KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area |
|
|
|
Sat, Apr 18: Earth Day Story Time & Craft Event at Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy
Tue, Apr 21: Earth Day Craft Time with Mother Nature at Romulus Public Library
Sat, Apr 25: Outdoor Adventure Center - Trails Expo at DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
Sat, May 2: Camp Kenan Open House - Healthy Kids Day
Sat, May 2: CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens
Sat, May 9: Indigo Fairy Festival at Indigo Lavender Farms
Sun, May 10: Mothers Garden Party at Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Thu, May 14: Frankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival
Fri, May 15: Motor City Comic Con May 2026
Sat, May 23: Honoring American Veterans: Opening Weekend | Crossroads Village Huckleberry Railroad |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
As I write this column, three Americans and one Canadian are hurtling home from a trip around the Moon, inside a machine that had better do exactly what it’s supposed to do. For years, every person involved in the mission obsessed over every detail at every stage until as little as possible was left to chance. “Failure is not an option,” an ethos long associated with our quest to
explore outer space, makes perfect sense when we're talking about Artemis II. But decades ago, the attitude leaked out of the space program and into everyday life, and that was a mixed blessing. When I was a teenager, “failure is not an option” might as well have been tattooed on my brain: For me, not only was failure not an option, but anything below an A grade wasn’t an option, either. I was so afraid of not being perfect that if I felt unprepared for a test, I’d stay home
“sick.” I looked successful from the outside, but because I was working so hard to avoid mistakes, I played it safe. So I didn't actually accomplish much aside from some sharp-looking letters on a report card. It took me years out in the real world to realize that real accomplishment usually looks less like gliding and more like bumping into things until you find the way through. So these days, failure and I are best buddies: I've replaced "failure is not an option" with
"nothing ventured, nothing gained" as I inch toward and away from success each day. Even writing my column each week is an act of resilience: I add and then murder my words until they say what I mean, and I'm always aware in the end that it could be better. One of my goals when I was homeschooling Madison and Ella was to make failure safe and ordinary... cheerful, even... a sign of progress. Kids need chances to try things that might flop: recipes that taste weird, projects
that collapse, math problems they have to redo, conversations they wish they’d handled better. I wanted them to understand that when the stakes are low, failure is not a tragedy, it’s just how learning works. It doesn't usually feel fun, or comfortable. But it's the only way to fly.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
|
|
|
KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
|
|
|
Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan (PYTMI) empowers young performers through exceptional training, inclusive productions, and a commitment to artistic excellence. Based in Ypsilanti, PYTMI offers high-quality theatrical experiences for students of all backgrounds, with opportunities in acting, singing, dancing, and technical theatre. From beloved musicals to innovative new works, each production emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and confidence. PYTMI welcomes families into a supportive, community-driven environment where youth can grow on and off the stage. With camps, classes, and shows year-round, PYTMI is where young artists shine. Learn more and get involved at www.pytmi.com or by clicking on the image.
|
|
|
|
Join us for summer fun at the JCC's Camp Raanana and Camp Globetrotters! Located at the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center in Chelsea, Camp Raanana features old forest paths for nature walks and outdoor sports, an archery range and, of course, the famous waterfront right on Little Cedar Lake where campers can swim, kayak, fish and more. We're also excited to introduce Camp Globetrotters this summer! This camp will take place at the JCC facility and offers two different programs to choose from - sports and cooking! Though our camps have Jewish roots, all are welcome, regardless of faith or background.
|
|
|
|
Let us help your kids have the BEST. SUMMER. EVER! At Launch, we pack every day with awesome activities, interactive games, and creative crafts into an action-filled 4–8 hour experience your child will love. We do more than just jump — our camp builds teamwork, kindness, confidence, and positive manners in a fun, supportive environment. Kids enjoy free play time, plus interactive activities and games that blend entertainment and learning. Camp is open to children ages 5–13. All counselors pass background certification and maintain a 10:1 camper ratio with a dedicated camp director. Learn more about our camps and register here: https://launchfamilyentertainment.com/annarbor/camp/
|
|
|
|
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a truly breathtaking experience for all ages. John Ball Zoo is the first and only place you can see these incredible works of art in Michigan. The lantern festival will feature handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture.
