KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: For much of the country this year, March simultaneously is bringing hope that spring may in fact return to North America AND the awareness that every car is at risk for the foreseeable future. All winter long, water seeps into asphalt cracks, freezes, expands, melts, and freezes again, and bit by bit the driving experience becomes a game called Avoid the
Crater. But lately I’ve started seeing the repair trucks out there again, their bright-vested workers moving methodically from hole to hole with their shovels. Every time I pass them, it gives me a lift, not just because it means someday soon I'll start seeing flowers out in the real world, but also because potholes are one of those perfect reminders of what humans do. Playrooms, projects, and paperwork start out neat, but over time, weather, wear, gravity, and
procrastination take their toll. No matter how strict the system, order gradually slides toward chaos. And then humans step in and make it right again. I saw the cycle in action at the KidsOutAndAbout office last week: Our storage room had slowly become a museum of random supplies, half-filled bins, and Christmas decorations that had been tossed in with a hopeful Future Us will deal with this someday. Fortunately, my colleague Michelle, who works in our data department,
is also a genius organizer. A few hours after Future Michelle stepped in and applied logic and elbow grease, the little room had transformed from a cluttered cave into a serene space. The quickening of the seasons seems to bring that same energy into our homes: Closets get sorted, garages get swept, junk drawers finally meet their match. It feels good, not just because the space looks better, but because fixing things reminds us of something important: Disorder is normal, but
it’s not permanent. Humans can step in and bring brightness back. So here’s to spring cleaning, organized shelves, and freshly patched roads. Our tires, and our spirits, roll much more smoothly because humans fill potholes.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse
Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
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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. |
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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.
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Attention party animals: Celebrate your birthday at the Humane Society of Huron Valley for $50 off!
Our party program for ages 6-12 includes a shelter tour, a craft for the animals, and a meet-and-greet with the adoptable animals. Plus, the birthday kid gets to name a shelter animal! Use code **WINTER26** to get $50 off of a party booked for January, February or March. (But don’t wait – spots for Saturdays and Sundays fill before you know it!)
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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.
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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/
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Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s The Lion King, making its triumphant return to the Detroit Opera House!
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Attention Homeschool Families! Join us every Friday from 12-3PM for a discounted rate!
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Children ages 3-6 can enjoy some nature fun as they increase their love of the outdoors. A naturalist will engage children with a story, nature talk and a related activity. Each kid will make a craft to take home. This series meets on the second Friday of
each month.
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The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra invites you on a journey through soundscapes of mystery, whimsy, and wonder. Opus Klassik’s 2023 Singer of the Year, soprano Juliana Zara stars in Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, a musical expression of a child’s view of heaven,
plus Unsuk Chin’s Alice in Wonderland-inspired Puzzles and Games.
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Our next Family Day will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event will center around the themes of learning and play in the ancient world. Visitors can look forward to exploring the galleries through scavenger hunts and
participating in hands-on activities (including a mini loom-weaving activity!). Stay tuned for more information on this event that’s fun and engaging for the whole family!
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Meet the Eggs! Join us as we explore the science of embryology. During this program, you will get to see our eggs up close and get an update on their development, learn about the science of hatching chicks, and meet the Genesee County 4H staff who help
bring this program to Genesee County schools and community organizations.
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Enjoy a night of music and dancing with the Easter Bunny themselves! This family dance will take place at the Summit on the Park. Don’t “hop” in too late, the Bunny will only be available for pictures for the first hour of the event, the last hour they will
be shaking their cotton tail on the dance floor with you! All family members will need a ticket to attend regardless of age. Pre-registration is required.
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Be sure to mark your calendars for the 68th Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 15, 2026, 1:00 pm! We have the honor of having John Heinzman as our 2026 Grand Marshal! The parade typically attracts 80,000-100,000 people, making it one of the
largest St. Patrick’s parades in the country and it features floats, marching bands, color guard units and more. The Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade has brought together people of all cultures and nationalities in metro Detroit to celebrate Irish culture and make lasting memories. The parade is a great time to celebrate Corktown, Detroit and the positive momentum in the Corktown area.
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This engaging tour begins with a wagon ride to the forested area of Maybury Farm. There you will walk into the sugar bush where you'll learn the amazing way sugar maple trees produce sap, why sap flows, how to tap and collect sap from the tree. The wagon
will then take you to the Sugar Shack where you'll learn how the sap becomes delicious maple syrup by watching the process in action! You'll even get to try a sample of the finished product! Once your tour is finished, you are invited to warm up in the Maybury Farm General Store where hot drinks and snacks are available to purchase. Pure Michigan Maple Syrup is also available for purchase and we offer free recipes for you to try with your maple syrup at home. It's a fun and educational
experience for all ages!
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Get ready for a St. Patrick’s Day adventure at For-Mar! Join us on an exciting hunt to uncover the mystery of who’s been causing trouble—could it be a mischievous Leprechaun or a sneaky critter? Suggested for ages 7-12, adults must accompany children under
16.
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Join us to explore animal adaptations and learn about some of our favorite feathered friends! Gain an understanding of how adaptations help birds survive in various environments as well as how to identify different species and their habitats, including our
own backyards! Presented by Central Michigan University Museum of Cultural and Natural History.
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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…
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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!
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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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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