KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Thu, Jun 25: River Jam - United States National Whitewater Center
Fri, Jun 26: Charlotte Knights Home Game
Fri, Jun 26: Fire & Ice Science Shows
Sat, Jun 27: Summer
Sparks! Robot Building Sessions
Sat, Jun 27: schleich® Stars & Stripes Bag Tag Make & Take at Blackhawk Hardware
Fri, Jul 3: 2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
Fri, Jul 3: Town of Harrisburg 2026 July 4th Celebration
Sat, Jul 4: Miles for Museums Summer Passport Program
Sat, Jul 11: Creative Movement Class - Saturdays
Wed, Jul 15: Learning for Littles - Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Fri, Jul 17: Free Village Park Movie Series
Sat, Jul 18: Free Stories Under the Stars Series |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: I’m a sucker for songs in 6/8 time, no matter the music style. I don’t know why that ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six swinging rhythm so captures me whether it’s fast or slow, but there’s no denying that it does. And I might not even notice this rhythm, but for one little fact: I’m a thoroughly mediocre cellist. I took cello lessons from age 8 to age 14; during
those years, I graduated from “truly bad” to “moderately acceptable,” at least acceptable enough to play in orchestras where my individual sound would be drowned out by the better kids’ playing. But even as unskilled as I was, I know I am happier as an adult for having played: I can understand music from the inside. I hear patterns and styles and instruments with far different ears than I would have had I not studied music early in life. Understanding what makes your heart sing helps
you be on the lookout for more, and that makes your life better. Summer is the perfect season to help kids grow their ears. Yes, check out the big open-air concerts from your local orchestra, municipal band, or jazz ensemble. But also keep an active ear out for the smaller stuff: free concerts in parks, weekly community series, festivals, buskers, church lawn performances, library gigs, and whatever band happens to be playing near the funnel cakes. When you hear something,
name it: bluegrass, salsa, soul, swing, zydeco, classical, funk, folk, rock, rap, mariachi. Kids don’t have to like everything, but knowing the names of things helps them understand what they do like, and gives them handles for finding more of it later. A couple of tips: If you know you're headed in the direction of something new, play a sample of the style before you leave so kids have a hook on which to hang the experience. While you’re there, help them notice one thing: the
bass line, the drummer, the singer’s breathing, the way people move. That will help the music swirl around in their minds long after the last note fades. Remember, music isn’t only on stages. It’s in carousels, movie scores, worship services, elevators, malls, ballparks, and the ice cream truck coming around the corner. So as tour guide to your kids’ universe, don’t ignore the invisible! Point your ears toward the music, tune everyone's radar, and grow.
—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. |
Please click through to our 2026 survey to vote for your top 3 places to take kids... it will be used to compile our 2026 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Charlotte area. Voting is live through June 20; believe me, winning a place on the Top 20 list matters to the people
who create amazing family-friendly experiences. Take 3 minutes to choose your favorites as your way of saying thank you... and use the list to build your summer bucket list at the same time! |
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Take a break from the heat and walk around inside the Visitor Center reading Floyd Cooper’s Juneteenth for Mazie that we be posted on the walls. We will also have a make your own Juneteenth Flag craft station set up the 19th! Juneteenth for Mazie was written by Floyd Cooper published by Picture Windows Books 2015. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont.
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Join us and 150+ vendors, food trucks, resources and local businesses to celebrate diversity in our community. We’ll have vendors from Journeyman all the way down to Main St. This event is family friendly and for all ages. Visit our Kid Zone inside at The Gathering Space!
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Join us for a family-friendly Juneteenth Celebration and Lawn Concert at Veteran's Park sponsored by Huntersville Parks & Recreation! Dear Soul Music Co. partnered with Huntersville Parks and Rec presents the Juneteenth Celebration at Veteran's Park! All ages welcome! Enjoy a free concert with food trucks and inflatables for children. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a great family-friendly time!
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Join us at North County Regional Library for a special Father’s Day celebration honoring the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who make a difference in our lives. Families are invited to enjoy a meaningful afternoon together as we recognize and celebrate the impact of dads in our community. Participants will create a heartfelt Father’s Day craft—perfect as a keepsake or gift—while spending quality time together. The celebration will also feature an inspiring message from a local community leader, sharing reflections on fatherhood, mentorship, and the importance of strong family connections. Bring the whole family and help us celebrate the fathers and father figures who lead, support, and inspire every day. Program is for school aged children and the father/father-figures…
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Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This day commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. Come celebrate our third annual hosting of Juneteenth festivities with performances, vendors, crafts, children's activities and educational opportunities!
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Whether you arrive as an airship captain, inventor, aristocrat, time traveler, or masked rebel… the night awaits you! This special night is for High schoolers, both LGBTQ+ and Allies to celebrate, dance, and be themselves in a safe, welcoming, and affirming space. Wear what makes you feel amazing! Formalwear, casual, or themed outfits – it’s your night to shine. There will be music, food, dancing, Photo Booths, and plenty of magical moments. Let’s make some memories, honor who we are, and celebrate Pride!
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Join us for an unforgettable Kids Night Out where the kitchen transforms into a stage and a battlefield! Inspired by the world of K-Pop stardom and demon-slaying adventures, young chefs will cook delicious dishes including Pattern Pizza, HUNTR/X Vanilla Cupcake Microphones, and Rumi's Tonic Smoothies. Let’s cook, create, and slay the kitchen stage while grooving to K-Pop hits!
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Participants will embark on a self-guided or team-based "Freedom Quest" through the library. Using clues hidden throughout the building, they will visit multiple stations that tell the story of Juneteenth, from enslavement to emancipation and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality. Participants collect stamps, stickers, or code words at each station. Once all stations are completed, they unlock the final Geocache and receive a commemorative prize.
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Thousands join us each June for an evening with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Bailey Road Park Bandshell. Patriotic, classical and pops performances are followed by a thrilling fireworks display (weather permitting). Parking and admission are free.
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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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Shop local this summer at Millstone Creek Orchards’ Summer Outdoor Markets - one Saturday per month - for a day of community, creativity, and a diverse vendor market featuring an array of talented crafters and artisans. Coinciding with the Eastern Randolph Farmers Market, our markets will offer everything from jewelry, clothing, bath & body products to home decor, fresh produce & more. In addition to summer shopping, we'll also have seasonal donuts, playground & picnic areas available, u-pick fruit (as available), and other fun activities.
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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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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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The Charlotte Area's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Listed below are farms in and near Charlotte that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. And... to make the most of your experience, check out
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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