KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Sorry for the second send this morning! The first edition of this newsletter had a glitch that erased much of the content. —Deb |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
As I write this column, three Americans and one Canadian are hurtling home from a trip around the Moon, inside a machine that had better do exactly what it’s supposed to do. For years, every person involved in the mission obsessed over every detail at every stage until as little as possible was left to chance. “Failure is not an option,” an ethos long associated with our quest to
explore outer space, makes perfect sense when we're talking about Artemis II. But decades ago, the attitude leaked out of the space program and into everyday life, and that was a mixed blessing. When I was a teenager, “failure is not an option” might as well have been tattooed on my brain: For me, not only was failure not an option, but anything below an A grade wasn’t an option, either. I was so afraid of not being perfect that if I felt unprepared for a test, I’d stay home
“sick.” I looked successful from the outside, but because I was working so hard to avoid mistakes, I played it safe. So I didn't actually accomplish much aside from some sharp-looking letters on a report card. It took me years out in the real world to realize that real accomplishment usually looks less like gliding and more like bumping into things until you find the way through. So these days, failure and I are best buddies: I've replaced "failure is not an option" with
"nothing ventured, nothing gained" as I inch toward and away from success each day. Even writing my column each week is an act of resilience: I add and then murder my words until they say what I mean, and I'm always aware in the end that it could be better. One of my goals when I was homeschooling Madison and Ella was to make failure safe and ordinary... cheerful, even... a sign of progress. Kids need chances to try things that might flop: recipes that taste weird, projects
that collapse, math problems they have to redo, conversations they wish they’d handled better. I wanted them to understand that when the stakes are low, failure is not a tragedy, it’s just how learning works. It doesn't usually feel fun, or comfortable. But it's the only way to fly.
—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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Located in the ground floor of the historic Moody Mansion, the Galveston Children’s Museum offers hands-on camps and programs that turn a day in Galveston into something truly memorable. Designed for locals and visitors alike, GCM’s one-day camps provide flexible options that fit busy work schedules and vacation plans—while giving kids a full day of creative, screen-free learning. From art and STEM to imaginative play inspired by island life, children learn by doing in a welcoming, engaging environment. The Museum also hosts birthday parties, group visits, and field trips, making it a go-to destination for celebrations, school groups, and unforgettable kid-centered experiences.
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Make this summer unforgettable at Language Kids World’s 15th Summer Camp Season! Children can explore Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, English, American Sign Language, or join our exciting World Explorers’ Club, where they discover cultures from around the world through hands-on fun. Our play-based, high-energy camps combine games, music, movement, crafts, and creativity to make language learning joyful and natural. With over 20 years of experience, our expert teachers know how to spark confidence and curiosity in every child. Multiple Houston-area locations, Flexible schedules, Payment plans available Give your child the gift of language, culture, and confidence this summer!
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Help Your Child Thrive Inside and Outside the Classroom BrainAbouts® empowers young people to make smarter decisions, manage stress, and build confidence with neuroscience-based lessons. Parents love how the program connects real-life skills with academic success, preparing children for bright, resilient futures. Support Your Child’s Growth so Discover BrainAbouts®
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Alliance Fencing Academy’s summer and winter fencing camps are an opportunity for your child to have fun exploring one of the original and foundational sports of the modern Olympic games while picking up technical and competitive skills that will last them a lifetime.Our fencing camps are ideal for parents looking to help their child maximize their time off from school during holiday breaks, with different camp sessions designed to cater to newcomers, intermediate, and advanced fencers.At Alliance Fencing Academy, students not only build confidence, discipline, and a passion for the sport—they also gain exposure to fencing as an NCAA sport, with pathways to collegiate recruitment and scholarship opportunities. Fencing has helped student-athletes gain admission to some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, including Ivy League schools, making it a powerful investment in both athletic and academic futures.
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When school’s out, the Museum is the place to be for creating memories to last a lifetime. On Thursdays, families are invited to enjoy gallery activities with teaching artists. Explore the art on view and experiment with new materials, tools, and processes to create your own art. Coloring sheets, colored pencils, and knowledgeable educators help spark discovery about the world of art.
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Your campers (ages 5 to 10) will enjoy exploring the trails and waters of Galveston Bay, as they are immersed in the disciplines of science and art. Each week has a different theme with unique art projects. Join one themed camp or all of them. Summer Eco-Art Camps are week-long camps from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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The Houston Botanic Garden presents Flower Power, a spring festival celebrating our hippest blooms. Join us on Sunday, April 12, for a day of flower-focused family fun and an afternoon concert from Houston-based Beatles and 60s music tribute band The Fab 5, from 2-4 p.m. In addition, attendees can enjoy a Family Fun Zone with themed crafts; shop a festive market featuring local artists and vendors; test their knowledge of plants and 60s trivia; buy selected plants from the Garden; browse information stations staffed by select nonprofit organizations; and snap plenty of beautiful photos with colorful blooms. Access to the entire Garden — including the “Habitat” exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service — is also part of the Flower Power experience.
