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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Free and open to the public, 5:30-7pm while supplies last.
Third Friday each month. From Glenn Hendren Drive, turn onto Rush Creek Parkway.
Follow signs to go behind the hospital.
Please avoid using the hospital main entrances.
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As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, visitors have the opportunity to see a curated selection of original records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)’s collection on display together for the very
first time.
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What started with Curly, Meadowlark, Wilt, and Geese continues on today with Hammer, Torch, Bulldog, Cheese, Jet, Wham, Thunder, TNT, just to name a few! Taking inspiration from the fun-loving & awe-inspiring players of the past, today’s Harlem
Globetrotters stars are ready to wow you on the court and in the crowd! Be there as the players dazzle, dunk, and hype the stands as they take on the Washington Generals with high-flying, all-out fun from start to finish.
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Touch-A-Truck presented by Parkville Parks and Recreation is a fun hands-on, interactive experience for the whole family! Enjoy exploring a variety of vehicles used by first responders, maintenance and more!
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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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- Kids & Crafts Storytime | Lawrence Public Library - Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, Friday, March 20, 2026, See website
- Storytime for Babies - Mid-Continent Public Library, South Buckner Tarsney Road, Grain Valley, MO, Friday, March 20, 2026, 9:30 AM
- Free Arts & Crafts Day on the Farm | Hometown Olathe Family Farm - Hometown Olathe Family Farm, 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061, Friday, March 20, 2026, 2 pm - 4:30 pm
- Break-Out Rooms | Oak Park Library - Johnson County Library - Oak Park, Bluejacket Street, Overland Park, KS, Friday, March 20, 2026,
Times vary
- FREE Mobile Food Pantry | Liberty Hospital - Liberty Hospital, Glenn Hendren Drive,
Liberty, MO, Friday, March 20, 2026, 5:30 pm - 7 pm while supplies last
- Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice - Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, Friday, March 20, 2026 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, 10:00am - 6:00pm Mon-Sat | 12:00-5:00pm Sun
- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - KC - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Saturday, March 21, 2026 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, See link for times
- What are Animal Houses Like? - Lakeside Nature Center -
Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 East Gregory Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64132, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10 am - 2 pm
- Touch-A-Truck in Platte Landing Park - Platte Landing Park, South Main Street, Parkville, MO, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10 am - 1 pm
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Kansas City 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 KC 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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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Kansas City 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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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Kansas City Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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