KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: When they were handing out high school yearbook awards, some of my classmates unofficially, though cheerfully, voted me Least Likely to Become a Professional Cheerleader. I couldn’t really disagree: After all, I was a nerd before being a nerd came into fashion, much more comfortable in a library than at a pep rally. So much for teenage
predictions! Yesterday, my daughter Ella turned 25, which means KidsOutAndAbout turns 25, too. When Ella was imminent, and her sister Madison was one-and-a-half, I was realizing just how many incredible experiences for kids and families were all around us in Rochester, NY. Back then, before web calendars were a thing, finding out about stuff happening meant you had to know where to look. So during maternity leave from my old technology consulting firm, I
decided to build a place to make invisible opportunities visible, to celebrate the people who create them, and to build audiences for these great things. We’ve grown to a dedicated team of 20 people doing work that matters, serving 52 regions with 15 million readers per year and 750,000 weekly newsletter subscribers. So yes, I’m a professional cheerleader, and I love it. I love this. I love that my job is to help build an audience for the remarkable experiences
people are bringing to life. I love that our mission is to shine a light on the concerts, camps, classes, festivals, trails, museums, libraries, theaters, and local treasures large and small that become family stories and memories. Far from slowing down, we’re heading into hyper-drive for our Silver Anniversary, so stay tuned! Thank you for being part of the journey, and for giving us so much to cheer about.
—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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Grab your friends and join us at the City Hall Plaza for some FREE concerts! In 2026, we will be focusing on all tribute bands! All concerts are BYOB- no glass.
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Knights, nonsense and killer rabbits! Spamalot gallops into Bass Hall April 28-May 3. It’s comedy on a legendary scale!
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Wander through a luminous world of imagination and see the wild in a whole new glow. Explore larger-than-life lanterns and towering sculptures inspired by wildlife and nature. Along the way, immerse yourself in captivating performances and interactive experiences – making each night an illuminating adventure!
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Waste to Wonder explores how creativity and innovation can transform discarded materials into something new. Made in collaboration with the Tarrant County Education Foundation, the exhibit examines how long common items take to decompose, what materials people used before plastics, and how artists and companies are rethinking waste today. Interactive stations invite visitors to sort materials, test recycling knowledge, and explore how many bottles, cans, or plastic bags it takes to make familiar products. Designed using repurposed materials where possible, Waste to Wonder acknowledges that sustainability is an ongoing effort and that imperfect can still be impactful.
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Mark your calendars! Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is almost here. On the first Saturday in May, May 2, comic shops across the country will be celebrating one of the best days of the year for fans. It’s your chance to grab free comics, discover new stories, and connect with your local community of fans and creators. This year’s lineup is packed with support from some of the biggest names in comics. Here’s the initial line up of comic publishers: Archie Comics, DC Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Image Comics, Mad Cave Studios, Oni Press, Titan Comics, Udon Entertainment and Vault Comics! There will be a story for every kind of reader.
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The Family Series is generously supported by Paul Wehba. This concert is dedicated to Luken Anthony Burzynski. Join the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra for a family-friendly concert that brings to life the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty. This enchanting performance will feature music, dance, and a projected storybook t
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Bring the whole family for a night of fun at Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza on May 2. Our Cinco de Mayo celebration has something for everyone.
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Join us for the 22nd annual Plano AsiaFest on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Enjoy Asian performances, Asian food, martial arts, vendor booths, and more!
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Join us for our Cinco de Mayo Celebration! Enjoy music, games, arts & crafts, and MORE! Free entry.
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Enjoy an evening of great tunes and great times at Old Town Party on the Lawn! Sing and dance with family and friends to favorite hits, performed by Limelight, while the kiddos enjoy the Old Town Playground and splash in the Main Street Interactive Fountain. Food trucks will include Jewel's Kitchen, Love Song Kitchen, and Pink Oasis.
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Experience the thrill of live music mixed with summer fun and unforgettable performances at the Agora Music Fest Concert Series at the Commons at Agora! Each concert will feature a different genre, performed by unique local artists. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the park as we have a great line up for you! Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note, no outside alcohol, coolers, or glass are permitted inside the park. Band Line-Up
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Parents' Night Out: The Ultimate Friday Steal! Ready to ditch the "Bluey" reruns and actually hear yourself think? We’ve got the kids covered so you can enjoy a well-deserved break without breaking the bank.
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- Free Spring Mini Photo Session with Shoott! - Dallas-Fort Worth - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 05/01/2026-05/03/2026, See link for times
- Movie Night at the District - PGA District, PGA Parkway, Frisco, TX, USA, Friday, May 1, 2026, 7-9 pm
- Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Lancaster Recreation Center,
Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lancaster, TX, USA, Friday, May 1, 2026, 4-6 pm
- Mimesis BFA Thesis Exhibition Opening Reception - Nazareth Arts Center Gallery, 05/01/2026-05/03/2026, 5-7 p.m. Opening reception May 1
- Old Town Party on the Lawn - Coppell Old Town Pavilion, 768 W Main St, Coppell, TX, USA, Friday, May 1, 2026, 7-9 pm
- Music Alley Festival - Historic Downtown
Mansfield, Texas, North Main Street, Mansfield, TX, USA, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 4-10 pm
- Away Festival of Flight - Prestwick Elementary School, Stonefield, The Colony, TX, USA, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 3-7 pm
- Highland Village Art Festival - The Shops at Highland Village, Shoal Creek, Highland Village, TX, USA, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10 am- 6 pm
- AsiaFest Plano Asian American Heritage Festival - Haggard Park, East 15th Street, Plano, TX, USA, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11 am- 5 pm
- Free Comic Book Day 2026 - Multiple locations, Saturday, May 2, 2026, see store location for hours
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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