KidsOutAndAbout Orange County

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Sat, Apr 18: 36th Annual Holland Festival Long Beach at Gemmrig Park
Wed, Apr 22: Earth Day - Descanso Gardens
Fri, May 1: Coco - Fork n' Film (Los Angeles)
Sat, May 9: The Invisible Boy at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

One of the best things about spring is that it turns all of us into treasure hunters.

After a long winter, we adults start scanning the world for signs that life is returning: We notice the first mist of green in a forest's understory, the first brave crocus, the first daffodil. If we point out loud, kids catch on quickly, drawn by the thrill of seeking what winter was hiding even just a few weeks ago, and they're ready to find magic behind every tree.

Of course, in certain parts of North America, spring can be stingy in early April: The calendar may insist it’s here, but the yard is still beige, the trees are still bare, and the only things blooming outside are spreading patches of mud. But there’s no rule that says spring surprises have to come only from Mother Nature! That’s one reason I’m such a fan of egg hunts.

Last year, I wrote an extremely popular step-by-step article showing how to Turn Easter Into a Treasure Hunt, complete with a printable PDF of rhyming clues. It’s right there waiting for you, ready to make you look like a genius with practically zero effort. And if you want to kick it up a notch and invite a crowd, our article Easter Egg Hunts: Tips and Tricks for a Great Party lays out the strategies for what may be the easiest, fastest, best-bang-for-the-buck kids’ party on Earth. Sure, egg hunts feature prominently in our culture's Easter traditions, but they needn't belong only to Easter, they're a wonderful diversion anytime, in any context.

Spring is a season that proves there’s treasure everywhere. Sometimes the universe provides the fun for us. And sometimes we create it ourselves.

—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.

What do campers experience at AstroCamp?

Looking for a summer camp that truly has it all? Our latest article dives into why AstroCamp stands out for value, variety, and unforgettable adventure. Nestled in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains, AstroCamp blends hands-on STEM learning with epic outdoor experiences like rocketry, drone piloting, hiking, archery, and even stargazing through digital telescopes. With customizable Specialty Weeks, culinary Camp CHOP, and one- or two-week overnight options, kids can tailor their experience to match their passions. Curious how it all comes together to create an extraordinary summer? Click the graphic to read our article!

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

Celebrate California’s incredible bounty with exciting cuisine, entertainment and more—February 28 through April 21, 2025! Explore an array of delicious food and beverages, exciting festival add-ons, captivating attractions and entertainment, and special merchandise!

Farm Market - Forneris Farms

Vine ripened, locally grown & locally sourced produce.

Springtime Easter Festival - Underwood Family Farms

Come celebrate with us at our Springtime Easter Festival! With acres to visit and numerous activities, there is plenty of space to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine with family and friends.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit

Step into the world of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit and discover how team work, creativity, and empathy can make every challenge an adventure!

Little Artists - Hesperia Branch Library

Create fun, sometimes messy, art with your little one and guide their imagination by making a project together, or let them steal the show with their own personal artistic style!

Earth Month - City of Irvine

Earth Day 2026 is April 22, and this year marks the 56th anniversary of this celebration. This year's theme is Our Power, Our Planet. This Earth Day 2026, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for us all, let us commit to Renewable Energy Now. The City of Irvine is hosting a variety of community events all month long in honor of Earth Day.

Devices of Wonder Interactive Experience

Museum educators showcase pre-cinema objects for visitors of all ages.

Los Angeles Angels Home Games

Come cheer on the Angels!

Bubblefest

The bubbles are returning to Discovery Cube Orange County on select dates March 14 - April 12!

Convergence: Contemporary Artists of Armenian Descent - Forest Lawn Museum

“Convergence: Contemporary Artists of Armenian Descent” will premiere at the Forest Lawn Museum on March 21, 2026. From bold experiments in abstraction to thought-provoking conceptual installations, “Convergence” features the work of more than twenty artists who push the boundaries of traditional mediums and challenge conventions with their daring visions. The exhibition does not attempt to cover the entire spectrum of Armenian narratives. Rather, its cohesive element is the heritage of the featured artists. With diverse backgrounds—ranging from those born in the United States to immigrants from various regions—these artists contribute individual perspectives to their work. Defining Armenian identity is inherently complex. It encompasses a sense of belonging that surpasses simplistic definitions, rooted in historical connections that often evoke profound and abstract emotions.

iD Tech Camps

iD Tech: The World's #1 STEM Summer Camp! BattleBots® Camp? You can only get it here. Roblox Camp? We've got that and more in our Summer '26 lineup. Register today at the top-rated tech camp for 25 years and counting! iD Tech is the very best experience built around your child—their interests, their skill level, their goals for the future. Trusted by 75+ of the world’s top universities and over 1,000,000 parents, iD Tech is where kids and teens learn from the best—coding, game dev, robotics, and more. The future starts at iD Tech! Click here for more information about your local iD Tech opportunities! Virtual camps are also available!

FREE spring mini photo session at Shoott! - Irvine & Orange County - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, April 3-5, 2026, See link for times
Little Artists - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch Library, 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA 92307, April 3, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Little Seedlings Story Time - Sherman Library and Gardens - Sherman Library & Gardens, East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA, USA, April 3, 2026, 10 am - 10:30 am
Craft Corner - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch Library, 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA 92307, April 5, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Storytime in the Nature Garden - Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County - Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, USA, April 4-5, 2026, 10:30 am
City of Westminster Bunny Hop - City of Westminster - City of Westminster, Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CA, USA, April 4, 2026, 10:00AM - 11:30AM

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Orange County, CA area

The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in The OC 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!

