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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Kidcreate Studio’s award-winning summer camps are designed to inspire and educate young artists, ages 3 to 12, in an environment where giggles and grins are encouraged. Camps combine art education with an atmosphere full of fun. Campers get to explore drawing, painting, clay and more. This year’s camps include- KPop Demon Hunters, IlluminART, Introductory Drawing, Kawaii Cute, Modern Masters in Clay, STEAM-sational and many more!
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Your Best Summer Starts Here! Saint Paul Urban Tennis is registering now for spring, summer, and fall programs for youth ages 5–18! From beginner camps to competitive team tennis, SPUT offers affordable, inclusive programming at accessible Saint Paul locations — welcoming all skill levels and backgrounds. We offer summer camps, seasonal clinics, and junior team tennis for every age and ability. Don't miss your spot — spaces fill fast! Register today and make this summer one to remember.
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If you’re still looking for their summer activity, it’s not too late to build their confidence, feed their curiosity, and spark creativity in a weeklong music camp at MacPhail! Music isn’t only fun, it engages the brain in unique ways, supporting non-musical goals like enriching fine and gross motor skills, all while learning an instrument and the fundamentals of music. Our world-class faculty are ready to welcome students to a supportive environment where high-quality instruction and the energy of summer come together in perfect harmony! Whether they’re new to music or looking to sharpen their skills, a camp and community are waiting for them at MacPhail. Register to secure their spot at macphail.org/camp. Financial assistance is available.
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Come to Choo Choo Bob's Train Store for a Train-Tastic story time! It’s educational & interactive! Come hear stories, songs and jokes about…TRAINS! Chugga, chugga! Choo Choo! See you there, Engineers!
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It’s not every day that a wild tornado whizzes over your head, or the world magically shifts from black and white to technicolor! Don’t miss this grand spectacle, featuring songs from the classic film.
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Kids and parents building a garden, this is the plant sale for you! Shop for plants selected by Arboretum horticultural experts at this annual sale featuring a fabulous selection of annuals, perennials, fruits, vegetables, herbs, lilies, roses, hostas, Minnesota natives, trees and several varieties of U of M-introduced apple and fruit trees, grapes, azaleas and shrubs.
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Join a band of storytellers in the not-so-distant-future, as they tell the story of Bilbo Baggins in this inventive adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale. Our storytellers follow Bilbo on a journey beyond the borders of the familiar, as he is swept into a quest with Gandalf and a band of determined dwarves, facing trolls, goblins, riddles, and a dragon named Smaug—with bravery he never knew he had.
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Do you have plans that don’t include your little ones? Do you want to see a movie that isn’t animated or enjoy a dinner that doesn’t include french fries? Sign your kids up for their own night out.
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This Mother’s Day, skip the bouquet and give the gift of an unforgettable experience at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory! Celebrate the weekend with us at the annual Mother’s Day Bonsai Show, happening May 9 & 10 from 10am–6pm inside the stunning Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Whether you’re bonding with Mom, marveling with friends, or simply looking for weekend inspiration—this show is a blooming good time for all ages.
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Come on out to the Kelley Farm and help us get into the swing of spring!
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Welcome to the Women’s Expo at Big Rock Creek, happening Saturday, May 9th—where women’s health, wellness, and connection take center stage. Join us for a day designed to inspire and empower, featuring a curated lineup of vendors, experiences, and resources focused on helping women feel their best—inside and out.
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National Crayon Day is March 31 and Crayola Experience is celebrating by giving away 1 million crayons! Sign up NOW to get your FREE custom 32 count box, while supplies last. Plus, fan-favorite color Dandelion is BACK and will be available to add to your FREE custom box. You’ll have colorful fun hand-picking your choice of 32 crayons from our “Pick Your Pack” wall holding nearly HALF A MILLION CRAYONS in 74 different colors.
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- Downtown Farmers Market - Minneapolis - East Lyndale Avenue North, Minneapolis, Friday, May 8, 2026, 7 am - 1 pm
- Downtown Farmers Market - Minneapolis - East Lyndale Avenue North, Minneapolis, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 6 am - 1 pm
- Northeast Farmers Market Saturday
Market - Northeast 2nd Street, Minneapolis, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am - 1 pm
- Screen-Free Saturday: Early Childhood Open House - City of Lakes Waldorf School, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Mother's Day Bonsai Show 2026 - 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10 am - 6 pm
- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! -
Minneapolis-St. Paul - Broadway, New York, Saturday, May 9, 2026, See link for times
- Downtown Farmers Market - Minneapolis - East Lyndale Avenue North, Minneapolis, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 6 am - 1 pm
- Mother's Day Bonsai Show 2026 - 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 10 am - 6 pm
- Sundays at Landmark: Saint Paul
Civic Symphony Mother's Day Concert - West 5th Street, Saint Paul, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 1:00 PM
- Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker - 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 8 am - 11 pm
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the MSP area 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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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