KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Thu, Mar 19: Third Thursday FREE ADMISSION at the Buffalo Zoo presented by M&T Bank Sat, Mar 21: DinoFEST | March 21 & 22 at Buffalo Museum of Science
Fri, Mar 27: Opening Day at Sahlen Field Buffalo Bisons vs. Scranton/WB RailRiders
Sat, Mar 28: Maple Sugar Walk at Tifft Nature Preserve
Sun, Mar 29: 2026 Bunny Treat Trail at the Buffalo Zoo Sun, Mar 29: Kids Escaping Drugs Youth Bowling Tournament
Mon, Mar 30: Knee High Naturalists: Mammals Alive! at Letchworth
Mon, Mar 30: FREE Kid's Theatre Classes by 2nd Generation Theatre Academy at Isaias Gonzalez-Soto Branch Library
Fri, Apr 3: Botanical Bunny Days at the Botanical Gardens
Sat, Apr 4: Egg Hunt at Kelkenberg Farm of Clarence
Sat, Apr 4: SEAster at the Aquarium
Tue, Apr 7: April Break Camp with Just for Kids - Sweet Home Sat, Apr 11: Kids Comedy Improv Class (Grades 4-5) at Buffalo Improv House
Sat, Apr 11: 4th annual recreational festival at Parent Network of WNY
Sat, Apr 11: Mythical Terrariums: Kids Workshop at the Botanical Gardens Tue, Apr 7: April Break Camp with Just for Kids - Williamsville at Just for Kids School Age Programs
Fri, Apr 17: An Evening with Frederick Douglass at The Buffalo History Museum
Sat, Apr 18: Family Workshop: Colorful Chemistry at Buffalo Museum of Science
Sat, Apr 18: From Line to Form Wire Sculptures (ages 11-14) at Burchfield Penney Art Center
Sun, Apr 19: 3rd Sunday Kite Fly at Gratwick Park |
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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We’re so excited to welcome the Easter Bunny back to his springtime garden home at Walden Galleria! Families are invited to get their picture taken and visit with Mr. Peter Cottontail himself, located on the lower level near the Apple
Store. Whether you’re young or old at heart, the professional photographers from Cherry Hill will capture the magic of the moment, ensuring you have cherished memories to treasure for years to come. ALL families are encouraged to reserve a time slot here: https://whereisbunny.com/mall/0847
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The Buffalo Zoo and M&T Bank are delighted to offer FREE admission to the community on select Third Thursdays! Important: Free tickets are required and must be reserved online prior to your visit. A limited number of tickets are available, with a
maximum of 10 tickets per group. Tickets for Third Thursdays will become available to claim at 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week they take place!
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Join us on March 20th for a special screening of Laika's Kubo and the Two Strings (2016). Our animation team will introduce the film and share about the historical significance of the movie. Guests are welcome to stay after the film for a discussion on
themes, animation styles, artistic choices, and more!
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There’s no better time at the Botanical Gardens than spring! The brilliantly colorful blooms of our annual Spring Flower Exhibit are sure to put a smile on your face. Experience fragrant hyacinths, vibrant daffodils, colorful tulips, and even more of your
favorite seasonal flowers. With over 30,000 blossoming bulbs throughout our conservatory, allow the sights and scents of Spring to delight you this season. Enjoy a warm spring day surrounded by sweet smelling flowers in our peaceful conservatory.
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Join us on M&T Third Friday for free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.! Discover Western New York’s rich history in more than a half-dozen exhibits, including “CONTINUUM: A HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY” and “ICONS: THE MAKERS AND MOMENTS OF BUFFALO SPORTS.”
And bring the kids for “Junior History Buffs” children’s programming from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free admission day is made possible through the generosity of M&T Bank.
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The kids are bored.. again..! What to do with YOUR Thing One and Thing 2?! Here’s an idea: Bring the whole family to the Worlds Number 1 ‘The Cat in the Hat’ show for an experience they’ll never forget. The story has been around for over 50 years and kids
still love it… just like you did! Two bored kids (This was way before iPads). One rainy day (We’ve all had a few of those) And one crazy cat wearing a red-striped hat (Where was the background check for that babysitter?!) A timeless tale with a twist—this energetic adaptation bursts onto the stage (and maybe into the aisles). Expect laughs, surprises, and just a bit of delightful disorder!
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Watch nature getting ready to rest and awaken at night as we enjoy the sun setting on a guided spring twilight hike. Advance registration required.
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If your kid or teen has a flair for the dramatic, loves to put on a show, or simply enjoys being a goofball, our teens and kids programming is perfect for them! We teach Buffalo's best improv classes! Each class is designed & taught by our world-class
faculty with years and years of experience teaching improv comedy to all ages.
You've been looking for an improv comedy class for kids and teens in Buffalo New York? Look no further!
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For DinoFEST 2026, the Buffalo Museum of Science is expanding to TWO full days of our annual celebration of dinosaurs, geology, and paleontology! Enjoy all your favorite DinoFEST activities, such as the oobleck pit, meet & greets with Spike the dinosaur
and giant foam dig pit, and check out some new experiences!
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Kody & Herren will perform live at the Central Library! Inspired by roots and folk music, Nick Kody and Lydia Herren are multi-instrumentalists, performing on guitar, violin, harmonica, mandolin, and more to create dynamic harmonies.
Free and open to the public in the Ring of Knowledge.
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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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- Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) Movie Screening: Presented by LSA - LSA - 138 Locust St, Buffalo, Friday, March 20, 6-8pm
- M&T Third Friday - Museum Court, Buffalo, Friday, March 20, 10:00am-5:00pm
- Junior History Buffs - Museum Court, Buffalo, Friday, March 20, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Book Babies - 3 Town Place, Clarence, Friday, March 20, 10:30 AM
- Free Community Art Classes - Locust Street Art - 138 Locust St, Buffalo, Saturday, March 21, Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-6:30pm, Saturday 1-5pm
- Pint-Sized Picassos at the Central
Library - Lafayette Square, Buffalo, Saturday, March 21, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
- Family Board Game Day at Kenmore Library - Delaware Road, Kenmore, Saturday, March 21, 9:30 am - 5 pm
- Planter Decorating - 280 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, Saturday, March 21, 3:00-4:30PM
- Tune the Tale - Ridge Road, Buffalo, Saturday, March 21, 11:00 AM
- Sunday Concerts @ Central: Kody & Herren - Lafayette Square, Buffalo, Sunday, March 22, 2:00PM to 3:30PM
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in WNY 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 Buffalo 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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