KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: The first time I can remember having to take a public stand on anything was in eighth grade English. We were assigned an essay on a controversial topic and told we’d present our arguments to the class. When he handed back our papers, Mr. Schmidt added a twist: no reading. We’d speak from notes. I was horrified. After school, I tried to negotiate my way out
of it. “This makes me really uncomfortable,” I told him, hoping for mercy. He looked at me over his glasses. “That’s the whole point,” he said. “To get stuff done, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t worry, you’ll live.” Mr. Schmidt was right. I didn’t die. And more important, I learned something that stuck: Discomfort isn’t a stop sign, it’s just part of the road, and all roads are bumpy. That lesson shaped how I've raised my kids, too.
Karate helped Madison and Ella distinguish between effort and injury. Long car rides taught them to rely on their own imaginations. Theater nudged them to stand however close to the spotlight they could manage, even when they’d rather disappear. And summer camps—those muddy, unpredictable, gloriously imperfect experiences—gave them countless chances to try something new and realize I can do this without the stigma that can accompany failing in other contexts. Growth
rarely happens inside the comfort zone, which is why I’m such a believer in giving kids opportunities to stretch beyond what feels easy. Summer programs are perfect for this, so that's why during "summer camp search season" we focus on showcasing the wide variety of camps and programs available in each area we serve. Here's the link to the portal page. These days, as we approach the 25th anniversary of KidsOutAndAbout.com in June, I see that same principle playing out: The technology has changed, the business climate has changed, but the equation hasn’t. Discomfort still shows up right before something meaningful. And I still hear Mr. Schmidt’s voice in my head: Don’t worry, you’ll live.
—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. Do more. Connect 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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Celebrate creativity and performance at Parker Theatre’s Summer Camps as the theatre marks 40 years of inspiring young performers! One-week camps throughout the summer are packed with engaging activities, games, and creative exercises that keep
kids active while building teamwork and confidence. Camp themes include exciting options like Jedi Camp, Witches and Wizards, Adventures in Acting, Musical Theatre, Improv Camp, Sketch Comedy, Art Camp, Special Effects Makeup, and even a fun Baking Camp. Throughout the week, campers collaborate, practice performance skills, and express their creativity before sharing what they’ve learned in a special recital or presentation for family and friends.
It’s a memorable way for kids to add creativity and fun to their summer!
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This intriguing and beautiful folk and jazz-inspired epic theatrical phenomenon delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of
immortal King Hades and lady Persephone – Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, this beguiling sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Presented by SCERA’s award-winning high school company, Acting UP. Directed by Kathryn Laycock Little. Choreography by Brodee Ripple.
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The City Library is proud to announce the 3rd Annual, Transgender Celebration 2026, a group art show dedicated to celebrating transgender lives, experiences, and creativity. Located in the Lower Urban Room of the Main Library, this exhibit aims to foster
understanding, visibility and appreciation for the transgender community. Exhibit runs from March 9 – April 18, in the Lower Urban Room.
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The perfect end to a day of spring skiing. Join us at the Last Chance beach for a series of live musical performances outside Last Chance Lodge from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. every Saturday from March 21 to April 18. Relax and enjoy the music at our ski beach,
complete with Adirondack chairs, outside Last Chance Lodge near the base of Apex Express. The lodge kitchen will be open until 3:30 pm, with après snacks and beverages available for purchase until 4:30 pm. In the case of winter weather or cold temperatures, Last Chance Beach Bash will move inside to upper Last Chance Lodge. Head to upper Last Chance Lodge to visit The Sluice Box before or after Last Chance Beach Bash. The Sluice Box is Solitude's first ski in ski out full-service bar. Admission
is free.
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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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- Tinker Time - Utah STEM Action Center, South Salt Lake City, Friday, March 20, 2026, 12 - 8 PM
- Storytime at Glendale Branch - Glendale Branch, Salt Lake City, Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:30 am - 11 am
- Playtime at Glendale Branch - Glendale Branch, Salt Lake City, Friday, March 20, 2026, 11 am - 11:30 am
- Community Art Hour at the Day-Riverside Branch Library -
Day-Riverside Branch, Salt Lake City, Friday, March 20, 2026, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Kids Café | Café para niños 2026 at Ruth Vine Tyler Library - Ruth Vine Tyler Library, Midvale, Friday, March 20, 2026, See website for details
- Bouncing Babies - Orem Public Library - Orem Public Library, Orem, Friday, March 20, 2026, 10 am
- March Film Screenings: Movies that Turn Over a New Leaf - Orem Public Library - Orem Public Library, Orem, Friday, March 20, 2026, 6 pm
- Leap Into Reading - Springville Library - Springville Library, Springville, Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:30 am
- Tiny Tot Tales - Springville Library - Springville Library, Springville, Friday, March 20, 2026, 11:30 am
- Follow the Rainbow - Springville Library - Springville Library, Springville, Friday, March 20, 2026, See website for details
- 3rd Annual Transgender Celebration Show - The Main Library - Salt Lake City Public Library, Salt Lake City, Friday, March 20, 2026, See website for details
- Free spring mini photo session
with Shoott! - Salt Lake City area - Shoott, Salt Lake City area, Saturday, March 21, 2026, See link for times
- Creative Lab Club: Board Game Club at the Main Library - Salt Lake City Public Library, Salt Lake City, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
- Teen After Hours: Hunger Games Day - Orem Public Library - Orem Public Library, Orem, Saturday, March 21,
2026, 7 pm
- Bilingual Storytime/Cuentitos bilingüe - Springville Library - Springville Library, Springville, Saturday, March 21, 2026, See website for details
- Last Chance Beach Bash - Solitude Mountain Resort - Solitude Mountain Resort, Solitude, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Playtime at the Main Library - Salt Lake City Public
Library, Salt Lake City, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2 pm - 3 pm
- Free
spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Salt Lake City area - Shoott, Salt Lake City area, Sunday, March 22, 2026, See link for times
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Salt Lake City area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, &
more. Our guide puts summer fun right at your fingertips!
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Salt Lake City area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Salt Lake City area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're
escaping a spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes…
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Salt Lake City area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Salt Lake City area. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator! Check out your fellow
readers' favorites, and enjoy exploring the best of the region!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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