KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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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. 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. |
Please click through to our 2026 survey to vote for your top 3 places to take kids... it will be used to compile our 2026 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the SLC area. Voting is live through June 20; believe me, winning a place on the Top 20 list matters to the people who
create amazing family-friendly experiences. Take 3 minutes to choose your favorites as your way of saying thank you... and use the list to build your summer bucket list at the same time! You have my personal and fervent thanks for your participation! —Deb |
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Celebrate your family’s special moments with Shoott’s FREE 30-minute outdoor photo sessions! Whether it’s spring photos, family portraits, birthday milestones, or simply capturing everyday joy, our talented local photographers make the experience easy and fun. You only pay for the photos you love, with no upfront cost or sitting fee. Receive a gallery of beautifully edited images within days and choose your favorites. Book your session at shoott.com and create lasting memories!
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Join us for the 49th annual Utah Asian Festival on Saturday, June 6, from 11 am until 10 pm at the Utah State Fairpark. Come support the longest-running pan-Asian festival in the US and the biggest cultural event in Utah! A one-day festival filled with food, entertainment, vendor marketplace, and children's activities sharing and preserving the diverse history, culture, and impact of Asian communities in the state; we are a volunteer-run program of the Asian Association of Utah. Our celebration is an opportunity for all to reunite with old friends; build new friendships; meet our various communities, leaders, and elders; and seek new opportunities to be involved and support our diverse Utah Asian communities.
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These special events provide a safe and comfortable environment for individuals and families who may find traditional museum settings overwhelming. The Dinosaur Park is an exciting collection of creatures from prehistoric crawlers to predators and even flying reptiles. More than one hundred dinosaur sculptures fill the park. Explore our 8.5-acre sculpture park complete with a playground and outdoor dinosaur dig! Our park is home to life-size dinosaur sculptures, of some of the most incredible creatures to ever roam the Earth! From the ferocious T-Rex to the gentle giants like the Brachiosaurus, our exhibits are carefully crafted to provide an immersive experience that will leave you in awe.
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The Festival of Colors USA is North America's Greatest Chant & Dance Party—Interactive Dance, Live Mantra Bands, DJ's, Yoga Teachers, Cuisine, & Lotsa Love. There will be “Color Throws” every hour, from 12 pm onwards. A Family-friendly event. Kids 12 and under are FREE.
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Come enjoy this weeks Outdoor Movie Night in The Orchard with: Independence Day. Bring your blankets and chairs. Free popcorn while supplies last and refreshing KONA ICE will be for sell. Yard Games & free giveaway’s while we wait for it to get dark enough. Grab some dinner from one of our many food options and turn it into a picnic. Click HERE for our many food options.
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Come celebrate the blooming season at the International Peace Gardens of Salt Lake City by participating in the Flower Parade! 2026's theme is Underwater Garden of Delights. Don’t miss this spectacular event—where every petal tells a story!
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Saturday, June 6, 10am at Utah Film Center: Join us for this free film screening as part of Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Kids Year-Round! This is a beautifully animated film about courage, friendship, and finding your ultimate purpose and strength to make the ocean–and the world–a better place for all.
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The Bohemian Bum Farmer’s Market captures the essence of a sustainable living, fun-filled community spirit, and the charming allure of a small town. Nestled within the heart of The Gateway, this vibrant market brings together local organic produce, artisans, and eco-conscious vendors. As you step into the market, you’ll find a treasure trove of unique, handcrafted goods, delectable treats, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. With every visit, the Bohemian Bum Farmer’s Market takes you on a journey through a world of sustainable fun and a genuine sense of community that’s simply irresistible. Join us on the first Sunday of each month from 10 am - 3 pm!
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Get ready for "Pride Elevated" at the Utah Pride Festival! Join thousands of attendees for an unforgettable weekend packed with live entertainment, community activations, local businesses, resources, and experiences designed to celebrate every part of our community. Whether you’re here to dance all day, discover local vendors, connect with the community, or simply celebrate being exactly who you are, the Utah Pride Festival has something for everyone! Bring your friends. Bring your chosen family. Bring your Pride!
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Park Silly is an ecofriendly open air artist & farmers market, street festival and community forum where neighbors and friends come together to celebrate our commUnity of fun and funky Park Sillians. Features unique and eclectic-local and regional arts and crafts, music and performance art, antiques, imports and one-of-a-kind finds, delicious gourmet foods, farmers market fruits and vegetables. The vision of The Park Silly Sunday Market is to grow and expand the experience of the inclusive quality of commUnity. To create worldwide recognition of Park City, Utah as the place where local, national and international causes are brought to light and addressed in the spirit of celebration and connectedness.
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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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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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Listed below are farms in and near the Salt Lake City area that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. And... to make the most of your experience, check out our article 10 Tips for Berry Picking with Kids. Tags
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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