KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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
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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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Step into the world of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit and discover how team work, creativity, and empathy can make every challenge an adventure!
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The can't-miss family tradition of the season - reserve your spot today!
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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.
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Come cheer on the Angels!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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“Inventive and thrilling and completely fantastical. As awe-inspiring for the adults as it is for children.” —Exeunt Magazine
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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!
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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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