KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
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
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring has officially arrived at Irving Mall! From March 20 through April 4, join us in the Burlington Center Court for a whimsical photo experience the whole family will love. Whether it’s your baby’s very first spring or a long-standing family tradition,
we’re ready to help you capture the magic (and yes — bring your furry friends on select dates!).
|
|
|
|
There’s no better way to celebrate your break than by spending it at Six Flags. With thrilling rides, exciting attractions, and entertainment for all ages, Six Flags offers an unforgettable experience for everyone. Whether you're seeking an
adrenaline-pumping adventure, or simply looking to unwind and have fun with friends and family, Six Flags has something for everyone.
|
|
|
|
Step back in time at the Settlement to City Museums (206 W. Hudgins St.) for Picnic on the Prairie, a two-hour event celebrating the sights, sounds and stories of life on the historic Grape Vine Prairie.
Picnic lunches will be held daily from Monday, March 16 – Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
|
|
|
|
The dragon exhibit at Heard Museum will give families & friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together. See the dragons move & hear them roar!
|
|
|
|
Texas Forever Fest is a free celebration of the food, art, music, and people that make the Lone Star State unforgettable.
Our beautiful state is home to big skies and even bigger dreams and we’re throwing a party just as big as Texas. There’s no friendlier place than our home state, and we’re rolling out the welcome mat for everyone. Enjoy a full day of live music, entertainment, interactive activities, food, drinks, and vendors, all inspired by Texas’ rich and diverse culture.
|
|
|
|
Calling all animal lovers – The Creature Teacher is coming back to PGA Frisco! This educational and interactive program is free and open to the public and no RSVP is required. Bring a blanket and join us on the Dance Floor Event Lawn near Ice House as we
learn all about a variety of animals, including lizards, snakes, chinchillas, and even a baby kangaroo!
|
|
|
|
Aqua Egg Hunt features hunting for eggs in three of our pools, divided by age group. Children can hunt for eggs, take pictures with the Easter bunny, and have their faces painted after their swim. This year, we are having a Sensory-friendly Egg Hunt time
where children can participate in a more sensory-friendly environment.
|
|
|
|
Discover DFW's family-friendly St. Paddy's festival. Join the Pickle Queens®, the Pickle Protectors® and the Pickle Posse® in historic downtown Mansfield, the Pickle Capital of Texas and see what everyone is talking about!
|
|
|
|
To infinity and beyond! Let's celebrate 40 years of Pixar movies this Spring Break. We will have four days of fun Pixar themed crafts. On the last day, we will be show Finding Nemo (G) with fishy themed snacks. Feel free to bring your own blankets, chairs,
and snacks, but remember: "Fish are friends, NOT food." First come, first served. Space and supplies are limited.
|
|
|
|
Join us for an action-packed night at PGA Frisco featuring Dude Perfect themed games, photo ops, giveaways, and an exclusive DP video!
|
|
|
|
DMA Spring Break—where stars align and creativity shines! Spark, connect, and create during these fun-filled days of art-making activities, story times, sensory play, and gallery activities for families, all inspired by our current exhibition
Constellations: Contemporary Jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art.
|
|
|
|
Stop by for a morning of play-based learning just for our littles! This program will vary week-to-week as we celebrate the world using art, math, science, engineering, and fine motor skills.Join us as we playfully discover the world around us!
Designed for ages 1-4. This program is designed to be flexible on time so that families can participate at any time during the program's duration. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (817) 459-6900 or by email at LIBYouthServices@arlingtontx.gov.
|
|
|
- Texas America250 Reading Challenge - 1201 Brazos St, Austin, Texas 78701, Friday, March 20, 2026, all day
- Book Babies - 901 Conover Drive, Grand Prairie, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026, 11-11:45 am
- Preschool Storytime - West Main Street, Waxahachie, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026, 10-11 am
- Family Storytime - Southeast Green Oaks Boulevard, Arlington, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:30-11:15 am
- Children's Playtime - 2424 Forest Ridge Dr, Bedford, TX 76021, Friday, March 20, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Lego Club - West 3rd Street, Kennedale, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026, 3:30-5 pm
- Little Explorers: Women's History
Month - South Center Street, Arlington, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026, 10-11:30 am
- Spring Break Family Fun - 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, Friday, March 20, 2026, 11:00 AM
- Movie Night in The District - PGA Parkway, Frisco, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026, 7-9 pm
- Jurassic Elm - 125 Main Street, Little Elm, TX, Friday, March 20, 2026 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, all day
- Lampalooza: Pixiedusters Week - 2424 Forest Ridge Dr, Bedford, TX 76021, Friday, March 20, 2026, 3 pm
- Cuentos & Stories - 211 E Pleasant Run Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Family Storytime at Lewisville Public Library - 1197 West Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75067,
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Texas Forever Fest - 901 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 11 am-6
pm
- Visit from The Creature Teacher - PGA Parkway, Frisco, TX, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10-11 am
- Hop With A Cop - 3811 South Cooper Street, Arlington, TX 76015, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 2-3
pm
- Junior Ranger Program at Cedar Ridge Preserve - Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX,
Sunday, March 22, 2026, 10 am-12 pm
- Open Studio - 5900 Bishop Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205, Sunday, March 22,
2026, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
|
|
|
|
The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Mid-Cities 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!
|
|
|
|
|
Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Midcities 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in theMid-Cities? 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Mid-Cities 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!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