Escape Rooms in and around Orange County, CA

Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Orange County? 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.

Birthday Party Locations in and around Orange County, CA

Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Orange County 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!

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Orange County, CA

2025's best places to take kids in the Orange County, CA area. Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Who won the top spot? An indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team? Click through to find out!

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

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Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout OC Newsletter 3/26/2026: Tour Guide

2026-03-26T09:01:50-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Orange County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter
March 26, 2026

*Easter Events and Activites
*80 Easter Basket Ideas That Aren't Candy
*Tips for Hosting An Easter Egg Hunt
*Create A Clue-Filled Easter Egg Hide-and-Seek

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Wed, Apr 1: Free First Wednesdays - Autry Museum of the American West
Sat, Apr 4: Kids' Cinnamon Roll Class - Saute Culinary Academy
Sun, Apr 12: 12th Annual Bob Baker Day - Bob Baker's Marionette Theater
Fri, Apr 17: California Poppy Festival - City of Lancaster

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

Before I had kids, one of my colleagues told me that fundamentally, a parent’s job is to point. At first, you point physically: You point at the waterfall and say “waterfall,” at the moon and say “moon,” at the flower and say “flower.” You’re helping a child connect sounds to objects, words to concepts, language to reality. But later, and really all the way through, the pointing becomes more metaphorical. Parenting is the ongoing work of connecting your child’s growing capacity to understand with a world that is, to them, forever expanding. As I had Madison and Ella, I came to think of this as being a tour guide to the world.

A good tour guide needs to know the landscape, of course. But even more important, a good tour guide needs to know the traveler. What can this particular child see right now? What are they ready for? What do they care about? What frightens them? What delights them? It's useful to remember that kids haven’t actually been here before: The world is brand-new to them over and over again, so what feels ordinary to us is often astonishing to a child. Tour guides who are doing their job well pay close attention to who their audience is and what they know, and that makes the pointing easier and more fun.

Spring is the perfect season to practice pointing. In spring, the world changes fast enough for kids to notice. Buds swell and burst. Birds return. Tiny green things push up through the dirt as if by magic. Day to day, the world becomes visibly more alive. If we point it out, kids can catch it happening in real time.

And spring does not arrive quietly. It comes as an avalanche of the senses: color, smell, birdsong, mud, wind, sunlight, thunder, petals, pollen, rushing water. So maybe that’s part of the job, too: not just to point, but to lean into it. To stand beside our kids in the rush of it all and say, Look! Here it comes.

—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.

Storytime with The Easter Bunny

Bring the little ones to sit with The Easter Bunny and hear the story of Peter Cottontail. Happening at the Easter Bunny Set on Level 1, near Nordstrom.

Bubblefest

The bubbles are returning to Discovery Cube Orange County on select dates March 14 - April 12!

Little Hands, Big Impact

Volunteer opportunity for the littles

Home Games - Angel City Football Club

Join the Angel City FC faithful at BMO Stadium! Experience the electric atmosphere as we cheer on our team. Expect thrilling soccer, passionate fans, and a celebration of Los Angeles. Get your tickets now!

Little Artists - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library

Create fun, sometimes messy, art with your little one and guide their imagination by making a project together, or let them steal the show with their own personal artistic style!

Baby Goat Yoga! - Tanaka Farms - Irvine, CA

Spend an hour relaxing your mind, body, and spirit! This light-hearted yoga class is designed for all levels and will be led by Sarah Brown and her four-legged baby goat assistants! The baby goats are provided and cared for by our Barnyard and volunteers from the Togg N Tails herd. This class is a fundraiser for our Helping Farms Feed Families (501c3) and 100% of the proceeds go directly to HFFF. This class is limited to those participants 9 years and older. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You must bring your own yoga mat that you won't mind getting dirty. It is a farm, after all!

Bowers' Books for Kids: Storytime in the Galleries

Held every last Saturday of the month, Storytime in the Galleries includes free copies of each author’s featured book while supplies last and free General Admission to the galleries. Reading in the galleries will be followed by a simple, fun art project that kids will love.

Free First Wednesdays - Autry Museum of the American West

Enjoy free access on the first Wednesday of each month to all the Autry's exhibitions, including Imagined Wests, Art of the West, and more by reserving your spot today! Visitors will now have a full day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy everything the Autry has to offer.

Camp Invention 2026

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.

FREE spring mini photo session at Shoott! - Irvine & Orange County - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Fri 3/27 - Sun 3/29, See link for times
Little Artists - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library, Apple Valley, CA 92307, Friday, 3/27, 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Little Seedlings Story Time - Sherman Library and Gardens - Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona Del Mar, CA, Friday, 3/27, 10 am - 10:30 am
FREE Spanish Classes for Kids ages 2-11 - LangoKids Irvine, Irvine, 3/28, Different times according to age and level
City of Westminster Bunny Hop - City of Westminster, Westminster, CA, Saturday, 3/28, 10:00AM - 11:30AM
Storytime in the Nature Garden - Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County - Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, Sat 3/28 - Sun 3/29, 10:30 am
Calm Morning: My Neighbor Totoro - Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Los Angeles, CA 90036, Saturday, 3/28, 9AM-1PM
Children's Opera Festival - Casa Italiana - Casa Italiana, Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, 3/29, 1 - 4pm PDT
Craft Corner - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library, Apple Valley, CA 92307, Sunday, 3/29, 11:00am - 12:00pm PST

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Orange County, CA area

Escape Rooms in and around Orange County, CA

Birthday Party Locations in and around Orange County, CA

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Orange County, CA

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout OC Newsletter 3/19/2026: Discomfort Zone

2026-03-19T09:01:43-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Orange County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter
March 19, 2026

Easter Fun

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Mon, Mar 30: Easter Cookie Decorating Class at the East Anaheim Community Center
Fri, Apr 3: Kids Good Friday (Easter) Celebration - Camelot Golfland
Sat, Apr 11: Animal Buddies Family Festival at Helen Woodward Animal Center

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.

