KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Sorry for the second send this morning! The first edition of this newsletter had a glitch that erased much of the content. —Deb |
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Sat, Apr 18: BABY DAY! at Mammen Family Public Library
Sat, Apr 18: FREE Entry Day – Celebrate Earth Day and Native Plant Month at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Sat, Apr 18: Fiesta de los Niños at Port San Antonio
Thu, Apr 23: PACfest 2026 at Palo Alto College SHARE Center
Sat, Apr 25: Julia Robinson Math Festival at San Marcos Public Library Sat, May 2: Dragons
Love Tacos at San Pedro Playhouse
Sat, May 2: Saengerfest at City of New Braunfels
Sat, May 2: EL DíA DE LOS NIñOS at Plaza Guadalupe
Sun, May 10: Mother's Day Wildflower Walk at Government Canyon State Natural Area
Sun, May 10: Mother's Day Brunch- Krause's Cafe
Thu, May 14: 44th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival at Rosedale Park
Sat, May 16: Dirt Dauber Festival at Eye of the Dog Art Center |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
As I write this column, three Americans and one Canadian are hurtling home from a trip around the Moon, inside a machine that had better do exactly what it’s supposed to do. For years, every person involved in the mission obsessed over every detail at every stage until as little as possible was left to chance. “Failure is not an option,” an ethos long associated with
our quest to explore outer space, makes perfect sense when we're talking about Artemis II. But decades ago, the attitude leaked out of the space program and into everyday life, and that was a mixed blessing. When I was a teenager, “failure is not an option” might as well have been tattooed on my brain: For me, not only was failure not an option, but anything below an A grade wasn’t an option, either. I was so afraid of not being perfect that if I felt unprepared for a test,
I’d stay home “sick.” I looked successful from the outside, but because I was working so hard to avoid mistakes, I played it safe. So I didn't actually accomplish much aside from some sharp-looking letters on a report card. It took me years out in the real world to realize that real accomplishment usually looks less like gliding and more like bumping into things until you find the way through. So these days, failure and I are best buddies: I've replaced "failure is not an
option" with "nothing ventured, nothing gained" as I inch toward and away from success each day. Even writing my column each week is an act of resilience: I add and then murder my words until they say what I mean, and I'm always aware in the end that it could be better. One of my goals when I was homeschooling Madison and Ella was to make failure safe and ordinary... cheerful, even... a sign of progress. Kids need chances to try things that might flop: recipes that taste
weird, projects that collapse, math problems they have to redo, conversations they wish they’d handled better. I wanted them to understand that when the stakes are low, failure is not a tragedy, it’s just how learning works. It doesn't usually feel fun, or comfortable. But it's the only way to fly.
—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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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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At The DoSeum, the adventure of learning is always in full swing. Every visit invites families to explore, create, and discover together through interactive experiences that spark curiosity and fuel imagination. From the wonders of science and math to the magic of art and storytelling, our exhibits turn “just another day” into a chance to grow, connect, and play. It’s a place where creativity runs wild, joyful learning brings families closer, and every moment is filled with possibility.
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Skip the screen time battles and give them something they’ll love. At Painting with a Twist Summer Art Camps, kids ages 6–13 paint, laugh and stay fully engaged with exciting themed weeks — from animals and beach vibes to glow art and more. No experience needed. We make it easy and fun from start to finish. Every day is hands-on, structured and designed to keep kids excited (and parents happy). All supplies included. Spots fill fast — secure your seat today.
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Held annually in April, the festival has 14 areas of continuous entertainment featuring concerts with nationally known Country Western and Tejano stars, regional bands, gunslingers, carnival, various contests, and rodeo performances. There is something for the whole family!
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There’s nothing more special than sharing Disney magic with loved ones. Whether it’s the first time you watched Toy Story, sang along to "Let It Go," or cheered for your favorite Disney Princess, Disney On Ice is the perfect place to revisit cherished memories and create new ones together. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy will take you on a journey through these unforgettable moments, powered by a Magical MousePad. Discover thrilling adventures from Zootopia, Inside Out 2, and the all-new Moana 2. Relive the timeless tales of Toy Story, Frozen, and Encanto, and the dazzling Disney Princesses. And hold on tight as Stitch grabs the Magical MousePad and shakes things up! Feel the excitement in an enchanted celebration close to home, only at Disney On Ice!
