KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
In last week's column, I wrote about the Humble Abode, the kids-only hideout my sister and I created behind the giant azalea bush in our backyard. We dragged in chairs and treasures and made a little home in the hollowed-out
branches. At the time, I thought of it as something we had built. But of course, we didn’t create it from nothing. We were makers, yes, but we were making inside a world that was already alive. Summer is the perfect time for kids to experience that lesson up close and personal, with all their senses. The world is warm, green, buzzing, blooming, squelching, chirping, dripping, and growing almost too fast to track. Kids can smell lake water and tomato leaves, feel bark and moss
and mud, watch ants organize themselves with alarming competence, and notice that the same trail looks different after rain. Nature doesn’t need a lesson plan. It offers immediacy first: I am here. This is real. Pay attention. And then, quietly, it offers perspective. A child is legitimately the center of his or her own universe; we all are, from the inside. But Nature gently complicates that story. The robin is not singing for us. The creek does not hurry because we
are late. The sunflower turns toward the sun whether or not anyone remembers to admire it. Clouds, tides, weeds, and weather all proceed with their ancient business, reminding us that we belong to a world much larger than our schedules and preferences. That perspective should not make us feel small in a bad way, but instead help us feel rightly-sized. Humans have the wonderful ability to create, repair, improve, and beautify our little corners of the universe. But we do it
best when we understand the nature of the world we’re working within. So use this summer to include as much Outside Green Time as you can, looking up and around and in. Poke gently. Nature will do the rest.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build
Strong Communities
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Wolf Performing Arts Center is celebrating 22 incredible years of inspiring young performers and the best is yet to come! Join us as we enter our 22nd year providing the very BEST in theatre education from preschool - 12th grade! Registration is open for upcoming fall, 2026 programs and more! The Dance Studio is new and includes musical theatre style dance classes! Some Performance opportunities include "CATS", "Puffs", "Disney's Dare to Dream", and "Born to Hand Jive". Theatre Classes include a variety of theatre education that includes singing, dancing and acting. There is something for everyone at Wolf Performing Arts Center. Celebrate 22 years of theatre education with us!
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the height of blueberry season at Linvilla Orchards during the annual Blueberry Festival, a summertime tradition featuring fresh local blueberries, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and delicious seasonal treats.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate Elmo’s adoption of his sweet and adorable puppy Tango at Sesame Place Philadelphia with all things Tango! Festivities include Elmo & Tango's Gotcha Day Scavenger Hunt, the Furry Friends Gotcha Day Celebration Dance Party, and special photo opportunities with Tango, Barkley, and nostalgic friends from Sesame Street. You'll find puppy-themed fun around every corner!
|
|
|
|
Clock out and roll through. Roll Call Fridays is your new go-to Friday night at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest on the Philadelphia Waterfront. Curated by Shekhinah B. of The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, this weekly roller skating and dance experience brings together live DJs, pop-up performances, and high-energy vibes all summer long. Whether you’re skating, dancing, or just soaking it all in, this is where music, movement, and community come together. Register for free to let us know you're coming!
|
|
|
|
The 27th annual Blobfest takes over the historic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA, from July 10–12, 2026. This year's carnival-inspired theme, "Cirque du Blobfest," features the famous theatre run-out, a street fair, and screenings of sci-fi horror films.
|
|
|
|
Step into Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood — where Daniel and his friends help young children navigate their world, and caregivers guide their journey. This immersive exhibit is based on the award-winning PBS KIDS television series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, which follows the adventures of 4-year-old Daniel Tiger, grounded in Fred Rogers’ landmark social-emotional curriculum.
|
|
|
|
You know what Dragons really love? Tacos of course! A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve to dragons to eat. Dragons love tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa…watch out!
|
|
|
|
Dive into shark week in a creative and educational way! While you enjoy our shark week crafts, Sharks4Kids will be on-site educating you about sharks - you can even become a junior shark scientist for the day! Learn how scientists collect data from sharks, and why it's important. See real life shark jaws and learn how they tag them in the ocean.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Visit your favorite exhibits an hour before gates open to the general public during these exclusive members-only morning strolls. Become a member today and take advantage of exclusive members-only events like this one, plus enjoy free admission, free parking, and discounts on retail and dining. Membership pays for itself in two visits!
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026's best places to take kids in and around Philadelphia, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in Philly! Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! What is listed below are just the starting point: Browse
through our site and calendar to find lots more!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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…
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
