KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Save the Date Fri, Mar 27: Enter to win tickets to A Bad Case of Stripes at TYKEs Theatre at TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy)
Fri, Mar 27: Toddler Egg Hunt at the Strong at The Strong Museum
Sun, Mar 29: Easter Bunny Breakfast at Dave & Buster's Sat, Mar 28: The Jungle Book at TYKEs Theatre Mon, Mar 30: Esports & Gaming Spring Break Camp 2026 at
Great Lakes Gaming
Tue, Mar 31: Rochester Red Wings opening day at ESL Ballpark Tue, Mar 31: Rock Climbing Spring Vacation Program at Central Rock Gym Rochester Fri, Apr 3: April 3: Last day to register for Bloomfield 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament April 11 at The Bloomfield Center Court Club Sat, Apr 4:
2026 Riedman Foundation Trout Derby in Powder Mills Park Fri, Apr 10: A Bad Case of Stripes at TYKEs Theatre at the
JCC Fri/Sat, Apr 24 & 25, 2026: SPACE!: Reprise of RPO April 2024 Eclipse Concert at Eastman
Theatre Sat, Apr 25, 2026: Imagine RIT annual creativity & innovation festival Mon, Jul 20: School of Rochester City Ballet Summer Intensive |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Before I had kids, one of my colleagues told me that fundamentally, a parent’s job is to point. At first, you point physically: You point at the waterfall and say “waterfall,” at the moon and say “moon,” at the flower and say “flower.” You’re helping a child connect sounds to objects, words to concepts, language to reality. But later, and really all the way through, the pointing
becomes more metaphorical. Parenting is the ongoing work of connecting your child’s growing capacity to understand with a world that is, to them, forever expanding. As I had Madison and Ella, I came to think of this as being a tour guide to the world. A good tour guide needs to know the landscape, of course. But even more important, a good tour guide needs to know the traveler. What can this particular child see right now? What are they ready for? What do they care about? What
frightens them? What delights them? It's useful to remember that kids haven’t actually been here before: The world is brand-new to them over and over again, so what feels ordinary to us is often astonishing to a child. Tour guides who are doing their job well pay close attention to who their audience is and what they know, and that makes the pointing easier and more fun. Spring is the perfect season to practice pointing. In spring, the world changes fast enough for kids to
notice. Buds swell and burst. Birds return. Tiny green things push up through the dirt as if by magic. Day to day, the world becomes visibly more alive. If we point it out, kids can catch it happening in real time. And spring does not arrive quietly. It comes as an avalanche of the senses: color, smell, birdsong, mud, wind, sunlight, thunder, petals, pollen, rushing water. So maybe that’s part of the job, too: not just to point, but to lean into it. To stand beside our kids in
the rush of it all and say, Look! Here it comes.
—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. Connect more. Do 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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Maple weekends 2026 are March 20-22 and March 27-29! Here is kidsoutandabout.com's list of maple events! Find maple sugaring and syrup demos, learn all about the science of tapping maple trees are great family activities in late winter in the northeast.
Here is KidsOutAndAbout.com's list of local…
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Spring is in the air and school's out! Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Spring Break camps taking place in our area. KidsOutAndAbout.com has a list of top spring break camp options for kids of all ages
and interests in and around the Rochester area.
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What's more fun than an Easter Egg Hunt at Easter? Knowing WHERE they are, though, is key to actually GOING! Check out the scrolling box below for all of the Easter events and egg hunts in our area.
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Summer Camps in Rochester: KidsOutAndAbout's Rochester-NY area 2026 summer camp guide for kids! Hundreds of local summer camps: day camps, overnight camps, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool,
& more! Pick the dates you want to explore on our calendar and see what summer camps are available.
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Bring your littlest tots to The Strong from 9–10 a.m. on Friday, March 27 for the Toddler Egg Hunt! Participants will decorate an egg carton in the Wilson Lobby and hunt throughout museum exhibits to find 12 different colored eggs to receive a prize bag. Meet Miss Bunny in the Adams Atrium and visit live chicks and bunnies in the Wilson Lobby courtesy of CountryMax. Head to the Adams Atrium to create a bunny or chick headband and hop along the bunny obstacle course. A ticket to this event includes admission to the museum after the event.
