KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Fri, Jun 5: Rainbow Scavenger Hunt
Sat, Jun 6: Waterdrinker Lavender
Festival
Sat, Jun 6: The 10th Annual Wantagh Spring Festival
Sun, Jun 7: Deer Park Summer Craft Fair
Fri, Jun 12: Long Island FunFest
Fri, Jun 19: Father's Day Dinner Cruise 2026
Sat, Jun 20: Strawberry Festival & Charity Fundraiser
Fri, Jun 26: Oyster Bay Music Festival 2025 - Multiple Locations
Fri, Jul 3: The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition
Fri, Jul 3: Celebrating America's 250th - Intrepid Museum
Sat, Jul 4: A Universal Celebration of Independence
Sun, Jul 5: FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach State Park
Sat, Jul 11: Disney Finding Nemo Jr: The Musical at The Argyle Theatre
Fri, Jul 17: Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute at Theatre Three |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: One summer afternoon during a family camping trip in New Jersey when I was about 6 or 7 years old, a horse fly suddenly appeared next to my ear and started following me everywhere I went. I’m sure that, from its own perspective, it was just going about its business doing ordinary horse fly things, but to me it felt enormous, ominous, and purposeful. I can't remember if it
actually bit me, but I can still summon the hot panic of not being able to get away from its threatening buzz. To my small self, that fly wasn't a little distraction, it was a crisis with wings. The memory surfaced recently when my daughter Ella sent me the above photo, taken in Quintana Beach County Park, near Houston. The point was clear: Proceed, and you will be under attack, and not by any adorable Northeastern bugs you might be used to. No, these bugs were born in Texas. Beware. Sometimes that is exactly
how challenges feel, especially to kids: Problems loom much larger to them than they do to adults with decades of experience. A broken toy, a skinned knee, a mistake in front of the class, or a slight misunderstanding with a friend may be a fly in the ointment to us, but a Texas-sized monster to a child. The trick is to validate the feeling without validating helplessness. We stand beside them and say, Yes, I know, this feels huge. The bugs, even if they're not as large as they
think, are real. They watch us shoo them away and learn gradually to do it for themselves. If I had seen the sign above, my first instinct would have been to flee back to the safety of the car. And Ella said it was not exaggerating, at least not by much: The moment she stepped onto the property, giant mosquitoes descended, and they were hungry; even leggings soaked with OFF Deep Woods did not deter them. She assures me that the photo she got of the Bay-breasted Warbler was
worth all the bites on the backs of her knees. She knew better than to show me the damage. Clearly, the script has flipped.
—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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At Skin Space, our spa parties are all about making kids feel pampered, confident, and celebrated in the most fun and relaxing way possible. From mini facials and skincare fun to music, goodie bags, and adorable spa vibes, every party is designed to create unforgettable memories for birthdays, special occasions, or just a fun day with friends. We customize each experience to make your child feel extra special while giving them the ultimate “spa day” experience in a safe, welcoming, and picture-perfect environment.
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This family-fun annual event benefiting the not-for-profit Herricks Community Fund features circus thrill shows, rides and games, and deep-fried treats, sweets and other tasty carnival eats. Free admission Thursday/Sunday and $5 Friday/Saturday (free for kids under 36" tall)
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Long Island museums and historical societies from Brooklyn to Montauk are teaming up to offer the Long Island History Hunt, a FREE, educational scavenger hunt-style adventure at 26 locations where redcoats and rebels squared off during the American Revolution.
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The Long Island Orchid Society will be hosting its Eleventh Annual Long Island Orchid Festival at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park on May 29th through May 31st, 2026. The festival will host numerous orchid vendors from around the world and include lectures from advanced orchid growers.
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It's a CARNIVAL, a MUSIC FESTIVAL and a FOOD TRUCK RALLY... all JAMMED into one! The Seaford Spring Jam returns to Seaford Station along Sunrise Highway for THREE NIGHTS starting on Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31. The carnival will feature 10 HUGE RIDES and 10 CARNIVAL GAMES courtesy of Zorlenzan Amusements. On the mobile stage, we will feature FOUR LIVE BANDS across the weekend, including local favorites 135 SOUTH and ARLINGTON DRIVE, in addition to the Motown sounds of NETTY & GRAND AFFAIR.
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Walk into the magical world of Alice in Wonderland with an enchanting Victorian-style afternoon tea party. This educational event invites you to journey through the whimsical tale of Lewis Carroll’s classic story, blending literary exploration with fantastical fun. Guests will be greeted by iconic Alice in Wonderland characters, and will learn about Lewis Carroll’s inspirations for the story and the Victorian era's love for elaborate tea parties. Activities include trivia for adults, story time for children, and a caricature drawing contest. Everyone leaves with a small gift.
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Get creative at Emma Clark Library with upcycled materials to make your very own work of art. Ages 3 – 11 years old with parent/caregiver.
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Inspired by the iconic Woodstock, Sciencestock is a unique fusion of music, science, nature, and sustainability. The event features live music alongside community-based organizations sharing their passion for scientific exploration, environmental stewardship, and community partnerships.
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Mark your calendars! The Street Fair is coming! Sunday May 31st 11am to 6 pm. Lots of fun for everyone. Live music from Islip's own Acoustic DJ. Raffles, Food, Drinks, craft items and some special performances from local dance groups.
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Celebrate Pride at the Intrepid Museum with a day of hands-on art, storytelling and community. Families of all ages and identities are invited to explore the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to space science as part of this Pride Month Kick-off event. Activities are designed for learners of all ages and abilities. All registrants will receive a social narrative in advance to help them prepare for the event. Current and former service members and their families can enjoy a special Military Family Lounge featuring light snacks and beverages. Teens are encouraged to visit the Teen Corner to create art, connect and make friends.
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Enjoy thrilling rides and games and favorite fair food for the whole family at this annual event presented under the RFK Bridge by the not-for-profit Central Astoria Local Development Coalition. Carnival admission is free. Ride tickets are available on the midway.
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- 2nd Annual Seaford Spring Jam - Seaford - 2234 Jackson Avenue, Seaford, NY, USA, Friday & Saturday, 4PM to 10PM, and Sunday, 2PM to 8PM
- Long Island History Hunt - Long Island - Long Island, New York, USA, Friday, May 29, 2026 to Sunday, May 31, 2026, 12:00 am
- Free spring mini
photo session with Shoott! - Long Island - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, May 29, 2026 to Sunday, May 31, 2026, See link for times
- Crafternoon at Emma Clark Library - Emma S. Clark Memorial Library - Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, Main Street, East Setauket,
New York 11733, United States, Saturday, May 30, 2026, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Summer Reading Kick-Off for Kids at Emma Clark Library - Emma S. Clark Memorial Library - Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, Main Street, East Setauket, New York 11733, United States, Saturday, May 30, 2026, 5:30 -
7:00PM
- 2026 Israel Day on Fifth - Fifth Avenue - Fifth Avenue, NYC, NY, USA, Sunday, May 31, 2026, 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Babar & Friends: A Family Concert with the Queens Symphony Orchestra - Queens Symphony Orchestra - Lefrak Concert Hall, Reeves Avenue, Flushing, NY, USA, Sunday, May 31, 2026, 3 pm
- The Annual Islip Chamber of Commerce Street
Fair - Islip - 517 East Main Street, Islip, NY, USA, Sunday, May 31, 2026, 11AM - 6PM
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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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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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