KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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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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When school is out, creativity is in full swing at Children’s Art Classes Summer Camps! Each week offers an immersive, hands-on experience where young artists explore drawing, painting, anime, clay, and more. From technique-focused intensives to mixed-media adventures, there’s something for every interest and skill level. Campers will love our fun, themed weeks like “The Artful Axolotl” and a whimsical Dr. Seuss-inspired experience. With engaging projects, supportive instruction, and plenty of imagination, your child will build confidence while creating artwork they’re proud of. Join us for a summer filled with color, creativity, and unforgettable artistic exploration!
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Javier Aguilar, with his incomparable voice, will pay tribute to mothers in a special Mother’s Day concert, filled with the best classical repertoire for the occasion.
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Experience live glassblowing as artists shape 2100-degree molten glass at SiNaCa Studios’ Open Studios Night. This free, family-friendly event features the creation of a unique ice cream-themed glass piggy bank inspired by a community design contest. Stop by anytime to watch the process up close and see art come to life.
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Join us for a sweet morning of connection, laughter, and play at My Gym! Our Muffins with Mom Playdate is all about celebrating those special moments between moms and their kiddos. We’ll kick things off with guided games, music, and fun activities designed for you to jump in, play, and make memories together—then wrap it all up with muffins and a little time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. All families are welcome!
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Step into a twisted fairy tale where your favorite storybook villains collide in a mystery full of secrets, schemes, and suspicious alibis. Rotten Apples blends the intrigue of a classic whodunit with the mischief of familiar fairy tale characters—where no one is as innocent (or as guilty) as they seem. Perfect for fans of mystery and fairy tale fun, Rotten Apples is a delightfully wicked theatrical experience you won’t want to miss!
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Kids love using their creativity to make their parents a card. Dads, or Moms, stop at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center to make a Mother's Day card to surprise you on Sunday. Mother's receive free admission.
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The Burleson Fire Department, Burleson Police Department and Texas Health Burleson are teaming up to bring you the ultimate family-friendly event. Learn crucial safety tips for pool and sun, home, bike, and fire — all while the kids have a BLAST.
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Made-for-Mom Camp is the perfect Mother’s Day drop-off experience where kids create heartfelt, handmade gifts just for Mom! Campers will explore their creativity through fun, guided crafts and hands-on activities designed to make meaningful keepsakes. While kids are busy making surprises, parents can enjoy a little well-deserved time to themselves. At the end of camp, children will leave excited and proud, ready to celebrate Mom with something made from the heart.
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Where Big Trucks Meet Big Fun! Touch A Truck is a free, family-friendly community event where kids can get up close with the big vehicles they love most. Ever wanted to climb into the driver’s seat of a fire truck or police car? Now’s your opportunity! From emergency response vehicles to heavy machinery, children can explore, climb aboard, and learn how these impressive vehicles help keep Trophy Club running every day.
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Give Mom a great day with FREE admission on her special day! Mom will get a special Superhero cape and enjoy great deals all day long on specialty cocktails including Mimosas.
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Join us this Mother’s Day for a special pay-what-you-can brunch. Chef Jeff and the team will prepare a special menu with some of your favorites and new soon-to-be favorites. Each will be prepared and served by our team of volunteers. Everyone is welcome regardless of means.
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Here we go again – we’re bringing Mamma Mia! back to the big screen to help celebrate Mother's Day! Mom will feel like a Dancing Queen when you treat her to a fabulous buffet – Hickory Smoked Brisket, Honey Cured Hickory Smoked Ham, Pancakes, Avocado Toast and more – and a showing of the 2008 smash musical.
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Looking for something fun and different to do for Mother’s Day this year? Bring Mom out to the farm for a day full of animals! Sunday, May 10th 9am-6pm. Admission required, animal feed included with admission, under 2 is free. Pay at the gate, no reservations needed. Free mimosas & mocktails (while supplies last), Interactive petting zoo with farm & exotic animals, Fun farm activities for all ages, and Playground & bounce houses for the kids.
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- Free Demonstrations - Open Studios Night - SiNaCa Studios, West Magnolia Avenue, Fort Worth, TX, Friday, May 8, 2026, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Touch A Truck - Independence Park East, 500 Parkview Drive, Trophy Club, TX, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Sensory-Friendly)
- Super Safety
Saturday - Texas Health Neighborhood Care & Wellness Burleson, 2750 SW Wilshire Blvd, Burleson, TX, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am - 12 pm
- Spring Event - Mother's Day Tea Party - Thomas Place Community Center, 4237 Lafayette Ave, Fort Worth, TX, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10 am - 12
pm
- Spring Event - Mother's Day Celebration - 4900 Horne St, Fort Worth, TX, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 12 - 3 pm
- Mother's Day Outing - Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, West Renfro Street, Burleson, TX, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 5 - 7 pm
- Movies in the Park - Doubletree Ranch Park, Highland Village Road, Highland Village, TX, Friday, May 8, 2026, Movie starts at civil twilight
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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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