|
|
|
|
April 10th, 2026 7:30pm-Midnight, Downtown Ann Arbor, Washington & Ashley Streets. It’s a bird! It's a plane! It's a Fool with wings! FoolMoon returns to downtown Ann Arbor with light-filled art, street dancing, and Foolish fun! This year's theme, "Fools of a Feather", will invite winged creatures of all kinds to light up Ann Arbor’s streets!
|
|
|
|
Celebrate spring with colorful fun at the Butterfly Bash! Kids ages 5–12 will enjoy butterfly-themed crafts, games, and activities that spark creativity and imagination. A joyful event full of fluttering fun and magical memories!
|
|
|
|
Enjoy live song performances, dance along with Rumi, play demon hunter games, and so much more in this interactive evening of fun for the whole family!
|
|
|
|
DETAILS: Brought to you by the Parks Partnership Committee, celebrate the arrival of spring at Maybury Farm! Enjoy egg hunts, face painting, seed planting, arts & crafts, coloring activities, fun costumed characters, Northville Police & Fire vehicles, & our farm animals!
|
|
|
|
Greenfest, presented by Consumers Energy, invites guests of all ages to explore how simple actions can support a healthier environment for people, animals and nature. It’s two days of hands-on learning, creative exploration and community connection that promises to spark curiosity. Greenfest activities are located throughout the Zoo. All festival experiences are included with admission and free for members.
|
|
|
|
HOOT HOOT HOORAY! It’s time for Owl Fest! Enjoy a day of free owl activities and crafts that are fun for all ages. Join us for a guided hike for a chance to view our resident Great Horned Owls through spotting scopes and visit the interactive owl displays inside the Nature Center. For extra owl fun, register for the Live Owl Presentation throughout the event with Michigan Avian Experience.
|
|
|
|
The MSU Science Festival is a free annual celebration of science, fueled by some of the basic elements essential to scientific inquiry: curiosity, wonder, and discovery. With events for the whole family to enjoy, the MSU Science Festival explores topics ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary. From astronomy to music, and chemistry to microbiology; scientists and educators across the state are eager to share the wonder of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
|
|
|
|
A Prehistoric Tea-Party for Families! Step into a world where polite sips meet mighty roars! Families are invited to enjoy Tea Rex, a delightful dinosaur-themed tea party filled with imagination, fun, and discovery. Join us o for a charming hour of tea time, laughter, and learning. Your ticket includes a whimsical tea party, general admission to the museum, and exclusive access to our special Dinosaur exhibit making it a roaring good time for dinosaur fans of all ages. Sip, explore, and make memories at this one-of-a-kind family event—before Tea Rex goes extinct!
|
|
|
|
Agriculture is an important part of Michigan’s past, present and future. Come celebrate the beginning of the growing season with us! The OAC archery range will be transformed into a “barn” where you can get up close to some of our farm animal friends. Then, have a field day exploring our building and meeting partner organizations to grow your knowledge about all things farm and garden! This is a popular event – there may be a wait during hours of operation.
|
|
|
|
Experience a magical luncheon at Bavarian Inn Restaurant with your favorite princesses! Come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon featuring princesses performing your favorite songs. Photo and meet-and-greet opportunities with the princesses will let you capture memorable moments! Reservations are required. Cost is $50 per person and includes meal, show, gift from the princesses, coloring page and crayons, tax, and gratuity.
|
|
|
- FoolMoon 2026: Fools of a Feather - West Washington Street & South Ashley Street, Ann Arbor, MI, Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:30PM-Midnight
- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Detroit - Ann Arbor - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Saturday, April 11, 2026 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, See link for times
- FestiFools 2026: Back to the FOOLture! - South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI, Saturday, April 12, 2026, 4-5PM
- Owl Fest at Lake St. Clair Metropark - Lake St Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI,
Saturday, April 12, 2026, 10AM-2PM
- Princess Meet & Greet with Elsa - Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, MI, Saturday, April 12, 2026, 11:00AM
- Free Live Music: Ensemble Concert - Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building Atrium, East Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, Saturday, April 12, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Ann Arbor - Detroit area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool,
& more. Our guide puts summer fun right at your…
|
|
|
|
|
Families purchase shares (or half-shares, or bimonthly shares) of produce that is either picked up or delivered to them, fresh from the farm, each week during the growing season. Some farms encourage pick-your-own, in some you get to help out on the farm.
What a great field-to-table lesson for the whole family!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
_1.png)
