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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Press Play on Summer!
2026 Camp Registration is Open!
Your Best Summer is One Click Away!
At the YMCA Summer Day Camp, we offer the best of Adventure, Aquatics, Creative Arts, Camp Traditions, Special Activities and Trips, and Summer Learning in a safe and welcoming environment. Step away from the school year, the screens, and the routine — and press play on a summer full of laughter, movement, and magic!
Join us for our upcoming open house.
REGISTER NOW!
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What Lives in the Woods at Night? Bring a flashlight and come see what creatures of the night live here at Tanglewood Preserve! From 7:30 – 8:30 pm, $15 per person. There are no refunds unless CSTL cancels the program.
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Experience a unique and exciting program designed for children ages 7 and up! This class combines the fundamentals of fencing and develops skills, strategy, and fitness. Whether your child is new to fencing or has some experience, this class is the perfect
way to introduce them to the art of fencing in a safe, social, and supportive environment.
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Do you feel lucky? Spot the hidden gold tokens around the museum. The try your luck and spin our wheel to reveal your luck of the day!
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The kids are bored.. again..! What to do with YOUR Thing One and Thing 2?! Here’s an idea: Bring the whole family to the Worlds Number 1 ‘The Cat in the Hat’ show for an experience they’ll never forget. The story has been around for over 50 years and kids
still love it… just like you did! Empty heading
Two bored kids (This was way before iPads). One rainy day (We’ve all had a few of those) And one crazy cat wearing a red-striped hat (Where was the background check for that babysitter?!)
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Destination Maple: Map yourself to sweetness!
Maple Open House Weekends are a chance for the public to come to the farm to learn about New York’s maple sugarmaking processes and traditions and to taste pure maple syrup in its many forms – right from the source. Come on out on March 21-22 and 28-29 when the sap will be running!
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Join us in welcoming the spring harvest with this joyous Hindu festival!
This educational program teaches the rich cultural and spiritual significance of Holi by exploring its origins, evolution, and how it’s celebrated around the world, even right here in Queens! Holi marks the arrival of spring and celebrates renewal and the anticipation of a successful agricultural season. Featuring traditional dancers and Indian snacks and treats, immerse yourself in the delight of color play, where the vibrant powders create a
kaleidoscope of joy as we run across the scenic south side of our 47-acre farm.
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Join us for a day of springtime fun at Sweetbriar Nature Center! This family-friendly event features exciting musical entertainment by Lena and the Happy Clam Band in addition to games, animal presentations, crafts, whisker face painting, and an egg hunt. A
separate egg hunt is available for ages 2-4 with parental assistance, and the Easter Bunny will be available for photos. Enjoy delicious treats from two delicious food trucks; the Apple Puffs Truck & Cochinita Porky Food Truck and don’t miss Steppin’ Out Ponies, offering pony rides and introducing extra animal friends. The festival opens at 10:00 AM, with plenty of activities to enjoy before and after the egg hunts. Bring your own Easter basket or bag and celebrate spring with us!
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Join us for our Spring Egg Hunt throughout March and April! For children ages 0-6 accompanied by an adult. There will be 20 minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. Registration required, egg hunt is by reservation only.
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Join The Milleridge Inn for a hippity hoppity good time at this Easter Bunny brunch with two options, a prix fixe or a buffet. Both include indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family, plus egg hunts.
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Join us for feline festivities as cats invade the museum for National Pet Month!
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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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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Long Island 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 Long Island 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 on Long Island? 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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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Long Island 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 Long Island 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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