KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a kid, a giant azalea bush stretched across our backyard, exploding into glorious pink blossoms in early May. In summer, it became something even better: a secret hideout that my sister and I named the Humble Abode. We hollowed out the dead branches behind the bush and dragged in little chairs and treasures and our dollhouse family. The Humble Abode barely qualified as
a fort, and it wasn't even secret; I'm sure my parents knew when we were back there. But it was a great kids-only space. A few weeks ago, I wrote about five summer lenses through which to plan summer: music, motion, making, nature, and food. Making—the lens for this week—reminds kids that they are not merely consumers of the world, but contributors to it. They can push value into existence. They can turn sticks, cardboard, fabric, tape, mud, blocks, gears,
sand, and flour into something that wasn’t there before. Especially for younger kids, making with the hands gives the brain evidence. I did that. I made that. I can make things happen. Summer is perfect for this because summer has time and room for mess. Pull out the science kits, the rocket kits, the LEGO bins, the soap-making sets that arrived at Christmas and then sat politely in the closet. "Upcycle" old boxes, fabric, toys, crayons, paint, buttons.
Let your kids build backyard forts, fairy houses, marble runs, cardboard cities, obstacle courses, blanket tents, museum towers, and whatever else the day and their imagination suggest. Of course, glue will drip. Sand will migrate. The kitchen table may briefly disappear under invention. (If the clutter gets overwhelming, consider a trip or two to your local science museum or maker space to save your sanity.) After all, you can’t make omelets without breaking eggs. And
you can’t make a maker without giving a child some space, some tools, some trust, and permission to begin.
—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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Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am-10pm: Celebrate Mantua 2026 brings a full day of movement to Miles Mack Playground in West Philadelphia on Saturday, July 11 —a free outdoor event open to everyone. Start your morning with community movement classes led by internationally recognized artists spanning Zumba, ballet, African styles, and more. High-spirited drill team performances fill the afternoon, followed by youth and emerging company showcases.
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Join us on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, artist studio tours, markets, and stunning views of the Delaware River. Support local artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs at the Artist and Artisans Market. Pick up one-of-a-kind finds at this one-stop shopping experience.
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Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with everyone’s favorite furry friends. Be sure to visit with your furry friends dressed in their red, white, and blue attire! On July 4th, be sure to stick around for an impressive display of fireworks!
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Step into history—but make it a vibe—at the Betsy Ross House with A Movie Under the Stars and Stripes, 1776: the Movie Musical! This isn’t your average movie night: expect a high-energy host, interactive props, and full-on sing-alongs that turn the crowd into the cast. There will be a Colonial Fit Check (AKA a Colonial Costume Contest) and trivia for some FIRE prizes! A tour of Betsy’s crib, pizza, and snacks are included. It’s BYO, so bring your favorite drinks and your friends for a night that blends history, humor, and hype.
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Come out for our classic barbecue picnic at Peddler’s Village featuring tasty food and drinks, live music, and blueberry vibes! On Saturday, July 4, we’ll be serving up all-American grilled favorites and featuring music and family fun. Enjoy festive and upbeat music, including patriotic favorites, and try to win a prize competing in old fashioned games.
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On Thursday, July 2, 2026, America’s most historic square mile will come together to host the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, musical performances, special extended hours at neighborhood museums and historic sites, and so much more! Independence Historical Trust will be at the All-American Block Party, right in front of the newly re-opened First Bank of the United States. Join us for family-friendly activities with our friends from Independence National Historical Park and plenty of red, white, and blue swag!
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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 the Independence Visitor Center on July 4, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 3 PM for Birthday Party in the USA with ShopRite, celebrating America’s 250th Birthday! This free family-friendly celebration of the USA’s 250th birthday will feature 5,000 free patriotic cupcakes, historic entertainment, interactive activities, and special appearances by current and former Miss Philadelphia titleholders.
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This summer, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the National Constitution Center. Dive into the Declaration, walk among the founders, and explore the ideas behind the Revolution that still shape our nation today. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Kids and families can experience special performances of Schoolhouse Rock Live!, face painting, meet-and-greets with historical reenactors, colonial-era games, a Revolutionary War encampment, and the Center’s interactive exhibits. Visitors of all ages can also take part in signature summer events, including Wawa Hoagie Day; the Red, White, & Blue To-Do; and the 38th annual Liberty Medal honoring Pope Leo XIV.
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A new, free immersive experience at the Universal Sphere for 2026, inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s beloved How to Train Your Dragon franchise and brought to life by Comcast, Universal Destinations & Experiences, and DreamWorks Animation. Blending cinematic storytelling with interactive elements, this 15-minute experience transports guests from Philadelphia to the Isle of Berk, where they will have the opportunity to train as Dragon Riders alongside characters from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, including Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, and Stormfly.
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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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