KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
|
|
Sat, Apr 25: Mini-Con 2026
Sat, Apr 25: Celebrate Killeen
Festival
Sun, May 3: Bones & Stones: Fossil, Rock and Artifact Fest
Sun, May 3: Devine Lake Kite Festival
Sat, May 9:
Mother's Day Hill Country Flyer
Sat, May 9: Pecan Street Festival
Tue, May 12: The Wiz
Fri, May 22: Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival
Sat, May 23: Kids on Bikes in Parks
Sat, Jun 6: Old Town Street Festival
Sat, Jun 20: Dino Discovery
Days
Sun, Jun 21: Austin Symphonic Band: Father's Day Concert
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: One day last week, I was driving home around 7 pm when I glanced out the passenger's window and saw a stunning rainbow stretched fully across the sky, glowing in front of dark gray storm clouds that were rushing away to the east. I was approaching a stop light. Left was the way home, where various chores awaited... but right was the way to the rainbow. My husband was driving
behind me, and I knew that if I turned right, he was going to think I had lost my mind. For a split second, practicality made its case: Don’t be silly; go home, you have stuff to do. But then another question darted into my mind: Am I a person who chases rainbows, or am I not? Once I framed it that way, the answer was easy. For kids and grownups alike, this can actually be a helpful way to make all kinds of decisions. When the moment
comes to act, it helps to ask not just What do I feel like doing? but Who am I? Am I a person who tells the truth? Am I a person who helps? Am I a person who persists when times are hard? Am I a person who stops to notice the beautiful things around me? We build identity one choice at a time for our entire lives. The clearer we are about who we want to be, the easier it becomes to know what to do in the moment, to give ourselves evidence that we are, in fact, that sort of
person. I hope the kids in your world grow up thinking of themselves as people who seek what is bright and good and full of wonder. It’s our job to show them that delight is often worth the detour.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments
to Build Strong Communities
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Record spring heat means one thing—July will be hot. Keep your kids cool and inspired at Fantastic Magic Camp! Our air-conditioned Mt. Playmore location offers four weeklong camps in July for ages 5–8, With small groups (just 20 campers per week), your child gets plenty of personal attention while building confidence, creativity, and new friendships. Campers enjoy access to the playscape, plus classes in magic, juggling, puppetry crafts - and a daily magic show. For a limited time, you can save 10% with code MTPL. We also offer a Crestview location for ages 6–12. Our #1 rule: Have fun—and help others have fun. Sibling discount 10% | Scholarships available. Register now—spots are limited!
|
|
|
|
There’s nothing more special than sharing Disney magic with loved ones. Whether it’s the first time you watched Toy Story, sang along to "Let It Go," or cheered for your favorite Disney Princess, Disney On Ice is the perfect place to revisit cherished memories and create new ones together. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy will take you on a journey through these unforgettable moments, powered by a Magical MousePad. Discover thrilling adventures from Zootopia, Inside Out 2, and the all-new Moana 2. Relive the timeless tales of Toy Story, Frozen, and Encanto, and the dazzling Disney Princesses. And hold on tight as Stitch grabs the Magical MousePad and shakes things up! Feel the excitement in an enchanted celebration close to home, only at Disney On Ice!
|
|
|
|
Party in Your Park takes place four times each year from 5-8 PM. We bring the party to you by visiting various neighborhood parks. Each free event features family-friendly fun, including yard games, music, refreshments and more!
|
|
|
|
We are excited to team up with the Rowing Dock for Austin’s largest land and lake Earth Day clean-up! Spend your Earth Day volunteering at one of three locations around the Butler Trail and finish off with celebratory snacks from ATX's hottest spots.
|
|
|
|
Every day is Earth Day at Texas Science & Natural History Museum! Celebrate the planet on Saturday, April 25 with several special hands-on activities. Dive into the dynamic world of tectonic plates, explore different rock types and the geological processes that have shaped our planet, and imagine a more sustainable Earth by transforming plastic waste into fabulous fashion designs (while supplies last). All activities take place from 10am-3pm and are included with the purchase of museum admission.
|
|
|
|
This no-cost outdoor event will have live music, yoga, games, food, and a variety of fun activities for all ages.
|
|
|
|
Our annual celebration of all things great and geeky returns with drones, cosplay, games, and more! Mini-Con is a multi-genre community event celebrating various forms of pop culture entertainment, including comic books, movies, TV shows, anime, manga, video games, and more. All ages are welcome to enjoy interactive experiences, cosplay as their preferred character, and engage with a variety of vendors and other members of their favorite fandoms!
|
|
|
|
Explore the iconic festivals that bring Texans together, from kolaches to art cars and roses to sandcastles, discover how community celebrations reflect Texan identity.
|
|
|
|
Enjoy FREE museum admission all day during H-E-B Free Fourth Sundays, held the fourth Sunday of every month.
|
|
|
|
The fun starts blooming on Friday evening when artisans set up their wares, fresh smells waft from food vendors and live music takes center stage. Plan to stroll the Square and dance right into your Friday night! The festival really blossoms on Saturday when it kicks off with the Poppy Parade and Car Show. Once the engines turn off, the day is yours to make. Kids can get crafts at the Fun Zone and everyone can feast their senses on fine arts, tasty treats and toe-tapping tunes. Get ready for a beautiful Saturday! There’s no better Sunday Funday than at the Red Poppy Festival! Shop the artisan market, enjoy live music, see the POPP Pup Parade, and meet Chet The Daytripper. Come out and make the most of your Sunday at the festival!
|
|
|
|
For over 40 years the city has come together to celebrate with cultural entertainment, food from all over the world, a step show, poetry slams and the largest car show in the city.
|
|
|
|
Thousands of people will gather in Dripping Springs’ historic downtown district on April 24-26, 2026, for a festive celebration of heritage and pioneer spirit. The three-day celebration kicks off with the Grand Parade and includes: free music and entertainment, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, food, beer, street dances, cook-off competitions, over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors. The Annual Founders Day Festival honors and celebrates the founding of the Dripping Springs community in 1850 by the Moss, Wallace, and Pound families. The three-day jubilee promotes cooperation and volunteerism in the community and generates community spirit and recreation.
|
|
|
|
In recognition of Earth Day this week, we will be creating art with a balloon! We will be using our hand eye coordination, thinking about Earth and how we can help take care of it. Can't wait to see you here in the Wondershop!
|
|
|
- Red Poppy Festival - 113 East 8th Street, Georgetown, TX, Friday, April 24, 2026 to Sunday, April 26, 2026, Friday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- The Founders Day Festival - Dripping Springs Municipal Court, 511 Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, Friday, April 24, 2026 to Sunday, April 26, 2026, see website
- Earth Day
Cleanup 2026 - Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Austin, TX, Friday, April 24, 2026, 9 am- 1:30 pm
- H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday - H-E-B, Texas Science & Natural History Museum, Trinity Street, Austin, TX, Sunday, April 26, 2026, 1-5PM
- Austin Dragon Boat Festival - Festival Beach, Nash Hernandez Senior Rd, Austin, TX, Saturday, April 25, 2026, see website
- Party in Your Park - City of San
Marcos, 630 E. Hopkins, San Marcos, TX 78666, Friday, April 24, 2026, 5-8 pm
- Lago Fest - Bar-K Park Point Pavilion, Lago Vista, TX, Saturday, April 25, 2026, 1 - 8 pm
- Celebrate Killeen Festival - 101 North College Street, Killeen, TX, Saturday, April 25, 2026, see website
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Enjoy the weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
