KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For 25 years, one of my core missions with KidsOutAndAbout has been to make invisible things visible, to celebrate what local communities offer families. Everyone is busy, and local treasures are easy to miss. Our job is to point, spotlight, nudge, and say Look here. Try this. Bring the kids. But there’s another kind of invisibility worth fixing:
The people who create these experiences rarely get to see their full impact. They track tickets sold and kids enrolled, but may never hear that your child talked about their field trip for six months, found courage on their stage, or simply felt welcome exactly when they needed it. That’s why our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey matters. Each summer, we ask readers to vote for their favorite local places to take kids.
The results help families see what other families love. The ranking and comments help local organizations see that their work matters. So your three minutes becomes both a recommendation and a thank-you. The survey is simple: Click on your three favorite local destinations. Then also, optionally, nominate favorites in special categories—like arts, sports, and STEM education—and leave comments that we’ll pass along to the people who make these experiences
happen. So please click here to vote in the 2026 edition of the survey. Help families find the places they’ll love, and help the people behind those places know they’re making a difference. The survey will be open until June 20.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
P.S. If you're interested, check out the 2025 list here to see who
won last year. |
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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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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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At White Bear Sailing School, we offer fun, hands-on sailing programs for all ages and experience levels from June through August. Young sailors can start as early as age 5 in our beginner-focused youth programs, while older kids and teens build confidence, teamwork, racing skills, and lifelong friendships on the water. We also offer advanced race training, recreational sailing opportunities, and adult lessons for those looking to learn a new skill or get back into the sport. Our experienced coaches create a positive, welcoming environment where sailors can challenge themselves, stay active outdoors, and enjoy summer on beautiful White Bear Lake.
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A Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Affair. Take flight in an extraordinary adventure full of magic & whimsy. Mary Poppins will sweep you into a world where anything can happen—blending unforgettable characters, dazzling choreography, and a dash of theatrical magic. Join us for a spoonful of sugar sure to stir your soul and set your imagination free.
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Are you ready to welcome the little ones? Then be here for Farm Babies, a beloved springtime tradition at the Minnesota Zoo! Every day, you can meet babies and their hardworking moms. Saturdays and Sundays, you can also kick up your heels with live music, activities and learning from the Farmkeepers about the agriculture and animals. The Wells Fargo Family Farm is a small demonstration farm featuring heritage and rare breeds – come meet them and learn what makes them so special.
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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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The St. Paul Saints Baseball Club has provided family entertainment to the Twin Cities since 1993. Young Saints fans can enjoy special pre-game moments at CHS Field! Become a BP Buddy and watch batting practice up close, join your team as the Field of Dreams squad to play catch and stand alongside the Saints for the National Anthem, or bring your entire league for a night of fun and baseball. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!
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Are you looking for a fun, free opportunity to get out of the house and spend quality time with your baby? Come to Baby Time for a judgment-free, enriching, and supportive first introduction to an art museum. No reservation needed; just drop by if you can.
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Every third Saturday of the month, TMORA hosts a free family activity in the Robert J. Brokop Gallery. Join us to hear a story related to Russian art and culture, learn about artworks, and create a take-home art project of your own. Afterwards, explore the museum with an interactive gallery hunt. Advance registration is requested.
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MINNEAPOLIS! K-pop boy group AMPERS&ONE are returning to the United States on their 2026 live tour ‘Born To Define’ with a FREE SHOW at Mall of America®! This special performance is open to the public and will take place in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda at Mall of America. No ticket is required to attend the general show, just show up and enjoy!
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Cady Heron is the new girl at suburban high school, and it’s far more treacherous than the African savanna. Pulled into the glamorous yet cutthroat world of The Plastics, Cady teams up with friends to take down their queen bee, Regina George. But as she goes undercover, popularity, drama, and self-discovery collide. Filled with sharp humor, heart, and teen chaos, this stage adaptation of the hit film and Broadway musical explores fitting in—and staying true to yourself.
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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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We are a produce-focused market offering a wide variety of fruits and vegetables along with prepared foods, coffee, hand made crafts and more.
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Scout Days return to SEA LIFE at Mall of America! Swim on by to enjoy this family fun underwater adventure!
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See the full film on the big screen with the score performed live by the Minnesota Orchestra!
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- Kindergarten Discovery Day - Hope Academy, 9:00am - 11:30am & 1:00pm-3:00pm, Friday, May 15, 2026 & Saturday, May 29, 2026
- Downtown Farmers Market - Minneapolis - Minneapolis Farmers Market, East Lyndale Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, Friday, 7 am - 1 pm; Saturday, 6 am - 1 pm; Sunday, 6 am - 1 pm, Friday, May 15, 2026 to Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Minneapolis-St. Paul - Shoott, See link for times, Saturday, May 16, 2026 & Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Stories & Crafts in the Gallery - The Museum of Russian Art, Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 10:30AM, Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Northeast Farmers Market Saturday Market - Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market, Northeast 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 9 am
- 1 pm, Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Baby Time - Cafesjian Art Trust Museum - Cafesjian Art Trust Museum, 4600 Churchill St, Shoreview, MN 55126, 1:30pm, Saturday, May 16, 2026
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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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