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Get ready to melt the winter blues at the Spring Fling KidsFest on Saturday, March 28th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tim Hortons Iceplex transforms into Rochester’s ultimate indoor playground. Your family can enjoy a inflatable zone, face painting, interactive games, and over 20 local vendors. Admission even includes unlimited ice skating with free skate rentals—a $15 value! Whether your kids are soaring on slides or gliding across the rink, it’s the perfect way to kick off spring. Purchase your tickets in advance and save up 30% on admission. For tickets and full details, visit springflingrochester.com
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Bring your family and friends to a sweet outdoor adventure at GCV&M’s Nature Center and Historic Village. The Festival takes place from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Friday - Sunday. Start your day at the Breakfast Buffet (separate ticket required, weekend only), with seatings at 9 and 10:30. Then head to the Nature Center and discover hands-on activities showing how maple sugaring has evolved. In the Historic Village you'll be able to slice a tree “cookie” and listen to seasonal storytelling with Hodinöhsö:ni’ partners. ASL interpreters are available Saturday 11-2. Buy your tickets online before Friday at 5 p.m. and save $1 per ticket!
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Friday, March 27, 5:30-8pm: Parents, take the night off! Kids Night Out at Cobblestone Arts Center is a fun-filled evening where children age 5-12 can play, create, and unwind in a safe, welcoming environment, all while parents enjoy a few hours to themselves. Led by our experienced staff, Kids Night Out is designed to be both exciting for kids and worry-free for parents. The $25 fee includes pizza, drinks, a creative craft, karaoke, a movie, and plenty of fun activities to keep kids entertained from start to finish. Proceeds support the Cobblestone Community Players.
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Baseball season is back, and Opening Week at ESL Ballpark is starting with a bang as the Rochester Red Wings take on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the New York Yankees’ top affiliate, from Tuesday, March 31 through Sunday, April 5! Opening Day on Tuesday promises plenty of excitement, with pre-game entertainment, special ceremonies, giveaways for early fans, and Dan Mason’s famous 50-degree guarantee: if the temperature doesn’t hit 50 degrees during the March 31 game, fans can redeem their ticket for any other home game in April or May. Then keep the family fun going all week long, capped off on Easter Sunday with a pre-game Easter egg hunt on the field, where kids can join Spikes, Mittsy, and the Easter Bunny.
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Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 4 and come experience one of Monroe County’s favorite community traditions! The Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery’s Annual Fish Derby, hosted by The Riedman Foundation, is a fun, safe, and educational event that introduces kids and families to fishing, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, this long-standing tradition offers a great opportunity to reel in some fun, test your skills, and compete for prizes. Ages 9+ pay just $5 to participate, and kids 8 and under are free!
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Discover a joyful way to learn at Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts! As a tuition-free public charter school for grades K–6, we blend rigorous academics with daily creative expression. Whether your child is exploring the arts or cozying up with Remy, our beloved school therapy dog, they will grow with true confidence and a sense of belonging. Don’t miss your chance to join our vibrant school family! Reach out to Mrs. Moyo-White at moyowhite@renacad.org or (585) 225-4200 ext. 209 with any questions. Apply by April 1 for the 2026-2027 lottery at GoodSchoolsRoc.org or renacad.org.
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Hillel Community Day School is a warm and vibrant learning community where every Jewish student and family is known, valued, and truly at home. We partner with families to nurture curious, compassionate learners who grow academically, spiritually, and socially while building a strong connection to Jewish life, values, and Israel. As a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Hillel provides a rigorous and engaging education from PreK through 8th grade. Our inquiry-driven, student-centered approach encourages children to ask meaningful questions, think critically, and take responsibility for their learning. Through strong academics, Hebrew language, Jewish studies, and IB-inspired inquiry, students develop confidence, character, and a…
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Nazareth Elementary’s Pre-Kindergarten Program offers far more than childcare — it provides a joyful, nurturing school environment where young learners grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Our full-day, five-day-a-week program blends strong early literacy and math foundations with hands-on exploration, creative play, and age-appropriate routines that prepare children with confidence for Kindergarten and beyond. Pre-K students enjoy enriching specials including Library, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Dance, fostering curiosity and a love for learning from the very beginning. Rooted in faith and guided by loving educators, children are known, supported, and celebrated each day. Families also benefit from the added advantage that Pre-K tuition qualifies for…
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Is your child looking for adventure this summer? Does he or she love to play outdoors? Mountain High Adventure Camp has been providing fun outdoor adventures for boys and girls ages 7 to 16 for over 25 years. The younger kids go hiking, geocaching, swimming, biking, treasure hunts, canoeing and kayaking, games and exploring locally with an overnight camp to one of our great State Parks at the end of the week. The older teens spend 6 days camping in the Adirondacks with rock climbing, swimming, hiking one of the mountains and a back-country canoe trip. For more information about this year's opportunities, click the graphic to visit our website. See you this summer!
