KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Wed, May 13: Kids in the Woods: Voyagers
Sat, May 16: Battle of Alamance Reenactment: 255th Anniversary Commemoration
Wed, May 20: Gluten Free Mexican Fiesta (Special Needs Class) - Flour Power Cooking Studios Charlotte Rea Farms
Fri, May 22: Family Campout - Town of Cornelius Parks & Recreation
Wed, May 27: Free Wednesday Evenings - The Mint Museum Uptown
Wed, May
27: SCNP: World Otter Day (drop-in)
Wed, Jun 3: Juneteenth Celebration and Storywalk© - Lake Norman State
Park
Sun, Jun 7: Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Charlotte
Sun, Jun 7: Sensory
Sensitive Sundays™ at Chuck E. Cheese Pineville
Thu, Jun 11: Swanee Children's Theatre Series - Peter Pan
Mon, Jun 15: Super Terrific Fun Camp at Sports Connection Ballantyne |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: There’s a sign on the New York State Thruway heading west that marks 70 miles to where I live. For Rochesterians driving back to Western New York from the east or southeast, that marker elicits both a sigh of relief and a groan: You’re close, especially relative to where you started. But in that final stretch, each mile is somehow psychologically
longer. Over the years, this became a useful metaphor in my family: You're pushing through to the end of a project, you'd love to see the finish line, but the murky distance between you and that goal is in your way. "Ugh, it's those last 70 miles," one of us will say to the person suffering, and we'll all nod sympathetically. At this time of year, families with kids in school are experiencing those last 70 miles: The end of the school year is in sight, yet
not quite here. The energy reserves are low, and the end point seems stuck in the distance. We feel like we’re sprinting but not getting closer fast enough. As in any journey, that’s precisely when it’s worth keeping in mind that these last miles may feel long, but they’re also the most meaningful: They become the lens through which we look back at the whole experience, so these final steps really count. Remembering this can provide the last surge of energy to press
forward. So whatever final 70 miles you and your kids are facing, remind yourself and the people traveling with you that if you put your best self into it now, the rewards will feel sweeter, and the memories of success will help fuel you next time. You’re on the last leg. You're almost there. And you have lots of company.
—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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Unforgettable Birthday Parties & Family Fun at Spare Time Entertainment! Spare Time Entertainment is the ultimate destination for kids to be kids! Our mission is to Create Memorable Experiences, and when you host a party with us, we’ll go out of our way to create an unforgettable memory for your family and friends. Each of our four customizable birthday party packages include: Tons of Activities including Bowling, Laser Tag, Game Zone, and more. Hand-Tossed Pizza and Soft Drinks Celebratory Place Settings, Lights, and Music Dedicated Party Host This year, let our team handle all the hard work while you kick back, relax, and enjoy the celebration! Spare Time Pineville - 9600 Pineville-Matthews Road, Pineville NC 28134 https://www.sparetimeentertainment.com/pineville/ Spare Time…
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Looking for a summer camp that builds confidence, communication, and creativity without sunscreen or bug spray? Over the Counter Improv's Teen Leadership Camp is a hilarious, high-energy indoor adventure designed for ages 12–18! Teens will sharpen public speaking, teamwork, and quick thinking through fast-paced improv games and right-brain training led by founders Paul and Kelly, experienced educators who’ve worked with over 100,000 students and professionals nationwide. This program goes way beyond the stage, it's about building leadership skills that last a lifetime. The week wraps up with a special interactive showcase on Friday, June 19, from 3:00–4:00 PM, where campers will share their newfound talents with family and friends. Educational, empowering, and full of laughs.
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Skip the glitter glue—this is real art camp. Small Hands Big Art Summer Camps give kids a true fine-art experience—not a one-size-fits-all craft camp. In our Mixed Media Art Camps, young artists explore painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, collage, and pastels while learning how artists think, experiment, and bring ideas to life. In our Pottery Camps, kids build, shape, and spin real clay using handbuilding techniques (and even try the pottery wheel at our Waverly studio!). Every project is thoughtfully guided by experienced art educators and designed to build confidence, creativity, and independence. Choose half-day Art or Pottery camps, or our popular full-day Art + Pottery combo. Ages 4–12. Small Hands Big Art - Waverly Small Hands Big Art - Fort Mill
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Young Adventurers Camp offers a nurturing environment for early learners, with themed activities, water days, crafts, field trips, lunch, and optional rest time. Traditional Camp provides K–8 campers a classic summer filled with activities, trips, treats, and flexible schedules, plus leadership opportunities and optional tutoring. Specialty Camps for grades 1–8 deliver immersive, week-long experiences in cooking, STEM, coding, arts, music, and theater. Athletic Adventurers Camps keep K–8 campers active through sports programs led by skilled coaches. All camps emphasize fun, growth, and confidence, with full-day options including meals and engaging experiences tailored to each child’s interests and developmental level.
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This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to a relaxed, love-filled picnic surrounded by her favorite people and the beauty of spring. This special outing includes a cozy picnic setup complete with a tablecloth blanket and umbrella, all overlooking our peaceful waterfront. With stunning views and time together, it’s the perfect way to make her feel special. To make the day effortless (and delicious!), pre-order from our Cider House spring menu and we’ll deliver your selections straight to your picnic spot after check-in. From mouthwatering flatbreads to irresistible sandwiches and seasonal favorites, we've got your celebration covered.
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An unforgettable journey of enduring love and triumph over adversity, The Color Purple is a landmark musical from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. This epic story follows Celie, a young African American woman who courageously navigates a life marked by abuse and discrimination to discover the strength to break free and find her own voice. The Grammy-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues promises to fill your heart and awaken your soul.
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Join us for the sweetest day on the farm as we celebrate all the amazing moms! Spend the day shopping, sipping, and making memories in the prettiest spring setting! There will be fresh flowers, live music all day, local vendors, permanent jewelry, a trucker hat bar, you-pick strawberries, a food truck, coffee cart, charcuterie, and adult beverages. Bring your mom, your besties, the kids, or come treat yourself — this is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend in a fun, relaxed, and beautiful atmosphere! Join us for this free family friendly event!
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Join us for Breakfast with the Birds, a special program at the Carolina Raptor Center. This ticketed event offers early access to the Raptor Trail, where you'll enjoy a continental breakfast and an exclusive program with an avian ambassador. Our expert staff will share insights on preparing food for the birds, and you can watch the birds enjoy their breakfast, too. Discover the fascinating world of avian ambassadors, learn about their diets, and enjoy a delightful morning surrounded by nature. It's an opportunity for families and individuals of all ages to connect with our winged friends. Don't miss out on Breakfast with the Birds at the Carolina Raptor Center – a memorable adventure awaits!
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- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Charlotte - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 05/08/2026 to 05/10/2026, See link for times
- Best Dam Food Festival Tega Cay - Catawba Park 2351 New Gray Rock Road, Tega Cay 29708, 05/09/2026, 2:00 pm to 10 pm
- SCNP: Endangered Species Day
(drop-in) - 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, United States, 05/09/2026, 10:00am to Noon
- CSO Roadshow @ Música con Amigos - Charlotte Symphony Orchestra - Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Latin American Coalition, Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC,
USA, 05/09/2026, 4 pm
- Super Saturday Monthly Doll & Toy Sales - First Community Center of Spencer at 215 5th St. Spencer, NC 28159, 05/09/2026, 10:00AM to 2:00PM
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Charlotte 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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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Charlotte 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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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Charlotte 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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