Boysenberry Festival - Knott's Berry Farm - Buena Park , CA

The Knott's Boysenberry Festival is our annual food and wine festival that celebrates the park's historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. Indulge in a tantalizing lineup of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks including a variety of wines and craft beers that you can only find at Knott's Berry Farm during this limited-time food-inspired event. In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott's Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local crafters, live music, musical stage shows, and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. This year's event will introduce entirely new food offerings featuring a selection of more than two dozen food and drink items.

Cooking in the City

Join us in imaginative cooking with REAL tasty food. Cooking Activities: 11 am & 2:30 pm *This is not a cooking class, we will engage in imaginative play and have an opportunity to enjoy pre-made cooked food.

PAINTING & ART CLASS AT PLAY & PARTIES

Come & Create Art in a beautiful space with caring & creative teachers. Kids and their grown ups are invited to explore art through water color, acrylic and multi-media art. Taught by a credentialed Waldorf school teacher and professional artist, this class will let you and your kids not only create but learn about and art principals and history. Thursdays at 4:30. The class will be about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Little Artists - Hesperia Branch Library

Create fun, sometimes messy, art with your little one and guide their imagination by making a project together, or let them steal the show with their own personal artistic style!

Craft Corner - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library

Create wonderful themed projects and learn new skills using all sorts of artistic supplies.

Parents Night Out - Chozen Martial Arts Academy

Need a couple of hours away from the kids? Drop them off at Chozen's Parents Night Out! Need a couple of hours away from the kids? Drop them off at Chozen's Parents Night Out! We'll have fun and games to keep your child entertained. PLUS we're serving pizza and drinks!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit

Step into the world of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit and discover how team work, creativity, and empathy can make every challenge an adventure!

St. Joseph's Day/Return of the Swallows

Mission San Juan Capistrano’s annual St. Joseph’s Day and Return of the Swallows festivities will be held on the historic Mission grounds on Thursday, March 19. To commemorate the Mission’s 250th anniversary, a special flyover by WWII, North America AT-6 planes will take place between noon – 12:30 p.m. (weather permitting). The world-renowned return of the swallows is marked each year on St. Joseph’s Day, a liturgical feast day recognized in the Catholic Church.

Ratatouille - Fork n' Film (Los Angeles)

Come see the movie that started it all! Experience a night of culinary innovation whilst eating dishes right from the silver screen.

Camp Invention 2026

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Orange County, CA area

Escape Rooms in and around Orange County, CA

Birthday Party Locations in and around Orange County, CA

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Orange County, CA

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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OC KidsOutAndAbout Summer Camp Newsletter- March 2026

2026-03-16T15:00:00-04:00

Summer Camps in the Orange County Area

Arts, Crafts, & Cooking Camps

OC KidsOutAndAbout Summer Camp Newsletter

March 16, 2026

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

Here at KidsOutAndAbout.com, we love promoting summer camps as a way for kids to learn, expand their friendship circles, and have fun without the pressure of grades or consequences. Local summer camps have pulled out all the stops to ensure your kids have a great time.

After getting inspired by the camp descriptions below with programs for preschoolers through teens, head over to our Week by Week Guide to Summer Camps and what's been posted so far for 2026. Bookmark that main portal page to get where you need to go quickly to search by date or subject. New camps are being added constantly, so check back frequently.

I hope you enjoy our special-edition camp newsletter, and that you forward it to your friends who may also be shopping for summer camps. We'll be back with your regularly-scheduled weekly newsletter on Thursday!

—Debra Ross, publisher

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

Summer camps 2026: week by week

Week of June 14, 2026

Week of June 21, 2026

Week of June 28, 2026

Week of July 5, 2026

Week of July 12, 2026

Week of July 19, 2026

Week of July 26, 2026

Week of August 2, 2026

Week of August 9, 2026

Week of August 16, 2026

Week of August 23, 2026

Week of August 30, 2026

Find summer programs by subject!

Day Camps

Overnight Camps

Music Camps

Theater & Drama Camps

Dance Camps

Sports Camps

STEM, Nature, History, & Culture Camps

Camps for Kids with Special Needs

Camps for Preschoolers

Religious & Vacation Bible Camps

FEATURED LOCAL CAMPS

Fill your summer with art!

Art Steps offers a fun and immersive summer experience where students (ages 4-18) sharpen classical art skills through drawing, painting, and sculpting. Individualized, age-appropriate instruction ensures that artists of all skill levels can explore what they love in a supportive, engaging environment. Art Steps’ talented, friendly, highly-trained teachers provide an artistic experience with plenty of fun! Summer Workshops include Storybook, Under the Sea Clay, Anime & Cartooning, Cartoon Clay, Perspective, and Portraiture. Enroll this month to receive $65 off each workshop! Sign up for multiple workshops and save $55 on each one after the first! Studio locations in Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, and Yorba Linda. Save a spot today!

