KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: When I was a teenager, I had a teacher who became a mentor without ever knowing he was one. He was aware I’d been going through some difficult times, and was glad to hear I was almost on the other side. “Some people aren't lucky enough to have dealt with hard things when they're young,” he told me. Then he added the phrase that
has echoed in my head for decades: “Remember the rocks.” Life, he explained, was always going to toss boulders into my path. The trick was to recognize, early, that even if it was painful or scary, I was capable of getting around, or over, or through them. Remembering how I’d managed would help me trust myself more when the next, bigger ones appeared. As a parent, I think about that often, about how the only way to become someone who does hard things is… to
do hard things. It’s tempting to rush in and smooth every unpleasant obstacle our kids encounter. When we email the teacher, mend the friendship, rescue the forgotten homework, eliminate every discomfort, we may feel helpful in the moment, but in fact we’re quietly removing the practice stones they need. Resilience doesn’t come from being told “You’re strong”; it comes from evidence that only they can gather, from working through manageable challenges and thinking, That was
hard. And I handled it. We don’t need to manufacture their challenges—being a kid is difficult enough. And we don’t abandon them to do it all on their own, either. We just learn to pause, to weigh advice against intervention, and to let them see what they can manage. The goal is that later in life, when something truly difficult lands in our children's path, they won’t just hope they can manage it, they’ll know. Now, many years later, when I encounter
something daunting, I think back to my mentor and remember the rocks. "I do hard things," I tell myself. And it works.
—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 a summer of circus magic! At Akrosphere Circus Summer Camps, kids ages 6-14 will flip, fly, and soar as they master incredible circus skills like aerial silks, trapeze, aerial hoop, and more—no experience needed! With expert coaching, a
1:5 coach-to-student ratio, and a Grand Finale Showcase every week, your child will build confidence, strength, and lifelong memories in the most thrilling way possible. Busy schedule? We’ve got you covered with Pre- & After-Care for parents on the go!
Spots fill fast—sign up now and pay nothing until June 1st: https://akrosphere.com/circus-camp/
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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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We’re celebrating Women’s History Month at the Museum! We’re highlighting the work and accomplishments of rock star women in a variety of fields throughout the Museum. Create your own binary bracelet to take home as you learn about Carole Hopson, a pilot
and author, at the Science Bar; whip up an abstract masterpiece inspired by artist Sonia Delaunay, and more!
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Welcoming audiences of all backgrounds, the 2026 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival delivers a rich, thought-provoking slate of films that blend humanity, humor, and joy, inviting viewers to open their hearts, challenge assumptions, and engage in stimulating
conversations.
The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF), the flagship program of the year-round organization ATL Jewish Film, is proud to announce the official lineup for its 26th edition, taking place in theaters across metro Atlanta February 18–March 3, 2026, with selected films available for streaming at home in the Virtual Cinema, March 6–15. The full schedule can be accessed at AJFF.org/films and through the AJFF mobile app.
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We’re excited to welcome back the popular local arts organization, South Cobb Arts Alliance, to The Avenue West Cobb for Two/Fold—a dual art exhibition featuring works by Miles Davis and Susan Genson, both award-winning artists, SCAA members, and Cobb
County residents.
This eight-week exhibition will showcase an extensive collection of original artwork spanning multiple series, sizes, and subject matter.
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AIM HIGH: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen explores the multiple aspects of aviation, from the rich history of the Tuskegee Airmen to 21st century STEM concepts. Inspired by the tools and tasks related to flying and aeronautics, the interactive experiences
mix real artifacts with hands-on play. Visitors of all ages will be able to imagine themselves in the role of the aviators, inspired by the past and dream of the future.
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Let the 2026 celebration begin! For two decades, the Marietta Square Art Walk has transformed First Fridays into a signature celebration of art and community. Join us as the Square buzzes with creativity and celebration featuring local artists, unique
shopping, inviting galleries, and delicious dining.
