KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: "The best thing about your newsletter," said a reader who met me in person at an event last June, "is the sheer number of things to do, and the fact that they're just packed in there, all in one handy place." "Thanks!" I said. I may have glowed a little. "And the worst thing about your newsletter," she continued, "is the guilt trip. I know
you don't mean to lay that on us. We can't do it all, so it means we read about so much we can't do. Especially in summer." She was right, in one sense, of course. June and July are the most packed months of the calendar: Kids are out of school, families are ready for fun, and our communities respond. Each local organization gets to post its own events on our calendar for free, and many are featured in this newsletter, so what's happening is right there in front of
you. But I get it! And I hereby remove the guilt. Ego te absolvo. Of course, good families try to expose their kids to great things, but no one has the time, money, or energy to do it all. This stuff needs to be spread out over a childhood, not packed into a single summer, much less a single weekend. So make a family bucket list for Summer 2026. An easy way to do that is to take our annual survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids, which is open through June 20; it has dozens of places to have fun this summer, even though you only vote for your top 3! And you should also use our 50 Ways to Love Your Summer article for ideas that require zero technology, zero travel, and zero dollars. Above all, go easy! Remember, summer is no time for grades! The only prize is the summer that's right for your family.
—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. |
Please click through to our 2026 survey to vote for your top 3 places to take kids... it will be used to compile our 2026 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around the OC. Voting is live through June 20; believe me, winning a place on the Top 20 list matters to the people
who create amazing family-friendly experiences. Take 3 minutes to choose your favorites as your way of saying thank you... and use the list to build your summer bucket list at the same time! You have my personal and fervent thanks for your participation! —Deb |
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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 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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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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Thursday, June 4: Experience the magic of Studio Ghibli on the big screen with Castle in the Sky in 35mm at the Academy Museum’s Ted Mann Theater at 2:30 PM PT. This beloved Hayao Miyazaki adventure follows Sheeta as she’s chased by an army, sky pirates, and government agents who all want her mysterious blue pendant. With breathtaking hand-drawn animation, high-flying adventure, and one of Ghibli’s most iconic stories, it’s a wonderful outing for animation fans and families with older kids. Tickets are $5, and admission is free for Academy Museum members and with same-day general admission.
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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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Friday, June 5: Join us and Second Harvest Food Bank as Pretend City Children's Museum encourages little ones to be active members of society. This volunteer opportunity will encourage and open the platform for children to be able to package fruits that will be sent out to real families in need in Orange County.
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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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Saturday, June 6, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Orange Public Library: Celebrate America’s 250th with a free community event for families and children of all ages, presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution. Enjoy patriotic fun with memorabilia, games, and crafts, plus a chance to connect with local history in a kid-friendly way.
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Get to know Piper. Bring the family. Splash, pour, and play at our Waterworks Playdate.
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Enjoy FREE admission to Casa Romantica with model train displays through the property and related activities.
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Gather the little ones and head to the heart of the Santa Monica Pier for Fabulous Fables—a FREE, joy-filled celebration created especially for families with kids 10 and under. Held inside the charming and historic Merry Go-Round building, this magical morning invites children into a world of wonder with vibrant drag queen storytelling, colorful face painting, poetry, lively performances, and a pint-sized pride parade that everyone can join. While you're there, explore and shop from a curated selection of family-friendly vendors offering treats, treasures, and more!
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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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Orange County, CA Area's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Listed below are farms in and near San Diego that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. And... to make the most of your experience, check
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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