Aviation Summer Camp

Join our Airman Camp, for those fascinated by the boundless possibilities of aviation. This camp offers exhilarating hours of flight simulators, aviation-themed games, and interactive experiences, topped off with a real flight opportunity! It's the perfect playground for aspiring aviators aged 9-15 to begin their aviation journey. Your child can soar at our camnps in Fullerton, Long Beach, or Riverside. Our program is crafted to spark curiosity and foster learning in the hearts of young aviation enthusiasts, and to learn from expert pilots and get hands-on experience in the skies. Join us for an extraordinary adventure in aviation that could launch a lifetime of passion and discovery in the skies!

Join Camp Integem: Step into the Future!

Camp Integem is Magical, Fun, and Future-Focused for Ages 6-18: dive into AI, Robotics, Drones, Holographic AR, coding, 3D, Game Design, STEM, Art, Animation, Space/Nature Exploration, STEM, STEAM and more. Teleport into their creation to experience the magic of their design with Holographic AR and prepare students for future success, all the while having a blast! No prior knowledge is needed and suitable for all levels: beginner to advanced levels. ACS WASC accredited, NVIDIA-partnered camp. Visit https://camp.integem.com or call 408-459-0657. Space is limited. Save $50/week with KOAB today!

Summer 2026: Creator Camp Returns to Orange County!

Creator Camp is bringing its Shark Tank-featured magic back to Orange County for Summer 2026! We specialize in transforming passive screen time into active, creative learning. Our OC camps offer intensive, fun-filled weeks of filmmaking, game design, YouTube production, and coding. Using industry-standard tools, our campers learn to produce high-quality content in a supportive, team-based environment. It’s the perfect summer opportunity for kids to develop technical skills and unleash their inner artists. Join the Creator Camp family in Orange County this year and let’s start creating something amazing together!

Epic Magic Camp

Epic Magic Camp is Southern California's largest Magic Camp and for Summer 2022, we will have camp in the Newport Beach/Costa Mesa area. Our Camp is a full-day camp and runs 5 days, with four sessions this summer. Amazing Magic Shows, AMAZING Discover Magic kits, Games and even an Epic Foam Party!

Camp Galileo: Incredible Learning & Big Camp Fun!

Camp Galileo invites rising K–8th graders to a summer where innovation and fun unite. Campers dive into hands-on STEAM projects and design challenges, transforming everyday materials into imaginative creations. Grounded in the Galileo Innovation Approach, our program helps children develop lasting confidence, creative problem-solving skills, and perseverance. “Excellent camp experience! Well-organized, engaging activities, and caring staff. My child had a blast and came home happy and excited every day. Highly recommend!” - 2025 Family Weekly sessions, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. camp day with extended care. Enrollments accepted via Bright Horizons. Financial aid available. Use code 26GALKOAA25 to save $25/week. Applicable on future purchases only.

Lil' Chef School

Lil’ Chef School provides a fun, exciting and unique atmosphere for our Lil’ Chefs to develop hands on skills and techniques to be creative within a safe and controlled environment. Our classes have a little something for everyone. We are here to teach children how to cook while having a blast! Lil’ Chef School specializes in throwing fun-filled birthday parties for children of all ages. Our all-inclusive parties let you relax and enjoy the show. All parties include 12 children in the base package and you can always add more. Check out our camp options! Whether your child likes to bake, create, roast, sauté, fry, or just blend, we have a camp for all interests.

Camp Pinniped

Camp Pinniped at Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a unique experience allows children to witness a marine mammal hospital in action! Campers learn the art of marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation as they observe our animal care team in action. Campers make meals for our patients and then engage in a series of mock activities that teach them how to handle rescue equipment, admit a patient into the hospital, prepare fish smoothies and feed them to ‘plush’ patients, and discover the importance of animal autopsies in research by ‘dissecting’ plush patients. Each day has a different theme which includes ocean conservation and stewardship in order to provide a well-rounded study of the marine environment. Each theme is creatively reinforced through games, arts and crafts. Campers go home empowered with actions they can take in daily life to protect the ocean. Each year we add new content so campers who return keep on learning!

SCATS Gymnastics

Located in the heart of Southern California, SCATS Gymnastics of Huntington Beach has proudly produced 14 Olympians, 70+ National Team Members, and 22 World Championship Team Members across 55 years(!) of serving the community. Our non-profit organization prides itself on teaching gymnastics to all levels of children, beginners and world class athletes alike. SCATS Gymnastics boasts a state-of-the-art 28,000 sq. ft. facility incorporating the most modern in safety equipment, including bungee harnesses and European-designed landing pits. SCATS offers a wide variety of educational programs to introduce children of all ages to the sport of gymnastics and helps them progress at an optimal pace. Along with our year round programs, we offer great summer camps! Camps include gymnastics and a whole lot more!

The Performer's Academy

We are Orange County’s Premiere Acting & Performing Arts Academy. Our classes are taught by Film Directors, Writers, Producers, and Working Actors. We have classes in Acting, Improv, On-Camera, Film, Vocal Training, Voice-Over, Musical Theater & more. We are a bonded facility and our instructors have Child Performer Services Permits (CPS) as required by the State of California. Our Musical Theater Camps are all about fun, friendship, and creativity! Whether your child loves to sing, dance, act, or wants to try it all, there’s something for everyone. With guidance from our experienced instructors in a positive, encouraging environment, campers will build confidence, develop new talents, and rehearse an entire musical in just one week!

Ultimate Ninjas Camp!

