KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Mon, Jun 22: Pollinator Week at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Wed, Jun 24: The Next Girl Up Summer Tour: HARTFORD
Wed, Jun 24: Firefly Frolic at Roaring Brook Nature Center
Fri, Jun 26: 2026 Wooden Boat Show at Mystic Seaport Museum
Sat, Jun 27: Lyman Orchards Raspberry Festival
Sat, Jun 27: 2026 Mystic Pride - Downtown Mystic CT - Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Fri, Jul 3: Opening Night Pickle Festival - Bozrah Farmer's Market
Sat, Jul 18: 2026 U.S. Classic - USA Gymnastics at XL Center
Fri, Jul 24: Old Lyme's Midsummer Festival
Wed, Jul 29: The Next Girl Up Summer Tour: NEW HAVEN
Sat, Aug 1: Nature Awareness Family Program at Indian Rock Nature Preserve |
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 Hartford 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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Connecticut Ballet’s June 20th 2:00pm: FAMILY MATINEE AT THE BALLET is a perfect opportunity to introduce your family to the magical world of professional ballet. Narrated by Artistic Director Brett Raphael and patterned after Leonard Bernstein’s famous New York Philharmonic Young People’s Concerts in the 1960s, the performance will focus on the unique life of a professional ballet dancer and sample some of the great story ballets. The 75-minute program is suitable for children ages 4-14. All seats are $35 plus ticket service fees.
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This Father's Day, give Dad a day where he can be a kid. Dads get FREE admission for a day packed with exploration, curiosity, and family fun. Dive into Sharks, open for a limited time, and discover the all-new KidSpace Outdoors, designed for children ages 6 and under. With more than 165 hands-on exhibits, a rooftop garden open weather permitting, and plenty of opportunities to learn, play, and discover together, it's an easy way to make the day memorable and celebrate Dad with a day that's anything but ordinary.
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On June 19, 2026, we will commemorate and explore the history, resilience, and culture of Black people in America. We encourage visitors to consider the historical and present-day significance of Juneteenth through interactions with guest speakers and performers as well as Old Sturbridge Village’s costumed educators. Engage in discussions and ask yourself “what can I do to further educate myself?” about the past and how it informs the present day.
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The Town of Cromwell Farmers Market is held on Friday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. at Riverport Park beginning on Friday, June 5 and running through Friday, September 4. The beautiful Riverport Park is conveniently located on the Connecticut River at the junction of Route 9. The Town of Cromwell Farmers Market aims to support the local economy, enrich the quality of life in our Town, and promote the public health and environmental benefits of eating local.
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Commemorate Juneteenth at Mystic Seaport Museum with tours of the schooner Amistad, live music, family activities, and presentations exploring freedom, resilience, and maritime history. Admission is free after 2:30 p.m. on June 19; programming runs 3:00–5:00 p.m.
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Head downtown to celebrate the last day of school with us at our Summer Block Party! We'll be shutting down Wilbur Cross Way and having some good ol' fashioned fun: Yard games, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and more! Grab your dinner to-go at your favorite Downtown Storrs restaurant and bring it to the street, and mix and mingle with school friends and neighbors. See what's cooking here. This family-friendly event is free and open to all ages to attend.
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Join the Connecticut Science Center for a special day of exploration, learning, and celebration for all ages. Discover the history and significance of Juneteenth through interactive activities, informative signage, and a themed scavenger hunt that uncovers important moments in the journey toward freedom. Experience live science programming inspired by the contributions of Black scientists, inventors, and innovators, featuring engaging demonstrations and hands-on learning. It’s a meaningful opportunity to reflect on history, celebrate progress, and spark curiosity together.
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Celebrate Father’s Day with a ride through history. Join us Father’s Day Weekend for vintage trolley rides along the scenic Farm River and a relaxed afternoon exploring Connecticut’s electric railway heritage.
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Visit Kodiak and celebrate national Bald Eagle Day. On this day in 1782 the Bald Eagle was designated as our nation’s symbol.
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A great tradition in Old Lyme! Every Summer Solstice (June 21) you will find Lyme Street alive with folks strolling the street and listening to local musicians. 2026 promises to be another exceptional year for Make Music Old Lyme! Stop along the way to listen to a variety of genres including folk, pop, and Americana, or bring a chair to enjoy your favorite performers from 5pm-7pm!
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Hartford 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 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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It's almost time for fruit picking! Fruit picking is a great activity to do together as a family. It helps little ones understand where their food actually comes from, and it's a fun tradition to share every year right through the teens.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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