KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
As I write this column, three Americans and one Canadian are hurtling home from a trip around the Moon, inside a machine that had better do exactly what it’s supposed to do. For years, every person involved in the mission obsessed over every detail at every stage until as little as possible was left to chance. “Failure is not an option,” an ethos long associated with our quest to
explore outer space, makes perfect sense when we're talking about Artemis II. But decades ago, the attitude leaked out of the space program and into everyday life, and that was a mixed blessing. When I was a teenager, “failure is not an option” might as well have been tattooed on my brain: For me, not only was failure not an option, but anything below an A grade wasn’t an option, either. I was so afraid of not being perfect that if I felt unprepared for a test, I’d stay home
“sick.” I looked successful from the outside, but because I was working so hard to avoid mistakes, I played it safe. So I didn't actually accomplish much aside from some sharp-looking letters on a report card. It took me years out in the real world to realize that real accomplishment usually looks less like gliding and more like bumping into things until you find the way through. So these days, failure and I are best buddies: I've replaced "failure is not an option" with
"nothing ventured, nothing gained" as I inch toward and away from success each day. Even writing my column each week is an act of resilience: I add and then murder my words until they say what I mean, and I'm always aware in the end that it could be better. One of my goals when I was homeschooling Madison and Ella was to make failure safe and ordinary... cheerful, even... a sign of progress. Kids need chances to try things that might flop: recipes that taste weird, projects
that collapse, math problems they have to redo, conversations they wish they’d handled better. I wanted them to understand that when the stakes are low, failure is not a tragedy, it’s just how learning works. It doesn't usually feel fun, or comfortable. But it's the only way to fly.
—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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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Create wonderful themed projects and learn new skills using all sorts of artistic supplies.
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“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.
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Explore nature through the wonderful world of books. Join us every Friday as we share our favorite stories, picture books and poems. Perfect for preschool children and their caregivers.
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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!
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Get ready to rock, roll, sway, sing, and bop! Because we’re bringing back Kidstock Music & Arts Festival! Enjoy live musical performances throughout the week and explore a mix of musical styles!
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The bubbles are returning to Discovery Cube Orange County on select dates March 14 - April 12!
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Looking for an egg-citing animal adventure for the whole family this spring? Then join us for Animal Buddies Family Festival! This NEW festival is excited because its our first-ever FREE community event! Families are invited to stop by, meet friendly animal ambassadors, enjoy crafts and activities, and celebrate the joy of spring together. Other great family, and animal sponsors will be in attendance to make this experience even more magical.
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- FREE spring mini photo session at Shoott! - Irvine & Orange County - Shoott, Irvine, CA, Friday, April 10, 2026 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, See link for times
- Little Artists - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library, 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA 92307, Friday, April 10, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
- Little Seedlings Story Time - Sherman Library and Gardens - Sherman Library & Gardens, East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA, Friday, April 10, 2026, 10 am - 10:30 am
- LASAN's Earth Day LA 2026 - Public works Building, South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10 am - 2 pm
- Imaginology - Power Your Imagination - OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626,
Saturday, April 11, 2026 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Animal Buddies Family Festival at Helen Woodward Animal Center - Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, Saturday, April 11, 2026 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, 9:00 AM - 3:00
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- Storytime in the Nature Garden - Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County - Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, Saturday, April 11, 2026 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, 10:30 am
- 12th Annual Bob Baker Day - Bob Baker's Marionette Theater - Bob Baker Marionette Theater, York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, April 12, 2026, 10:00am - 5:00pm PST
- Craft Corner - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library, 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA 92307, Sunday, April 12, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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