KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Fri, Jun 26: Bellmore Fireman's Fair
Fri, Jun 26: North Shore Youth Council Movies in the Moonlight & Summer Concert Series
Sat, Jun 27: 2026 Mystic Pride - Downtown Mystic CT - Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Fri, Jul 3: A Universal Celebration of Independence
Sun, Jul 5: Fourth of July Celebration - Harbes Family Farm
Sun, Jul 5: Celebrating America's 250th - Intrepid Museum
Fri, Jul 10: A Terrific Time To Tell A Tale
Sun, Jul 12: I Love Animals at Alley Pond
Sat, Aug 8: 68th Annual Mystic Outdoor Art Festival: Children's Art Park
Sat, Aug 8: Peach Festival - Harbes Family Farm |
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 on Long Island. 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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Soak Up The Fun! YMCA of Long Island's Summer Program Registration is officially OPEN! From pool time to playtime, kids will soak up the fun all summer long at the Y. Every game, splash, and new adventure helps build confidence, friendships, and skills they'll carry with them long after summer ends. Summer Program Session Runs: June 28-September 5, 2026 Youth Programs for All Ages: Swim Lessons, Sports and Fitness, Special Activities Health & Wellness Programs for Adults: Swim Lessons, Water Fitness Classes, Small Group Training Please visit our website for more information!
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Dive into adventure with a visit to the Long Island Aquarium! Perfect for visitors of all ages, the Aquarium features exciting exhibits, interactive experiences, and unforgettable animal encounters. Explore the 120,000-gallon shark habitat, visit sea lions and penguins, touch stingrays, discover exotic tropical fish, and step into the colorful Butterflies, Bugs & Bees Garden. Kids can climb, crawl, and play on the Eye Opener Treehouse. Seasonal adventures include swimming with LIVE mermaids, snorkeling with stingrays and tropical fish, and rides aboard the Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat. Whether you're planning a day trip, staycation, or family outing, Long Island Aquarium offers hands-on learning, all-day fun, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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Celebrate Dad with an unforgettable evening on the water this Father’s Day. Step aboard our special Father’s Day Dinner Cruise and sail past NYC’s iconic skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty — all while enjoying a delicious dinner, an Entertaining Host, and a night full of memorable moments. Whether you choose a gourmet three-course plated dinner or a flavorful buffet, you’ll enjoy skyline views, great food, and a toast to the father figures in your life. It’s a celebration filled with appreciation, good times, and unforgettable scenery.
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Join us on Juneteenth in historic Adler Hall for a celebration of freedom and community with the NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch and the New York Society for Ethical Culture!
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This family-fun annual event features exciting rides and games for all ages, mouthwatering fair food and the astonishing Big Bee Transforming Robot Car. Carnival admission is $5 (free for kids under 36" tall). Be sure to check out the website for pre-sale savings on rides and discount coupons for rides and food.
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Celebrate Juneteenth in the Garden with a free afternoon of community, culture, and family fun. Enjoy performances, artmaking, and picnicking on the Great Lawn with complimentary hand-rolled ice cream, courtesy of Only Rare NYC!
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We’re celebrating Juneteenth with FREE admission for children 12 and under on Friday, June 19th.
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Join the AdvoKids to learn about Juneteenth, the day of the emancipation of slavery in the United States. Visitors will gain a better understanding of this holiday and will make a jubilee confetti popper to celebrate.
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Head to our self-serve station to build a vibrant sea creature and celebrate the many unique wonders of the ocean.
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By the middle of June the North Fork strawberry crop is reaching its peak and bursting with flavor. On Father’s Day weekend, the peak of the strawberry harvest, the Mattituck Lions Club brings the community together for a special weekend of fun and purpose. Whether you’re here year-round, are a seasonal resident or are drawn here by the Festival, you’re in for a wonderful time.
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Experience the best town fair on Long Island! The 48th Annual Kings Park Day Town Fair will be held on June 20th. With over 250+ Vendors, Food, Music, Live Performances, Rides, Games, Activities, Raffles, Prizes, there is something fun for the whole family.
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Make no mi-steak, your dad is the rare-st of them all. Come make a custom BBQ blend for the special caregiver in your life. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately ten minutes and is yours to keep.
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This Father’s Day, skip the ordinary and level up family time at Dave & Buster’s with Dad Games — a high-energy competition packed with arcade action, family challenges, and unforgettable moments. Play as a family for your chance to win free game play for a YEAR at Dave & Buster's!
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It’s your day! Come celebrate with your children! Free admission for Dads when accompanied by their children.
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Father’s Day is a premium admission day; surcharge fee applies. Admission is free for Members and children five & under. Celebrate Dad with a memorable day in our vibrant gardens. Spend the day together with a special Family Art Project, a guided garden walk, and a restorative yoga session.
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Start making those plans for Father’s Day and treat your dad to an adventure. Join us on Sunday, June 21 and get a free ticket for dad to climb when you purchase a Father’s Day BOGO. He’ll love spending time with the family in the trees (and you don’t need to tell him it was free)! No code needed, just click BOOK NOW below.
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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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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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Pick-Your-Own Fruit on Long Island Listed below are farms on Long Island that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. Also flowers! And... to make the most of your experience, check out
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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