KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Sorry for the second send this morning! The first edition of this newsletter had a glitch that erased much of the content. —Deb |
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
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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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School may be out, but discovery is just getting started! Join us at Elachee April 6–10 for Extended Weekday Hours, a weeklong opportunity for families to spend their days off exploring, learning, and enjoying nature together. Each day will feature a different ecology theme, giving kids the chance to dive into new topics through guided hikes, live animal encounters, hands-on crafts, and interactive activities. It’s a great way to mix learning and play while staying close to home. Whether you visit for one day or make a week of it, Extended Weekday Hours offer a fun, flexible staycation option filled with fresh air, curiosity, and outdoor adventure.
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A guided evening hike under the light of the moon. Experience the magic of Dunwoody Nature Center after dark. Guided by one of our naturalists, you’ll enjoy an evening stroll through the forest, learning about the history, legends, and seasonal changes connected to this luminous time of year. The trails come alive in a new way under moonlight, making this a unique and memorable night in nature.
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For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed - it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing. Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family will captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music. Featuring beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss,” THE SOUND OF MUSIC is the iconic tale of a spirited nun who chooses not to live behind closed doors - and, by following her heart, learns to climb every mountain. THE SOUND OF MUSIC features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The…
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Examine the historic evolution of Black quarterbacks in college football! The College Football Hall of Fame proudly presents Ascension: Rise of the Black Quarterback, a new exhibition examining the historic journey of Black quarterbacks in college football as part of The Hall's Black History Month programming. From breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes to leading the game with innovation and excellence, Ascension highlights generations of players, coaches, and programs—including iconic figures from HBCUs—who reshaped the sport. Featuring immersive storytelling, rare artifacts, and inspiring moments, the exhibition celebrates the legacy and impact of Black quarterbacks on today’s game, thanks to collaboration with Kia and Coca-Cola.
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You'll find a full-day of entertainment with continuous shows on ten stages, including the beautiful horses and gallant knights in shining armor in the full contact joust, circus-style shows, comedy, and music. Enjoy shopping in over 150 artisan shoppes, games of skill and people-powered rides for the amusement of kids of all ages.
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Check out the Master Gardener donated pass-along plants, the annuals and perennials, our pollinator/native plant experience table, the sales by our partners–Georgia Native Plant Society (native plants) and Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program (edible garden plants), and our many different marketplace vendors. Visit: the Children's Gardening Corner, Ask-A-Master Gardener, Fleatique, Talks and Demonstrations, Food Vendors. There will be something for everyone, we guarantee it.
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Come spend a fun filled day with us at our open air market! Enjoy some good eats, while you shop for a good cause to support local, family owned businesses, but it does not end there.... there will be play activities, horseback ride, bounce house, face painting, donkeys (interact at your own risk) and you also get to meet some awesome, gentle, friendly and oh so soft ALPACAS!
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On Saturday, April 11, 2026 the lawn at Morgan Falls Overlook Park will be dotted with dino-inspired eggs for families with physical and developmental disabilities. Join us for our sixth annual Dinosaur-themed egg hunt for people with disabilities. When the egg hunting begins, the event will be monitored for safety. There will be an accessible area for children in wheelchairs to score some eggs. Spots are limited to accommodate children that prefer their personal space. Each time slot includes time to go back to prehistoric times with an educational fossil dig and dino play yard! Your kids will dig for real fossils as we have over 70 different fossils to excavate. Each kid will take home three of their favorite fossils that they find. We also have an assortment of dinosaur statues in our "DINO PLAY YARD" making for a dino photo opp. The best part is our meet and greet with our life-size prehistoric guest!
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Classical music meets storytelling as members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra bring your favorite fables and fairy tales to life. Parents of 3 to 8-year-olds may enjoy these interactive concerts with their little ones, who can engage with the actors and musicians as the story unfolds.
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The Museum opens early for families with children on the autism spectrum and children with sensory processing challenges. We offer a sensory-modified experience on select Sunday mornings. This experience includes a sensory-modified setting, limited admission and sound adjustments.
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On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for all visitors and special family-friendly programming! Enjoy art-making activities, performances, and the High’s collection and special exhibitions.
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Journey down the rabbit hole for a delightful musical adventure. All the neighborly forest animals have gathered in the rabbit’s den (under Mr. McGregor’s Garden) to throw a surprise party for Peter. And the biggest surprise of all – for the first time ever, they've invited you to join them! But the animals soon realize Mr. McGregor has terrible plans for the land around Peter's burrow. Peter must face his fears and, together with his friends, gather a community to help save his home. Featuring beloved characters from the classic Beatrix Potter tales and a variety of original songs, this new tale encourages us to acknowledge our fears and work together to overcome challenges. INTO THE BURROW: A PETER RABBIT™ TALE is presented by special arrangement with Frederick Warne & Co Limited.
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- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Atlanta area - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 04/11/2026, See link for times
- Morningside Farmers Market - Morningside Farmers Market, 1393 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306, 04/11/2026, 8:00 am to 11:30 am
- North Fulton
Master Gardeners 25th Annual Garden Faire - North Fulton Master Gardeners, The Grove at Wills Park, Roswell Street, Alpharetta, GA, 04/11/2026, 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Artpaca Spring Festival! - 1320 Dorris Road, Douglasville, GA 30134, 04/11/2026, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Dino Egg Hunt for People with Disabilities - Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs, GA, 04/11/2026, 11:00am - 2:00pm
- Acworth
Art Fest - 4361 Cherokee Street, Acworth, GA, 04/11/2026 - 04/12/2026, Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
- Mom and Baby Story Time at Buckhead Library - Buckhead Library, Buckhead Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA, 04/11/2026, 10:00 AM
- UPS Second Sunday at High Museum of Art - High Museum of Art, Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 04/12/2026, 12 pm - 5 pm
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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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