KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Save the Date Sat, Apr 18 - Sun, Apr 19: A Bad Case of Stripes at TYKEs Theatre Sat, Apr 18: Earth Day at Seneca Park Zoo Sat, Apr 18: 2026 Riedman Foundation Trout Derby (rescheduled) at Powder Mills Park 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 Sat, Apr 25, 2026: Imagine RIT annual creativity & innovation festival Sat, Apr 25: Earth Day in ACTION at Aquarium of Niagara
Sat, May 2: Maker’s Edge: Community STEAM Day at the Harley School Sat, May 2: Safari Tours start for the season at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
Sat, May 9: Pink & Teal Challenge from Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester
Thu, May 14-Sun, May 17: Water for Elephants from Stages performed at ROC City Circus
Sat, May 16: Dino ROAR @ Stokoe Farms 2026 - special 20% off discount code Sun, May 17: OrKIDStra: Mother Goose with Rochester City Ballet at
Hochstein Wed, May 27: Geva Theatre Presents Anastasia: The Musical |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my kids were little, one of our favorite nature activities was also one of the simplest: We’d head out onto a trail, stop among the trees, and play the Listening Game. The rules were easy: Close your eyes. The first time you hear a sound, any sound at all, put up one finger. Then add another for each new sound you notice. After a minute or two, someone says, “Open your
eyes,” and everyone compares fingers and talks about what they heard. It’s a small exercise in attention, but it changes how kids experience the world. The invisible becomes visible... not to the eyes, exactly, but to the mind. Things that were just out of range suddenly move onto our radar. Nature is full of motion and music, and this game helps us tune ourselves to it. The free Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology takes that magic one step further: Tap Sound ID, and suddenly the songs around you appear on your screen as a voiceprint and a bird name and an image that shows you what to look for. And what a moment ago was only background atmosphere becomes a Carolina Wren, or an Eastern Whip-poor-will, or the Common Yellowthroat pictured above,
singing his heart out for a girl with a camera. That’s one of the great tasks of childhood, and of the adults who love children: to help hidden things come into view. Before we know something, it is almost as if it isn’t there. But once it is named, we have a new way to see. There are suddenly new dimensions to our universe, helping us transform even more mysteries into things that are ours. And we never really experience the woods—or the field, or the river, or the
ocean, or the city, or our backyard—the same way again.
—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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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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Jumpstart your Pokémon adventure at The Strong’s special early-morning Pokémon Play event! Join us from 9–10 a.m. on Saturday, April 18 to fuel up by decorating and enjoying a donut provided by Dunkin’. Then, craft your very own Pokémon companion using colorful wax beads. Think you know Pokémon? Put your knowledge to the test with fun filled trivia! Don’t forget to snap a photo with your favorite electric mouse! Trainers, get ready—adventure awaits around every corner!
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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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Enjoy The Strong before it opens to the public at an exclusive event designed for guests with special sensory, developmental, or physical needs. From 8–10 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, explore the museum in a comfortable and accepting environment that features fewer guests, light and sound reduction, and designated quiet areas that include sensory friendly toys. Also enjoy carousel rides, train rides, and a free visit to the relaxing Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. Enjoy meet-and-greets with Spider-Man in the Adams Atrium from 8:15–8:45 and 9:15–9:45 a.m. The Sensory Friendly Sunday ticket includes admission to the museum after the event.
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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. Perfect for kids 5 and up, this film festival is especially inspiring for kids who might be interested in learning to create their own films. You must pre-register to get your FREE tickets at https://90secondnewbery.com/events.
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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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Join us Saturday, May 9th at Monroe Community College to walk or run and have FUN at the Breast Cancer Coalition's annual Pink & Teal Challenge! It's BCCR's largest fundraising event of the year; all proceeds stay local to provide cutting-edge programs and services free-of-charge to anyone touched by a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis. Bring your kids to the walk... it's a great cause! Women's-Only 5k Run starts at 9:30am, All-Inclusive Walk starts 9:45am. To register visit: Pink & Teal Challenge.
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For over 40 years, SummerWrite has inspired Rochester’s children and teens to write their own stories, make new friends, and discover creative ways to express themselves. Choose from 29 different camps that explore fiction and fantasy, puppetry, graphic novels, playwriting and filmmaking, D&D, music, and more! Highly skilled teaching artists deliver engaging programs that build new skills while centering joy in the learning process. These dynamic camps nurture creativity, confidence, and community. For ages 7-17. Need-based scholarships are available for every SummerWrite camp. Don’t wait: reserve your spot today!
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Nature is the BEST teacher! Give your child hands-on, nature-based learning with Lake Ontario as their guide. Hosted in Wayne County at Cracker Box Palace on Alasa Farms in North Rose, NY and aboard the Save our Sodus educational research vessel, Rose Lummis, traversing Sodus Bay, this unique day-camp is designed for ages 8-13. At Camp Discovery Days, students will conduct water quality research, track invasive species, learn about the Great Lakes ecosystem and indigenous conservation methods and gain real-world science experience. We aim to inspire and equip the next environmental leaders for our region. Week-long camps run July 6-August 14. Register for one or multiple weeks.
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Join us at Forte Studios for a summer full of theatre! Our 2-week, 9am - 5pm summer camps are perfect for those who want to learn, practice, improve, or just have fun. Good news! Everyone gets a role! Our summer lineup includes Seussical Kids (K - 8th grade), Finding Nemo Jr. (K - 5th grade and 6th - 8th grade), and Chicago: Teen Edition (9th - 12th grade). We hope to see you this summer and help you Find Your Forte!
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Immerse yourself in a night of soaring melodies and profound beauty as Julian Schwarz makes his RPO debut performing Jennifer Higdon’s new Cello Concerto. Immerse yourself in a night of soaring melodies and profound beauty as Julian Schwarz makes his RPO debut performing Jennifer Higdon’s new Cello Concerto. Andreas Delfs leads the orchestra in Samy Moussa’s ethereal and evocative Elysium before closing with Brahms’ rich and lyrical Symphony No. 3—a masterful work of passion and warmth.
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Youth Golf Clinic at DICK’S House of Sport April 18 • 10 AM–12 PM: Young athletes can step onto the Field at DICK’S House of Sport for a fun, skill‑building golf clinic led by certified pros from the WNY PGA. This two‑hour session introduces key fundamentals, sharpens technique, and builds confidence through hands‑on instruction in an upbeat, supportive environment. Open to all skill levels ages 8–13. Participants are welcome to bring their own clubs, and we’ll also have extras available for anyone who needs them.
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Saturday, April 18: Join us for an unforgettable Earth Day celebration packed with fun, learning, and opportunities to make a real impact! Get up close and personal with amazing animals during special conservation-themed encounters led by our expert naturalists. Explore interactive stations hosted by our incredible community and conservation partners — perfect for curious minds of all ages! Plus, swing by the Trailside Café to taste-test our exclusive Earth Day sustainable menu options. Delicious and eco-friendly!
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Looking for resources for your loved one with a disability? Find resources and make connections at our Diverse Abilities Resource Fair.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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