KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Save the Date
Fri, Feb 27: Kids Night Out at Central
Rock Gym Rochester
Sat, Mar 7: School Choice Fair 2026 at GoodSchoolsRoc Sun, Mar 8: (585) KIDS 2026 Camp Fair at Eastview Mall Sat, Mar 14: Maple Syrup Festival at the Y at Watson Woods
Wed, Mar 18: Dog Man: The Musical at Kodak Center at Kodak Center
Fri, Mar 20: GCV&M Maple Sugar Festival starts
Sat, Mar 21: Maple Sugaring Weekends start at Cumming Nature Center of
RMSC
Sat, Mar 21: Maple Weekend 2026 at Helmer Nature Center
Sat, Mar 21: Maple Weekend 2026 at Schoff's Sugar Shack
Tue, Mar 31: Rochester Red Wings opening day at ESL Ballpark Sat, Apr 4: 2026 Riedman Foundation Trout Derby in Powder Mills Park |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The February my daughter Ella was 1, she caught a cold that lingered for months. There were short stretches of relief, but mostly there was congestion, disrupted sleep, and a level of crankiness that turned my sunny baby into someone I barely recognized. The clouds around her felt constant, and one day, I caught myself labeling her in my head as “the crabby one.” But of course,
if I had a perpetually runny nose and no way to manage it, I’d be irritable, too! I needed to remember this wasn’t her personality, it was a season. What we needed to get through it was distraction: something fun to do "right now" and also fun things to anticipate. Aside from those who live in paradise pockets like San Diego, most of our readers are in the thick of a particularly dreary winter. The world feels heavy and gray, energy runs low, and it’s easy
to fixate on how dispirited we feel. But we need to remember that this isn't our personality, it's a season. What we need to get through it is distraction in the moment and also something positive we can place on our horizon. My family is counting down to the March 20 release of Project Hail Mary, which stars
Ryan Gosling. The movie is based on the novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian. You don't have to be a science nerd to love Weir's books (although science nerds DO love Weir's books), because in all of them, the real hero is human
ingenuity—curiosity, flexible thinking, doing what needs to be done even in extreme circumstances. When things are going awry, the answer isn’t despair, it’s problem-solving, and I always emerge from a Weir book feeling spiritually lighter. While I immerse myself in Weir and Gosling, you, of course, should do YOU! Let the art or sport that grabs you and your kids be your launch ticket to optimism now, and lift you to fun in the future. We're glad to provide the
fuel!
—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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Experience the magic of Broadway right here in Rochester! Now through March 1, RBTL's West Herr Auditorium Theatre welcomes the spellbinding sensation Wicked. This unforgettable production reimagines the Land of Oz long before Dorothy arrives, telling the story of two unlikely friends—one green and misunderstood, the other bubbly and beloved—whose bond changes them forever. With dazzling costumes, breathtaking music, and a story full of heart, humor, and courage, WICKED is a must-see for families with kids ages 8 and up. Tickets: https://rbtl.org/events/wicked
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More than 40 schools and community organizations will welcome parents and guardians of K-12 students on Saturday, March 7 at the MCC Downtown Campus, 321 State Street. The first 100 attendees will receive free passes to Rochester Museum & Science Center. Plus, don’t miss out on a drawing for an iPad Mini and gift cards. Learn about your child’s school options, including Pre-K, K-12 public charter schools and private schools. Visit with student-centered and family support organization to learn about resources that can benefit your child and family. The event is free and no RSVP is necessary. On-site parking is free. Learn more at https://www.goodschoolsroc.org/schoolchoicefair/
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SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 11AM – 4PM: Don’t miss the annual 585 Kids Summer Camp & Activity Fair at Eastview Mall! Kids and their families are invited to visit the fair and chat with representatives from a ton of programs including day camps, overnight camps, STEM camps, sports camps, outdoor summer activities, performing arts camps, and more! For more info, visit 585Kids.com.
