KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For 25 years, one of my core missions with KidsOutAndAbout has been to make invisible things visible, to celebrate what local communities offer families. Everyone is busy, and local treasures are easy to miss. Our job is to point, spotlight, nudge, and say Look here. Try this. Bring the kids. But there’s another kind of invisibility worth fixing:
The people who create these experiences rarely get to see their full impact. They track tickets sold and kids enrolled, but may never hear that your child talked about their field trip for six months, found courage on their stage, or simply felt welcome exactly when they needed it. That’s why our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey matters. Each summer, we ask readers to vote for their favorite local places to take kids.
The results help families see what other families love. The ranking and comments help local organizations see that their work matters. So your three minutes becomes both a recommendation and a thank-you. The survey is simple: Click on your three favorite local destinations. Then also, optionally, nominate favorites in special categories—like arts, sports, and STEM education—and leave comments that we’ll pass along to the people who make these experiences
happen. So please click here to vote in the 2026 edition of the survey. Help families find the places they’ll love, and help the people behind those places know they’re making a difference. The survey will be open until June 20.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
P.S. If you're interested, check out the 2025 list here to see
who won last year. |
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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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Adventures await this summer at Wolf PAC! From storytelling and acting to rehearsals, ensemble work, singing, and learning exciting choreography, students will build skills, confidence, and friendships — all while preparing to perform for a live audience. With 10-week sessions, before and after care options, professional teaching artists, and the opportunity to perform in a professional black box theatre, this is more than a camp — it’s a summer our campers will never forget! Register today! https://www.wolfperformingartscenter.org/camp-faqs
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At Next Level Tennis, we believe every child deserves a summer that builds confidence, discipline, and a skill they’ll carry for life. Our junior summer camps, based at the Idle Hour Tennis Club in Drexel Hill, PA, offer a dynamic, coach-led experience for players of all skill levels — from complete beginners picking up a racquet for the first time to developing players looking to sharpen their game. Each week-long session starts the week of June 15th through the summer, and kids will learn proper technique, footwork, scoring, and strategy in a fun, encouraging environment that keeps them active and engaged all day. And for families who can’t get enough — we’ve got you covered: multi-week enrollments come with discounts, making it easier to sign your child up for the whole summer.…
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Come explore Tyler Arboretum after dark! Bring the family to walk the trails on a short, guided hike, roast marshmallows at the Edible Garden Classroom, study moths under our light-traps, and complete science experiments that can only be done under the cover of night. FREE for everyone!
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In the heart of Lancaster County, we've been celebrating rhubarb for over 40 years. I love this time of year when our village comes alive with the sweet aroma of rhubarb jam bubbling in our kettles. Rhubarb is the harbinger of spring in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and every year, Kitchen Kettle Village pays tribute with a two-day food festival filled with delicious and sometimes zany events.
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#MMF26 will host over 300 Musical Acts on 28 stages as well as 60 visual artists, Spoken Word perfomers, Comedians, Food trucks and more great entertainment! This is only within a walkable 0.6 miles...
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Bring a doggie family member to visit with various dog-related organizations and play games.
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The South 9th Street Festival, is one of Philadelphia’s most popular events and attracts visitors from all over the city and beyond. For seven city blocks, the 2026 Festival will be a celebration of culture, gastronomy, art and music. Featuring over 100 area vendors showcasing a range of cuisine and beverages. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample and purchase culinary delights. In addition to the food, the Festival will feature a wide range of music, services, souvenirs, jewelry, artists, and crafters.
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Featuring Music Theatre Philly actors in grades K - 6, the stage version of the beloved animated classic will have you singing and dancing in the aisles. This show is approximately one hour and the perfect opportunity to introduce the youngest members of your family to the magical world of theatre!
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As Dorothy goes on an amazing adventure in the land of Oz, she meets the truest of friends, discovers new challenges, and learns about herself. Performed by 3rd & 4th grade students. Content is appropriate for all ages.
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On third Sundays of the month, the Museum is adapted to provide a sensory-friendly experience for individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and other sensory or communication needs.
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The Saint Demetrios Greek Wine and Food Festival invites you to experience the flavors, music, and traditions of Greece right here in Upper Darby. From homemade Greek food and pastries to live music, dancing, and a vibrant marketplace, our festival brings together the warmth of community and the joy of celebration.
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Hellerick’s Adventure Farm is open for the season! Come down to the farm with your family to enjoy Barnyard Mini Golf, the Aerial Adventure and the Silo Climbing Wall, as well as all 50 unique attractions such as the tractor pull, corn shute slides, and Amish scooter racing.
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- FREE Family Night: Moths, Marshmallows & Moonlight at Tyler Arboretum - Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, PA 19063, Friday, May 15, 2026, 7 - 10 pm
- Bucks Fever Tunes at Noon - Peddler's Pub, Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA, Friday, May 15, 2026, 12 - 1 pm
- Listen up and get
involved! - Marriott Downtown Valet, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, Friday, May 15, 2026, 10:00AM - 12:30PM
- Memorial Day Weekend - National Constitution Center - National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Friday, May
15, 2026 to Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10 am - 5 pm
- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Philadelphia area - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, May 15, 2026 to Sunday, May 17, 2026, See link for times
- Revolutionary War Weekend - Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473, Saturday, May 16, 2026 to Sunday, May 17, 2026, May 16: 10am-5pm; May 17: 10am-4pm
- Public Archaeology Days at Newlin Grist Mill - Newlin Grist Mill Park, Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, PA, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10am-3pm
- Bark in the Park at Franklin Square - Franklin Square, North 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11 am - 1
pm
- S. 9th Street Italian Market Festival - Italian Market Visitor Center, South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA, Saturday, May 16, 2026 to Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10 am - 5 pm
- Make a Mother's Day Card - Historic St. George's Museum and Archives, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 2 hours
- Yoga at Independence - 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106,
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 am
- Meet Elizabeth Oswald Chew - Cliveden of the National Trust, 6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 12 pm to 4 pm
- Camp Weona Open House - Camp Clue Quest - YMCA Camp Weona, Poplar Tree Road, Gainesville, NY, USA, Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
- PLAYDate: a day of free art and entertainment for kids of all age! - Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival, Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, Sunday, May 17, 2026, 12:30pm-5:00pm
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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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