KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
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
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
The Tennessee Tulip Festival is a must-do spring bucket list experience at Lucky Ladd Farms, home to the largest pick-your-own tulip farm in Tennessee and the Southeastern United States. Enjoy stunning photo ops and hand-select vibrant blooms during this
once-a-year event—tulip season lasts only 3–4 weeks, so don’t miss it!
|
|
|
|
Join the Mt. Juliet School of Rock Spring Preview Show for an electrifying afternoon of live music! Our talented students will be rocking out at Starstruck Farm on March 21st, showcasing what they've been working on this season. Come support the future of
rock and roll in a fun, family-friendly environment!
|
|
|
|
Spring is in the air, and we’re celebrating in a big way at The Shoppes at Old Hickory Social! Join us for Hop Into Spring, a three-day event from March 20–22 filled with fun, food, and festive spring vibes. Enjoy the excitement of our Cake Walk, sample
delicious treats, and take in the beautiful spring atmosphere. It’s a family-friendly celebration with something for everyone, so bring your friends and loved ones to soak up the joy of the season. Mark your calendar and hop on over to join the fun!
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the arrival of spring with Tennessee State Parks on Saturday, March 21st, during the annual Spring Hike. As longer days, warmer weather, and blooming wildflowers signal winter’s end, this event invites everyone to embrace the season outdoors.
Choose from relaxing nature walks or challenging all-day adventures, each guided by knowledgeable park staff who share insights into the state’s natural, cultural, and historical wonders. From the cypress swamps of West Tennessee to the waterfalls and ridges of Middle Tennessee and the majestic mountains of the east, every park reveals a unique part of the state’s scenic charm. Step into spring and explore Tennessee’s beauty!
|
|
|
|
The community is invited to a free, all-ages Easter celebration featuring photos with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt beginning at 9:30 a.m., fun activities for everyone, a treat truck, and spring merchandise. The event will take place rain or shine, with
activities moved indoors if needed. Parking will be available at J.T. Moore Elementary School, and accessible parking will be provided on FLC’s campus. It’s sure to be an egg-citing day full of festive fun for all!
|
|
|
|
Great Scott! BACK TO THE FUTURE the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Nashville in 2026. Presented by HCA Healthcare/Tristar Health, in partnership with Nissan and Farm Bureau Health Plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
- Kidsville Storybook Walk - 2500 West End
Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, Friday, March 20, 2026 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, Park hours, 6 AM - 8 PM
- Vanderbilt University Preschool Language and Brain Study - Vanderbilt University, West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, Friday, March 20, 2026 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. We can schedule visits any time during the week, including evenings and weekends.
- Storytime in the Children's Gallery - Tennessee State Museum - Tennessee State Museum, Rosa L Parks Boulevard,
Nashville, TN, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
- Teen Board Game Club - Linebaugh Public Library,
West Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN, Friday, March 20, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM
- Lego Jr. Club - Linebaugh Public
Library, West Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10-11 AM
- Teen Gaming Club - 105 W Vine St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 2-3:30 PM
- Community Egg Hunt at Friends Life Community - Friends Life Community, 4414 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN 37204, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9 AM - 11 AM
- Kids Arts Festival of
Tennessee 2026 - Bicentennial Park, 400 5th Ave North, Franklin, TN 37064, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10 AM - 2 PM
- Spring Hikes 2026 - Tennessee State Parks - Saturday, March 21, 2026, See website for details.
- School of Rock Spring Preview Show - Starstruck Farm, Tennessee 109, Lebanon, TN, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- 2026 Summer Camp Open House Tours - Deer Run
Camps and Retreats - Deer Run Camps & Retreats, Perkins Road, Thompson's Station, TN, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m
|
|
|
|
The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Nashville 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!
|
|
|
|
|
Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Nashville area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Nashville 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Nashville 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
The best things to do with kids in the Nashville area for 2025 as voted by KidsOutAndAbout.com's local readers. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of our readers' annual top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top
Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
