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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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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The Big TX Fun Crawfish Boil returns for its 9th annual celebration at Retama Park in Selma, Texas, from March 26 through April 5. This family-friendly event features flavorful crawfish, an exciting carnival with rides and games, character meet and greet,
and dazzling fireworks displays. Guests of all ages can enjoy nonstop entertainment, classic festival fun, and a lively atmosphere throughout the event. Don’t miss the popular crawfish eating contest, where competitors test their appetites. Whether you come for the food, the fun, or a night under the fireworks, the Big TX Fun Crawfish Boil offers something for everyone this spring with unforgettable memories and Texas flavor.
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Creator Camp is returning to San Antonio for Summer 2026! Featured on Shark Tank, our unique program empowers kids to move beyond the screen and start creating. From June through August, we provide hands-on workshops in filmmaking, YouTube production, 3D
animation, and game design. Our curriculum uses industry-standard software to teach the next generation of digital storytellers and engineers. Whether your child wants to be the next big YouTuber or a master coder, our collaborative environment is the perfect place to grow. Join us in San Antonio this summer and watch your child’s imagination come to life!
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Painting with a Twist – Artisan Alley’s Summer Camps give kids a creative place to learn, explore and have fun all week long. Each camp is designed to spark imagination through guided painting projects, hands-on activities, and creative challenges that
build confidence and artistic skills. Our professional artists lead campers step-by-step, making the experience welcoming for beginners while still exciting for young creators who love art. Sign up for a full week or an individual day. Check out our calendar online.
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Take a hike in search of spring's best colors. Learn to identify local wildflowers, and take photos if you wish.
The hike is approximately 1.5-2 miles round trip over sections of moderately rough terrain with frequent stops to identify flowers. Registration is required at the Friends of Government Canyon website.
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Hop on over to Ingram Park Mall and join us in Bunnyville located in JCPenney Court, to capture egg-stremely cute pictures with the Easter Bunny.
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For fans of the folk genre unable to attend the workshops, or for those simply looking for fun-filled confluence of our current cultures, Heritage Festivals of San Antonio presents free international performances in celebration of the 68th San Antonio
Folklife & Dance Festival. It has something for everyone and takes place Saturday & Sunday, March 21 & 22, 2026, at Rolling Oaks Mall San Antonio from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm each day.
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Calling all Ozians! Get ready for a “Wicked” fun and FREE outdoor movie night, one of San Antonio’s best family-friendly events. Starting at 2:30 PM, immerse yourself in the world of Oz with themed activities, costume contests, and signature Elphaba and
Glinda inspired cocktails/mocktails. Catch the first film at 3:00 PM and the second at 6:00 PM. Whether you’re “Popular” or a little bit “Wicked,” grab your witches’ hats and join us for a day of magic, trivia, and night that will be sure to change you for good!
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The Outdoor Family Fair provides Kendall County families the opportunity to learn about local services and organizations that are available in Boerne and surrounding areas.
This community-focused event features entertainment and fun for the whole family. Stop by the booths to learn about the different organizations and play some games.
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The 2nd Annual City of Helotes Easter Egg Hunt is hopping back! Join us on March 21, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 AM at the Helotes Festival Grounds for a free, fun-filled morning just for kids, featuring over 10,000 Easter eggs, golden egg prizes, and a special
visit from the Easter Bunny.
It’s a family-friendly celebration you won’t want to miss!
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Join Palo Alto College at Eggstravaganza, a free egg hunt for children 12 and under. Children and their families are invited to enjoy a day of fun and entertainment. Bring your baskets and cameras to capture the joyous moments with special guests.
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Celebrate spring migration at Migratory Bird Fest with a free, family-friendly festival featuring live birds and animals, hands-on games and crafts, community vendors, nature walks, golf cart tours of the wetlands, food trucks, and a free tree giveaway
while supplies last.
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Step Into a World Where Math Comes Alive!
