KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: One summer afternoon during a family camping trip in New Jersey when I was about 6 or 7 years old, a horse fly suddenly appeared next to my ear and started following me everywhere I went. I’m sure that, from its own perspective, it was just going about its business doing ordinary horse fly things, but to me it felt enormous, ominous, and purposeful. I can't remember if it
actually bit me, but I can still summon the hot panic of not being able to get away from its threatening buzz. To my small self, that fly wasn't a little distraction, it was a crisis with wings. The memory surfaced recently when my daughter Ella sent me the above photo, taken in Quintana Beach County Park, near Houston. The point was clear: Proceed, and you will be under attack, and not by any adorable Northeastern bugs you might be used to. No, these bugs were born in Texas. Beware. Sometimes that is exactly
how challenges feel, especially to kids: Problems loom much larger to them than they do to adults with decades of experience. A broken toy, a skinned knee, a mistake in front of the class, or a slight misunderstanding with a friend may be a fly in the ointment to us, but a Texas-sized monster to a child. The trick is to validate the feeling without validating helplessness. We stand beside them and say, Yes, I know, this feels huge. The bugs, even if they're not as large as they
think, are real. They watch us shoo them away and learn gradually to do it for themselves. If I had seen the sign above, my first instinct would have been to flee back to the safety of the car. And Ella said it was not exaggerating, at least not by much: The moment she stepped onto the property, giant mosquitoes descended, and they were hungry; even leggings soaked with OFF Deep Woods did not deter them. She assures me that the photo she got of the Bay-breasted Warbler was
worth all the bites on the backs of her knees. She knew better than to show me the damage. Clearly, the script has flipped.
—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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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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Vine ripened, locally grown & locally sourced produce.
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Join us in celebrating the 36th Anniversary of St. Angela Merici Parish School SummerFest! A distinctive tradition celebrating 36 years, SummerFest has grown to become the largest community event in North OC. This 3-day celebration of food, family and fun is the largest community event in North Orange County thanks to the hard work of 100s of volunteers & 1,000s of supporters.
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All aboard Choo Choo Revue! In the first new show from BBMT in 40 years, your theater seat becomes a train bound for fantasy! A monumental milestone for BBMT and celebration of community and joy, Choo Choo Revue inspires IMAGINATION for all. Through the train window of BBMT’s stage, travel across rolling hills, mountainous peaks, and dazzling deserts. Meet dancing luggage, singing mushrooms, and a cicada jugband. This hour-long show, packed with over 100 handcrafted, BRAND NEW puppets, is presented with theatric grandeur and spectacular artistic skill. Bob Baker Marionette Theater is thrilled to present this milestone achievement in puppetry and theater, showcasing innovative art and performance for new generations to enjoy. This is your ticket to the future of puppetry!
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The World of Birds Show has been delighting audiences for nearly 40 years! Launched by a major gift from the Angela Collier Foundation, the new World of Birds Theater reopened to the public in 2014. The refreshed and reimagined free-flight presentation features impressive displays of natural behavior and close up views of some of the L.A. Zoo’s most colorful residents. Note: This event is weather permitting, and the lineup is subject to change.
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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.
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Designated hours to experience the museum in a less-sensory-stimulating setting.
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Gather ’round on a Sunday morning for an hour of interactive storytelling, music, and friendship on the mainstage. Designed with kids younger than 8 and their families in mind, but open to all ages!
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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!
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A half-hour tour of current exhibitions inviting conversation, questions, and new ideas about art. Meet in the Atrium at 1:00 PM.
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- Little Artists - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch Library - 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA 92307, Friday, May 29, 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, May 29, 2026, 10 am - 10:30 am
- FREE spring mini photo session at Shoott! - Irvine & Orange County - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, May 29, 2026 to Sunday, May 31, 2026, See link for times
- Camel Valley Lavender Farm - Camel Valley Lavender - 26636 Old Julian Hwy, Ramona, CA 92065, Saturday, May 30, 2026 to Sunday, May 31, 2026, 10:00 to 4:00
- Camp Open House - St. Joseph's Youth Camp - 4860 Mormon Lake Road, Mormon Lake, AZ 86038,
United States, Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- 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 30, 2026 to Sunday,
May 31, 2026, 10:30 am
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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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