Looking for something AMAZING to offer your kids over break? Send them to Ultimate Ninjas camp in Anaheim Hills, where they'll learn how to tackle obstacles like a true Ninja Warrior, just like on TV! Sign up today and let your kids discover what they're uniquely capable of achieving. Just like our classes, kids will learn obstacle technique, participate in ninja vs. ninja races, and enjoy games and free play time as well. Ages 5+. Our camps offer the ultimate in flexibility… available during Spring, Summer, and Winter breaks as well as other school holidays. Half and Full Day options available. Choose individual days or a week at a time. Book in advance, or just walk-in! Link: https://ultimateninjas.com/location/anaheim/kids-camps/

Camp Invention 2026

iD Tech Camps

KidsOutAndAbout.com
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Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout OC Newsletter 3/12/2026: We Fill Potholes

2026-03-12T09:01:43-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Orange County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter
March 12, 2026

Easter Fun

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Fri, Mar 27: Little Hands, Big Impact at Pretend City Children's Museum
Sun, Mar 29: Children's Opera Festival - Casa Italiana
Sat, Apr 4: Kids Market at San Clemente's Springtacular
Sat, Apr 11: Animal Buddies Family Festival at Helen Woodward Animal Center

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

For much of the country this year, March simultaneously is bringing hope that spring may in fact return to North America AND the awareness that every car is at risk for the foreseeable future. All winter long, water seeps into asphalt cracks, freezes, expands, melts, and freezes again, and bit by bit the driving experience becomes a game called Avoid the Crater.

But lately I’ve started seeing the repair trucks out there again, their bright-vested workers moving methodically from hole to hole with their shovels. Every time I pass them, it gives me a lift, not just because it means someday soon I'll start seeing flowers out in the real world, but also because potholes are one of those perfect reminders of what humans do. Playrooms, projects, and paperwork start out neat, but over time, weather, wear, gravity, and procrastination take their toll. No matter how strict the system, order gradually slides toward chaos. And then humans step in and make it right again.

I saw the cycle in action at the KidsOutAndAbout office last week: Our storage room had slowly become a museum of random supplies, half-filled bins, and Christmas decorations that had been tossed in with a hopeful Future Us will deal with this someday. Fortunately, my colleague Michelle, who works in our data department, is also a genius organizer. A few hours after Future Michelle stepped in and applied logic and elbow grease, the little room had transformed from a cluttered cave into a serene space.

The quickening of the seasons seems to bring that same energy into our homes: Closets get sorted, garages get swept, junk drawers finally meet their match. It feels good, not just because the space looks better, but because fixing things reminds us of something important: Disorder is normal, but it’s not permanent. Humans can step in and bring brightness back.

So here’s to spring cleaning, organized shelves, and freshly patched roads.

Our tires, and our spirits, roll much more smoothly because humans fill potholes.

—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.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured, or malnourished marine mammals along Orange County’s coastline. As an educational hub for marine science, part of our mission is sharing what our scientists are discovering about ocean health through the patients we treat. Our hands-on, STEAM focused education programs engage all ages and audiences, including schools, groups, scouts, children, teens, and college students. Programs include time observing rehabilitating patients and hearing their stories, which exemplify real-world conservation issues our scientists are investigating. Our visitor yard is open daily, free of charge. You can view our patients and talk with knowledgeable docents.

What do campers experience at AstroCamp?

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit

Step into the world of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit and discover how team work, creativity, and empathy can make every challenge an adventure!

Easter Bunny Photos

The can't-miss family tradition of the season - reserve your spot today!

Little Songbirds - Descanso Gardens

Join the Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM) for a nature-themed musical storytime featuring live music and movement-based activities. Each session is hosted by a PCM Young Musicians teacher and features a children’s book read aloud with musical accompaniment. Also included is a playful introduction to musical concepts designed for young children and their caregivers. Great for children ages 2–7. Meets at Feather Falls near the Main Lawn in the Camellia Forest.

Los Angeles Angels Home Games

Come cheer on the Angels!

Dana Point Farmers Market

The Dana Point Certified Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps, and unique one-of-a-kind gifts. The Farmers Market is located in La Plaza Park on Pacific Coast Highway and Golden Lantern. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags.

Kids Market At Moreno Valley's MultiCultural & Arts Festival

The City of Moreno Valley has invited us to join their Multi-Cultural & Arts Festival to share our unique opportunity for kid-preneurs to develop a different set of social skills, confidence, and resilience that comes with nurturing a passion for their craft to share with the community. Come by to check us out or join us with your own booth and celebrate various cultures with a day full of art, dance, music, entertainment, great food, and activities rich in tradition!

Ventura St. Patrick's Day Parade - City of Ventura, CA

County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade is brought to you by Downtown Ventura. Since 1984, the parade has been a showcase of Ventura County’s finest. It features amazing costumes, dancers, horses, high school bands and more.

Doodle POP

“Inventive and thrilling and completely fantastical. As awe-inspiring for the adults as it is for children.” —Exeunt Magazine

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Orange County, CA area

Escape Rooms in and around Orange County, CA

Birthday Party Locations in and around Orange County, CA

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Orange County, CA

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout OC Newsletter 3/5/2026: Remember the Rocks

2026-03-05T09:01:33-05:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Orange County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter
March 5, 2026

Big List of Kid-Friendly Museums

Big List of Indoor Play Centers

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Fri, Mar 13: Little Explorers at Descanso Gardens
Sun, Mar 15: Home Games at Angel City Football Club
Tue, Mar 17: St. Patrick's Day Celebration at The Original Farmers Market
Sun, Mar 29: Children's Opera Festival - Casa Italiana

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

When I was a teenager, I had a teacher who became a mentor without ever knowing he was one. He was aware I’d been going through some difficult times, and was glad to hear I was almost on the other side. “Some people aren't lucky enough to have dealt with hard things when they're young,” he told me. Then he added the phrase that has echoed in my head for decades: “Remember the rocks.”