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Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts is a free K-6 charter school that embraces creativity in learning and is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year! Join us for an open house on March 11 from 9:30-10:30am to tour the school, meet our school therapy dog, Remy, and ask questions. RSVP by emailing moyowhite@renacad.org or by scanning the QR code. We hope to see you soon!
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Get ready for a tail-wagging good time when Dog Man: The Musical takes the stage at the Kodak Center in Rochester on March 18, 2026! Based on the bestselling books by Dav Pilkey, this hilarious and heartfelt adventure follows Dog Man—half dog, half policeman—as he battles Flippy the cyborg fish and the villainous Petey the cat. Packed with catchy songs, laugh-out-loud moments, and lovable characters, this epic production brings the world of Dog Man to life in a way the whole family will love. Recommended for ages 6+, it’s a must-see musical adventure!
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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 info@rocfencing.com or 585-654-6047 for more information regarding your summer camp options.
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Sunday, March 1, 3pm Eastman Theatre at Kodak Hall: This side-by-side concert brings professional musicians and the region’s most talented young artists together for an unforgettable evening of collaboration, mentorship, and electrifying orchestral sound—all under the baton of Music Director Andreas Delfs. 100% of the proceeds directly support the mission of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
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Come down to the Zoo to celebrate Free Youth February! For every adult who purchases an admissions ticket in February, up to five youth guests (ages 4-14) can join them on their Zoo visit for free. Children ages 3 and under are always free of charge. Seneca Park Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with last entry at 3 p.m. Free youth offer only valid on the same day of purchase.
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Looking for high-energy family fun? Head to the Blue Cross Arena to cheer on the Rochester Americans as they hit the ice for another thrilling hockey matchup! With fast-paced action, fan giveaways, and an electric atmosphere, an Amerks game is the perfect way to make unforgettable memories with your kids. Don your red, white, and blue, grab some popcorn, and get ready to shout “Go Amerks!” Check out the full schedule and grab your tickets at https://amerks.com.
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Come to this year's Rochester Auto Show and see special guests Maxx the robot standing at nine feet tall. Maxx will be visiting the show Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And also our very own Red Wing's mascots Spikes and Mittsy coming Saturday and Sunday.
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On the 4th Friday of every month parents can enjoy a night out while the kids participate in our Kids' Night Out. Sign your kids up in advance for a night of fun with staff lead climbing, games and activities. Pizza dinner will be provided. For ages 7-13.
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Parents, take the night off! Kids Night Out at Cobblestone Arts Center is a fun-filled evening where children can play, create, and unwind in a safe, welcoming environment, all while parents enjoy a few hours to themselves.
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Sat, Feb 28 at 11am at Webster Public Library: Celebrate Black History Month by learning about and listening to an African drummer! Mayukwa Kashiwa from Building Families First will bring you an interactive African village drumming experience, sharing the beauty of African culture. Suited for all abilities and ages; the goal is to enjoy music and movement together!
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Learn the process of maple sugaring from sap to syrup. Morning walks at 10:00am discuss the history of maple sugaring, maple tree identification and wildlife of the sugar bush. To learn how present-day maple syrup is made, the sugar house will be open from 10:00am-12:30pm and even some samples! Meet at the Humphrey Nature Center.
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Merch Madness Tee Competition Want to see your design all over Rochester? Participate in MAG’s Merch Madness, a friendly competition of artists to see who can design the best graphic for our M&T Bank Clothesline Art & Fine Craft Festival! Artists will submit their designs, and then you, the public, will decide who the winner is during Merch Madness in May! The winner will get either $350 in prize money or a free both space at the festival.
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Summer Camp at Martial Arts America Looking for an exciting and enriching summer camp for your child? Martial Arts America’s Summer Karate Camps offer a safe, fun, and action-packed
experience led by expert Black Belt instructors. Designed for ages 6–12, each week features a unique theme, exciting activities, games, crafts, obstacle courses, and daily karate classes—perfect for beginners and experienced kids alike! With locations in Brighton, Penfield, and Webster, plus early drop-off and late pickup options, we make summer easy for busy parents. No prior martial arts
experience needed! Learn more and reserve a spot at www.Rochesterkarate.com. |
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Stay warm!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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