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Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join Georgia Aquarium’s 5K Walk/Run, returning for its ninth exciting year! This Peachtree Qualifier 3.1-mile course takes participants on a quick “out and back” journey through some of downtown Atlanta’s most iconic
landmarks. Open to ages 8 and up, it’s perfect for runners, joggers, and walkers of all levels.
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The Atlanta Science Festival is an annual celebration of the world-class learning and STEM career opportunities in metro Atlanta, featuring 100+ engaging events for curious kids and adults at venues all across the region. The Festival is engineered by
Science ATL and 80+ community partners, with major support from founders Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines, and several other corporate and university sponsors.
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The paleontologist caregivers in Dinosaur Explore believe that human interaction is important for the dinosaurs, so they have decided to release some of them into the Crossroads area to roam among the guests. Be prepared for rustling in the bushes,
footprints on the ground, and flying dinosaurs overhead.
See high-flying dinosaurs, dinosaurs in 4-D, a lighted dinosaur-themed parade, plus a special dinosaur Drone & Light Show (select dates), all included with an Attractions Ticket or Mountain Membership.
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This 75-minute tour challenges the myth of Southern womanhood by uncovering the true social and personal histories of Atlanta’s women. Early Atlanta might have been a man’s world, but this city was built with the labor of women. From writers and domestic
servants to reformers and mothers, Oakland Cemetery is home to thousands of women. Some defied social expectations or worked against racial discrimination to become trailblazers. Others created support systems that made change possible. All dealt with the issues, challenges, and social standards of being a woman in their day. Hear their stories of pioneering, producing, and patriarchy-smashing during this guided walking tour of Oakland Cemetery!
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Bank of America’s Museums on Us program provides one free general admission to participating museums for eligible cardholders on the first full weekend of every month.
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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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Enjoy a chill Sunday afternoon with fun activities for the whole family to relax and bond together! Get ready for some fun family time this Sunday afternoon! Join us for an in-person session filled with laughter, games, and memorable moments. Whether you're
catching up or making new friends, it's the perfect way to spend your weekend. Bring your loved ones and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere designed just for families. Don’t miss out on the joy and connection—see you there!
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Children’s book author and artist Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny, Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In a Play) brings another loveable character to life in this exciting family musical. Watch as Wilbur, a clothes-loving mole rat with exceptional style, navigates the
pressure to be just like everyone else. With tail-shaking tunes, empowering messages of individuality, and classic Mo Willems humor, this musical is sure to rock audiences of all ages.
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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.
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iD Tech: The World's #1 STEM Summer Camp! BattleBots® Camp? You can only get it here. Roblox Camp? We've got that and more in our Summer '26 lineup. Register today at the top-rated tech camp for 25 years and counting! iD Tech is the very best
experience built around your child—their interests, their skill level, their goals for the future. Trusted by 75+ of the world’s top universities and over 1,000,000 parents, iD Tech is where kids and teens learn from the best—coding, game dev, robotics, and more. The future starts at iD Tech!
Click here for more information about your local iD Tech opportunities! Virtual camps are also available!
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- "Two Fold" Art Exhibit at The Avenue West Cobb - 3625 Dallas Highway, Marietta, GA 30064, Friday, March 6, 2026 12 PM – 6 PM; Saturday, March 7, 2026 10 AM – 6 PM; Sunday, March 8, 2026 12 PM – 6 PM
- Dominique Dawes Academy Grand Opening - 380 North Point Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30022, Saturday, March 7, 2026 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Morningside Farmers Market - 1393 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306, Saturday, March 7, 2026 8:00 am to 11:30 am
- UPS Second Sunday at High Museum of Art - High Museum of Art, Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, Sunday, March 8, 2026 12 pm - 5
pm
- The Women of Oakland - 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, Sunday, March 8, 2026 Times vary
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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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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the Atlanta area! If there is an attraction that we have missed for our birthday party page, please email us to let us know, and we contact them
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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