KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The February my daughter Ella was 1, she caught a cold that lingered for months. There were short stretches of relief, but mostly there was congestion, disrupted sleep, and a level of crankiness that turned my sunny baby into someone I barely recognized. The clouds around her felt constant, and one day, I caught myself labeling her in my head as “the crabby one.” But of course,
if I had a perpetually runny nose and no way to manage it, I’d be irritable, too! I needed to remember this wasn’t her personality, it was a season. What we needed to get through it was distraction: something fun to do "right now" and also fun things to anticipate. Aside from those who live in paradise pockets like San Diego, most of our readers are in the thick of a particularly dreary winter. The world feels heavy and gray, energy runs low, and
it’s easy to fixate on how dispirited we feel. But we need to remember that this isn't our personality, it's a season. What we need to get through it is distraction in the moment and also something positive we can place on our horizon. My family is counting down to the March 20 release of Project Hail Mary, which stars Ryan Gosling. The movie is based on the novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian. You don't have to be a science nerd to love Weir's books
(although science nerds DO love Weir's books), because in all of them, the real hero is human ingenuity—curiosity, flexible thinking, doing what needs to be done even in extreme circumstances. When things are going awry, the answer isn’t despair, it’s problem-solving, and I always emerge from a Weir book feeling spiritually lighter. While I immerse myself in Weir and Gosling, you, of course, should do YOU! Let the art or sport that grabs you and your kids be your launch ticket
to optimism now, and lift you to fun in the future. We're glad to provide the fuel!
—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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Charlotte’s largest and most organized children’s consignment sale has been outfitting families across the Southeast for 15 years, drawing shoppers from as far as Maryland and Tennessee for a can’t‑miss shopping frenzy. Filling 80,000 square feet at
Independence Hall in the Park Expo & Conference Center, the sale features more than 100,000 items—clothing, toys, baby gear, books, furniture, and more—enough clothing to stretch over half a mile on a single rack. Consignors earn 60–78% of sales, far more than typical shops. With free parking, free admission, VIP presale options, and payment flexibility, TTB KidZ is the ultimate one‑stop seasonal shop.
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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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History, drama, and music come to life at Beethoven Lives Upstairs! Join the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, February 28 at Knight Theater for a one-hour family matinee full of Beethoven's incredible music. In the theatrical concert, young
Christoph learns about Beethoven's life through letters from his uncle as Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees and the CSO perform Moonlight Sonata, Für Elise, the great Fifth and Ninth Symphonies, and more. The music is magically woven into the drama based on true incidents from the extraordinary composer's life.
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Welcome to Family Madrigal! Join the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience at Encanto in Concert on March 20 & 21. Telling the tale of an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Colombia, the
entire feature-length Disney movie plays on the big screen at Belk Theater while the CSO performs the score live on stage.
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This year’s African American Heritage Festival explores the theme Red, White, Blue, and Black, highlighting the often-overlooked stories of Black military service throughout American history. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’ll
examine how African American service members have shaped, and been shaped by, the nation they served. Join us for a full day of thought-provoking panels, engaging speakers, powerful performances, vibrant art, and local vendors and organizations, all centered around the legacy of Black military contributions. From the Revolution to present day, we’ll reflect on themes of service, sacrifice, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality. Free with museum admission. All are welcome to attend and
take part in this celebration of heritage,…
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NASCAR Hall of Fame invites Girl Scouts to join us for a day of STEM exploration and engineering. Join us for our 2nd Girl Scout Badge Day at the NASCAR Hall of Fame! Each scout level will earn at least two badges during this immersive STEM and engineering
experience. Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors will earn badges in Automotive Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors will earn badges in Think Like an Engineer and STEM Careers. Scouts will also participate in a specialized Find, Discover, and Try challenge as they explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Leaders, scouts, and families are welcome!
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Step into the stories of two world-changing conflicts as reenactors, historians, and immersive displays bring the World Wars to life. From trenches to home front, from uniforms to equipment, experience a full day of hands-on learning and powerful tribute to
the courage that defined a century. History comes alive—don’t miss it.
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Every child deserves a chance to have fun. At Chuck E. Cheese Pineville, Sensory Sensitive Sundays are special hours designed to provide children with sensory sensitivities and their families a quieter, more comfortable experience. With dimmed lighting,
reduced noise levels, and a calm atmosphere, we’ve made it easier for everyone to enjoy our games, food, and activities in a setting that feels just right. During Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese Pineville, our game room transforms into a quieter, more soothing space where children with sensory sensitivities can enjoy all their favorite games without the overwhelming sights and sounds. The team at Chuck E. Cheese Pineville understands the unique needs of sensory-sensitive children
and is committed to providing thoughtful…
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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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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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- SCNP: Friday Fire and S'mores (drop-in) - 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Upper School Shadow Day - Salisbury Academy - Jake Alexander Boulevard North, Salisbury, NC, Friday, February 27, 2026, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- BHM Loft
Scavenger Hunt: Black Artists, Innovators, & Visionaries! - ImaginOn - East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC, Friday, February 27, 2026 to Saturday, February 28, 2026, All day
- Teen Take and Makes: Heart Wreaths - Hickory Grove Library - 5935 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28215, Friday, February 27,
2026 to Saturday, February 28, 2026, All day
- BOBFEST - 3rd Avenue Northeast, Hickory, NC, Saturday, February 28,
2026, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Celebrate, Elevate & Thrive Together: A Black History Month Family Experience - Sugar Creek Library - 4045 North Tryon Street suite a, Charlotte, NC 28206, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:15 AM to 3:00 PM
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CSAs are becoming more popular each year! Farm-to-table fresh weekly produce is a wonderful option for families, to connect kids with what they eat and the wider community.This is KidsOutAndAbout's big list of local community-supported agriculture.
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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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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Charlotte area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Charlotte Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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