KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Fri, Mar 27: Honk!TX Sat, Mar 28: City of Lakeway EGGstravaganza at
Lakeway City Park Sat, Mar 28: Adaptive and Inclusive Egg Hunt at Old Settlers Park Thu, Apr 2: Easter Egg Hunt @ Indigo Play! Sat, Apr 4: Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Gregg-Clarke Park Sat, Apr 4: Urban Cultural Fest 2026 at Austin Urban Music Festival Sat, Apr 11: Earth Day Austin at Huston-Tillotson University Sat, Apr 11: ABC Zilker Park Kite Festival Sat, Apr 18: Butterfly Festival at EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Thu, Apr 23: Disney On Ice presents Jump In! at State Farm Arena Fri, Apr 24: Red Poppy Festival at City of Georgetown Fri, Apr 24: The Founders Day Festival at Veteran's Memorial Park - Dripping Springs Sat, Apr 25: Annual Buda Wiener Dog Races at Buda City Park Sat, Apr
25: Earth Day Celebration at Texas Science & Natural History Museum
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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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Ballet Austin Academy – Summer Camps & Classes
Ages 15 months – 12 years
Since 1956, Ballet Austin Academy has inspired young dancers with creativity, movement, and a love for dance. This summer, your child can take center stage in a fun, supportive environment designed to spark imagination and build confidence.
Our Summer Children’s Program offers classes and camps for ages 15 months to 12 years. Dancers can start in the Young Children’s Division, a gentle introduction to dance, move to the Pre-Ballet Division for formal ballet prep, or continue in the Elementary Division, where ballet training begins. In Broadway Kids Camp, kids celebrate what makes them unique through song, dance, and a special performance for family and friends.
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Keeping kids active year-round is one of the best gifts we can give them! Our local programs — Soccer Stars, Amazing Athletes, and Little Rookies — provide structured, high-energy classes that help children develop motor skills, body awareness, teamwork,
and self-confidence. We introduce a variety of sports in a non-competitive setting so children can discover what they enjoy most. Serving families throughout Northwest Austin, Round Rock, and Pflugerville, our mission is simple: help kids build strong foundations while having fun. Registration is ongoing, and we’d love to welcome your child into one of our upcoming classes!
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Experience the beloved musical Fiddler on the Roof JR., a special adaptation of the nine-time Tony Award-winning Broadway classic. Follow Tevye, a humble milkman in the village of Anatevka, as he tries to balance tradition with the changing world around him
while guiding his five daughters toward the future. Created by Broadway legends Jerome Robbins, Harold Prince, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, and Joseph Stein, this heartwarming story explores family, faith, and community in ways that resonate across cultures and generations. Performances take place at Brentwood Christian School’s Worley-Barton Theater (11908 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin) on March 19–21 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. Standard tickets are $18—reserve yours today and enjoy this timeless musical
with the whole family!
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Join us March 13-28, 2026 for Rodeo Austin! Rodeo Austin features one of America’s top ProRodeos. A live music performance completes each ProRodeo & Concert event. Watch exciting rodeo competitions such as bull riding, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, and
more!
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Enjoy FREE museum admission all day during H-E-B Free Fourth Sundays, held the fourth Sunday of every month.
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Teens (ages 12-17) are invited to play Mario Kart and Smash Bros on our Nintendo Switch. Teens are also welcome to bring their own handheld devices. Pizza and snacks will be provided.
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There’s no place like the library! Follow the yellow brick road to a magical interactive movie experience. Join us for a special screening filled with audience participation, themed props, and magical moments.
Sing along, shout out, and become part of the adventure as we watch this classic, colorful tale. Perfect for families and movie lovers of all ages — you won’t want to miss it!
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Step Into a World Where Math Comes Alive!
This spring break, explore Math Universe — an immersive, hands-on experience where math moves beyond numbers and becomes something you can build, see, test, and discover.
From spirals in nature to the mysteries of time and space, Math Universe transforms big ideas into unforgettable adventures for curious minds of all ages.
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Saddle up, folks! The Dog Rodeo is ridin’ back into town on March 21st! Join us at Fischer Park from 11am - 2pm for a tail-waggin’ good time celebrating your favorite furry friends!
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Join us for Dino Days at Zilker Botanical Garden this March — a two-weekend family-friendly celebration of the Cretaceous period with hands-on activities, fossil talks, scavenger hunts, themed games, and creative workshops included with garden admission. On
select dates, enjoy interactive prehistoric planter workshops, engaging paleontology presentations, fossil touch tables, and the Dino Days Closing Parade with Blowcomotion.
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Celebrate the Spring Equinox with a Guided Hike at McKinney Falls Park!
The Spring Equinox is the perfect time to connect with nature as the seasons change. Join us for a guided hike at McKinney Falls State Park to welcome the first day of spring!
Explore the park’s beautiful trails, learn about local wildlife, and immerse yourself in the fresh spring air.
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Join Terrence Taps for a unique tap event at the library! This interactive show combines basic concepts like opposites, phonics, and musical dynamics to allow the audience to get inside the mind of a tap dancer.
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Take a Glimpse Into Goldfish! Explore our school, enjoy open swim, meet the team, and experience our warm pool and fun approach to swim safe!
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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…
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- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Austin - Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, March 20, 2026 through Sunday, March 22, 2026, See link for times
- Glimpse into Goldfish - Goldfish Swim School - Davis Lane, Austin, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
- Live Music on Lake Travis - John Hidalgo - Farm to Market Road 2769, Leander, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026, 7PM - 9PM
- Baby Lapsit (0-18 months) - 405 East Loop Street, Buda, TX 78610, Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Pokemon Club - 501 Sportsplex Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, Friday, March 20, 2026, 4:15-5:15 pm
- Music/ Movement Storytime - Main Street, Liberty Hill, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:15 - 11 am
- Texas America250 Reading Challenge - 1201 Brazos St, Austin, Texas 78701, Friday, March 20, 2026 through Sunday, March 22, 2026, all day
- Hop to It! It's Bunny Photo Time! -Lakeline Mall - 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026 through Sunday, March 22, 2026,
varies
- Read with Ruby the Therapy Dog! - 501 Sportsplex Dr, Dripping
Springs, TX 78620, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:30 am- 12 pm
- Pokémon Club - East Liberty
Avenue, Round Rock, TX, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9-10:30 am
- Family Storytime - East Liberty
Avenue, Round Rock, TX, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Round Rock Express Fan Fest - 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10 am- 2 pm
- Wizard of Oz Interactive Movie - 500 W Live Oak St, Hutto, TX 78634, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 3 - 4:30 pm
- Video Game Hang Out: Spring Break Bash - 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 1 pm
- Free Photo with the Easter Bunny at Bass Pro
Shops - 200 Bass Pro Drive, Round Rock, TX, Saturday, March 21, 2026 and Sunday, March 22, 2026, varies
- H-E-B Free Fourth
Sunday - Trinity Street, Austin, TX, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1-5PM
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Austin 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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Enjoy the weekend!
Debra Ross Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com Mom of Madison and Ella
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