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The School of Rochester City Ballet Summer Intensive invites passionate dancers to elevate their artistry through world-class training led by acclaimed professionals and renowned guest faculty. Dancers receive exceptional instruction, personalized mentorship, and invaluable insight into the professional dance world. The program blends classical ballet excellence with diverse styles and cross-training to enhance strength, technique, and versatility. With flexible one- to five-week sessions, each dancer’s journey culminates in a dynamic final performance showcasing progress and artistry. Placement classes will be held Sunday, July 19, for ages 10–13 and 14+, offering individualized evaluations for optimal growth. Advance registration is highly recommended.
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Looking for an exciting and enriching summer camp for your child? Martial Arts America’s Summer Karate Camps offer a safe, fun, and action-packed experience led by expert Black Belt instructors. Designed for ages 6–12, each week features a unique theme, exciting activities, games, crafts, obstacle courses, and daily karate classes—perfect for beginners and experienced kids alike! With locations in Brighton, Penfield, and Webster, plus early drop-off and late pickup options, we make summer easy for busy parents. No prior martial arts experience needed—just tons of fun, fitness, and confidence-building! Learn more and reserve a spot at www.Rochesterkarate.com.
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FOAM HIPPO is a fantastic foam party company delivering high energy events with vibrant color foam options. FOAM HIPPO provides complete party packages as well as DIY Rental packages for stress-free entertainment. We bring abundant foam, music sound systems, inflatable party animals and lighting effects. We bring the fun, the vibe and the party atmosphere! Visit www.foamhippo.com for videos and details!
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Enter to win a family four-pack of tickets to A Bad Case of Stripes, performing at TYKEs theatre at the JCC! April 11–19, 2026: With infectious energy and a heartfelt message, A Bad Case of Stripes reminds audiences of all ages that embracing your true colors is the key to self-discovery and acceptance. Instructions in the details, drawing March 28.
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On the 4th Friday of every month parents can enjoy a night out while the kids participate in our Kids' Night Out. Sign your kids up in advance for a night of fun with staff lead climbing, games and activities. Pizza dinner will be provided. For ages 7-13.
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Saturday, March 28: Watch the penguins up-close while they engage with enrichment that encourages them to express their natural instincts and behaviors. You’ll have a chance to see them swimming, exploring, and playing!
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Free Easter egg hunt at Heartfelt Designs with free cookie decorating, crafts and fun!
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Hop on over for a springtime tradition with the Macedon Recreation Free Easter Egg Hunt! Families are invited to gather behind Macedon Town Hall (32 W. Main St.) on Saturday, March 28 at 9 AM for a fun-filled morning of egg hunting excitement. Children will search for colorful eggs in age-based groups: 3 & under, 4–5, 6–8, and 9–12, making the event enjoyable and fair for everyone. This free community event will take place rain or shine (light rain). In the event of severe weather such as snow or heavy winds, the hunt will be postponed to Saturday, April 4 at 9 AM. Bring your baskets and get ready for a joyful spring celebration!
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Celebrate spring with Victor Parks & Recreation at our annual Free Easter Egg Hunt at Dryer Road Park! Children ages 3–11 can race to collect colorful eggs during the “fastest two minutes in sports,” with hunts divided by age group. Families can also enjoy a special visit from the Easter Bunny, perfect for photos and festive fun. Bring your basket and join us for a joyful community tradition that kicks off the Easter season!
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This interactive musical brunch is packed with fun for audiences of all ages! It's Springtime and the animals of the Woodlands are preparing for the return of the Easter Bunny! Follow Bonny Bunny, an excitable young rabbit, as she searches to retrieve her lost bonnet and with the help of her new friend, Farmer McGregor, journey home to her mother in time for the Easter celebration.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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