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 Twin 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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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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Sunday, June 14, 2026 (rescheduled from March due to snowstorm): The MINNEAPOLIS screening of the 15th annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival! Hosted by James Kennedy (The Order of Odd-Fish and more) In Pohlad Hall of the Minneapolis Central Library (300 Nicollet Mall). 2 pm.Get your FREE tickets at https://90secondnewbery.com/events.
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August 10 – 14, 9-4 at the Textile Center of Minnesota: It’s Alive: Puppet Theatre invites campers to bring imagination to life through the art of puppet making and performance! Campers will create their own puppets and collaborate on a camp show. To ensure a high-quality experience for campers, Textile Center’s Summer Camps operate at a 1:6 adult to child ratio, with a classroom maximum of 12 campers. Recommended for teens ages 12 – 16 yrs. See details here: https://textilecentermn.org/product/its-alive-puppet-theatre-summer-camp/
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Plan your summer now and save—early bird tickets start at $16 for members when purchased by May 18. Member presale begins May 4, with general public tickets on sale May 8 at 8 am. Step into Wanderlight Trail—an all-new, immersive evening experience at the Minnesota Zoo. As the sun sets, a glowing twilight journey comes to life with larger-than-life lanterns inspired by animals from around the world. Wander at your own pace, take in each illuminated moment, and make your summer night shine a little brighter.
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Our annual June Pride Exhibit is free and open to all visual and literary members. The ACCC is proud (pun intended!) to show our support for all members of our community.
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The Edina Art Fair is a community-driven celebration and, at 59 years strong, the longest-running and largest art fair in Minnesota, bringing together talented artists from around the country for a truly high-end juried art experience. Set in the heart of the 50th & France district, the fair transforms the area as the intersection is closed to traffic, creating a walkable, festival atmosphere filled with art, shopping, and discovery. Visitors can enjoy browsing local boutiques alongside the artist booths, with something for everyone; from exceptional fine art across all price points to lively beer gardens, great food, and live music throughout the weekend. Families are invited to enjoy engaging kids’ activities, making the Edina Art Fair a welcoming, inclusive event where art,…
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Let’s go on a space adventure together! Children will get to explore multiple sensory stations with a space theme! Activities include a galaxy filled with shooting stars, planet exploration, and a giant green alien, of course! Explore the wonders of space with your child.
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The Minneapolis Rodeo is the Twin Cities’ first outdoor PRCA Pro Rodeo and country music festival, bringing world class rodeo competition, live music, and Rodeo culture to Minneapolis. Taking place on June 6, 2026, at Surly Festival Field, this one-day event features top PRCA athletes alongside a music festival experience for longtime rodeo fans, first-time attendees, and country music fans alike.
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Each first Saturday in June, the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival transforms our charming St. Paul neighborhood into a lively, art-filled celebration. Now in its 57th year, the festival has a rich history of showcasing regional artists and musicians, celebrating community, and bringing neighbors together for a day of creativity, discovery, and fun.
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A musical inspired by true events. At 9:26 a.m. on September 11, 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration shuts down U.S. airspace in response to terrorist attacks, forcing all inbound planes to find alternate destinations. In total, 38 planes are diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, and the hospitable residents of the small Canadian town greet all 7,000 passengers with food, clothing and open hearts. By the time the “plane people” depart, defenses are down, romance blooms and lifelong friendships are formed. Based on the inspiring true story of Gander’s unexpected guests, this hopeful musical honors our common humanity and highlights the importance of reaching out to those in need
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We’re throwing a monster-sized party to celebrate summer and the opening of our brand-new special exhibit, Monsters on Vacation!
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The largest free celebration in the Midwest has been a St. Paul tradition for fifty years. Save the date to join us at Grand Old Day on June 7, 2026!
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Bring the whole family to the track for a day packed with fun. Canterbury Park offers a clean, safe, and family-friendly atmosphere—plus kids five and under get in free.
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An event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music, flashing lights- and to have a lot of fun!
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Visit the Arboretum with the entire family and start your day or end your day listening to live music! Enjoy live music throughout the summer! This year, we welcome new and returning artists to our series, which occurs June through September. Join us every Sunday afternoon from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Music genres will include blues, folk, brass quintets, and orchestra. There's something for everyone. Rootstock Cafe will be open with food, beer and wine available as well as the Rootstock Ice Cream Cart (weather permitting). The series is included with your general daily admission to the Arboretum, please reserve your admission on the website.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul 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 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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It's almost time for fruit picking! Fruit picking is a great activity to do together as a family. It helps little ones understand where their food actually comes from, and it's a fun tradition to share every year right through the teens.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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