KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Tue, Jul 7: Nature Hike: Trash Clean Up
Thu, Jul 9: Messy Maestros
Thu, Jul 9: Grounds Tour at Fort Defiance
Sat, Jul 11: Charlotte Knights Home Game
Sat, Jul 11: A Beach Ball Bash! - Main Street Children's Museum
Mon, Jul 13: Fruity Pickin' Storytime: Peaches - Millstone Creek Orchards
Thu, Jul 16: Swanee Children's Theatre Series - Cat in the Hat
Fri, Jul 17: Free Village Park Movie Series
Sat, Jul 18: Charlotte Black Pride Festival 2026
Sat, Jul 18: Concerts @ the Circles
Sat, Jul 25: Fire & Ice Science Shows
Sat, Aug 1: SouthEast Crab Feast 2026 - Charlotte, NC
Tue, Aug 4: National Night Out 2026 - Town of Indian Trail
Fri, Aug 7: Movies in the Park 2026: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at Veterans Park
Sun, Aug 9: Charlotte Pride Interfaith Service
Sat, Aug 15: End of Summer BBQ Bash - Flour Power Style!
Sun, Aug 23: Kids Jellyfish Terrarium Workshop at PlantHouse
Sat, Aug 29: Jiggling Jellyfishes - Main Street Children's
Museum |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a kid, a giant azalea bush stretched across our backyard, exploding into glorious pink blossoms in early May. In summer, it became something even better: a secret hideout that my sister and I named the Humble Abode. We hollowed out the dead branches behind the bush and dragged in little chairs and treasures and our dollhouse family. The Humble Abode barely qualified as
a fort, and it wasn't even secret; I'm sure my parents knew when we were back there. But it was a great kids-only space. A few weeks ago, I wrote about five summer lenses through which to plan summer: music, motion, making, nature, and food. Making—the lens for this week—reminds kids that they are not merely consumers of the world, but contributors to it. They can push value into existence. They can turn sticks, cardboard, fabric, tape, mud, blocks, gears,
sand, and flour into something that wasn’t there before. Especially for younger kids, making with the hands gives the brain evidence. I did that. I made that. I can make things happen. Summer is perfect for this because summer has time and room for mess. Pull out the science kits, the rocket kits, the LEGO bins, the soap-making sets that arrived at Christmas and then sat politely in the closet. "Upcycle" old boxes, fabric, toys, crayons, paint, buttons.
Let your kids build backyard forts, fairy houses, marble runs, cardboard cities, obstacle courses, blanket tents, museum towers, and whatever else the day and their imagination suggest. Of course, glue will drip. Sand will migrate. The kitchen table may briefly disappear under invention. (If the clutter gets overwhelming, consider a trip or two to your local science museum or maker space to save your sanity.) After all, you can’t make omelets without breaking eggs. And
you can’t make a maker without giving a child some space, some tools, some trust, and permission to begin.
—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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Please join us in 2026 for the Annual Harrisburg July 4th Celebration! The 2026 Celebration will feature amusements, live music, and TWO nights of spectacular fireworks! Harrisburg Park is located at 191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg NC 28075. Please review the park and walk locations and shuttle service available prior to coming. Entry to the event is free.
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Join us on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, as Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality once again lights up the night sky in a dazzling display of color and excitement. Come One, Come All! This event is open to all residents and visitors of Statesville. Join us as we celebrate our community with a night full of awe and wonder. We can't wait to see you there!
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All makes and models are welcome (and encouraged!) to meet up at the Garden Pavilion parking lot to show off their rides and chat with fellow enthusiasts. This is a family friendly meet and no pre-registration is required. Participants who bring a vehicle will receive a buy one get one free voucher valid for day-of entry into The Gardens. Members will receive a 30 day extension on their membership for participating. (Must check in to the event on arrival to receive coupon or extension.) Plus, let The Trailhead Store know you participated in Cars + Coffee for a discount on your drink!
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Join us for Eagle Extravaganza on the Raptor Trail on Friday, July 3, 2026, as we celebrate America 250 with an unforgettable day honoring the Bald Eagle, our national symbol and a powerful story of resilience and conservation. Experience exciting activities for all ages, including an awe-inspiring Bald Eagle feeding, a thrilling Bird Show, and engaging Keeper Chats that bring to life the history of eagles in America. Discover how Bald Eagles became a symbol of the nation in 1782, faced near extinction, and made an incredible comeback through conservation efforts, an inspiring reflection of the American spirit as we approach the country’s 250th anniversary. Explore interactive stations and activities throughout the trail, with games, water play, and creative fun for kids. From…
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Celebrate the Fourth of July at Old Salem! Did you know the first official Fourth of July Celebration in North Carolina was held in Old Salem? In 1783, Governor Alexander Martin proclaimed July 4th a day of thanksgiving and peace, and Salem residents gathered for food, fellowship, and festivities. This year, we invite you to be part of that tradition. Join us for a full day of music, history, and hands-on experiences as we welcome visitors of all ages to commemorate Independence Day at the site of North Carolina’s very first July 4th celebration.
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Happy 250th Birthday America! The City of Kings Mountain hosts Revolutionary 4th to celebrate not only our country’s independence but the role the area of Kings Mountain played in the Colonial Patriot’s victory over the British during the Revolutionary War. Join us July 4th as the City of Kings Mountain welcomes the Crystal Aria Band to the Neisler Stage and performances from the Loch Norman Pipe Band. Children’s activities and attractions will include, inflatable bounce houses, face painting, a balloon artist, and more. Food vendors will be on hand to offer savory meals as well as sweet concessions. Patriotic opening ceremonies will be followed by an exciting performance of the final moments of the Battle of Kings Mountain by the cast members of Liberty Mountain. At dark, one of…
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Celebrate Independence Day with the Museum of the Waxhaws from 12 pm – 4 pm as we honor America’s 250th anniversary in true patriotic fashion! Watch for us in the Town of Waxhaw’s July 4th Parade, then follow us back to the museum for an afternoon filled with living history, special presentations, and hands-on demonstrations. Experience a powerful reading of the Declaration of Independence, enjoy kids’ crafts, and take part in family-friendly activities that bring our nation’s story to life. There’s no better way to celebrate 250 years of freedom, sacrifice, and independence!
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Celebrate Independence Day at the Town of Waxhaw’s annual July 4th Parade! Enjoy a patriotic procession through downtown featuring festive floats, community groups, music, and red, white, and blue spirit as we come together to honor our nation and celebrate as a community. Bring your family, line the streets, and join us for this beloved Waxhaw tradition.
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Nothing says SUMMER like an amusement park! Charlotte parents have lots of options! If there is a resource that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly. Thank you!
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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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