KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For 25 years, one of my core missions with KidsOutAndAbout has been to make invisible things visible, to celebrate what local communities offer families. Everyone is busy, and local treasures are easy to miss. Our job is to point, spotlight, nudge, and say Look here. Try this. Bring the kids. But there’s another kind of invisibility worth fixing:
The people who create these experiences rarely get to see their full impact. They track tickets sold and kids enrolled, but may never hear that your child talked about their field trip for six months, found courage on their stage, or simply felt welcome exactly when they needed it. That’s why our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey matters. Each summer, we ask readers to vote for their favorite local places to take kids.
The results help families see what other families love. The ranking and comments help local organizations see that their work matters. So your three minutes becomes both a recommendation and a thank-you. The survey is simple: Click on your three favorite local destinations. Then also, optionally, nominate favorites in special categories—like arts, sports, and STEM education—and leave comments that we’ll pass along to the people who make these experiences
happen. So please click here to vote in the 2026 edition of the survey. Help families find the places they’ll love, and help the people behind those places know they’re making a difference. The survey will be open until June 20.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
P.S. If you're interested, check out the 2025 list here to see who won last year. |
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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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Weekends May 16-31, 2026, 9:30 am to 4 pm: Dino ROAR is BACK by popular demand! Dinosaurs have escaped their handler and have been spotted in the woods at Stokoe Farms. We need you! Help us capture the escaped beasts and get them home. Start your day with our Drive-Thru experience where you will use your Nerf Darts to stun the prehistoric beasts from your own vehicles. Tune-in and listen to the noise of the forest, do you hear the prehistoric footsteps echoing? Back by popular demand, this is the first event of a 2026 full of excitement and wonder. (Tickets are $26.99 - $38.99... Children 2 and under are free.) 20% discount off the price of your tickets with code KOAA20.
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Get ready to see the world more curiously, because Blippi is coming to your hometown in the all-new Be Like Blippi Tour! Join Blippi and Meekah live on stage for a one-of-a-kind interactive adventure that inspires kids to move like, play like, and explore like Blippi! Wahoo! Pre-sale tickets are available today using the offer passcode: KOAA
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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 a half-price general admission day for Saturday, May 16, to make the benefits of play even more accessible to members of our community. (Please note: Other fees may apply.) Saturday open hours at the Strong are 10:00 am - 8:00 pm.
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Step right up! Be swept away by the wonder, romance, & raw emotion of Water for Elephants performed by A Magical Journey Thru Stages, at Roc City Circus! This spectacular musical brings the magic of the circus to life through breathtaking choreography, soaring music, & a powerful story of love, resilience, & finding where you belong. Join Jacob as he joins a struggling traveling circus and is introduced to a world of extraordinary performers, dazzling feats, & unforgettable characters. From circus sequences to tender, emotional moments, this production is filled with visual splendor & moving storytelling. An evening of unforgettable entertainment that will leave you inspired & wanting more!
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Hochstein Performance Hall Sunday, May 17 2026 at 2pm: Classic fairytales come to life with the RPO and Rochester City Ballet performing Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite. This whimsical journey combines music, movement, and imagination for an enchanting afternoon perfect for young audiences. Get your tickets now!
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Be part of the action as we explore both sides of the conflict and its impact on the citizens of Western New York as part of 1812: The Genesee Valley at War. Explore British and American Forces Camps, meet Dolly Madison, learn about naval battles, rations, and battlefield medicine, watch a fashion show, try English country dancing and calligraphy lessons, and many more activities that invite visitors of all ages to see, touch, and try history for themselves! Don’t forget, next Friday, May 22, is our Official 50th Anniversary Celebration. We will stay open until 8 p.m., and admission is $5 for everyone (members free)!
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Now registering for the 2026-27 school year! The Discovery Academy of Science & Art (DASA) Preschool is located at 597 East Ave. in Rochester. Students learn through play with our science, technology, engineering, art and math and inquiry-based curriculum, and can take advantage of our connections to local museums and cultural institutions. Teachers nurture the development of the whole child by providing a caring environment rich in discovery and imagination. Whether in the classroom, exploring local cultural institutions or the outdoors, DASA Preschool makes learning exciting and enriching, with impressions that last a lifetime. For details, visit www.dasapreschool.org. We offer a limited number of partial needs-based scholarships. Please contact us for more information:…
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Saturday, May 23 at Casa Larga: Experience the comedy of Joe Avati – an Australian-born comedian with Italian heritage! Join us before the show with a Chef prepared Italian Buffet. Show is appropriate for ages 12+. Can purchase show tickets alone ($64) or with buffet dinner ($109). https://casalarga.com/events/joe-avati-dinner-show-may-23-2026
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Treat your family to a night at Geva Theatre this spring. Tickets to Anastasia are on sale now! This Tony Award-nominated musical inspired by the beloved films takes us on a journey to the past. Iconic songs like “Once Upon a December,” “Learn to Do It,” and “Journey to the Past” transport us from the darkness of Soviet Russia to the opulence of Paris in the ’20s. Could it be that Anya really is the long-lost Romanov? Anastasia runs from May 27th through June 28th. The show’s run time is approximately 2 hours, including a 15- minute intermission and is recommended for audiences ages 10 and older. Get tickets now by calling (585) 232-4382 or by purchasing online at GevaTheatre.org.
