Dallas weekly e-newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: When they were handing out high school yearbook awards, some of my classmates unofficially, though cheerfully, voted me Least Likely to Become a Professional Cheerleader. I couldn’t really disagree: After all, I was a nerd before being a nerd came into fashion, much more comfortable in a library than at a pep rally. So much for teenage
predictions! Yesterday, my daughter Ella turned 25, which means KidsOutAndAbout turns 25, too. When Ella was imminent, and her sister Madison was one-and-a-half, I was realizing just how many incredible experiences for kids and families were all around us in Rochester, NY. Back then, before web calendars were a thing, finding out about stuff happening meant you had to know where to look. So during maternity leave from my old technology consulting firm, I
decided to build a place to make invisible opportunities visible, to celebrate the people who create them, and to build audiences for these great things. We’ve grown to a dedicated team of 20 people doing work that matters, serving 52 regions with 15 million readers per year and 750,000 weekly newsletter subscribers. So yes, I’m a professional cheerleader, and I love it. I love this. I love that my job is to help build an audience for the remarkable experiences
people are bringing to life. I love that our mission is to shine a light on the concerts, camps, classes, festivals, trails, museums, libraries, theaters, and local treasures large and small that become family stories and memories. Far from slowing down, we’re heading into hyper-drive for our Silver Anniversary, so stay tuned! Thank you for being part of the journey, and for giving us so much to cheer about.
—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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Ripley's Believe It or Not - Grand Prairie Get ready to experience unbelievable family fun at the fascinating Ripley’s Believe It or Not! with five awesome indoor attractions under one roof. Discover wonder in our Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium and marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts and interactive fun. Mingle with your favorite celebrities at Louis Tussaud Palace of Wax. Experience the thrill of riding the movies on our 7d moving theater or find your way through the exciting Ripley’s enchanted mirror maze with countless selfie opportunities. Last, test your skills at the all new Ripleys Power up video game experience. Ripley’s Grand Prairie is your one-stop destination for hours of family fun! $3 off Combo Ticket! https://www.ripleys.com/grandprairie/
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Rowing is one of the ultimate team sports — every athlete matters, every stroke counts. In our Learn-to-Row Camps, kids experience true teamwork as they learn to move, train, and succeed together. Campers build trust, communication skills, and confidence while working toward shared goals. It’s competitive, supportive, and incredibly rewarding. Unlike many sports, rowing creates a strong sense of belonging from day one. If your child enjoys being part of a team and wants a sport where effort and teamwork truly matter, rowing is a great fit. Enrollment is limited — reserve your spot today.
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This summer, kids can shine on stage with North Texas Performing Arts’ performing arts camps for grades K–8! Offered in Plano, Fairview, Frisco, Dallas, and Southlake, NTPA camps immerse students in acting, movement, improvisation, theatre games, choreography, and hands-on visual art. Each age-appropriate session builds creativity, confidence, and collaboration while encouraging kids to explore characters and storytelling in a fun, supportive environment. Adaptive camps are available through NTPA Deaf Theatre and NTPA Starcatchers for Deaf students and students with disabilities, ensuring every child has a place to belong. All programs are guided by NTPA’s Ten Characters leadership values. New students receive 40% off their first camp. Link: www.ntpa.org/camps
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Level up your child’s passion for gaming at Valhallan eSports Training Frisco, where fun meets skill-building in a high-energy, team-focused environment. Valhallan offers structured coaching, competitive leagues, and exciting summer camps designed to develop communication, leadership, and strategic thinking through esports. Whether your child is new to gaming or ready to compete at the next level, our programs create a positive, social space that builds confidence and community. With cutting-edge equipment and experienced coaches, Valhallan Frisco is quickly becoming the go-to destination for young gamers ready to play, learn, and win.
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More than 300 children select a unique car provided and decorated by local merchants and race 500 inches down Ballard Avenue in heats of seven. Winners receive trophies in two age brackets. The $15 entry fee includes a T-shirt, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics and the beautification of historic downtown Wylie. Presented by the Wylie Downtown Merchants Association and the City of Wylie.
