KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: "The best thing about your newsletter," said a reader who met me in person at an event last June, "is the sheer number of things to do, and the fact that they're just packed in there, all in one handy place." "Thanks!" I said. I may have glowed a little. "And the worst thing about your newsletter," she continued, "is the guilt trip. I know
you don't mean to lay that on us. We can't do it all, so it means we read about so much we can't do. Especially in summer." She was right, in one sense, of course. June and July are the most packed months of the calendar: Kids are out of school, families are ready for fun, and our communities respond. Each local organization gets to post its own events on our calendar for free, and many are featured in this newsletter, so what's happening is right there in front of
you. But I get it! And I hereby remove the guilt. Ego te absolvo. Of course, good families try to expose their kids to great things, but no one has the time, money, or energy to do it all. This stuff needs to be spread out over a childhood, not packed into a single summer, much less a single weekend. So make a family bucket list for Summer 2026. An easy way to do that is to take our annual survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids, which is open through June 20; it has dozens of places to have fun this summer, even though you only vote for your top 3! And you should also use our 50 Ways to Love Your Summer article for ideas that require zero technology, zero travel, and zero dollars. Above all, go easy! Remember, summer is no time for grades! The only prize is the summer that's right for your family.
—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 in and around Memphis. 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! You have my personal and fervent thanks for your participation! —Deb |
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Get ready for a magical adventure as CMOM brings the beloved characters and inspiring stories from Disney Jr.’s iconic “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” to life at the first-ever museum exhibit inspired by the Emmy Award-winning series, in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit. Kids and families are invited to dive into the whimsical world of the hit series to help Mickey, Minnie and their pals prepare a surprise birthday party for their favorite pup - Pluto. The interactive experience is filled with fun, music and delightful surprises for Disney Jr. fans of all ages engaging in creative problem-solving, counting, understanding sequences, practicing empathy and enjoying music and rhythm. Included in general admission.
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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST returns to the stage in Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years, with members of the original creative team reuniting to bring this enchanting and timeless tale to life. This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
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Join us at Medical District Park formally known as Health Science Park on June 5 & 6, 2026, as we celebrate the 33rd Annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival! This vibrant event honors the rich cultural heritage of our community with a dynamic lineup of activities, including live music, and dance performances showcasing local talent. Engage in a thought-provoking political round table, speeches honoring local elder men, and a fun run-walk promoting health and unity. Enjoy the flavors of Memphis with local food trucks offering everything from Southern cooking to vegetarian delicacies. This FREE event is perfect for the whole family, so mark your calendars for June 5 & 6, 2026, and get ready to celebrate culture, freedom, and love in the heart of Memphis!
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Join the City of Memphis and Memphis Parks for Family Fun Friday, hosted by Play Your Park, on select Fridays. There will be fun for all ages, including games, music, bounce houses, and more. Plus, we’re introducing PYP Bucks this year! No preregistration required.
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Celebrate American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® with Tennessee State Parks! Join the nationwide movement to give back to trails and build a world where everyone feels welcome and has access to enjoy the great outdoors. Millions of hikers, bikers, paddlers, horseback riders, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses come together in partnership across the country to forge a more inclusive trail community and advocate for, maintain, and clean up public lands and trails. Review the events Tennessee State Parks will be hosting and start planning your National Trails Day adventure!
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On Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day June 6th, 2026 all state residents and visitors of any age may fish for free without a license in Tennessee's public waters. Additionally, youth ages 15 or younger may fish for free the entire week, beginning on Free Fishing Day (June 6) and continuing through the following Friday, June 12. This event is located inside Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park, Exit 9 at I-55 and W. Mallory Ave, after exiting go west on W. Mallory Ave., turn right at park sign and then take first left towards the playground and pond. Rodeo is at pond north of parking lot, playground and pavilion.
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Celebrate 125 years of Overton Park with lots and lots of ice cream! The Memphis Ice Cream Festival is a community‑driven celebration of Memphis’ local small‑batch and artisan ice cream makers, founded to spotlight local ice cream makers and bring families together. This year's festival on the Overton Park Greensward features unlimited ice cream tastings, food trucks, arts and crafts, water slides, face painting, music, and a fun atmosphere that reflects the heart of the city. Entry to the festival is free, but a wristband gets you unlimited ice cream tastings and one free scoop! Kids' wristbands are $10, and adults' are $15. Only limited wristbands will be available at the event, so purchase yours now!
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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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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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The Memphis Area's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Listed below are farms in and near Memphis that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. And... to make the most of your experience, check out our
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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