Life, he explained, was always going to toss boulders into my path. The trick was to recognize, early, that even if it was painful or scary, I was capable of getting around, or over, or through them. Remembering how I’d managed would help me trust myself more when the next, bigger ones appeared.

As a parent, I think about that often, about how the only way to become someone who does hard things is… to do hard things.

It’s tempting to rush in and smooth every unpleasant obstacle our kids encounter. When we email the teacher, mend the friendship, rescue the forgotten homework, eliminate every discomfort, we may feel helpful in the moment, but in fact we’re quietly removing the practice stones they need. Resilience doesn’t come from being told “You’re strong”; it comes from evidence that only they can gather, from working through manageable challenges and thinking, That was hard. And I handled it. We don’t need to manufacture their challenges—being a kid is difficult enough. And we don’t abandon them to do it all on their own, either. We just learn to pause, to weigh advice against intervention, and to let them see what they can manage.

The goal is that later in life, when something truly difficult lands in our children's path, they won’t just hope they can manage it, they’ll know. Now, many years later, when I encounter something daunting, I think back to my mentor and remember the rocks. "I do hard things," I tell myself. And it works.

—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.

Camp Invention 2026

iD Tech Camps

Summer 2026: Creator Camp Returns to Orange County!

What do campers experience at AstroCamp?

Los Angeles Angels Home Games

Come cheer on the Angels!

2026 Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat, Travel & Outdoors Show - OC Fair & Event Center

The Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat, Travel, and Outdoors Show is the West Coasts Premier Outdoors Show. Located at the Orange County, Fair & Events Center in beautiful Orange County, California the show draws vendors from all over the country including manufacturers, retail sales, travel lodges and dealers of hundreds of outdoor products.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit

Step into the world of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit and discover how team work, creativity, and empathy can make every challenge an adventure!

Fiddler on the Roof – Family-Friendly Musical at Rose Center Theater

The Rose Center Theater presents Fiddler on the Roof, a beloved musical about family, tradition, and change. Live performances run February 20–March 8, 2026, in Westminster, CA.

Festival of Whales - Dana Point Harbor

Join Dana Point Harbor and celebrate the migration of the gray whale with the 54th Annual Festival of Whales! Festivities will take place March 7-9, 2025.

Miss Stefanie's Pre Pre School

Introduction to the Pre School Experience including circle time, finger plays, interactive flannel board storytime, music & movement for age appropriate motor development. This is the perfect first experience and little ones with siblings are welcome.

STORYTIME with PUPPETS & CRAFTS

Animated & Active Storytime ! Come join us for this fun romp through books and puppetry. Our storytime is above and beyond just reading, we jump into the stories, play, sing, make theme crafts and so much more.

Tiny Tunes Baby & Toddler Music

Songs, Instruments, Parachutes, Sensory Play, Bubbles and Fun! Experienced Educator & Performer Lisa K Cohen, Director of Creative Parties for Kids and Play & Parties teacher. Music Education has been proven powerful to early childhood development, plant the seeds of music early, come join us for Tiny Tunes Music Class at Play & Parties in Orange, CA Grown Up Participation Encouraged.

Home Games - Orange County Soccer Club

The team plays their home games at the Orange County Great Park’s Championship Soccer Stadium located in Irvine, CA. Nestled right in the heart of the Great Park, the Championship Soccer Stadium has a capacity of over 5,000 for Orange County SC matches.!

TK-8 Open House - St. John's Lutheran School

Each K-8 general open house event will begin in "The Garage", unless otherwise noted. The open house will include an overview of our St. John's K-8 program, time for Q&A, and conclude with a tour of our beautiful campus. Applications are available for new families interested in applying for the 2020-2021 school year. No RSVP required. Bring a friend and introduce them to our exceptional program!

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Orange County, CA area

Preschool, Day Care, and Toddler Programs In and Around Orange County, CA

Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the OC 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.

Master Guide to Winter Fun in and around Orange County

Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.

Escape Rooms in and around Orange County, CA

Birthday Party Locations in and around Orange County, CA

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Orange County, CA

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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Parents rave about PlanetBravo's innovative, high-quality camps

2026-02-27T14:00:58-05:00

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

PlanetBravo offers a high quality camp experience at an affordable price, and parents rave about it!

What parent say about PlanetBravo:

"My son LOVED camp this week. Learning code and Photoshop plus playing Minecraft and Dodgeball, it was the perfect week and he can't wait for next summer!" - Jessica

"[My daughter's counselor] was a great counselor. Loved her energy, maturity, support and overall professionalism. My daughter felt really connected to her. Everyone helped make this week the best camp week my daughter's experienced so far." ~ Sharon

"I can't speak highly enough about PlanetBravo. My 12 year old son has gone the last 4 or 5 years and his summer time at PlanetBravo is the highlight of his year. . . . The camp director and camp counselors are amazing. The other campers are great, and my son has made year-round friends every summer. The tech curriculum is current and always interesting. And, the non-tech time is healthy, active and fun, so I know that my son is not sitting in front of a screen all day." - Andy

"Amazing camp. Seriously. My kids hate camp; they beg to go when it's PlanetBravo. They have learned coding, 3D printing, Adobe graphic design skills, and so much more." - Abigail

Not only is PlanetBravo top rated with parents, they were also awarded Best STEM camp by ActivityHero in 2024. They believe every child should have access to a quality education, so they work hard to keep their rates as low as possible while maintaining the highest of academic standards. Since no two kids learn at the same pace, they’ve designed their classes to be small, safe places where every student gets the attention he or she needs to be successful.

