KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: There’s a sign on the New York State Thruway heading west that marks 70 miles to where I live. For Rochesterians driving back to Western New York from the east or southeast, that marker elicits both a sigh of relief and a groan: You’re close, especially relative to where you started. But in that final stretch, each mile is somehow psychologically
longer. Over the years, this became a useful metaphor in my family: You're pushing through to the end of a project, you'd love to see the finish line, but the murky distance between you and that goal is in your way. "Ugh, it's those last 70 miles," one of us will say to the person suffering, and we'll all nod sympathetically. At this time of year, families with kids in school are experiencing those last 70 miles: The end of the school year is in sight, yet
not quite here. The energy reserves are low, and the end point seems stuck in the distance. We feel like we’re sprinting but not getting closer fast enough. As in any journey, that’s precisely when it’s worth keeping in mind that these last miles may feel long, but they’re also the most meaningful: They become the lens through which we look back at the whole experience, so these final steps really count. Remembering this can provide the last surge of energy to press
forward. So whatever final 70 miles you and your kids are facing, remind yourself and the people traveling with you that if you put your best self into it now, the rewards will feel sweeter, and the memories of success will help fuel you next time. You’re on the last leg. You're almost there. And you have lots of company.
—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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Make Mother’s Day meaningful with a hands-on experience designed for kids and their moms. Painting with a Twist is hosting special Mommy & Me classes where families create side-by-side, laugh together and leave with artwork that actually means something. Seats are limited and these events fill fast — reserve now and give Mom something better than a typical gift.
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Saturday, May 9, 2026: The SAN ANTONIO, TX screening of the 15th annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival! Hosted by James Kennedy (author of The Order of Odd-Fish and more) and Newbery Honor Winner Jennifer Holm (Turtle in Paradise, Penny From Heaven, Our Only May Amelia, the Babymouse books, and more). In the H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. 11 am. Made possible by our partners at the Bexar County Digital Library Bibliotech and H-E-B Read 3. Get your FREE tickets at https://90secondnewbery.com/events.
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Kidcreate Studio’s summer camps spark imagination and inspire creativity in young artists ages 3-12! In an environment where giggles are welcome, smiles are guaranteed and art time is pure magic, your artist will mix hands-on learning with laughter, mess making, and non-stop fun. This year’s camps include Sniff-tastic Deserts, Plushy Pals, Star Wars Galaxy, More Slime Please, Smart Art, Drawing Club, Teeny, Tiny Treats and so much more! Sign your child up for an artsy adventure, they’ll never forget. Making a mess is best at Kidcreate Studio!
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Soccer Pups Summer Camps are the perfect way for kids ages 3–9 to stay active, build confidence, and have fun this summer—while staying out of the Texas heat! We offer both half-day and full-day indoor camp options designed for every age and skill level. Younger campers will enjoy exciting games and activities that keep them moving, laughing, and engaged, while older campers participate in more skill-focused sessions that help develop soccer technique, decision-making, speed, agility, and overall fitness. Campers will enjoy soccer skills training, arts and crafts, scrimmages, and plenty of fun throughout the week in our safe, air-conditioned indoor facility. Whether your child is new to soccer or already loves the game, there’s something for everyone!
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Join us for an enchanting evening filled with playtime and activities. The event will feature Music, crafts, and fun finger foods. We look forward to seeing you there!! $10 per member - $15 per non-member (per child) **Registration and pre-payment are required - Register online at mckennakids.org/events or call 8306069525**
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Friday Night Flick is a themed evening event where kids enjoy active gym time followed by a movie night in a fun, supervised environment. Each FNF is themed around the featured movie and may include a dress-up party, sing-a-long, special activity, and/or themed treat.
