KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: The first time I can remember having to take a public stand on anything was in eighth grade English. We were assigned an essay on a controversial topic and told we’d present our arguments to the class. When he handed back our papers, Mr. Schmidt added a twist: no reading. We’d speak from notes. I was horrified. After school, I tried to negotiate my way out of it. “This
makes me really uncomfortable,” I told him, hoping for mercy. He looked at me over his glasses. “That’s the whole point,” he said. “To get stuff done, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t worry, you’ll live.” Mr. Schmidt was right. I didn’t die. And more important, I learned something that stuck: Discomfort isn’t a stop sign, it’s just part of the road, and all roads are bumpy. That lesson shaped how I've raised my kids, too. Karate helped
Madison and Ella distinguish between effort and injury. Long car rides taught them to rely on their own imaginations. Theater nudged them to stand however close to the spotlight they could manage, even when they’d rather disappear. And summer camps—those muddy, unpredictable, gloriously imperfect experiences—gave them countless chances to try something new and realize I can do this without the stigma that can accompany failing in other contexts. Growth rarely happens
inside the comfort zone, which is why I’m such a believer in giving kids opportunities to stretch beyond what feels easy. Summer programs are perfect for this, so that's why during "summer camp search season" we focus on showcasing the wide variety of camps and programs available in each area we serve. Here's the link to
the portal page. These days, as we approach the 25th anniversary of KidsOutAndAbout.com in June, I see that same principle playing out: The technology has changed, the business climate has changed, but the equation hasn’t. Discomfort still shows up right before something meaningful. And I still hear Mr. Schmidt’s voice in my head: Don’t worry, you’ll live.
—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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Give your child or teen a confident, healthy smile with expert care from Artemis Smiles Orthodontics! Specializing in personalized orthodontic treatment for kids and teens, their experienced team creates customized plans designed to fit every stage of
growth. From traditional braces to clear aligner options like Invisalign®, Artemis Smiles combines advanced technology with a warm, welcoming approach that helps patients feel comfortable and confident. Flexible scheduling, affordable payment options, and a supportive team make the process easy for busy families. Whether your child needs early intervention or teen treatment, Artemis Smiles is dedicated to guiding them toward a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.
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Designed for children ages fifteen months through three years and their caregivers, Toddler Saturdays engage children’s creativity and explore monthly topics with related artwork, art-making activities, and self-guided tours.
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Explore hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths. Check out a variety of ways to grow bulbs, including container gardens and floating islands. Watch for updates on peak bloom times at atlantabg.org
The Garden’s 50th anniversary deserves a special celebration, so what better time to double the size of Atlanta Blooms!, the Garden’s annual spring bulb extravaganza, with nearly 140,000 tulips and daffodils?
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Each March, Macon becomes a pink, cotton-spun paradise as hundreds of thousands of Yoshino cherry trees bloom in all their glory. Originally a sleepy southern town, Macon has now become a bustling center of beauty and international friendship.
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Come on down for an awesome in-person Friday Night Family Session! It's the perfect chance to hang out, have fun, and make some great memories with the whole crew. Bring your energy, your smiles, and get ready for a night packed with laughs and good vibes.
Don't miss out – let’s make your Friday night something special!
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The Neighborhood Resource Unit of the Chamblee Police Department is excited to launch a new community initiative designed to bring officers and youth together through friendly competition, teamwork, and fun. From classic field day games to sports
challenges, this program is all about building relationships, creating positive connections, and strengthening our community-one game at a time.
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Celebrate the beauty and importance of forests with a guided hike through Chicopee Woods in honor of International Day of Forests.
Join Elachee staff for a relaxed, educational walk through the forest as spring begins to unfold. Along the way, we’ll pause to observe seasonal changes, explore the role forests play in supporting wildlife and ecosystems, and reflect on why protecting these spaces matters — locally and globally.
This guided hike is designed for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, learning at a comfortable pace, and connecting more deeply with the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy a walk in the woods, this is a welcoming way to celebrate forests together.
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The 2026 event marks 45 years of the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival in Conyers. Shop among unique art and craft exhibitors, eat your way through the multiple food courts, enjoy cultural performances, listen to live music, and play in the children's area.
The Cherry Blossom Festival originated as a way to encourage cultural understanding and friendship through international music, dance, games, food and crafts. The cherry blossom is a symbol of short-lived beauty in Japan, and the City of Conyers embraces this tradition as well. The blooming of the cherry trees offers a time to reflect upon our lives. Like the blooming of the trees, life is short, so you have to appreciate and embrace it.
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Your orchestra brings to life the storybook Because, by Mo Willems, author of "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" and the Elephant and Piggie series. Let your child be inspired by the music and storytelling in this powerful tale of how discovery and
persistence led a girl on a path to center stage. The full-orchestra concert experience features projections of the book’s magical illustrations during a 45-minute program created for children under 12 with their families.
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Join Atlanta History Center for Spring Fest, a new seasonal celebration blooming across our historic grounds. Families are invited to enjoy a day filled with beloved spring traditions—including egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny—alongside new
activities that add even more to discover. Take part in hands-on crafts, garden activities, and engaging historic demonstrations that bring the season to life.
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This family-friendly annual event features thrilling rides and games for all ages and favorite fair food for every appetite. Free admission and parking. Visit the website for pre-sale savings on rides and discount coupons for rides and food.
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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
January 27, 2026
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- “Two Fold” Art Exhibit at The Avenue West Cobb - Marietta, GA, Fri Mar 19 - Sun Mar 22, Thursday–Friday: 12 PM – 6 PM Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
- International
Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 - Macon, GA, Fri Mar 20 - Sun Mar 22, See website
- Morningside Farmers
Market - Morningside Farmers Market - Atlanta, GA, Sat Mar 21, 8:00 am to 11:30 am
- Field
Day With The Finest at Arrow Creek Park - Chamblee, GA, Sat Mar 21, 10 am - 12pm
- Downtown
Powder Springs Health Fair - Powder Springs, GA, Sat Mar 21, 10:00am
- Free spring mini photo
session with Shoott! - Atlanta area - Shoott - Atlanta area, Sat Mar 21 - Sun Mar 22, See link for times
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Atlanta area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Atlanta 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 fingertips!
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Atlanta area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping a
spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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