KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Sat, Mar 7: TEXFest 2026 at City of Carrollton
Sat, Mar 14: 2026 Dallas St. Patrick's Parade & Festival
Sun, Mar 15: Wizard of Oz on Ice Presented by the Coppell Arts Center
Sat, Mar 21: Color Fun Run 2K & 5K at Wayne Ferguson Plaza
Sat, Mar 21: The World's Only St. Paddy's Pickle Parade
Tue, Mar 24: Back to the Future: The Musical at Bass Performance Hall
Sat, Mar 28: MAC Bunny Brunch at Mansfield Activities Center
Sat, Apr 11: Coach Cox's Kid Chase at Baseball Complex- The Colony
Fri, Apr
17: Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Sat, Apr 18: DeSoto Public Library Everything Teen Expo 2026
Sat, Apr 25: Lewisville Colorpalooza at Old Town Lewisville |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The February my daughter Ella was 1, she caught a cold that lingered for months. There were short stretches of relief, but mostly there was congestion, disrupted sleep, and a level of crankiness that turned my sunny baby into someone I barely recognized. The clouds around her felt constant, and one day, I caught myself labeling her in my head as “the crabby one.” But of course,
if I had a perpetually runny nose and no way to manage it, I’d be irritable, too! I needed to remember this wasn’t her personality, it was a season. What we needed to get through it was distraction: something fun to do "right now" and also fun things to anticipate. Aside from those who live in paradise pockets like San Diego, most of our readers are in the thick of a particularly dreary winter. The world feels heavy and gray, energy runs low, and
it’s easy to fixate on how dispirited we feel. But we need to remember that this isn't our personality, it's a season. What we need to get through it is distraction in the moment and also something positive we can place on our horizon. My family is counting down to the March 20 release of Project Hail
Mary, which stars Ryan Gosling. The movie is based on the novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian. You don't have to be a science nerd to love Weir's books (although science nerds DO love Weir's
books), because in all of them, the real hero is human ingenuity—curiosity, flexible thinking, doing what needs to be done even in extreme circumstances. When things are going awry, the answer isn’t despair, it’s problem-solving, and I always emerge from a Weir book feeling spiritually lighter. While I immerse myself in Weir and Gosling, you, of course, should do YOU! Let the art or sport that grabs you and your kids be your launch ticket to optimism now, and lift you to fun
in the future. We're glad to provide the fuel!
—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. |
Discover the Best of Texas & Beyond Want to stay in the know on the best places to go, things to do, and experiences worth exploring? The Lone Star Low Down from Texas Lifestyle Magazine highlights top travel destinations,
family-friendly outings, local events, dining, and exclusive giveaways. Whether you’re planning weekend adventures, road trips, or looking for inspiration close to home, this is your go-to source for discovering the best of Texas and beyond. Sign up here to receive the Lone Star Low
Down. |
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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.
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Experience two amazing attractions for one incredible price! We’re thrilled to introduce an all-new Circus experience coming to the Epic Central lawn—and the best part? Your Epic Waters admission includes FREE access to all the big top excitement!
The Epic Circus Spectacular is Included in Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark Admission! One ticket. Two unforgettable attractions!
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Experience the amazing diversity in wetland vegetation and wildlife while learning about the history and basics of wetland ecology.
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Tulipalooza is back for its eighth year blooming! Join us at Getzendaner Memorial Park for this magnificent springtime celebration filled with flowers, friends and fun. All to benefit our favorite local charities.
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The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect
the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
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A new free event in Grapevine celebrating everything Texas! Great entertainment, family fun, a chili cookoff and peach cobbler contest.
Visit the Settlement to the City Museum, explore the Heritage Center and enjoy great food and entertainment at Peace Plaza.
Admission is free, and a tasting wristband for the chili cookoff is $20.
There will be chili and cobbler samples, a cobbler baking contest, live music all day, games and family fun, historical re-enactments and a silent auction.