This spring break, explore Math Universe — an immersive, hands-on experience where math moves beyond numbers and becomes something you can build, see, test, and discover.
From spirals in nature to the mysteries of time and space, Math Universe transforms big ideas into unforgettable adventures for curious minds of all ages.
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Celebrating St. Patrick himself, culturally the Irish and Italian heritage, wearing the color Green or get pinched, and our lovely little leprechaun in search of the mysterious pot of Gold! Come create a colorful wreath in our Wondershop this week.
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The exhibition highlights the lives and contributions of women whose schools in the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) were named in the early 20th century. Through careful research, historian Erika Arredondo-Haskins, PhD, of the Bexar County
Historical Commission, brings attention to educators, principals, and civic leaders who shaped public education in San Antonio. Some of the schools named in their honor remain open today, while others have closed. As time has passed, the stories of these women have often been overlooked. This exhibit seeks to preserve their memory and restore their place in the city’s shared history.
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Get dressed in your Easter best and hop on by for a spring-tacular photo session with the adorable Easter Bunny.
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- Texas America250 Reading Challenge - Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 1201 Brazos St, Austin, Texas 78701, Fri, 03/20/2026 - Sun, 03/22/2026, all day
- Legacy of Influence:
Honoring the Women of San Antonio ISD - Mission Branch Library, Roosevelt Avenue, San Antonio, TX, Fri, 03/20/2026 - Sun, 03/22/2026, during regular library hours
- Spring Break Family Fun - Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, Sat, 03/21/2026 - Mon, 03/23/2026, 11:00 AM
- Migratory Bird Fest at Mitchell Lake Audubon - Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Rd, San Antonio, TX 78221, Sat, 03/21/2026, 9 am-1 pm
- San Antonio Folk Dance Festival - Rolling Oaks Mall, North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX, Sat, 03/21/2026 - Sun, 03/22/2026, 11:30 am- 5:30 pm
- Volunteer Day – Polo Field Cleanup
- 915 E Mulberry Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, Sat, 03/21/2026, 10 am- 2 pm
- Video Game Hang Out: Spring Break
Bash - San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666, Sat, 03/21/2026, 1 pm
- Migratory Bird Fest - Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Rd, San Antonio, TX 78221, Sat, 03/21/2026, 9am-1pm
- Blind Children's Beeping Easter Egg Hunt - Vibrant Works, 2305 Roosevelt Ave, San Antonio, TX 78210, Sat, 03/21/2026, 10 am -
1 pm
- Free Family Swim - San Antonio Natatorium, West Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, San Antonio,
TX, Sat, 03/21/2026, during normal pool hours
- Underwater Egg Hunt- San Antonio Natatorium - San Antonio Natatorium, West Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, Sat, 03/21/2026, 12-3 pm
- Palo Alto College Eggstravaganza - Palo Alto
College, 1400 W Villaret Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78224, Sat, 03/21/2026, 11 am- 2 pm
- 2nd Annual City of Helotes Easter Egg Hunt - Helotes Festival Grounds, Leslie Road, Helotes, TX, Sat, 03/21/2026, 9-11 am
- Outdoor Family Fair - Main Plaza, Boerne, TX, Sat, 03/21/2026, 10 am- 2 pm
- The Big Spring
Fling - Helton Nature Park, FM 775, Floresville, TX, Sat, 03/21/2026, 9 am – 2 pm
- Hill Country Literary
Festival - Mammen Family Public Library, 131 Bulverde Crossing, Bulverde, TX 78163, Sat, 03/21/2026, see website
- Polo in the Park - 915 E Mulberry Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, Sun, 03/22/2026, 2-5 pm
- Wicked Double Flix Feature – Free Outdoor Movie Night in San Antonio - The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs way, San Antonio, TX 78256, Sun, 03/22/2026, 2:30-8:30 pm
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the San Antonio 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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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the San Antonio? 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 heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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Planning a kids birthday party in the San Antonio area? Here are lots of ideas for where to have it! If there is a resource that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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