KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Save the Date Sat, Apr 11 - Sun, Apr 19: A Bad Case of Stripes at TYKEs Theatre Wed, Apr 15: Half the Price Day at The Strong Museum Sat, Apr 18: 2026 Riedman Foundation Trout Derby (rescheduled) at Powder Mills Park Sat, Apr 18: RPO: Brahms in
Bloom at Eastman Theatre Wed, Apr 22: CountryMax Earth Day Event at CountryMax Stores Fri, Apr 24: The Princess Concert at Kodak Center Fri/Sat, Apr 24 & 25, 2026: SPACE!: Reprise of RPO April 2024 Eclipse Concert at Eastman Theatre Sat, Apr 25: 90-Second Newbery Film Festival at Dryden Theatre at George Eastman
Museum Sat, Apr 25, 2026: Imagine RIT annual creativity & innovation festival Sat, May 2: Safari Tours start for the season at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
Sat, May 9: 24th Annual Rochester Dachshund Parade
Sat, May 9: Pink & Teal Challenge from Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester
Sat, May 9: Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise Aboard Sam Patch from Rochester By Water (formerly Corn Hill Navigation
Thu, May 14-Sun, May 17: Water for Elephants from Stages performed at ROC City Circus Wed, May 27: Geva Theatre Presents Anastasia: The Musical |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
As I write this column, three Americans and one Canadian are hurtling home from a trip around the Moon, inside a machine that had better do exactly what it’s supposed to do. For years, every person involved in the mission obsessed over every detail at every stage until as little as possible was left to chance. “Failure is not an option,” an ethos long associated with our quest to
explore outer space, makes perfect sense when we're talking about Artemis II. But decades ago, the attitude leaked out of the space program and into everyday life, and that was a mixed blessing. When I was a teenager, “failure is not an option” might as well have been tattooed on my brain: For me, not only was failure not an option, but anything below an A grade wasn’t an option, either. I was so afraid of not being perfect that if I felt unprepared for a test, I’d stay home
“sick.” I looked successful from the outside, but because I was working so hard to avoid mistakes, I played it safe. So I didn't actually accomplish much aside from some sharp-looking letters on a report card. It took me years out in the real world to realize that real accomplishment usually looks less like gliding and more like bumping into things until you find the way through. So these days, failure and I are best buddies: I've replaced "failure is not an option" with
"nothing ventured, nothing gained" as I inch toward and away from success each day. Even writing my column each week is an act of resilience: I add and then murder my words until they say what I mean, and I'm always aware in the end that it could be better. One of my goals when I was homeschooling Madison and Ella was to make failure safe and ordinary... cheerful, even... a sign of progress. Kids need chances to try things that might flop: recipes that taste weird, projects
that collapse, math problems they have to redo, conversations they wish they’d handled better. I wanted them to understand that when the stakes are low, failure is not a tragedy, it’s just how learning works. It doesn't usually feel fun, or comfortable. But it's the only way to fly.
—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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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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April 11–19, 2026: In this fun musical adaptation of David Shannon’s beloved book, Camilla thinks she must choose between her favorite food – lima beans – and the acceptance of those around her. But the harder she tries to conform to other people’s opinions, the more miserable (and colorful) she becomes. 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. Ages 4+
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Enjoy all your favorite exhibits for half the price! In recognition of the importance of play in all our lives, the museum has announced two half-price general admission days on Wednesday, April 15, and Saturday, May 16, to make the benefits of play even more accessible. Other fees may apply.
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Cheer on the Rochester Red Wings as they take on the Buffalo Bisons at ESL Ballpark April 14-19! This exciting homestand is packed with family fun, including Half-Priced Ticket Tuesday, Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, and Thursday Night Plates when the team suits up as the Rochester Plates. Fans can also enjoy a pre-game autograph booth before every game, giving kids a chance to meet a player up close. Saturday features Disability and Sensory Awareness & Acceptance Day, while Sunday brings extra fun with Kids Run the Bases, Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and special Knot Hole Kids Club celebrations for young baseball fans.
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ROC Kid City is an exciting indoor play space located at 3300 Monroe Ave in Pittsford, perfect for kids 10 and under. The facility features a wide variety of activities, including a soft play zone for babies and toddlers, a multi-level play structure, slides, a ball pit, a sand table, interactive wall games, imaginative play areas, and more. Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, ROC Kid City offers a fun, safe environment where children can explore, imagine and play. Families can pay for hourly play sessions or purchase a monthly membership for more frequent visits to this exciting and dynamic destination.
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FREE FUN! Looking for a fun and free activity for kids to celebrate Earth Day? Visit select CountryMax locations on Wednesday, April 22 from 3pm to 6pm. Kids will travel from station to station completing interactive challenges that teach them about nature, sustainability, and caring for our planet. At each station, they’ll earn a stamp. Once all the stamps are collected, they can show their completed passport to receive a prize! Activities are free, but supplies are limited, so registration is required. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Click here for available locations and registration: https://www.countrymax.com/earth-day/
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Embark on an interstellar musical adventure with this cosmic Pops program! Reprising our 2024 Eclipse concert, Jeff Tyzik and your RPO soar through the galaxy with iconic tv and film themes and classical masterpieces. Experience the mystery and majesty of outer space with celestial soundscapes and stunning visuals—prepare for liftoff!
