KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
In last week's column, I wrote about the Humble Abode, the kids-only hideout my sister and I created behind the giant azalea bush in our backyard. We dragged in chairs and treasures and made a little home in the hollowed-out
branches. At the time, I thought of it as something we had built. But of course, we didn’t create it from nothing. We were makers, yes, but we were making inside a world that was already alive. Summer is the perfect time for kids to experience that lesson up close and personal, with all their senses. The world is warm, green, buzzing, blooming, squelching, chirping, dripping, and growing almost too fast to track. Kids can smell lake water and tomato leaves, feel bark and moss
and mud, watch ants organize themselves with alarming competence, and notice that the same trail looks different after rain. Nature doesn’t need a lesson plan. It offers immediacy first: I am here. This is real. Pay attention. And then, quietly, it offers perspective. A child is legitimately the center of his or her own universe; we all are, from the inside. But Nature gently complicates that story. The robin is not singing for us. The creek does not hurry because we
are late. The sunflower turns toward the sun whether or not anyone remembers to admire it. Clouds, tides, weeds, and weather all proceed with their ancient business, reminding us that we belong to a world much larger than our schedules and preferences. That perspective should not make us feel small in a bad way, but instead help us feel rightly-sized. Humans have the wonderful ability to create, repair, improve, and beautify our little corners of the universe. But we do it
best when we understand the nature of the world we’re working within. So use this summer to include as much Outside Green Time as you can, looking up and around and in. Poke gently. Nature will do the rest.
—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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Step into the playful world of Peppa Pig at PEPPA PIG Theme Park, designed especially for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy kid-friendly rides, themed playgrounds, live shows, and opportunities to meet Peppa and her friends. Little ones can cool off at Muddy Puddles Splash Pad and create unforgettable family memories in a safe, fun-filled environment. With attractions sized just for young adventurers, it's the perfect first theme park experience where every day is packed with laughter, imagination, and plenty of muddy puddle fun.
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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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Enjoy a movie under the stars at Geyer Commons in our Unplugged Fridays series, presented by our friends at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center.
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King Arthur & Merlin: A Tale of Sword & Sorcery makes its world premiere with a royally ridiculous twist on the legendary tale of Camelot. This magic-fueled comedy follows bumbling Uther, wise-but-weary Merlin, vengeful Morgana, and the once-and-future himbo, King Arthur, as they fight, flirt, and fumble their way through destiny. AND...YES...THERE'S POPCORN! Plan those summer parties and get togethers soon!
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This swim time is specifically set aside for those with special needs and their families! As our special guest, all family members will be able to play and swim and enjoy the Wet Zone without all the crowds! Admission is FREE for our Angels and only $5 for their family and caretakers. No coupons or other discounts apply.
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Bring the family and friends to this fun event. Bring snacks. Popcorn and water will be provided. Don't forget chairs or blankets for lawn seating.
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Join us for a fun-filled tie dye event celebrating America's 250th! Shirts and materials will be provided. Enjoy hot dogs, chips, water, and music while you create your own one-of-a-kind shirt!
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In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a fierce winter falls over Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find her sister and bring her home with the help of ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a lovable snowman named Olaf.
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Irving Arts Center offers the perfect framework for adults and children to make art together in the creative atmosphere of Irving Arts Center. Find inspiration in the gallery exhibitions, holidays and the seasons as families make art, friends and fun! NEW! During Second Sunday Fundays, take advantage of a docent-led guided tour of the galleries taking place at 2PM on the Second Sunday of the month and for teens, an Open Studio is offered from 1PM to 4PM. And the best part? It’s FREE!
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Join us at a different park every Friday in July for games, sports, nature and family fun for all ages! Spend your Fridays in July soaking up sunshine, laughter, and community at Summer in the Park Series in Lancaster Each week, we’re popping up in a different park across the city, turning green spaces into vibrant hubs of energy and connection. From friendly games and sports to nature exploration and laid-back family fun, there’s something here for every age and every vibe. Whether you’re chasing your kids across the field, joining a pickup game, or just enjoying the breeze under a shady tree, this series is your invitation to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with your community.
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Wander through the Garden and encounter a panther poised mid-stride, a fox on the prowl, a mama bear carrying her cub, and dozens more creatures brought to life through the work of internationally acclaimed artist Sean Kenney. Each of the 40+ sculptures is built from LEGO® bricks, over 800,000 in total, and paired with fun scientific facts about its featured animal. It’s part art exhibition, part nature walk, and entirely worth the detour. Celebrating soccer this summer? Wear your jersey and receive half off off General Garden Admission all June and July.
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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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