KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
One summer afternoon during a family camping trip in New Jersey when I was about 6 or 7 years old, a horse fly suddenly appeared next to my ear and started following me everywhere I went. I’m sure that, from its own perspective, it was just going about its business doing ordinary horse fly things, but to me it felt enormous, ominous, and purposeful. I can't remember if it
actually bit me, but I can still summon the hot panic of not being able to get away from its threatening buzz. To my small self, that fly wasn't a little distraction, it was a crisis with wings. The memory surfaced recently when my daughter Ella sent me the above photo, taken in Quintana Beach County
Park, near Houston. The point was clear: Proceed, and you will be under attack, and not by any adorable Northeastern bugs you might be used to. No, these bugs were born in Texas. Beware. Sometimes that is exactly how challenges feel, especially to kids: Problems loom much larger to them than they do to adults with decades of experience. A broken toy, a skinned knee, a mistake in front of the class, or a slight misunderstanding with a friend may be a fly in the
ointment to us, but a Texas-sized monster to a child. The trick is to validate the feeling without validating helplessness. We stand beside them and say, Yes, I know, this feels huge. The bugs, even if they're not as large as they think, are real. They watch us shoo them away and learn gradually to do it for themselves. If I had seen the sign above, my first instinct would have been to flee back to the safety of the car. And Ella said it was not exaggerating, at least
not by much: The moment she stepped onto the property, giant mosquitoes descended, and they were hungry; even leggings soaked with OFF Deep Woods did not deter them. She assures me that the photo she got of the Bay-breasted Warbler was worth all the bites on the backs of her knees. She knew better than to show me the damage. Clearly, the script has flipped.
—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. |
After 2 weeks of voting, here is where the Top 20 Places survey currently stands: 1. The Strong; 2. Seneca Park Zoo; 3. RMSC; 4. Ladybugs Play; 5. Memorial Art Gallery; 6. "My Local Library"; 7. Seabreeze; 8. TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy); 9. YMCA of Greater Rochester; 10. Stokoe Farms. Voting closes June 20, and anything can happen... Please VOTE NOW! It matters!
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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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Learn to take care of yourself, each other, and the Earth with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang in Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit. Enjoy themed activities to celebrate the opening of The Strong’s newest exhibit from 11 a .m.–3 p.m. on May 30 and 31! Enjoy Iconic Peanuts scenes transformed into hands-on experiences that encourage creative thinking, emotional awareness, problem-solving, and collaboration. Care, be kind, and encourage others with doctor play, veterinarian play, and eco-friendly paper football in the backyard themed area! Also share your acts of kindness using the Kindness Tree, share what you have done for others, enjoy a Peanuts scavenger hunt, and more! The exhibit will be on display until September 7.
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Treat your family to a night at Geva Theatre this spring. Anastasia is at the Wilson Mainstage through June 28. 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? 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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All aboard! Trolley rides resume Sunday, May 31, as the New York Museum of Transportation kicks off its season. Open Sundays only, 11 am to 4 pm, the museum features historic road and rail vehicles, model railroads, and the iconic Midtown Plaza Monorail. Scenic 20-minute round trip trolley rides depart at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. Admission including the ride: Adults: $12, Seniors (65+): $10, Youths (3-12): $6, Kids 2 and under: Free! Find this unique family adventure just 25 minutes south of Rochester at 6393 East River Road, Rush.
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Join the Cobblestone Community Players for a magical musical adventure celebrating the unforgettable world of Disney! Experience the wonder as these talented local performers bring to life the songs and characters that have enchanted audiences of all ages. From nostalgic classics, this family-friendly showcase captures the heart, humor, and imagination that make Disney timeless. Featuring everything from iconic character solos to lively ensemble numbers, this show is chock full of beloved melodies and joyful performances straight out of everyone's favorite Disney tales. Don't miss this chance to experience the music and magic of Disney along with the artistry and spirit of your local community players.