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Kyle Parks and Recreation Department hosts Movie in the Park nearly year-round at various parks in the city. Grab a blanket and a friend for another great season of FREE movies in the park, shown outdoors on the big screen. Personal food and coolers are allowed, but please dispose of items in the trash and recycle bins available throughout our parks. Pets are allowed but must remain on leash. Movies in the Park begin at sundown through the summer months, but we highly recommend arriving early as parking is limited.
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Experience a vibrant "Night in Old Spain" at the historic Majestic Theatre, featuring award-winning young artists, stunning choreography, and a comedic story that’s perfect for all ages.
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Celebrate Mother’s Day with a sweet Mommy & Me Cookie Decorating Tea Party! Dress in your best and join us for a charming afternoon of quality time, creativity, and treats. Moms and little ones will decorate a set of Mother’s Day and tea party themed sugar cookies with colorful royal icing while enjoying a cozy tea party complete with tea-time snacks and sweets. This special event is all about slowing down, getting a little fancy, and making beautiful (and delicious) memories together—perfect for moms, grandmas, and their favorite littles/ grown-up kids.
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Join us to enjoy 200+ local small business food, craft, farm & boutique vendors Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 9:30am - 2:30pm at Garden Ridge Market Days, located at Northeast Bible Church (19185 FM 2252, Garden Ridge, TX 78266) just NE of San Antonio. FREE admission, parking & activities for kids! Garden Ridge Market Days is open every 2nd Saturday, monthly (year-round).
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Celebrate birds during this fun, interactive festival for the whole family. A live bird "meet and greet," bird walks, live music, games, partner booths, crafts, activities and a migratory bird obstacle course are a few of the things we have in store for you. This festival is part of a global effort to further migratory bird conservation around the globe by creating a worldwide campaign organized around the planet’s major migratory bird corridors.
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Grab your little artists and get ready to paint, laugh and create together! This guided family painting class makes it easy for kids and parents to relax, have fun and leave with a colorful masterpiece. All supplies are included — just bring your creativity!
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Sunday Brunch is a Mother’s Day tradition. Show Mom appreciation for all she does by treating her to a special Mother’s Day Brunch at Krause’s Cafe & Biergarten. Join us for a scrumptious selection of food stations
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Join us for a heartwarming celebration of Mother’s Day at the scenic Comanche Park, where we’ll kick off our “Run This Mother” 5K & Half Marathon on On Mothers Day. This special event is exclusively for female runners, creating a supportive and empowering atmosphere for women of all levels to come together and celebrate motherhood. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, our chip-timed race offers a picturesque route through lush greenery and shaded paths, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable experience.
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Spend Mother's Day with Mother Nature and learn to identify local wildflowers. 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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Enjoy an afternoon out with Mom to celebrate her special day as you learn a little about tea, including how to brew the perfect pot and how to serve it. We'll welcome those over 21 with a glass of sparkling rose' and those under 21 with a tea-infused fruit punch, and after a brief introduction to the menu of the day, you'll enjoy socializing and sampling a full afternoon tea menu that includes tea sandwiches, scones, and a few sweets.
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- River Rodeo 2026 - 100 E Guenther St, San Antonio, TX 78204, May 9-11, 2026, all day
- 9th Annual River Clicks Photo Contest - 100 E Guenther St, San Antonio, TX 78204, May 9-11, 2026, all day
- Garden Ridge Market Days - Mother's Day Event - Farm to Market Road 2252, Garden Ridge, TX, May 9, 2026, 9:30am
- 2:30pm
- Migratory Bird Day Festival - Riverside Drive, San Marcos, TX, May 9, 2026, 9 am - 2 pm
- The 15th Annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival: San Antonio - Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX, May 9, 2026, 11AM
- Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action - West Commerce Street, San Antonio,
TX, May 9-10, 2026, 10 am - 6 pm
- Movie in the Park- Tower of the Americas - Tower of the Americas Way, San Antonio, TX, May 9, 2026, Movies start at sunset
- Nature In Our Neighborhoods - Military Plaza, San Antonio, TX, May 9, 2026, 9 am - 12 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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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