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From its humble beginnings in 1969, the Cottonwood Art Festival has developed into one of the most prestigious fine art festivals in the United States. Local artists staged their first festival at the scenic Cottonwood Park in Richardson, Texas. It was all tie-dye, bell-bottoms and braids back then where the artists laid down blankets and set up easels with the hopes of selling a few pieces of art. Since that first weekend nearly five decades later, Cottonwood has established itself as signature art event, become a tradition in the community and the home to the finest artists in the country for the first weekend of May and October.
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Wander through a luminous world of imagination and see the wild in a whole new glow. Explore larger-than-life lanterns and towering sculptures inspired by wildlife and nature. Along the way, immerse yourself in captivating performances and interactive experiences – making each night an illuminating adventure!
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Knights, nonsense and killer rabbits! Spamalot gallops into Bass Hall April 28-May 3. It’s comedy on a legendary scale!
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It's time to Chalk the Walk! Bring the sidewalks of Campbell Green Rec to life with your very own art. Bring the whole family together, get creative and leave your beautiful mark on the community!
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Mark your calendars! Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is almost here. On the first Saturday in May, May 2, comic shops across the country will be celebrating one of the best days of the year for fans. It’s your chance to grab free comics, discover new stories, and connect with your local community of fans and creators. This year’s lineup is packed with support from some of the biggest names in comics. Here’s the initial line up of comic publishers: Archie Comics, DC Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Image Comics, Mad Cave Studios, Oni Press, Titan Comics, Udon Entertainment and Vault Comics! There will be a story for every kind of reader.
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Join us for the Highland Village Art Festival where we'll have displays from over 30 outstanding gallery quality artists, artist demonstrations, live music and entertainment, and interactive children’s art activities.
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Join us for the 22nd annual Plano AsiaFest on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Enjoy Asian performances, Asian food, martial arts, vendor booths, and more!
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Join us for our Cinco de Mayo Celebration! Enjoy music, games, arts & crafts, and MORE! Free entry.
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Celebrate National Space Day at the Perot Museum with hands-on activities across every floor. Design a spacesuit, program a Mars rover, build a moon base, and explore how science and imagination power space exploration. Enjoy an out-of-this-world day of discovery for all ages, plus themed specials at the Museum Café to fuel your visit. All activities are included with general admission and available for one day only on Friday, May 1.
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Experience the thrill of live music mixed with summer fun and unforgettable performances at the Agora Music Fest Concert Series at the Commons at Agora! Each concert will feature a different genre, performed by unique local artists. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the park as we have a great line up for you! Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note, no outside alcohol, coolers, or glass are permitted inside the park. Band Line-Up
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Enjoy an evening of great tunes and great times at Old Town Party on the Lawn! Sing and dance with family and friends to favorite hits, performed by Limelight, while the kiddos enjoy the Old Town Playground and splash in the Main Street Interactive Fountain. Food trucks will include Jewel's Kitchen, Love Song Kitchen, and Pink Oasis.
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- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Dallas - Fort Worth - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 05/01/2026 to 05/03/2026, See link for times
- Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Lancaster Recreation Center, Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lancaster, TX, USA, 05/01/2026, 4-6 pm
- Movie Night in The District - PGA
District, PGA Parkway, Frisco, TX, USA, 05/01/2026, 7-9 pm
- Old Town Party on the Lawn - Coppell Old Town Pavilion, 768 W Main St, Coppell, TX, USA, 05/01/2026, 7-9 pm
- Agora Music Fest - Commons at Agora, Agora Way, Corinth, TX, USA, 05/01/2026, Park opens at 6 pm | Concert begins at 7 pm
- Mimesis BFA Thesis Exhibition Opening Reception - Nazareth Arts Center Gallery, 05/01/2026 to
05/03/2026, 5-7 p.m. Opening reception May 1
- Cottonwood Art Festival - Cottonwood Park, West Belt Line Road, Richardson, TX, USA, 05/02/2026 to 05/03/2026, Saturday, May 2 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- AsiaFest: Plano Asian American Heritage Festival - Haggard Park, East 15th Street, Plano, TX, USA, 05/02/2026, 11 am- 5 pm
- Highland Village Art
Festival - The Shops at Highland Village, Shoal Creek, Highland Village, TX, USA, 05/02/2026, 10 am- 6 pm
- Free Comic Book Day 2026 - Free Comic Book Day, Multiple locations, 05/02/2026, see store location for hours
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Dallas 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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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Dallas 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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