KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a kid, a giant azalea bush stretched across our backyard, exploding into glorious pink blossoms in early May. In summer, it became something even better: a secret hideout that my sister and I named the Humble Abode. We hollowed out the dead branches behind the bush and dragged in little chairs and treasures and our dollhouse family. The Humble Abode barely qualified as
a fort, and it wasn't even secret; I'm sure my parents knew when we were back there. But it was a great kids-only space. A few weeks ago, I wrote about five summer lenses through which to plan summer: music, motion, making, nature, and food. Making—the lens for this week—reminds kids that they are not merely consumers of the world, but contributors to it. They can push value into existence. They can turn sticks, cardboard, fabric, tape, mud, blocks, gears,
sand, and flour into something that wasn’t there before. Especially for younger kids, making with the hands gives the brain evidence. I did that. I made that. I can make things happen. Summer is perfect for this because summer has time and room for mess. Pull out the science kits, the rocket kits, the LEGO bins, the soap-making sets that arrived at Christmas and then sat politely in the closet. "Upcycle" old boxes, fabric, toys, crayons, paint, buttons.
Let your kids build backyard forts, fairy houses, marble runs, cardboard cities, obstacle courses, blanket tents, museum towers, and whatever else the day and their imagination suggest. Of course, glue will drip. Sand will migrate. The kitchen table may briefly disappear under invention. (If the clutter gets overwhelming, consider a trip or two to your local science museum or maker space to save your sanity.) After all, you can’t make omelets without breaking eggs. And
you can’t make a maker without giving a child some space, some tools, some trust, and permission to begin.
—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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This two-day smorgasbord of food and fun celebrates everything we love about Minnesota. Great music, fabulous food, outdoor family fun, a few surprises and really great people-watching! Come for the food and stay to play!From crave-worthy food vendors and standout local businesses to talented artists, inspired makers, and an all-star lineup of homegrown music, Taste of Minnesota 2026 is taking over downtown Minneapolis.
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Make this July 3rd one to remember with one of Minnesota's most spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky! Celebrate all things red, white, and blue at Canterbury Park—your go-to destination for an unforgettable Independence Day kickoff.
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Join us Friday, July 3, 5:00 - 10:30 p.m. for what has become the true "ringing in" of Independence Day in the Twin Cities. This festival, which culminates in one of the State of Minnesota's largest fireworks displays, takes place annually on July 3 at Normandale Lake Park, W. 84th Street and Normandale Blvd. Celebrate the USA's 250th birthday in style with this annual festival filled with music, food, fireworks and fun!
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Join us in celebrating America's 250th Anniversary! Music- Basic and Boring and Boogie Wonderland will be here along with EggRoll Queen and Crush Pizza Truck for some great food! Tickets are only $15, kids 5 and under are FREE!
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Fourth of July returns to Historic Fort Snelling! Join us for a day filled with historic demonstrations, a military timeline, musical performances from the Fife & Drum Corps, and much more!
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Enjoy a day filled with 19th-century games, picnicking, and patriotic speeches on the farm to celebrate this Fourth of July. Catch a special 11am performance by Minnesota musicians Century Brass and join in on a rousing game of historic town ball. Don't forget to grab an ice cream treat from our Learning Kitchen before you go!
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The 4th in The Park is a fun-filled celebration of community featuring events for the entire family! Join us to celebrate our nation's birthday with family and friends. Kick things off with an early morning distance race. Enjoy the colorful parade and stake out a patch of grass to enjoy an afternoon of music. There is something for everyone at the 4th in the Park!
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Animal Crossing™ Aquarium Tour is making a splash at SEA LIFE at Mall of America beginning June 11th! Explore themed aquarium displays, complete the Stamp Rally, snap memorable photo ops and more! This event is included in regular admission.
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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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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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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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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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