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Registration is now open for Summer D&D Therapy Groups for preteens and teens! Join us for a unique, engaging path to mental health wellness. Our skilled therapists use role-playing games to build essential social skills and foster personal growth. Participants will collaborate on world-building and character creation, embarking on a continuous adventure across an 8-week campaign. No experience necessary! Groups are forming now by age. Contact us to start the adventure at [email protected] |
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Girl Scouts: it’s time to have fun while earning your next badge! Join us on June 6 from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 1:30–3:30 p.m. for a day full of gaming as you complete your Video Game Design Badge. Meet Devi Acharya, a local software engineer and game designer, as she dives into the world of video games and shows you some game creation basics. Create and playtest a simple game with your fellow troops and scout master. Explore and play in the Level Up gallery and learn about different components that make up a game. This event will provide all the necessary steps to earn the Digital Game Design Badge for Daisys, Brownies and Juniors.
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Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Newsies JR is hitting the stage at A Magical Journey Thru Stages, and it’s packed with high-energy dance numbers, unforgettable music, and an inspiring story of courage and teamwork. Based on the true events of the 1899 Newsboys Strike, this exciting musical follows a group of young reporters who stand up for what’s right and prove that even the smallest voices can make a big difference. With thrilling choreography, powerful songs, and a cast bursting with passion, this is a show the whole family will love. Cheer along with us in this celebration of friendship, determination, and the power of believing in yourself!
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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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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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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. Camps are filling: reserve your spot today!
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Camp Seneca Lake is Western New York's premier Jewish overnight camp! Nestled under the trees on the shores of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes, Camp Seneca Lake has provided Jewish campers from across the north east with fun, values-based and skill building experiences for 99 summers. On our beautiful 200 acre property, generations of campers have explored, played and created life long friendships rooted in Jewish values. With transportation provided, Camp Seneca Lake is the perfect place to unplug, unwind and connect. Interested in learning more? Visit our website at www.campsenecalake.org or email [email protected] to be connected with the year round team! |
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Join us for the Fairy House Tour, presented by Jess Decotis Homes of Howard Hanna, at the 58th Annual Corn Hill Arts Festival! This enchanting event invites families to unleash their creativity by building whimsical fairy houses using natural materials, recycled items, or even Legos. Showcasing these magical creations on July 11 and 12, the tour is open to participants of all ages, and entry is free! With categories like “Most Unique,” “Most Whimsical,” and “Best Use of Natural Materials,” there are plenty of opportunities to win exciting prizes. Bring your family and let your imaginations soar in this delightful celebration of creativity and community! To learn more and register, visit https://cornhillartsfestival.com/apply/fairy-house-showcase/.
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Join us May 28th - 31st | 2026 from 11am - 11pm (closing 9pm on Sunday) as we continue our tradition of bringing the aromas, tastes, sounds, and traditions of Greece to Rochester on the grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Avenue, near the George Eastman House. We will be serving your favorite Greek meals from pita sandwiches like Gyro, Souvlaki, and Loukaniko. Enjoy our latest appetizer additions of Saganaki (flaming cheese) and delicious fried kalamari. Try homemade Spanakopita, Greek Chicken, Pastichio, Moussaka and Lamb Shank dinners. The food line closes at 9 pm.
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Join us on Friday, May 29 from 4-8 pm and Saturday, May 30 from 12-8 pm for games, bounce houses, music, food, gift basket raffles, book sale, plant sale, and so much more fun for the whole family! Free parking and admission. Everyone is welcome.
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Backyard Barnyard is an outdoor family fun center and petting zoo. Admission is just $12 per person and that includes access to all the barnyard activities, such as ziplines, bounce houses, petting zoo, kids and adult axe throwing and so much more. Kids 2 and under are free. We are open Friday and Saturdays 10am-6pm and Sundays 10am-5pm.
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Looking for an adventure that gets everyone thinking, laughing, and working together? Dark Matter Escape Rooms is Rochester’s newest escape games experience, offering both VR escape rooms and a high-tech physical escape room for groups of friends, families, and puzzle-solvers. Located at 4430 Dewey Avenue in Rochester, NY, inside the Dark Matter Scream Works space. Get 25% off your total booking by using the discount code: GRAND25. For all information on booking please go to darkmatterescaperooms.com.
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Fri, May 29, 5-7pm: Kick off the weekend with an easy and festive family night out! Dinner, drinks, dessert, craft and play! Drive on over to Whitney Road in Fairport for an evening of luau fun for the entire family! Pizza, drinks, fruit, leis and dessert include! Open play, themed kid craft, bubbles and bounce house. Hope to see you here! Fun for the entire family and a great way to kick off the weekend!
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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