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Creative Themes Day Camp is offering an exciting June Program for children entering PK4 and Kindergarten in Fall 2026. Located in East Rochester, the program offers young campers the chance to enjoy outdoor adventures, creative activities, and new friendships in a safe, supportive environment. Campers participate in age-appropriate experiences, including arts and crafts, nature exploration, creativity, games, canoeing, fishing, and more. The program is designed to help children build confidence, independence, and social skills while having fun outdoors. With experienced staff and small group sizes, Flexible scheduling options are available throughout June, making it a perfect early summer experience for local families.
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Looking for an activity to keep your children mentally stimulated while also providing an excellent physical workout? Encourage them to try the Olympic sport of fencing! Explore the heart of the warrior while learning the fundamentals of foil and saber fencing. Fencing helps young people develop focus, coordination, balance, and endurance and also emphasizes the Olympic values of friendship, respect, and excellence. Children will experience the thrill of swordplay in a safe environment. Suitable for both beginners and those with previous instruction; campers are grouped by age and level of experience. See details at www.rocfencing.com/summer-camp or reach us at [email protected] or 585-654-6047 for more information regarding your summer camp options. |
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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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Are your kids way into video games? GLG's Gaming and Esports Summer camps provide kids and teens ages 8-12 & 13-16 with the opportunity to build friendships, sharpen skills, and dive into organized competitive gaming. In just one week, campers will learn lifelong skills through team challenges, structured gameplay, and beginner-friendly STEAM activities such as designing their own board and video games!
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Looking for a fun summer program for your child? Growing Good is back for 2026! Rochester Ecology Partners offers an incredible nature-based summer experience for children currently in grades K–5 at the Foodlink community garden. Your child will garden, explore nature, and go on outdoor adventures. We offer 4 sessions running Mon - Friday, from 9am - 3pm during the weeks of July 6 through August 21. We believe in accessibility – our sliding scale fee ($50/$150 per week) ensures every child in Greater Rochester can join the fun. Space is limited -- register today! Let’s make this a summer of gardens, nature, and exploration!
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The Corn Hill Arts Festival is July 11 & 12; each year, the family area has a section devoted to Fairy Houses called the Fairy House Showcase presented by Jess DeCotis Homes of Howard Hanna and supported by KidsOutAndAbout.Com and The Strong Museum of Play. This is a great way for kids of all ages to be creative and have fun in a way the whole community can enjoy. You, your family, your club, or your business can take part! Register to build a Fairy House and bring it to the festival. Winners will have their fairy house displayed at The Strong National Museum of Play following the festival! Register to enter your kids or team today!
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Saturday, May 16: Your family can have a fun-filled “night at the Museum”! Bring a bagged dinner for the evening, then join us in our 19th-century tavern for family-friendly beverages and treats, play historical games, make your own historical games. Before camping out for the night, attend…
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Saturday and Sunday, May 16–17, kick off the season with opening weekend at Seabreeze Amusement Park! Families can celebrate the return of classic summer fun with rides open from 11am–6pm both days, including kid-friendly favorites, thrill rides, and plenty of chances to make those first…
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Highland Park in Rochester hosts the 128th Rochester Lilac Festival from May 8-17, 2026. This beloved 10-day celebration of spring brings the community together for live music, blooming lilacs, Art in the Park, the Lilac Parade, walking tours, the farmers market, family fun, and the annual…
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The Rochester Red Wings are family-friendly baseball at its finest! Join us at ESL Ballpark as your Red Wings take on the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs! Game details for dates, times, and promotions are in the description.
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Join us for an Informational Open House to learn more about foster care and adoption and how you can make a difference. Meet our team, hear from a panel of current foster parents, and explore our space. Enjoy a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with activities and refreshments—we’d love…
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Join us on May 16th for our Youth Open House Carnival design for kids ages 4-15 years old! Our Carnival Open House is designed as a introduction to the sport of climbing for new comers, as well as a fun experience for those who have climbed before. It’s a great way to learn about the kids…
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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