KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: There’s a sign on the New York State Thruway heading west that marks 70 miles to where I live. For Rochesterians driving back to Western New York from the east or southeast, that marker elicits both a sigh of relief and a groan: You’re close, especially relative to where you started. But in that final stretch, each mile is somehow psychologically
longer. Over the years, this became a useful metaphor in my family: You're pushing through to the end of a project, you'd love to see the finish line, but the murky distance between you and that goal is in your way. "Ugh, it's those last 70 miles," one of us will say to the person suffering, and we'll all nod sympathetically. At this time of year, families with kids in school are experiencing those last 70 miles: The end of the school year is in sight, yet
not quite here. The energy reserves are low, and the end point seems stuck in the distance. We feel like we’re sprinting but not getting closer fast enough. As in any journey, that’s precisely when it’s worth keeping in mind that these last miles may feel long, but they’re also the most meaningful: They become the lens through which we look back at the whole experience, so these final steps really count. Remembering this can provide the last surge of energy to press
forward. So whatever final 70 miles you and your kids are facing, remind yourself and the people traveling with you that if you put your best self into it now, the rewards will feel sweeter, and the memories of success will help fuel you next time. You’re on the last leg. You're almost there. And you have lots of company.
—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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Creator Camp is back in Fort Worth, TX, for Summer 2026! As seen on Shark Tank, our camp transforms kids from technology consumers into active creators. We’ll be hosting our award-winning programs at The Clariden School in Southlake, just outside Fort Worth. Running weekly from June 1 to August 7, 2026, we offer immersive experiences in filmmaking, YouTube content creation, animation, music production, game design, and coding. Campers gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools in a fun, collaborative environment. Don’t miss this opportunity for your child to unleash their digital creativity and build real-world skills this summer!
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Join us for a sweet morning of connection, laughter, and play at My Gym! Our Muffins with Mom Playdate is all about celebrating those special moments between moms and their kiddos. We’ll kick things off with guided games, music, and fun activities designed for you to jump in, play, and make memories together—then wrap it all up with muffins and a little time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. All families are welcome!
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Get ready for a fun and relaxing evening under the lights at Night on the Green, hosted by Country View Golf Course! Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for a great night out, this FREE community event is the perfect way to enjoy the evening.
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Kids Night Out/ Parents Night Off is a scheduled opportunity for parents to plan a date night for three hours by dropping off their kids at Pipe and Palette for an evening of painting, pizza, popcorn, and a movie. Kids Night Out is every Friday & Saturday evening. Splatter Room Kids Night Out are every Saturday and every first Friday of the month.
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Experience live glassblowing as artists shape 2100-degree molten glass at SiNaCa Studios’ Open Studios Night. This free, family-friendly event features the creation of a unique ice cream-themed glass piggy bank inspired by a community design contest. Stop by anytime to watch the process up close and see art come to life.
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The Burleson Fire Department, Burleson Police Department and Texas Health Burleson are teaming up to bring you the ultimate family-friendly event. Learn crucial safety tips for pool and sun, home, bike, and fire — all while the kids have a BLAST.
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Made-for-Mom Camp is the perfect Mother’s Day drop-off experience where kids create heartfelt, handmade gifts just for Mom! Campers will explore their creativity through fun, guided crafts and hands-on activities designed to make meaningful keepsakes. While kids are busy making surprises, parents can enjoy a little well-deserved time to themselves. At the end of camp, children will leave excited and proud, ready to celebrate Mom with something made from the heart.
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Get ready to welcome spring in the most vibrant way possible — BloomFest is returning to Duncanville! Join us for a celebration packed with live music, local art, food trucks, family-friendly fun, and all the colorful energy that makes Duncanville shine.
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Where Big Trucks Meet Big Fun! Touch A Truck is a free, family-friendly community event where kids can get up close with the big vehicles they love most. Ever wanted to climb into the driver’s seat of a fire truck or police car? Now’s your opportunity! From emergency response vehicles to heavy machinery, children can explore, climb aboard, and learn how these impressive vehicles help keep Trophy Club running every day.
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Join us this Mother’s Day for a special pay-what-you-can brunch. Chef Jeff and the team will prepare a special menu with some of your favorites and new soon-to-be favorites. Each will be prepared and served by our team of volunteers. Everyone is welcome regardless of means.
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A must-visit weekend for collectors and curious newcomers alike, the Cactus Show and Sale brings together spectacular specimens—from sculptural classics to rare and unusual varieties. Guests can explore eye-catching displays, meet knowledgeable growers, and shop a wide selection of cacti and succulents to bring home. Whether you’re building your collection or discovering desert plants for the first time, this Cultivate event is full of texture, character, and desert-inspired design ideas.
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Celebrate Mother’s Day in the sky! Join us on the GeO-Deck for a one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day celebration with breathtaking views, live music, and sweet surprises. Enjoy the heartfelt sounds of Mountain Natives. a local husband-and-wife indie band duo whose tunes are just as beautiful as your sky-high surroundings. Whether you’re toasting to Mom, family, or friendship, there’s no better place to celebrate!
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Looking for something fun and different to do for Mother’s Day this year? Bring Mom out to the farm for a day full of animals! Sunday, May 10th 9am-6pm. Admission required, animal feed included with admission, under 2 is free. Pay at the gate, no reservations needed. Free mimosas & mocktails (while supplies last), Interactive petting zoo with farm & exotic animals, Fun farm activities for all ages, and Playground & bounce houses for the kids.
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- Free Spring Mini Photo Session with Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 05/08/2026 - 05/10/2026, See link for times
- Nature Art Show and Sale - Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Farm to Market Road 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104, 05/08/2026 - 05/09/2026, Friday 5-7 pm Saturday 9 am- 3 pm
- Free Demonstrations & Open Studios Night - May 2026 - SiNaCa Studios, West Magnolia Avenue, Fort Worth, TX, 05/08/2026, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Movies in the Park - Doubletree Ranch Park, Highland Village Road, Highland Village, TX, 05/08/2026, Movie starts at civil
twilight
- Night Green Golf Event - 240 W Belt Line Rd, Lancaster, TX 75146, 05/08/2026, 6:30-8:30 pm
- Bloomfest
Music & Arts Festival - Armstrong Park, James Collins Boulevard, Duncanville, TX, 05/09/2026, 4-10 pm
- World Migratory Bird Day Bird Walk - Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Farm to Market Road 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104, 05/09/2026, 9-10 am or 10 am- 12 pm
- Touch a Truck - Independence Park East, 500 Parkview Drive, Trophy Club, TX, 05/09/2026, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Sensory-Friendly)
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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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