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We’re excited to be bringing our Spring Fling Festival back to Russ Pitman Park for 2026! You can expect a fun family event with outdoor nature activities including arts and crafts and prairie and pond explorations. Bring your own picnic blanket to Picnic with the Animals on the front lawn and interact with our Ambassador Animals. Play along with the North Harris County Dulcimer Society and visit with exhibitors and vendors like Texas Snakes and More and Mathnasium.
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The Houston Art Car Parade, presented by Team Gillman and powered by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, is the world’s biggest celebration of Art Cars and the largest free cultural event in Houston. Now in its 39th year, the parade features over 250 cars from 23 states, Canada and Mexico. It attracts 315,000+ spectators eager to see the weird and wild vehicular creations.
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The Chappell Hill Historical Society will once again be hosting the 62nd Annual “Official State of Texas Bluebonnet Festival” on the weekend of April 11th & 12th, 2026 in downtown historic Chappell Hill, Texas on Main Street and the Poplar Lot off of Poplar Street. Initially a small town antique festival, it has blossomed over the years and celebrates the official state flower, the Bluebonnet.
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Hosted by the Czech Center Museum Houston, we’re dedicated to preserving and promoting Czech and Slovak culture, heritage, and traditions in the Greater Houston area. Join us for a special day filled with traditional music, folk dances, delicious food, and an incredible community atmosphere as we mark this annual event! Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or discovering these vibrant traditions for the first time, we want you to be a part of it. Let’s make this year’s celebration unforgettable and keep our cultural customs alive for future generations.
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Walk With Me is a Family Fun Walk presented by Prosperity Bank, that benefits Easter Seals Greater Houston, which provides services for people of all ages with all types of disabilities. Following the walk, there will be an after-party at the Masihara Pavilion inside the zoo with children's activities, music, food, drinks and more until 10:30 am. After the event, participants are welcome to stay and enjoy the zoo for the remainder of the day.
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Enjoy a family movie under the stars in the city’s coolest park. Bring a blanket or camping chairs and snacks or a picnic. Please leave alcohol and glass containers at home. Food, beer and wine are also available for purchase at The Grove Market & Park Provisions. Costumes or PJs are strongly encouraged! Arrive early for games and activities.
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Disney’s The Lion King Jr. brings the beloved story of Simba to the stage as he journeys from a playful cub to the king of the Pride Lands. Filled with favorite songs like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata,” this high-energy production features colorful costumes, lively choreography, and a talented cast of young performers. It’s a heartwarming adventure about friendship, courage, and finding your place in the circle of life
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Kids are invited to celebrate the season with a night full of movement, creativity, and spring‑themed fun. They’ll jump into instructor‑led games, skill‑building activities, and imaginative challenges that capture all the energy of springtime. With plenty of gym play, music, and giggles, it’s the perfect way for kids to enjoy an active, joy‑filled evening while parents enjoy a well‑deserved night out.
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Enjoy a private, intimate cuddle session with the farm's friendly cows, including opportunities for one-on-one time with Brownie, Levi or baby Highland Hercules. Brush their fluffy coats, give gentle pets and take photos while you bond at your own pace. Book the 9 AM session to help bottle-feed Hercules or Levi. Sessions include full farm access before or after your visit so you can explore the property and extend your experience.
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Join us at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, one of the nation’s top-ranked fine arts festivals. For one unforgettable weekend, The Woodlands Waterway® comes alive with art, music, and community. Explore the work of 200 juried fine artists, enjoy live performances, and savor local food, craft beer, and fine wines. Families can delight in hands-on art activities while discovering why this nationally acclaimed festival is a beloved tradition for art lovers of all ages.
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During the school year, homeschoolers from all over the Houston area come to The Learning Zoo to bond over their shared excitement for nature and science! Each of our Homeschool Days has a theme and special activities geared towards ages 6-12. Complimentary Craft and Scavenger Hunt is provided. Tickets are $8each. Each guest over the age of 12 months will need to purchase a ticket. Both adults and students will require a ticket for entry.
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- The Houston Art Car Parade - Downtown Houston, Houston, TX, Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12, 2-4 pm
- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Greater Houston - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12, See link for times
- Humble Flower Festival - Main Street, Humble, TX, Saturday, April 11, 11 am- 4 pm
- Annual Bluebonnet Festival - Chappell Hill Historical Society Museum, Chappell Hill, TX, Saturday, April 11 to Sunday, April 12, see website
- Fly Fishing 101 - Sea Center TX - Sea Center Texas, Lake Jackson, TX, Saturday, April 11, 9 am- 3 pm
- Kids Markets at Houston Kids
Triathlon - Typhoon Texas Water Park, Katy, TX, Saturday, April 11, 7:00AM-11:00AM
- Screen on the Green presented by Vivian L. Smith Foundation Zootopia 2 - Discovery Green, Houston, TX, Saturday, April 11, 7pm-9pm
- Spring Festival in Summerwood - 16136 Hunters Lake Way, Houston, TX, Saturday, April 11, 10 am- 1 pm
- Spring Fling Festival - Nature Discovery Center,
Bellaire, TX, Sunday, April 12, 10 am- 2 pm
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Houston 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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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