KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: The first time I can remember having to take a public stand on anything was in eighth grade English. We were assigned an essay on a controversial topic and told we’d present our arguments to the class. When he handed back our papers, Mr. Schmidt added a twist: no reading. We’d speak from notes. I was horrified. After school, I tried to negotiate my way out of it. “This
makes me really uncomfortable,” I told him, hoping for mercy. He looked at me over his glasses. “That’s the whole point,” he said. “To get stuff done, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t worry, you’ll live.” Mr. Schmidt was right. I didn’t die. And more important, I learned something that stuck: Discomfort isn’t a stop sign, it’s just part of the road, and all roads are bumpy. That lesson shaped how I've raised my kids, too. Karate helped
Madison and Ella distinguish between effort and injury. Long car rides taught them to rely on their own imaginations. Theater nudged them to stand however close to the spotlight they could manage, even when they’d rather disappear. And summer camps—those muddy, unpredictable, gloriously imperfect experiences—gave them countless chances to try something new and realize I can do this without the stigma that can accompany failing in other contexts. Growth rarely happens
inside the comfort zone, which is why I’m such a believer in giving kids opportunities to stretch beyond what feels easy. Summer programs are perfect for this, so that's why during "summer camp search season" we focus on showcasing the wide variety of camps and programs available in each area we serve. Here's the link to
the portal page. These days, as we approach the 25th anniversary of KidsOutAndAbout.com in June, I see that same principle playing out: The technology has changed, the business climate has changed, but the equation hasn’t. Discomfort still shows up right before something meaningful. And I still hear Mr. Schmidt’s voice in my head: Don’t worry, you’ll live.
—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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Explore 50+ detailed models of tugboats, towboats, fireboats, and barges—spanning the 1860s to today. Meet the Mystic Seaport Ship Modelers, learn about their craft, and see models of the hardworking vessels up close.
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World Frog Day is celebrated annually on March 20th to raise awareness about frogs and other amphibians, highlighting their ecological importance and the threats they face.
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ON SATURDAY-10 a.m. till 4 p.m. Come see how pure maple syrup is made with classes, tours and live demonstrations including tree tapping and sap boiling. LIVE music upstairs in the loft and pancakes! Same schedule as the Maple Festival. ON SUNDAY- March
22nd- Join us for OPEN HOUSE and have a tour, free taste sample, and purchase maple products. From 12 noon till 4 p.m.
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In the tradition of our moon cycles, four times a year the Mashantucket Pequot Museum carries on the cultural honoring and celebration of each new season in a beautiful way by welcoming guests from across the globe to experience our culture, our songs, our
food, and our way of life. Join us at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum to experience our traditional new year celebration and thanksgiving with Pequot maple syrup treats and family-friendly programming and entertainment as we create a space to experience our story with native artisans and storytellers showcasing their gifts and talents.
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Climb aboard for a 1 hour and 20-minute train ride through the beautiful Litchfield Hills as they reawaken after a cold, long winter's nap. Passengers on these trains enjoy a stop at the Bunny Patch where children will have the chance to help rescue the
Easter Bunny's rubber duck friends! All children will have the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny himself, as well as receive a chocolate-filled egg from his very own collection.
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Join us as we celebrate cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling, and poetry during Celtic Celebration. Visitors to the Village will learn about Scottish and Irish heritage, and the ways it shaped 19th century New England. During this event,
guests will have the opportunity to hear fiddle tunes, bagpipes, and music by Celtic musicians. Returning this year, Cate Mahoney and Shelley Otis will be performing on the harp. As you explore the historic Village, discover a variety of demonstrations and unique activities to participate in; play a game of Rounders, an Irish game similar to baseball, or see a character presentation about an immigrant’s experience in early 19th century Ireland and America. New this year, the Village is welcoming
a team of guest Highland Cattle for visitors to meet and learn about this iconic cattle breed.
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The Mystic Irish Parade is upon its 21st year, so join us on March 22nd in your best green & Celtic cheer!
Come and see over 2000 marchers and 100 units march down the streets of Mystic!
This year we're expecting over 40,000 spectators coming out to see!
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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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- Free Spring Mini Photo Session with Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, March 21, 2026, see link for times
- Family Programs - Yale Peabody Museum - 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, Friday, March 21, 2026, see website for specific program times
- Siberian Husky Sled Dog Meet & Greet - Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club - 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield, CT 06455, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10 am - 1 pm
- CT Maple Weekend at Sweet Wind Farm - 339 South Road, East Hartland, CT 06027, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday, March 22, 2026, 12 pm - 4 pm
- Family Programs - Yale Peabody Museum - 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, Saturday, March 22, 2026, see website for
specific program times
- Free Spring Mini Photo Session with Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, Sunday,
March 22, 2026, see link for times
- 21st Annual Mystic Irish Parade - Holmes Street, Mystic, CT, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Hartford 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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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Hartford 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 Hartford 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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