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On this guided bird tour around the various habitats of Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, guests will see at least 30-50 different bird species with our expert guide. Travelling by both car and by foot to access as many areas as possible, this tour is best suited for the birder age 15+ as it can last up to four hours, though you may leave at any time. Tours are limited. Bring your binoculars, bottle for water, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and bug spray.
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Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen between flowers, facilitating plant reproduction, seed/fruit production, and supporting ecosystems that contribute to our food supply. Declining populations of pollinator animals are facing threats such as habitat loss and the use of pesticides. These species require targeted conservation efforts. This spring at San Antonio Zoo, guests learn more about these essential animals. Guests can climb on giant pollinator sculptures throughout the park as they learn more about the importance of these pollinators in our world.
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Spring is the time for new blooms, buds, and birds all around you. Join us at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center to learn about Nature’s amazing life support system: the egg! Make your own egg craft, dissect a chicken egg, and go on a nature walk to look for real eggs. Price includes admission.
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Grab a blanket and enjoy a family-friendly motion picture under the stars! Join us at the Base of the Tower for a FREE movie with food and drinks available for purchase. - Movies start at Sunset - Hours Vary | Call for more information
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The annual San Antonio Book Festival is on April 11, 2026, from 9 am- 5 pm. It's free to attend, it draws 15,000 to 20,000 visitors for author talks, panels, signings, and family activities. SABF aims to promote literary discovery, featuring both new and established writers.
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The DoSeum welcomes educators for a day of joyful learning centered in best practices for learners with special needs. DoSeum staff, education partners, and members of our Museo Institute cohort will present hands-on/minds-on activities. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 11, 2026, as The DoSeum proudly hosts our annual UnConference for educators. This year’s focus is Special Education, with a wide range of breakout sessions designed to help you better support students with special needs. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with local organizations at our Resource Fair, where community partners will share valuable tools and services available to both you and your students. Lunch is included with admission, and participants will earn 6 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits upon completion of the event.
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Reflecting back on Easter, we will be designing this week's craft as a memento to keep as a daily reminder of the best gift anyone can receive.
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Come on out to Wolff Stadium and cheer on the Missions. We are San Antonio's only professional baseball team - the San Antonio Missions, Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
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Bexar County residents can get outside and enjoy nature at the zoo on select days for just $8 per person during Locals Day at San Antonio Zoo! Locals Days allow even more people to learn how the zoo combines conservation, animal care, and education in securing a future for wildlife. The Locals Day $8 admission is valid on select dates and can be purchased online with proof of Bexar County residency.
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Boys2Men is a choral festival for middle & high school male singers across San Antonio, ending with a free concert at Trinity Baptist Church. Reserve your free tickets today!
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- Boys 2 Men Choral Festival Concert - Trinity Baptist Church, 319 East Mulberry Avenue, San Antonio, TX, Friday, April 10, 2026, 6:00pm
- San Antonio Book Festival - 625 Shook Avenue, San Antonio, TX, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9 am- 5 pm
- Movie in the Park, Tower of the Americas,
Hemisfair - Tower of the Americas, East César E. Chávez Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7 pm
- 2nd Saturday Habitat Work Day - Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Rd, San Antonio, TX 78221, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 8-10am
- Garden Ridge Market Days - April 11, 2026 - Garden Ridge Market Days, 19185 FM 2252, Garden Ridge, TX 78266, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:30am - 2:30pm
- Young Sun Choi – Russell Hill Rogers Musical Evenings - San Fernando Cathedral, Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX, Sunday, April 12, 2026, 7:00 PM
- Movie in the Park- Tower of the Americas - Tower of the Americas, Tower of the Americas Way, San Antonio, TX, Saturday, April 11, 2026, Movies start at sunset
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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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