Learn More & Register

Fun and Educational

While PlanetBravo's project-based curriculum is carefully designed to be engaging and rewarding for all campers, every day at camp is filled with fun activities as well. Including plenty of time off the computers for outdoor field sports and camp-wide games.

PlanetBravo runs from June 22nd through July 31st in one-week sessions. The camp day runs from 9 am to 3 pm with most locations offering an aftercare option until 5:30 pm. They've got locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, including:

Beverly Hills
Burbank
Encino
Manhattan Beach

Mar Vista
Eagle Rock
Irvine
Westchester

Learn More & Register

Learn more at PlanetBravo.com, or contact them at 310-443-7607 or Info@planetbravo.com if you have any questions.

Best,

Debra Ross
Publisher
KidsOutAndAbout.com

We periodically send special editions of the KidsOutAndAbout.com e-newsletter to showcase an important upcoming event or opportunity. This is one of those! Thanks for being part of our community!

Please note that if you choose to unsubscribe,

you will also stop receiving our weekly Thursday morning newsletters.

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

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Pittsford NY 14534
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KidsOutAndAbout OC Newsletter 2/26/2026: Optimism Actually

2026-02-26T09:01:49-05:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Orange County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter
February 26, 2026

Local Preschools, Day Care, and Toddler Programs

Master Guide To Winter Fun

Big List of Kid-Friendly Museums

Big List of Indoor Play Centers

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Thu, Mar 5: 2026 Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat, Travel & Outdoors Show at OC Fair & Event Center
Sat, Mar 7: 2026 Los Angeles Dragon Boat Festival at Chace Park
Sat, Mar 7: Home Game - Orange County Soccer Club
Fri, Mar 13: Boysenberry Festival at Knott's Berry Farm
Sat, Mar 21: Springtime Easter Festival - Underwood Family Farms

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

The February my daughter Ella was 1, she caught a cold that lingered for months. There were short stretches of relief, but mostly there was congestion, disrupted sleep, and a level of crankiness that turned my sunny baby into someone I barely recognized. The clouds around her felt constant, and one day, I caught myself labeling her in my head as “the crabby one.” But of course, if I had a perpetually runny nose and no way to manage it, I’d be irritable, too! I needed to remember this wasn’t her personality, it was a season. What we needed to get through it was distraction: something fun to do "right now" and also fun things to anticipate.

Aside from those who live in paradise pockets like San Diego, most of our readers are in the thick of a particularly dreary winter. The world feels heavy and gray, energy runs low, and it’s easy to fixate on how dispirited we feel. But we need to remember that this isn't our personality, it's a season. What we need to get through it is distraction in the moment and also something positive we can place on our horizon.

My family is counting down to the March 20 release of Project Hail Mary, which stars Ryan Gosling. The movie is based on the novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian. You don't have to be a science nerd to love Weir's books (although science nerds DO love Weir's books), because in all of them, the real hero is human ingenuity—curiosity, flexible thinking, doing what needs to be done even in extreme circumstances. When things are going awry, the answer isn’t despair, it’s problem-solving, and I always emerge from a Weir book feeling spiritually lighter.

While I immerse myself in Weir and Gosling, you, of course, should do YOU! Let the art or sport that grabs you and your kids be your launch ticket to optimism now, and lift you to fun in the future. We're glad to provide the fuel!

—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.

Camp Invention 2026

Los Angeles Angels Home Games

Come cheer on the Angels!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit

Step into the world of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit and discover how team work, creativity, and empathy can make every challenge an adventure!

Ocean Investigators at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Do you know a child who loves the ocean? Ocean Investigators is a series of programs at the Aquarium for participants 7-12 years old, that encourages exploration of marine life. Each 2-hour class includes theme related activities, guided gallery tour, interaction with our animal care staff, and a keepsake journal. See below for each program theme, activities, and dates.

A Faery Hunt Enchantment

A Faery Hunt shows are interactive performances designed for young audiences & families to inspire creativity, imagination & fun.

48th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Kiddie Run

KIDDIE RUN HIGHLIGHTS • Lunar New Year Celebration in the heart of historic Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA • Opening ceremony with lion dancers and traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers • Access to Kiddie Fun Zone (Carnival Games / Face Painting / Petting Zoo / Arts & Crafts activities / Puppet Show) • Firecracker Festival, featuring merchandise, arts/crafts, and attractions

Wizard of Oz- Saturday Morning Family Show

In this version of The Wizard of Oz, the audience helps the characters to save Dorothy and to defeat the Witch of the West.

Kids Market At Rancho Mission Viejo's Community Art Show

Rancho Mission Viejo has invited us to join their Community Art Show to share our unique opportunity for kid-preneurs to develop a different set of social skills, confidence, and resilience that comes with nurturing a passion for their craft to share with the community. Come by to check us out or join us with your own booth and admire the wide range of art on display from local artistic talents both first-time exhibitors and seasoned creatives!

Fiddler on the Roof – Family-Friendly Musical at Rose Center Theater

The Rose Center Theater presents Fiddler on the Roof, a beloved musical about family, tradition, and change. Live performances run February 20–March 8, 2026, in Westminster, CA.

