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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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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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. From the moment you arrive, you'll be surrounded by larger-than-life illuminated lanterns inspired by animals from around the world. Stroll through immersive displays, enjoy food and beverages available for purchase, capture unforgettable photos, and experience the Zoo in a way you've never seen before.
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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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Get out of the swamp and into the theatre to join Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona on an adventure bigger than Lord Farquaad! This high- energy, family-friendly production proves that when we open our hearts, we create bonds that can overcome even the biggest challenges. Shrek The Musical brings all your favorite characters from the Oscar-winning film to life and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
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Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an energetic, colorful place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. This is a time designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to explore the zoo without the crowds. Como strives to provide a positive, welcoming experience for every visitor.
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Nine days. Eighty-plus events. One hundred percent put on by the community, for the community. Join us July 4–12 for fireworks, parades, BOHO Marketplace, Tribute Band Night, and everything in between.
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Make plans now to bring the family on a summer evening and enjoy the light show from the lightening bugs! Experience the magic of summer nights at the Arboretum with hundreds of fireflies flashing through the sky! Bring your family and friends along to marvel at the wonder of these glowing winged beetles (also known as lightning bugs). Begin your firefly viewing experience by gathering to learn about these special creatures from local experts before heading out to see them live on the trails.
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A three-class herbal series designed to empower children with real, life-changing knowledge about plants, natural healing. Apothecary Kids, a three-class herbal series designed to empower children with real, life-changing knowledge about plants, natural healing, and the world growing right around them.
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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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For over 70 years, Whiz Bang Days and the City of Robbinsdale have worked together to bring together families in a sense of community. Whether you are enjoying the block party, cheering on the parade, or being thrilled by the fireworks, Whiz Bang Days is proud to help promote the "small town" charm of our "big town" community!
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2026's most popular places to take kids in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator! Check out your
fellow readers' favorites, and enjoy exploring the best of the region!
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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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