airplane Cafe.
When: Sun., 7/26, 1pm; tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
Where: Little Airplane Cafe at Little Airplane Productions, 207 Front St., South Street Seaport, 212-965-8999, littleairplane.com.

Shop
Bundle
Save a bundle at Bundle, a relative newcomer on the Soho boutique scene. Take 30% off the shop’s well-edited collection of children’s clothing, including pieces from Acoustic, Neige, Splendid and Tea.
Where: Bundle, 128 Thompson St. (bet. Prince and Houston), 212-982-9465 and online at bundlenyc.com.

Plan
Hayao Miyazaki’s PONYO
Reserve tickets now for a special pre-release screening of Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki’s newest film, Ponyo. Academy-Award winner Miyazaki has previously brought us the acclaimed Spirited Away and Castle in the Sky. New York International Children’s Film Festival is presenting the screening in two weeks but tickets are going fast.
When: Sun., 8/9, 3pm; $15 non-members, $10 NYICFF members, all ages.
Where: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway (at 95th St.)
For tickets, visit gkids.com.

In this post-Madoff, post-mortgage-meltdown world, it’s hard to walk a city block without seeing an empty storefront or a “for lease” sign. So it’s refreshing to hear about a business that’s expanding.

Citibabes, Soho’s mod mecca for parents and kids, just opened CitiGym, a new playspace and classroom at the club for mini members ages 0-5. That’s in addition to Citibabes’ 1,500-square-foot playground, adult gym and cafe. CitiGym (open to Citibabes members) offers new classes, including Master Movers, CitiSports and CitiMoves. Older kids can literally hit the wall - the club’s state-of-the-art climbing wall. And for those of you who have fled to the burbs, Citibabes is opening a second Scarsdale location in late August.

Support the local economy.

Citibabes, 52 Mercer St. (bet. Broome and Grande), 1-800-697-0107, citibabes.com.

The irony of being in this age of information overload - it’s never been harder or easier to learn what to expect when you’re expecting.   Try Googling “pregnancy.”  Got time to sift through 137 million hits?  And we haven’t even started with Facebook, Twitter (and, of course, UB), and the parenting magazines and books.

Midwife Cara Muhlhahn, featured in Ricki Lake and director Abby Epstein’s film The Business of Being Born, is headlining a seminar to pare down the essentials for you.  A vocal advocate of home birth, she’ll explain birthing options plus touch on key topics related to maintaining a healthy pregnancy.  Other speakers at The Pregnant New Yorker’s “alternative health event” include a doula, registered dietitian, prenatal massage therapist, GYROTONIC/GYROKINESIS trainers and an acupuncturist.  You can also learn how to green your home for Junior.  And there will even be a Henna artist talking about temporary body painting for pregnant women.  Visuals included.

Tweet that.

When: Tue., 7/14, 6:30–9pm; $10.
Where: Kinespirit, 40 E. 23^rd St. (between Park and Madison), 3rd floor.
Register at thepregnantnewyorker.com.

School applications, ERB testing, daily play dates, swine flu fears. It’s no wonder urban babies’ lives are on overdrive. Time to stop and smell the roses, the hydrangea and some thyme.

Occasion9 (O9 for short), a weddings and events floral shop in West Chelsea, offers flower arranging classes and birthday parties for kids (ages 4 to 12). Not your garden variety extracurricular (or bday soiree), this “horticultural therapy” is arts and crafts, science and a “green” education all rolled into one. Founder Jasmine Jung-ah Chae, who studied horticultural science in her native South Korea, teaches budding floralistas the art of designing with and nurturing plants and flowers.

Now no one can accuse Junior of being a late bloomer.

Occasion9, 214 West 29th St., #1003, (bet. 7th & 8th Ave.), 646-321-7344, occasion9.com.

All the pretty lingerie you bought for your honeymoon hasn’t been touched since you returned from Hawaii. Enter the flannel pajamas.

Reignite the magic and sign up for Bootie After Baby, a workshop presented by Carrie Grange Isaacson, LCSW (aka Baby Maven). In this one-time class (based on the latest research from couples and sex therapists about erotic intelligence and happy relationships), couples will learn how to get back under the covers including the art of married flirting, the secret potion for passion and how to talk about needs.

Then line up the babysitter for Saturday night.

When: Thurs. 6/25, 6-9pm; $119 per couple.
Where: 800-383-1790, babymaven.org.

A personal chef is out of the question, but what if you could cull her secrets? Get little ones to eat wholesome, well-balanced meals is no small feat.

Next week, Rosaberry (know for fresh-market flair) is teaming up with Cupcake Kids (baked goodies, yum) in a hands-on Cooking for Baby workshop. Learn how to prepare fresh fruit and vegetable purees for your tot, plus a few heartier protein-filled meals. To continue your culinary education outside the classroom, participants will leave with recipes, meal-prep strategies and a solid foundation for making fantastic baby food — and samples, too.

Bon appetit.

When: Wed. 6/10, 11am-12:30pm; $85 (register in advance).
Where: Inn on 23rd Street, 131 West 23rd St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.), cupcakekids.com.