KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: The first time I can remember having to take a public stand on anything was in eighth grade English. We were assigned an essay on a controversial topic and told we’d present our arguments to the class. When he handed back our papers, Mr. Schmidt added a twist: no reading. We’d speak from notes. I was horrified. After school, I tried to negotiate my way out of it. “This
makes me really uncomfortable,” I told him, hoping for mercy. He looked at me over his glasses. “That’s the whole point,” he said. “To get stuff done, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t worry, you’ll live.” Mr. Schmidt was right. I didn’t die. And more important, I learned something that stuck: Discomfort isn’t a stop sign, it’s just part of the road, and all roads are bumpy. That lesson shaped how I've raised my kids, too. Karate helped
Madison and Ella distinguish between effort and injury. Long car rides taught them to rely on their own imaginations. Theater nudged them to stand however close to the spotlight they could manage, even when they’d rather disappear. And summer camps—those muddy, unpredictable, gloriously imperfect experiences—gave them countless chances to try something new and realize I can do this without the stigma that can accompany failing in other contexts. Growth rarely happens
inside the comfort zone, which is why I’m such a believer in giving kids opportunities to stretch beyond what feels easy. Summer programs are perfect for this, so that's why during "summer camp search season" we focus on showcasing the wide variety of camps and programs available in each area we serve. Here's the link to
the portal page. These days, as we approach the 25th anniversary of KidsOutAndAbout.com in June, I see that same principle playing out: The technology has changed, the business climate has changed, but the equation hasn’t. Discomfort still shows up right before something meaningful. And I still hear Mr. Schmidt’s voice in my head: Don’t worry, you’ll live.
—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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Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at Elmo’s Got the Moves—the all-new Sesame Street Live show coming to Milwaukee Sunday, May 10th at the Miller High Life Theatre!
This exciting show will have kids and parents alike out of their seats and moving and dancing along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends as they dance, stretch, and play along to fan-favorite songs, including “Sunny Days,” “Elmo’s Got the Moves,” and “Letter of the Day.” Tickets start at just $35!
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The annual Balloon Adventure returns to PIER 290 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for its third year, with its boat showroom transformed into a colorful, crawl-worthy world of oversized bugs and playful surprises. Running March 19 - 29, 2026, the all-ages event
features more than 100,000 balloons twisted, sculpted and linked into towering bug-themed installations. Guests can explore hands-on science elements and photo-ready moments designed to spark curiosity and joy.
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Hop into spring with the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum at our first-ever Spring Fling! Meet fluffy bunnies and chicks from Havens Petting Farm from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., create handprint flowers at the Be A Maker Lab, and decorate a pair of bunny ears to wear at
the Bunny Hop from 12:30-1 p.m. with live cello music from 2026 Artist in Residence Malik Johnson.
All activities are included with general admission.
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Discover the splendor of ancient China before communism with Shen Yun, the world-renowned performing arts experience reviving 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Through exhilarating dance, stunning animated backdrops, and a majestic live orchestra
blending East and West, Shen Yun transports you to a world of beauty, wisdom, and hope. Based in New York, this nonprofit company brings to life the traditions and spirit once lost to history. Be uplifted by breathtaking artistry, powerful storytelling, and the timeless message of truth and renewal that has left millions around the world inspired and in awe.
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Learn how to tell a maple tree apart from other species, practice tapping a log with one of our hand drills, and discover how the sap is turned into syrup! We’ll have a variety of activities to participate in along the trails. Before you leave, visit the
sweetest station of all for a delicious treat!
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Bring the whole family and join the Kenosha Public Museum in celebrating Women in STEM! Meet and talk to real scientists from a variety of fields, and participate in experiments and hands-on experiences with them. Explore our hall of scientists and learn
about some of the incredible scientific discoveries that have been made by women throughout history–from discovering the crater of the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs to figuring out how to send humans into space, from uncovering the structure of DNA to building the foundation of quantum physics upon which Einstein built his theories.
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Step into the heart of the savanna for an unforgettable evening of music, emotion, and spectacle as The Lion King—Live in Concert takes the stage. This extraordinary event brings to life the beloved musical hits of The Lion King in a breathtaking live
performance featuring a symphonic orchestra, dynamic percussionists, and soaring choral harmonies. From the iconic opening chant of “Circle of Life” to the uplifting joy of “Hakuna Matata” and the romantic beauty of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” this concert is a tribute to one of Disney’s most powerful and enduring stories.
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Kick off Spring Break with a full day of free, family-friendly fun at Pulaski Pool! Enjoy a 10:30 AM water safety session to learn essential swim skills, followed by open swim from noon to 4:45 PM—free for those who pre-register and attend the morning
session. From 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, explore programs and resources from community partners like Wehr Nature Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens, Urban Ecology Center, Girl Scouts, and more. The event is free and open to all—pre-register today and join the fun!
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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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- Artsy Afternoons - Kenosha Public Museum - Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140, Friday, March 20, 2026, 2 pm - 4 pm
- Family Day at the Milwaukee County Historical
Society - Milwaukee County Historical Society, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00am-2:00pm
- Women in STEM at the Kenosha Public
Museum - Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00am – 3:00pm
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Milwaukee 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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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Milwaukee area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping
a spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas 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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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Milwaukee Area, as voted by thousands of parents! 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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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