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Bring the whole family and learn how to catch a fish "this big!"
Angler Education instructors will teach you how to properly prepare your fishing pole and discuss tips and tricks to help you on your fishing journey. We'll practice pan fishing a bit on land before we put our skills to the test in the water! Registration is $10 per person.
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Brought to you by the Friends of the Library.
Ring in the year of the horse with activities that celebrate this auspicious occasion!
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Stop by the Children’s Area to take part in a scavenger hunt highlighting iconic Black athletes and sports legends.
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You're invited to join the Texas America250 Reading Challenge! Texans of all ages are invited to log 2,500 minutes (41.6 hours) of reading, state parks visits, and/or service
activity in 2026, in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants who complete the challenge can receive a certificate from their local librarian.
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Shape, smash and squish playdough to help develop fine motor skills. This come-and-go early learning program takes place in the Library Multipurpose Room.
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All aboard! Bring your little ones to explore, touch, smell, and discover hands-on activities at themed sensory stations, perfect for curious toddlers to learn through play. Best for ages 18 months to 6 and a caregiver.
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This unstructured Library time features a play area and music for our youngest Library patrons ages 0-3 years, and their caregivers.
Children ages 0-3 years. Caregiver attendance is required.
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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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- Black History Month Scavenger Hunt - South Irving Library, Schulze Drive, Irving, TX, Fri 2/27 - Sun 3/1 during normal library hours
- Texas America250 Reading Challenge - Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 1201 Brazos St, Austin, Texas, Fri 2/27 - Sun 3/1 all day
- Book Babies - Grand Prairie Library, 901 Conover Drive, Grand Prairie, TX, Fri 2/27 11-11:45 am
- Playdough Party - The Colony Public Library, 6800 Main Street, The Colony, TX, Fri 2/27 10:15-11:15 am
- Preschool Storytime - Nicholas P Sims Library, West Main Street, Waxahachie, TX, Fri 2/27 10-11 am
- Little Explorers - Arlington Public Library - George W. Hawkes Downtown
Library, South Center Street, Arlington, TX, Fri 2/27 10-11:30 am
- Family
Storytime - Arlington Public Library - Southeast Branch, Southeast Green Oaks Boulevard, Arlington, TX, Fri 2/27 10:30-11:15 am
- Children's Playtime - Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Dr, Bedford, TX, Fri 2/27 11-11:30 am
- Bounce Time (Age 0-3) - Colleyville Public Library, 110 Main St, Colleyville, TX, Fri 2/27 10:15-11:15
am
- Sensory Station - Hurst Public Library, 901 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, TX, Fri 2/27 10:30-11
am
- Lego Club - Kennedale Public Library, West 3rd Street, Kennedale, TX, Fri 2/27 3:30-5 pm
- Family Place Playtime - Mansfield Public Library, South Wisteria Street, Mansfield,
TX, Fri 2/27 11 am- 12 pm
- Frost Chuck Wagon Breakfast - Frost Bank, 281 N Financial Center, Fri 2/27 8:00 AM - 9:30
AM
- Cuentos & Stories - DeSoto Public Library, 211 E Pleasant Run Rd, DeSoto, TX, Sat 2/28
10:30-11 am
- Play & Learn (Ages 0-5) at the Central Library - Garland Central Library, 713 Austin Street, Garland,
TX, Sat 2/28 10 am- 12 pm
- Lunar New Year - Betty Warmack Library, Bardin Road, Grand Prairie, TX, Sat 2/28
11 am- 1 pm
- Family Storytime at Lewisville Public Library - Lewisville Public Library, 1197 West Main Street, Lewisville, TX, Sat 2/28 11- 11:30 am
- Family Board Game Day - Colleyville Public Library, 110 Main St, Colleyville, TX, Sat 2/28 11 am- 2 pm
- Taste of Texas Independence Chili cookoff - Peace Plaza at
Grapevine Main Station, Grapevine, TX, Sat 2/28 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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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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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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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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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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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