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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Memphis Parks presents the fifth annual Spring Break Mane series! Join us on Friday, March 20, from 12–3 p.m. at Minnie Wagner Park. Enjoy FREE carnival-style fun hosted by Play Your Park, featuring food, a DJ, video games, bounce houses, and activities for
all ages. No preregistration required.
The first 500 Memphis Parks members will receive FREE food. Just share your name and household members’ names at the welcome table. Our team will confirm your membership. Food will also be available for purchase.
Not a member yet? No worries — membership is FREE for all City of Memphis residents! Sign up today and join the fun.
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Join this guided hike through the park—identify birds and new growth. Dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes and long sleeves/pants, and bring binoculars if you have them. Water will be available. The hike is free with registration.
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Experience the vibrant energy of Holi, the Indian festival that marks the arrival of spring with joy, color, and community. Join us at Memphis’ art museum for a day full of festive fun, including hands-on art making, dynamic dance performances, fun music,
and traditional henna. New this year: We’re bringing the joy of color throwing to Overton Park! Safe, non-toxic powdered colors will be provided—just wear white and get ready to play. Free and open to all, this family-friendly celebration is a colorful way to explore culture and creativity through the power of art.
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Get ready to unleash your inner scientist while exploring the best playground in the Southeast! Join University of Memphis' CAESER for free, hands-on science activities on select Saturdays from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the playground in Tom Lee Park. Each
month features a new interactive theme designed to spark curiosity. It's scientifically proven fun for all ages!
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Join Master Gardener Sheryl for a fun, beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll create your own magical fairy garden container complete with everything you need to design a miniature world in a pot. Your ticket includes a pot, soil, your choice of indoor or
outdoor plants, three fairy garden accessories (including sasquatch options), and decorative items such as moss, stones, and seashells to personalize your creation. The event is open to all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult, with one adult and one child allowed per project. The workshop will take place outdoors in a covered area, weather permitting.
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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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- 5 Fridays of Jazz - (Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library) - Memphis Public Library - 3030 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN, 38111, Friday, March 20, 2026, 6:30pm - 8pm
- Every Saturday, the Memphis
Brooks Museum of Art is FREE from 10am - 12pm! - 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10am - 12pm
- Camp SAY Across the USA: Memphis - 203 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, Sat-Sun, March 21-22, 2026, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- T.O. Fuller Spring Hike 2026 - 1500 W. Mitchell, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9am-noon
- SciPlay - Memphis River Parks - 422 Riverside Drive, Memphis, TN, 38103, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
- Spring Hikes 2026 - Tennessee State Parks - Visit our website to find a Spring Hike hear you!, Saturday, March 21, 2026, See website
for details.
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Memphis 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 Memphis 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 in the Memphis area? 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 Memphis 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 best places to take kids in Memphis, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Check out our most recent winners list, then check out our calendar and resource lists for lots more to do in Memphis!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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