KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: I’m a sucker for songs in 6/8 time, no matter the music style. I don’t know why that ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six swinging rhythm so captures me whether it’s fast or slow, but there’s no denying that it does. And I might not even notice this rhythm, but for one little fact: I’m a thoroughly mediocre cellist. I took cello lessons from age 8 to age 14; during
those years, I graduated from “truly bad” to “moderately acceptable,” at least acceptable enough to play in orchestras where my individual sound would be drowned out by the better kids’ playing. But even as unskilled as I was, I know I am happier as an adult for having played: I can understand music from the inside. I hear patterns and styles and instruments with far different ears than I would have had I not studied music early in life. Understanding what makes your heart sing helps
you be on the lookout for more, and that makes your life better. Summer is the perfect season to help kids grow their ears. Yes, check out the big open-air concerts from your local orchestra, municipal band, or jazz ensemble. But also keep an active ear out for the smaller stuff: free concerts in parks, weekly community series, festivals, buskers, church lawn performances, library gigs, and whatever band happens to be playing near the funnel cakes. When you hear something,
name it: bluegrass, salsa, soul, swing, zydeco, classical, funk, folk, rock, rap, mariachi. Kids don’t have to like everything, but knowing the names of things helps them understand what they do like, and gives them handles for finding more of it later. A couple of tips: If you know you're headed in the direction of something new, play a sample of the style before you leave so kids have a hook on which to hang the experience. While you’re there, help them notice one thing: the
bass line, the drummer, the singer’s breathing, the way people move. That will help the music swirl around in their minds long after the last note fades. Remember, music isn’t only on stages. It’s in carousels, movie scores, worship services, elevators, malls, ballparks, and the ice cream truck coming around the corner. So as tour guide to your kids’ universe, don’t ignore the invisible! Point your ears toward the music, tune everyone's radar, and grow.
—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 the Philadelphia area. 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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Get ready to make some music and magic! Our Summer Session of baby music classes kicks off Monday, July 6th, and enrollment is now open. At Mister John’s Music, little ones and their grown-ups experience so much more than a singalong. Through live performances of your favorite songs, hands-on instruments, movement, and play, babies and toddlers build confidence, creativity, social skills, and a lifelong love of music. Our magical classes celebrate self-expression, connection, and community — all set to the soundtrack you actually want to hear. Find your class and register today!
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Bucks County is recognized for its rich artistic heritage and contemporary cultural vitality. Opening on Friday, June 19, the Bucks Fever Art and Sculpture Exhibition celebrates and showcases the diverse talents of artists and sculptors in Bucks County and beyond. The exhibition will feature a wide range of artistic styles and prize-winning pieces. Many pieces will be available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce.
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Linvilla Orchards is serving up a full weekend of flavor with its Summer Food Truck Frenzy, happening Saturday and Sunday, June 20th & 21st, 2026, from 11 am to 5 pm.
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Courtesy of Wawa Welcome America, guests will have free admission to the museum from 10 am through 5 pm to explore our exhibitions, “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” and “Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776 - 1876”. Museum attendees will also have the chance to participate in thought-provoking gallery talks hosted by our exhibitions and curatorial team while perusing our galleries.
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Twilight Tours are FREE walking tours around Philadelphia's National Park hosted by Independence Historical Trust. Tours are run by the Trust's wonderful volunteer Twilight Guides who are eager to share their love of history and Philadelphia with visitors. Whether you are visiting from out of town or exploring your own backyard, there is something new to discover! Each guide offers a unique theme and route around Independence NHP.
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The Underground Railroad was a network of people offering shelter and aid to enslaved men, women and children on their journeys to freedom. This small-group walking tour will visit eight locations around downtown West Chester that served as a backdrop for the people involved in this clandestine operation. Learn about the conductors, financiers, and stations that made the Underground Railroad possible, and discover the stories of some of those that made it to freedom and settled in West Chester.
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Join us at Lot 323 and let your kids showcase their creativity by selling their one-of-a-kind creations to a lively crowd of concert-goers. With live music, creative activities, and great vibes, it’s a fun, supportive space to shine, build real business skills, and keep their profits. Join us on Friday, June 19 from 6 - 9 PM. Booths are only $25! Register or learn more here: https://www.kidsmarkets.com/markets/woodbury
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This event celebrates the beginning of summer with a fun and delicious kick-off to the warm months ahead! Enjoy live music, yard games and contests, great shopping and summer-themed foods all while raising money and awareness for Music For Everyone!
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The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival illuminates Franklin Square with awe-inspiring, interactive, larger-than-life lanterns! The iconic 200-foot-dragon will soar back to Franklin Square for the summer along with never-before-seen giant lantern displays, more lights, more lanterns, and more wattage than ever before! Enjoy live performances, delicious food and drink, the Franklin Square Fountain Show, and Franklin Square attractions.
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Join us for the Mexican Independence Day Festival, part of the PECO Multicultural Series, at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest site. Admission is Free and Open to the Public. All ages.
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We’re staying open late! Kick-start your summer with a relaxing evening at the Zoo with family and friends during After Hours, on Saturday, June 20, from 4 PM to 8 PM. Immerse yourself in our BRAND-NEW state-of-the-art Andean and sloth bear habitat, Carey Bear Country; enjoy Zoo attractions like the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel; and unwind to live music on Impala Lawn. Please note: the final permitted Zoo entry time is 7 PM.
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Sail off on a fantastic musical excursion when a band of comical pirates lands at North Beach looking for an expert digger to join their crew. Braid Beard and his mates enlist young Jeremy Jacob as they look for the perfect spot to bury their treasure. Jeremy finds that adventuring can be lots of fun, but also learns that love and home are treasures you can’t find on any map! The whole family will love this delightful and swashbuckling musical adventure.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Philadelphia 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 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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The Philadelphia Area's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Listed below are farms in and near Philadelphia 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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