KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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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Join us on the second Sunday of every month for Family Yoga! Family classes are a playful and inspiring way to connect with other families in your community. Stretch, breathe, connect, relax, and have fun! This lighthearted class includes partner poses, whimsical music, and mindful moments as you connect with nature. No experience is required.
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The Chappell Hill Historical Society will once again be hosting the 62nd Annual “Official State of Texas Bluebonnet Festival” on the weekend of April 11th & 12th, 2026 in downtown historic Chappell Hill, Texas on Main Street and the Poplar Lot off of Poplar Street. Initially a small town antique festival, it has blossomed over the years and celebrates the official state flower, the Bluebonnet.
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This annual festival gives comedy fans of any age the chance to see high quality, original comedy performed live by both adult and youth acts. Workshops, Improv Jams, Open Mics and conversation round out the weekend.
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Created by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, the team that brought you Dear Edwina, comes Junie B. Jones, The Musical – a delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books, brought to life in a genuinely comical (and not strictly-for-kids) musical developed by TheatreworksUSA. Awaken a young person’s desire to read with the sassy little diva, Junie B. Jones, and her adventures in first grade. It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.
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Hosted by One Stop Hail Repair and Blessed Wheels Race Track. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of racing, collecting, and community excitement!
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Join us for Bee Cave's annual Books & Bees festival! As a hub of literacy for children and adults, our Bee Cave Public Library hosts programs year round that serve hundreds of families in the area and beyond. As a Bee City USA affiliate, the City of Bee Cave is dedicated to educating the public and helping conserve this most important insect. Our one-of-a-kind Books & Bees Festival helps accomplish our two missions - share fantastic literature with kids and adults alike, featuring high-profile, bestselling authors – and teach our residents and their kiddos more about bees! We have so many fun activities, entertainment and readings in store, you will not want to miss this FREE event!
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Historically, Earth Day ATX has been the largest sustainability event in Central Texas. On April 11th, 2026, thousands of people from the Austin Area and beyond will come to the Huston-Tillotson University campus to learn about conservation and sustainable solutions, celebrate our love for the environment, and get connected to the best and most innovative green businesses and organizations. With family and friends, festival attendees explore rich, in-depth programming, exciting new activities, and engaging exhibitions that allow them to discover new connections to the environment and environmental issues. Inspired by their experiences and interactions, participants are empowered to make new sustainable choices that enhance their lives while helping the entire planet.
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The Hill Country Flyer makes a special trip to Burnet, the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, for the 43rd annual Bluebonnet Festival! Festivities are a quick walk from the train station and include a carnival, Biergarten, vendors, and music. The layover on our Saturday Bluebonnet Festival Flyer will be 5 hours to allow time for the festival, lunch and shopping.
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Reflecting back on Easter, we will be designing this week's craft as a memento to keep as a daily reminder of the best gift anyone can receive.
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Jump into the fun! Kids are invited to stop by our Children’s Area for open Nintendo Switch gaming. Play popular titles, team up with friends, challenge other players, or try something new — it’s all about friendly competition and having a great time. All skill levels are welcome. Drop in, grab a controller, and let the games begin!
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Come dance the night away at Volente Beach! Family friendly fun with amazing food and drinks!
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Little Land’s Music Exploration program is designed to provide children with an experience that introduces them to various types of music, encourages exploration of musical instruments, and develops a personal sense of musicality. Our curriculum has been developed by therapists and musicians to increase awareness of basic musical concepts, as well as improve attention, auditory comprehension, coordination and confidence!
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- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Austin - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, April 10, 2026 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, See link for times
- Bluebonnet Festival - Burnet Chamber of Commerce - 101 North Pierce, Ste. 1, Burnet, TX, Friday, April 10, 2026 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, Friday: 3-10 pm Saturday: 8 am- 11 pm Sunday: 10 am- 4 pm
- ABC Zilker Park Kite Festival - Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10 am - 5 pm
- Annual Bluebonnet Festival - Chappell Hill Historical Society Museum, 9220 Poplar St, Chappell
Hill, TX 77426, Saturday, April 11, 2026 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, see website
- Earth Day Austin - Huston-Tillotson University, Chicon Street, Austin, TX, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 12-6 pm
- Books & Bees Festival - Bee Cave Public Library, Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave, TX, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 1 - 5pm
- Sunday Funday- Neill-Cochran House
Museum - Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705, Sunday, April 12, 2026, 11 am- 2 pm
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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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