KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Save the Date Fri, Jun 5: Fairport Canal Days 2026
Fri, Jun 5: Draper Center Presents: The Ugly Duckling Sat, Jun 6: Girl Scouts Event at the Strong: Digital Game Design Badge
Sat, Jun 6: GemFest 2026
Sat, Jun 6: Flower City Frenzy FIRST Robotics Competition and Festival
Sat, Jun 13: ADK Outdoor Expo 2026
Sat, Jun 13: Freedom Festival: America 250 in the Bristol Hills
Sat, Jun 13: Second Saturday Dansville featuring Fairy Fest
Sun, Jun 14: East Avenue Music Festival Sun, Jun 14: World
Ocean Day
Thu, Jun 18: 40th Annual HARBORFEST Thu, Jun 18: 2026 Juneteenth Block Party
Fri, Jun 19: Juneteenth Celebration and Commemoration
Sun, Jun 21: Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief Tours
Sun, Jun 21: Fathers Day Fishing Derby at Backyard Barnyard
Fri, Jun 26: Readathon at the Victor Farmington Library |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
"The best thing about your newsletter," said a reader who met me in person at an event last June, "is the sheer number of things to do, and the fact that they're just packed in there, all in one handy place." "Thanks!" I said. I may have glowed a little. "And the worst thing about your newsletter," she continued,
"is the guilt trip. I know you don't mean to lay that on us. We can't do it all, so it means we read about so much we can't do. Especially in summer." She was right, in one sense, of course. June and July are the most packed months of the calendar: Kids are out of school, families are ready for fun, and our communities respond. Each local organization gets to post its own events on our calendar for free, and many are featured in this newsletter, so what's happening
is right there in front of you. But I get it! And I hereby remove the guilt. Ego te absolvo. Of course, good families try to expose their kids to great things, but no one has the time, money, or energy to do it all. This stuff needs to be spread out over a childhood, not packed into a single summer, much less a single weekend. So make a family bucket list for Summer 2026. An easy way to do that is to take our annual survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids, which is open through June 20; it has dozens of places to have fun this summer, even though you only vote for your top 3! And you should also use our 50 Ways to Love Your Summer article for ideas that require zero technology, zero travel, and zero dollars. Above all, go easy! Remember, summer is no time for grades! The only prize is the summer that's right for your family.
—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 3 weeks of voting, here is where the Top 20 Places survey currently stands: 1. The Strong; 2. Seneca Park Zoo; 3. RMSC; 4. YMCA of Greater Rochester; 5. Memorial Art Gallery; 6. "My Local Library"; 7. Seabreeze; 8. TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy); 9. Ladybugs Play; 10. Wickham Farms. Voting closes June 20, and anything can happen... Please VOTE NOW! It matters! |
Anastasia is at Geva Theatre through June 28, and my daughter Ella and I saw it together on Saturday. I came to this production as a newcomer to the story and found myself swept away by the music, the performances, and the gorgeous
emotional arc of it all. Ella, though, grew up with the 1997 animated movie—and for audience members like her, the stage version can feel surprisingly different unless you know what’s coming. So yes: Go. Absolutely go. But if your family loves the movie, take a few minutes first to prepare for the ways the musical trades cartoon
magic for deeper history, higher stakes, and a more grown-up kind of wonder. I’ve written a quick parent guide to help you set expectations so everyone can arrive ready to be dazzled. |
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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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Light up your night at Genesee Country Village & Museum! Join us for an outdoor adventure during Firefly Fridays on June 5, 12, 19, and 26. Trek out to Oatka Creek on a guided night hike and learn about our friends, the fireflies, all along the way. LINK: https://www.gcv.org/series/firefly-fridays/ Plus, next weekend is one of our favorite annual events - Celtic Faire! Join us on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, to explore a pan-Celtic celebration of heritage music, dance, and local food and drink. Shop specialty vendors, see artisan demos, watch exciting Highland games, explore the Historic Village, find out about your family history at the clan booths, and so much more! LINK: https://www.gcv.org/celtic-faire
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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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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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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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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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This Sunday, June 7 at ESL Ballpark: Buffalo Bills football stars and fans will be brought together for a day of fun, competition, and community impact. The stars are set for a Home Run Derby (12pm) and Offense vs. Defense softball game showdown (1pm): Gates open at 10:30 for a pre-game tailgate party at the ESL Ballpark Walk of Fame. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Rousseau Family Foundation. Tickets are $35 (200 level), $40 (100 level), or $200 (VIP).
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June 6, 2026 in the High Falls district: Flower Fest is a one-night-only summer celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of Rochester’s iconic Flower City Mark. The event will feature live music, local food vendors, shopping, family-friendly activities, documentary screenings, and a spectacular drone show finale. Families can enjoy a fun summer night together while celebrating Rochester’s creativity, culture, and community pride through art, music, food, and interactive experiences for all ages.
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Bring the family to Fishers, NY, on Sunday, June 7, for a fun day of local history, trails, and community. Start with a 9:00 AM hike on the Auburn and Lehigh Valley Trails, then stay for the 11:30 AM dedication of the restored Rochester & Eastern Trolley Shelter and enjoy a chicken BBQ fundraiser.
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GemFest 2026 is a gem and mineral show with activities and demonstrations for the whole family plus gem, mineral, and jewelry dealers. Features a variety of family friendly activities like soapstone carving, a sluice with plenty of treasures to discover, rock painting, and Jerry the Geologist with his dinosaur. Many vendors will be on hand as well selling gems, crystals, minerals for crafting and collecting, fossil specimens, beads, jewelry, and shiny sparkling treasures!
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Friday, June 5, 6:30pm at Saturday, June 6 and 2pm at Mercy High School: Draper Center is proud to present The Ugly Duckling, an acclaimed ballet by award-winning choreographer Jimmy Orrante. A work that previously performed exclusively by professional ballet companies. now brought to life by out Draper Dancers. This timeless story reminds us that what makes us different is often what makes us extraordinary. The Ugly Duckling celebrates resilience, inner beauty and the courage it takes to grow into who we are meant to become.
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June 5 & 6 at 7pm, June 7 at 2pm: Meredith Willson's six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy, performed in concert! Blackfriars presents beloved songs (and abridged scenes) from The Music Man, performed by the local talent of Rochester, NY!
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If you know a current college undergraduate who was born in the US and has at least one immigrant parent, please invite them to participate in the research study of Wiljar Ojuro, 2026 doctoral candidate at the University of Rochester. The purpose of this study is to examine mental health and academic outcomes among these students, with the goal of informing higher education practices related to student retention and counseling center support services. Students who choose to participate click the survey link, review the information sheet, and complete the survey. After finishing, they will have the option to enter a drawing for a $100 Amazon electronic gift card through a separate link.
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Ease into the weekend with Food Truck Fridays in Washington Square— a lunchtime series in the heart of downtown! Enjoy a rotating selection of local food trucks, lawn games, and live music curated by Local Sound Collaborative, all set in the leafy, green oasis of Washington Square Park. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or globally inspired, there’s always something new to try— and great music to enjoy while you eat!
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Join Root to Blossom Yoga at Helmer Nature Center for a fun-filled family yoga session and a guided hike along one of the nature center's scenic trails!
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Our family-friendly SpringFest event offers guided themed hikes, nature-based art projects, live music, Krolick's BBQ lunch and snacks, live animal Meet & Greets, lawn games, and access to our newly renovated nature center. People of all ages and abilities are welcome.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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