KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: The first time I can remember having to take a public stand on anything was in eighth grade English. We were assigned an essay on a controversial topic and told we’d present our arguments to the class. When he handed back our papers, Mr. Schmidt added a twist: no reading. We’d speak from notes. I was horrified. After school, I tried to negotiate my way out
of it. “This makes me really uncomfortable,” I told him, hoping for mercy. He looked at me over his glasses. “That’s the whole point,” he said. “To get stuff done, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t worry, you’ll live.” Mr. Schmidt was right. I didn’t die. And more important, I learned something that stuck: Discomfort isn’t a stop sign, it’s just part of the road, and all roads are bumpy. That lesson shaped how I've raised my kids, too.
Karate helped Madison and Ella distinguish between effort and injury. Long car rides taught them to rely on their own imaginations. Theater nudged them to stand however close to the spotlight they could manage, even when they’d rather disappear. And summer camps—those muddy, unpredictable, gloriously imperfect experiences—gave them countless chances to try something new and realize I can do this without the stigma that can accompany failing in other contexts. Growth
rarely happens inside the comfort zone, which is why I’m such a believer in giving kids opportunities to stretch beyond what feels easy. Summer programs are perfect for this, so that's why during "summer camp search season" we focus on showcasing the wide variety of camps and programs available in each area we serve. Here's the link to the portal page. These days, as we approach the 25th anniversary of KidsOutAndAbout.com in June, I see that same principle playing out: The technology has changed, the business climate has changed, but the equation hasn’t. Discomfort still shows up right before something meaningful. And I still hear Mr. Schmidt’s voice in my head: Don’t worry, you’ll live.
—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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Make a splash at Goldfish Swim School! With six convenient locations across PA and NJ, we’re bringing the Science of SwimPlay to your neighborhood. Our shiver-free, 90-degree pools and small class sizes ensure your child gains confidence and essential water
safety skills in a fun, tropical environment all while providing a flexible schedule and makeup lessons! Whether your kiddo is a beginner or advanced swimmer, Goldfish has a level for them! Join the fun at our Pennsylvania locations in Fort Washington, Oaks, Doylestown, and Langhorne, or catch a wave in New Jersey at Mount Laurel or Princeton. Dive into a golden experience today!
https://goldfishswimschool.com/greater-philadelphia
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Summer will be here before you know it, and our Discovery Summer Camps are now open for registration. Kids ages 6–15 will spend the week climbing, playing games, building confidence, and making new friends in a supportive environment. No experience
required, and we provide all rental gear and snacks, so parents can keep things simple. Our camps maintain a 1:5 coach-to-participant ratio, which means kids get plenty of attention from our fun, experienced coaches. Half Day: 9am–12pm / Full Day: 9am–3pm. Spots fill quickly each year, so now is a great time to secure your child’s week. More than one child attending? Use code SCSIBLING at checkout for $50 off.
Register at https://philarockgym.com/youth-camps/
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The Kennett Square Farmers Market has been serving our community since 2000. It is a program of Kennett Collaborative, the non-profit organization that works to promote, encourage and enhance the economic, community and social vitality of our town. As a
gathering point for the community, local farmers and food artisans bring their very own locally-grown and freshly-made goodness to market each week. Consumers have the opportunity to connect directly with small growers and producers, building relationships, trust, and a stronger local food economy.
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Enjoy locally sourced spirits and wines, a late stroll in our galleries, and music. We keep our galleries open late and reduce our prices every Friday night. Join us for half-off admission, music, locally sourced drinks and snacks, and tours to start your
weekend. Every Friday at the Art Museum from 5–8:45 p.m.!
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When Eric Carle was a boy, his father took him on walks in nature, peeled back the bark of a tree to show him the tiny creatures who lived underneath. “I think in my books, I honor my father by writing about small living things,” Eric Carle said. Animals
and insects were a central theme in Eric Carle’s long career as a Picture Writer, a title given to him by a young reader. “To me pictures need writing and writing needs pictures. A child once called me a picture writer, and that’s a good way to describe me,” Carle wrote.
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Step into the world of Mossy Bottom Farm and join Shaun the Sheep™️ and his flock of friends for a baa-rilliant adventure! Shaun the Sheep™️: Flock This Way! is a hands-on exhibit that encourages playful problem-solving and resilience through fun, quirky
activities inspired by Aardman’s award-winning animations. This exhibit runs from Feb. 7 to May 10.
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Ta-da! The trumpet is here and it’s time to celebrate!
This instrument is the spotlight-stealer of the brass family and is one of the most recognizable sounds in an orchestra—maybe even the whole world. Whether it’s a cheerful “toot,” a bold “blare,” or a triumphant “ta-da!” the trumpet knows how to grab attention and bring music to life. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s always ready to lead the way. Get ready to be dazzled by this beloved instrument with The Philadelphia Orchestra.
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Join us for our annual Easter Brunch! Meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy a delicious breakfast, participate in our Easter Egg Hunt, and meet one of our beloved education animals.
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Join us for the 2nd annual Glenside St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival. The parade starts at 11:00am with the festival to follow immediately after from 12:00 - 5:00pm. A special parade kick-off will take place at Glenside Memorial Hall from 9:00 -
11:00am.
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Join us for a celebration at Philadelphia Zoo to kick off the Passover holiday!
Enjoy a day of live entertainment, crafts, activities, an Afikoman scavenger hunt, and much more!
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Our popular pysanky egg dyeing workshops return! Learn the Ukrainian Easter art with instructor Wendy Hallstrom. Beginner and advanced (goose egg) classes available. Admission includes first-floor museum access. Reserve early—spaces fill fast.
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Established in 2007, Headhouse Farmers Market is located in Philadelphia’s historic Society Hill neighborhood. Featuring rotating and weekly vendors, Headhouse is one of The Food Trust’s largest farmers markets. Beyond the abundance of fresh fruits and
vegetables, you can also find a great selection of locally prepared foods and goods such as bread, soup, baked goods, coffee, beer, wine and more.
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Join us at Sesame Place Philadelphia to celebrate all of our Sesame Street friends during Furry Friends Weekend! Get photos with your furry & feathered friends, enjoy the Our Street is Sesame Street Show, Furry Friends St. Patrick’s Day Dance Party and
the amazing Sesame Street Party Parade. Be sure to make reservations for Big Bird’s Pajama Party to celebrate Big Bird’s Birthday!
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Join us as we dig into history with archaeological excavations at Newlin Grist Mill and learn more about the site through the evidence under our feet! Free and open to all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Philadelphia area - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, March 20, 2026 to Sunday, March 21, 2026, See link for times
- Soup, Chili, Rummage, Used Book & Bake Sale - 301 North Main Street, Chalfont, PA, USA, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00PM
- Public Archaeology Days at Newlin Grist Mill - Newlin Grist Mill Park, Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, PA, USA, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 10am-3pm
- Glenside's First
Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival - Keswick Theatre, North Keswick Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038, United States, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 11 am - 5 pm
- Camerata Philadelphia - Schumann & Brahms - Camerata Philadelphia - Church of the Holy Trinity Rittenhouse Square, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1:00 - 2:30
PM
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Philadelphia area 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…
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Philadelphia? 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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