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 the Mid-Cities. 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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Make a splash at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium during this magical limited-time Mermaid event! Watch real Mermaids swim alongside sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles in Texas’ only 360° Ocean Tunnel. Meet a Mermaid on land, snap a photo, and hear enchanting tales inside the Mermaid Grotto. This immersive experience is included with general admission on select dates: June 11–15 and June 18–22. Be sure to select an event date when booking to dive into the fun!
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Get ready for tail-wagging excitement at Puppy Pals Live at Arlington Music Hall on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Puppy Pals is a high-energy, family-friendly performance featuring adopted and rescued dogs performing spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Watch as these talented pups race through obstacle courses, leap through the air, and wow the audience with impressive tricks — all while showing off their playful personalities.
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Aloha! Join us for a tropical-themed Kids Night Out—no passport required. During this 3-hour class, kids will explore Hawaiian-inspired flavors while cooking a fun and delicious menu. Chefs will make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Sweet Polynesian Sauce, Hawaiian Pasta Salad, and Pineapple Upside-Down Muffins. It’s a hands-on evening full of cooking, fun, and island vibes. A hui hou (until we meet again)!
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Grab your lawn chairs and join us for Neighborhood Movie Night on Friday, June 5! Bring the whole family out for an evening of movies, food trucks, a mobile library, and fun in the neighborhood. The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 8:30 p.m. under the stars!
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The Colony Summer Clubhouse is back! Our four-month summer series showcases performances such as magic shows, animal presentations, sing-along storytelling and much more! All performances take place inside The Colony Recreation Center Gymnasium. Bring your friends and family, all ages are welcome. Seating opens at 9 a.m. so be sure to come early and snag a front row spot!
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Do you remember the excitement of field day as a kid? Now imagine it revved up and reimagined as a racetrack adventure you and your son(s) complete together as a team! Buckle up for Father–Son Field Day: Raceway Rumble, where dads and sons become a driver-and-pit-crew duo, racing through a series of fun, high-energy challenges inspired by a classic racecourse. Each station represents a “lap” on the track—testing speed, teamwork, balance, and problem-solving as you work together to cross the finish line.
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Join Texas Equal Access Fund and PRIDENTON for our annual community sidewalk chalking event for the whole family to celebrate Pride! We'll start at 8 am and chalk on the sidewalk around the Denton Courthouse Square. Meet us on the Hickory St. side to grab the chalk, and connect with us. Local band, Fishboy, will be there to supply some live tunes and a local face painter will be providing free designs! Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. We will have limited water and snacks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water!
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Each year Texas Parks and Wildlife allows one day when people of all ages can fish without a license. This year that day falls on June 6. To celebrate this fishing holiday, we will provide fishing gear so that everyone can participate in the fun. Each family will receive 1 fishing rod & bait to use during the time slot. *Spaces are limited so registration is required! Notes:
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The Show Me How Festival is back and it's gonna be awesome! Picture this: Texan artisans showing off their cool skills right in front of you, delicious food to munch on, live music to groove to, and tons of unique stuff to buy. It's gonna be a blast for the whole fam!
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Bring the whole family out for Ohana Night at Hawaiian Waters The Colony! Enjoy an evening of slides, waves and lazy river time as the sun sets—with the park open late until 9 PM.From splashing in the wave pool to relaxing under the stars, it’s the perfect way to make tropical memories with your Ohana!
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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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Come on out to Riders field to cheer on the RoughRiders! The Frisco RoughRiders are a Minor League Baseball team of the Texas League and the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
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Make this summer movie season magical by joining us between June 7 and Aug. 13, 2026, for a series of family favorites! We'll play a different movie each week for only $3 (+tax), so grab the family and we'll see you at the theatre.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Mid-Cities 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 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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The Mid-Cities Area's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Listed below are farms in and near Mid-Cities that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. And... to make the most of your experience, check out
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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