Celtic Festival - Bowers Museum

Celebrate with the Bowers Museum during our free family festivals held ever first Sunday of the month in the Museum’s beautiful Key Courtyard. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats at every festival. Free Family Festivals are made possible with generous support from the Nicholas Endowment.

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Orange County, CA area

Preschool, Day Care, and Toddler Programs In and Around Orange County, CA

Master Guide to Winter Fun in and around Orange County

Escape Rooms in and around Orange County, CA

Birthday Party Locations in and around Orange County, CA

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Orange County, CA

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout OC Newsletter 2/19/2026: Coming Clean

2026-02-19T09:01:39-05:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Orange County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter
February 19, 2026

Local Preschools, Day Care, and Toddler Programs

Master Guide To Winter Fun

Big List of Kid-Friendly Museums

Big List of Indoor Play Centers

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Sun, Feb 22: Free-For-All Day at the Academy Museum
Sat, Feb 28: 2026 Firecracker Festival - L.A. Chinatown
Sun, Mar 1: New Town, New Luck - a musical revue for the young and young-at-heart at Santa Monica Playhouse
Thu, Mar 5: 2026 Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat, Travel & Outdoors Show at OC Fair & Event Center
Sat, Mar 7: 2026 Los Angeles Dragon Boat Festival at Chace Park

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which means it's the perfect time to talk about LYING.

The first lie my daughter Madison ever attempted was when she was about 3. "Did you brush your teeth?” I asked as she was getting ready for bed. She nodded earnestly, but I had my doubts; a check of the toothbrush revealed it was dry as the Sahara. "Looks like we need a do-over," I said. "Try again."

In a 2025 Delta Dental study of 1000 parents of kids age 12 and under, 67% of respondents reported difficulty in getting their kids to brush their teeth. And in a related but thoroughly unscientific survey, 100% of the friends I asked told me that their own kids have lied about tooth brushing at least once.

See, young children don’t experience truth as adults do; their developing minds blur the line between reality and hope, between what happened and what they would prefer had happened. Brushing is tedious, being done is better. Add a desire to please Mom, and those wires can cross. In those early years, our job is to help kids gradually separate fact from wishful thinking. You might think that prosecuting dishonesty harshly might scare kids into telling the truth, but that often just scares them into hiding more cleverly.

Our goal as parents isn't just to have kids who brush their teeth and do their own homework and someday file tax returns without creative interpretations of “business mileage,” although we do want all those things. But overall, we want kids who are brave enough to be, rather than seem to be. If they see early that mistakes can be brought into the light and fixed with a do-over, they’re far less likely to build a life around pretending they didn't happen.

So my best recommendation for Children's Dental Health Month is to model both scrupulous honesty and scrupulous teeth-brushing yourself. In case you need an immediate solution, though, I hunted down a list of kids' best tooth-brushing songs thoughtfully supplied by the American Dental Association. Grit your teeth and hum along.

—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.

PAINTING & ART CLASS AT PLAY & PARTIES

CAN THE TRASH! Clean Beach Poster Contest - LA County Beaches & Harbors

Enter our CAN THE TRASH! Clean Beach Poster Contest for a chance to share your message with millions of beach visitors across Los Angeles County! If you win, your artwork will be displayed on trash barrels at the beach—helping remind everyone to keep our beaches clean. Students can submit posters online, in person, or by mail. The contest is open to students in grades 3–5 who live in Los Angeles County. Please note that online entries must be submitted by an adult. To enter, draw a picture with a message showing how we can keep our oceans and beaches clean, healthy, and free of pollution. Use your creativity, bold colors, and big ideas—we can’t wait to see what you create!

Fiddler on the Roof – Family-Friendly Musical at Rose Center Theater

The Rose Center Theater presents Fiddler on the Roof, a beloved musical about family, tradition, and change. Live performances run February 20–March 8, 2026, in Westminster, CA.

24th Annual African-American Festival - Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-fourth annual African American Festival, which features music, dance, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. Guests can also experience presentations, including storytelling, hip hop and break dance, drum circles, and live bands during the festival. They can also visit participating booths with displays

Black Histroy Parade and Festival - City of Pasadena, CA

The City of Pasadena and Pasadena’s Black History Committee invite the community to save the date for the 2026 Black History Festival, taking place Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Robinson Park, 1081 North Fair Oaks Ave. This year’s event reflects a powerful moment of renewal as the community continues to move forward one year after the Eaton Fire.

Ramadan

Learn about the sacred month of Ramadan!

Westminster Tet Parade

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the 2026 Westminster Tet Parade on Saturday, February 21! Join us on Bolsa Ave. between Magnolia St. and Bushard St. Opening Ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m., with the parade following at 9:30 a.m. This Year's theme is "Spring of Unity," celebrating the year of the horse!

Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi in Dolby Vision

Screening of Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi in Dolby Vision

Student Community Service Day - Descanso Gardens

Help care for Descanso Gardens and get service hours for school at this student volunteer opportunity. Instruction will be provided. Service may involve light gardening tasks or educational projects.

Preschool, Day Care, and Toddler Programs In and Around Orange County, CA

Master Guide to Winter Fun in and around Orange County

Escape Rooms in and around Orange County, CA

Birthday Party Locations in and around Orange County, CA

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Orange County, CA

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options

OC KidsOutAndAbout Summer Camp Newsletter- Feb 2026

2026-02-16T10:01:41-05:00

Summer Camps in the Orange County Area