KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: A tumble is not a verdict; it's information. And kids are natural data analysts. That's what a mom half a generation older than me told me when I was getting ready to have kids, and I took it to heart. So I was secretly a little thrilled the summer my daughter Madison was almost 4, when she took her first big splash off a slippery log into a
creek. Here's why: To succeed in life, everyone needs to learn to stretch to the edge of their abilities... to gather courage from their toes, to calculate, to balance, to wobble, to slide... and eventually to succeed. Kids can learn this early if the grownups in their orbit help them see the mud and bruises that come from a tumble as badges to be worn proudly: a fail-until-we-succeed philosophy in action. That's how personal fulfillment happens, and it's how human progress happens,
too. Summer is childhood's best laboratory, where sensory experiences stick as lifelong learning. School has grades and rubrics and consequences; summer has grass stains and do-overs. An amusement park ride can teach the difference between fear and danger. A hands-on museum can teach that when your tower collapses, you simply vow to rebuild it taller. A farm can teach that maybe you don’t like strawberries from the grocery store, but
you do like the ones you picked yourself, still warm from the sun. A climbing gym can teach your muscles that “I can’t” really means “I can’t yet.” And summer camps are entire worlds built around trying something new with no transcript following you home. Last week, the KidsOutAndAbout.com team launched our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey. It's a way to thank the people who make your community a great place to raise kids. Equally important, it’s a giant menu of local opportunities for your kids to stretch their legs, their minds, and their bravery this summer. Use it to create your summer bucket list! Then step back and set your family’s summer dial to “safe to fail.” Watch your kids climb, build, stumble, and try again.
Let them splash.
—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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At Arborland Montessori Children's Academy, we have an exciting summer of academics and fun planned for you! Through hands-on learning, students will strengthen critical thinking during “Mission: Problem Solve,” explore teamwork and global connection through sports, celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a journey through history, and build creativity and confidence in “Broadway Bound! Writers’ Workshop.” Mornings will focus on advancing math and language skills to give students a strong head start for the upcoming school year. Summer also includes exciting theme days like water days, popsicle days, picnics, field trips, and more, creating memorable experiences filled with learning, growth, creativity, and fun every day.
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Celebrate your child’s birthday in the heart of Orange County at Irvine Marriott, where fun is effortless and unforgettable. Kick off the party in our Topgolf Swing Suite, featuring interactive sports and games that let kids swing, score, and play together. The celebration continues with splash time in our outdoor heated pool, complete with poolside games and family-friendly entertainment. Package includes: 1 hour in the Topgolf Swing Suite, food and drinks, décor and setup, a dedicated party host, pool access with towels and amenities. Add-ons available. Maximum of 10 guests.
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The 2026 Fair wants you to Play Your Way as we salute recreation, imagination and the many ways we let loose. From whirling rides and friendly contests to creative triumphs and big bites of deep-fried delight, the Fair is transforming its grounds into the county’s biggest playground.
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This annual event, which has been a favorite of residents and visitors for over 60 years, celebrates the city’s rich agricultural history and heritage, and it is dedicated to the strawberry.
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Mission San Juan Capistrano is thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Homefront America in hosting their 2025 Field of Honor during Memorial Day weekend, Tuesday May 20 through Monday, May 26. The Mission’s Courtyard will transform into an awe-inspiring Field of Honor of more than 400 (3′ x 5′) American flags, each standing seven-feet tall in solemn formation, waving proudly and magnificently in honor of military, veterans, first responders, including K-9 and equestrian Heroes. Active duty, veterans first responders and Mission Preservation Society members will receive free admission to the Mission throughout the exhibit. We invite the community to sponsor individual flags to honor a specific military member, veteran and/or first responder for their selfless sacrifices they have made to safeguard our way of life and communities. Sponsorships begin at $50/flag with all proceeds benefiting Homefront America’s charitable programs for military families. A $50 sponsor…
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For 52 years, Fiesta has been filling Hermosa’s streets with art, music, and fun. Fiesta de las Artes, as it was originally named, celebrated artisan culture and welcomed visitors from all around to the beach to shop and enjoy the art. For more than a decade, Fiesta has been known as Southern California’s largest beachside arts and craft festival. But we in Hermosa like to think of Fiesta simply as a treasured tradition.
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Cars meets coffee meets coastal charm. Dana Point Harbor is delighted to welcome back this local-favorite tradition. Held the 4th Saturday of each month, take in the classic car display and grab a pick me up from Coco Bloom Coffee, open at 7A during Cars & Coffee. Explore vintage and classic cars that embody a rolling history of craftsmanship and character, primarily from 1975 and older. You may find Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Aston Martin, Austin Healey, Bentley, BMW, Citroen, Cobra, Ferrari, Iso, Jaguar, Kaiser-Darrin, Lamborghini, Lancia, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes, MG, Morgan, Porsche, Riley, Rolls Royce, Singer, Sunbeam Tiger, Triumph and VW.
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LA Fleet Week® is an annual, multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over the extended Memorial Day Weekend.
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- FREE spring mini photo session at Shoott! - Irvine & Orange County - Broadway, New York, NY, USA - Friday, May 22, 2026 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, See link for times
- Little Artists - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA 92307 - Friday, May 22, 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 - Friday, May 22, 2026, 10 am - 10:30 am
- 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 - Saturday, May 23, 2026, 10:30 am
- Public Tours - The Bolsa Chica Conservancy - Bolsa Chica Conservancy, Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA, USA - Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- National Memorial Day Concert Live Stream - ONLINE ONLY - Sunday, May 24, 2026, 8pm EDT / 7pm CDT / 6pm MDT / 5pm PDT / 4pm AKDT
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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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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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