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Saturday, April 25, 2026: Welcome to the extraordinary! Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival is a FREE signature event that showcases the imaginative and inventive spirit of RIT students. Visitors of all ages experience the breadth and depth of RIT through interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, performing arts, and research projects set up throughout campus. 350+ Student Exhibits, 2200+ Exhibitors, 300+ Volunteers. Join us on the RIT campus 10am-5pm on Saturday, April 25, at Imagine RIT.
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Originally scheduled for Saturday, April 4, the Powder Hill Park Annual Fish Derby has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18 due to flooding from the recent spring rains. The Derby, hosted by The Riedman Foundation, is a fun, safe, and educational event that celebrates our region's fishing opportunities, 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; kids 8 and under are free.
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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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For 80 years, Camp Cherith of WNY has provided a safe, fun, traditional faith-based summer camp experience for youth ages 7 - 17. Campers choose from activities such as hiking, kayaking, archery, tree climbing, horses, crafts, drama, swimming and more. Our 125-acre property is the perfect place for campers to get out in nature to learn and grow. With small cabin groups and vetted, background checked staff, campers are free to relax and enjoy making new friends and learning new skills. No matter the experience level, interests or skill set, Camp Cherith offers something for everyone. Join us for summer 2026! Making memories, one campfire at a time!
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Give your child the chance to soar in 2026 with camps at Aerial Arts of Rochester! These high-flying camps invite kids to explore aerial silks, hoop, trapeze, juggling, acrobatics, and more in a supportive, safety-focused environment. Whether your child is brand new to circus arts or ready to build on existing skills, experienced instructors help every camper grow in strength, confidence, and creativity. Campers will learn exciting tricks, play engaging games, and work together toward a fun end-of-week showcase for family and friends. It’s an unforgettable way to stay active, make new friends, and reach new heights next summer! Camps for ages 5-7 and 7-11.
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Get ready for high-energy fun at Dynamic Movement Gym’s Parkour Adventure Summer Camps! Kids ages 6–12 can build strength, confidence, and creativity while learning parkour skills on custom obstacles, steel bars, and jungle-gym-style setups with expert coaches. Camps run Monday–Friday, 9am–3pm (drop-off 8:45–9am, pickup 3–3:15pm) at 1344 University Ave during three sessions: July 27–31, August 3–7, and August 10–14. Each week is limited to 16 campers to ensure personalized coaching and plenty of movement games and challenges. Early registration unlocks dynamic pricing discounts (from $340–$400), with optional payment plans available before May 1. A limited half-day option ($250) is also available by request.
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Jump into a summer of dance at Dance Connection! Our 2026 summer programs offer exciting camps and classes for all ages—from 18 months to adults! Little ones can enjoy Grownup & Me sessions, while kids and teens explore tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, African, contemporary, and musical theatre. Summer classes are a great way to try dance in just six fun-filled lessons or build skills while having a blast! For ages 3–8, our Summer Morning Camps combine dance, crafts, games, tumbling, and friendship-building. Adults, too, can join the fun with classes for all levels. Join us this summer! Learn more on our website here: https://www.danceconnectionrochester.com/
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Through May 3: The RMSC’s temporary exhibit explores the tasks and challenges required of a space explorer, requires teamwork to solve problems, and illuminates the science + tools needed to monitor damage to a spacecraft. Experience a rocket launch, explore how a lack of gravity can affect the body & mind, and discover how scientific observations and measurements can both differ in space. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sleep, eat, shower, and use the toilet in space, Astronaut allows you the opportunity to explore your curiosities. On display at the Rochester Museum & Science Center through May 3 only, so it's a great time to head there now!
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Thursday, April 9, 7pm at St. John Fisher: Time travel without a machine! Join a mind-expanding live talk with Andrew Knoll from Harvard University — one of the world’s leading explorers of Earth’s deep past and the author of the popular book about Earth evolution.
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What is CSA? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) offers the opportunity for people, of a specific geographic region to support a local farm, the local community and the rural economy. Through annual enrollment (by purchasing a share) the share holder helps the farmer with much needed funds at the beginning of the growing season while knowing the share holder will receive (on a weekly basis once the picking season starts) the freshest possible produce grown by the farmer. It gives the share holder the chance to really learn about and know who is growing their food. If you are interested in our 2026 CSA please email [email protected] for information. |
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Saturday, April 11, 10:00 am until 4:30 pm at the RMSC: The Genesee Valley Woodcarvers show features birds, fish, caricatures, and youth carvings. There are live demonstrations and more. Youth may receive soap carving kits (no charge) available while supplies last. Raffle for carvings and carving related items - need not be present to win.
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Saturday, April 25, 2pm at the GEM's Dryden Theatre: Join us for the annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival, an annual video contest in which young filmmakers create weird short movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in just a few minutes. Hosted by the hilarious pair of children's book authors James Kennedy and Bruce Coville. You must pre-register to get your FREE tickets at https://90secondnewbery.com/events.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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