KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: I’m a sucker for songs in 6/8 time, no matter the music style. I don’t know why that ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six swinging rhythm so captures me whether it’s fast or slow, but there’s no denying that it does. And I might not even notice this rhythm, but for one little fact: I’m a thoroughly mediocre cellist. I took cello lessons from age 8 to age 14; during
those years, I graduated from “truly bad” to “moderately acceptable,” at least acceptable enough to play in orchestras where my individual sound would be drowned out by the better kids’ playing. But even as unskilled as I was, I know I am happier as an adult for having played: I can understand music from the inside. I hear patterns and styles and instruments with far different ears than I would have had I not studied music early in life. Understanding what makes your heart sing helps
you be on the lookout for more, and that makes your life better. Summer is the perfect season to help kids grow their ears. Yes, check out the big open-air concerts from your local orchestra, municipal band, or jazz ensemble. But also keep an active ear out for the smaller stuff: free concerts in parks, weekly community series, festivals, buskers, church lawn performances, library gigs, and whatever band happens to be playing near the funnel cakes. When you hear something,
name it: bluegrass, salsa, soul, swing, zydeco, classical, funk, folk, rock, rap, mariachi. Kids don’t have to like everything, but knowing the names of things helps them understand what they do like, and gives them handles for finding more of it later. A couple of tips: If you know you're headed in the direction of something new, play a sample of the style before you leave so kids have a hook on which to hang the experience. While you’re there, help them notice one thing: the
bass line, the drummer, the singer’s breathing, the way people move. That will help the music swirl around in their minds long after the last note fades. Remember, music isn’t only on stages. It’s in carousels, movie scores, worship services, elevators, malls, ballparks, and the ice cream truck coming around the corner. So as tour guide to your kids’ universe, don’t ignore the invisible! Point your ears toward the music, tune everyone's radar, and grow.
—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 San Antonioarea. 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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Give your kids an unforgettable summer experience at Buck & Doe’s Mercantile Summer Base Camp! Designed for ages 8–15, this 3-day camp teaches firearm and archery safety and beginner shooting skills to grow your child's confidence in a fun, supervised environment. Through our partnership with Project ChildSafe and the NSSF, campers will learn essential safety rules, hands-on range skills, situational awareness, and do fun crafts. Each day includes classroom instruction, live range activities, friendly competitions, snacks, drinks, and a camp shirt for every participant. Whether your child is new to shooting sports or eager to learn more, Summer Base Camp is the perfect adventure!
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McKenna's Father's Day Pizza & Play - Friday, June 19th from 6-8pm. Come Party with us as we throw a shindig to honor all the awesome McKenna Dad's!!! Fun awaits!!
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The City of Stockdale proudly celebrates the 82nd Annual Watermelon Jubilee, one of our community’s longest standing traditions. Each year, this beloved hometown celebration brings together residents, visitors, families, and businesses for a weekend full of rodeo action, live music, contests, and community fun.
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In 1996, the first Juneteenth Celebration was held at the Freeman Coliseum and featured local bands and entertainment. Future festivals have been held at the Carver Cultural Center and St. Paul Square. However, for the past 20+years, the festival has found a home at Comanche Park No. 2. Through the tireless efforts of the Commission, volunteers and community organizers, the Juneteenth Festival has grown to be a favorite venue for family reunions and the community. This year is no exception. See old friends and meet new ones at the Annual Juneteenth Festival.
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This year marks the 6th Annual S.A Juneteenth Block Party & Fair. It originated in 2020 as the SA Juneteenth Block Party & Rally with 500 attendees and has grown to attract thousands. Our mission is to help close the health, wealth and education gap in the African American Community by providing access to resources and opportunities.
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Celebrate the sacredness of fatherhood with us at the Annual Father’s Day Fiesta! We’re excited to extend a warm invitation to you, your friends, and family for a day brimming with joy and activities. Whether you’re keen on connecting with neighbors, savoring live entertainment, or discovering local vendors, there’s something here for everyone. This event is not just about honoring fathers but also recognizing the embodiment of our Hombre Noble Principles within our community. Best of all, it’s entirely free and open to all. Let’s unite, create cherished memories, and celebrate the remarkable men among us.
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The best table in San Antonio has a gorilla view! Beastly Breakfast: Gorilla Rise & Dine is a one-of-a-kind dining experience with our western lowland gorillas at the all-new Congo Falls. Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat breakfast buffet in air-conditioned comfort inside the Kim Lewis Family Foundation Rainforest Oasis at San Antonio Zoo.
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Celebrate the summer solstice at New Braunfels’ free Make Music Day celebration at Market Plaza from 6–8 p.m. on Sunday, June 21! Enjoy live music from Pickin’ Circles and the Mid-Texas Symphony, art activities with muralist Jenkens2D, yard games, and a community sidewalk chalk mural for all ages. The first 100 attendees will receive a giveaway featuring an Art Haus canvas bag to spray paint at the event, a Downtown New Braunfels sticker, and a free mini ice cream from Scoop Street. Bring a picnic blanket, grab dinner to-go from a downtown restaurant, and enjoy the evening with neighbors. Free parking will be available next door at NBU, with accessible restrooms and handwashing stations on-site.
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Step into the fascinating world of paleontology with BK Bones during Dinosaurs of Texas, a special presentation exploring prehistoric discoveries from right here in Texas. BK Bones is a paleontologist and certified fossil preparator who brings the prehistoric past to life through engaging talks and lively demonstrations designed for guests of all ages.
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Each weekly Nature Exploration features a different nature-play activity designed to inspire a love of nature while engaging in sensory experiences outdoors. Explorations begin at the lawn near Prickly Pear Pavilion in the Family Adventure Garden just past the entrance archway. Recommended for Early Childhood ages 5 and under.
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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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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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Fruit picking is a great activity to do together as a family. It helps little ones understand where their food actually comes from, and it's a fun tradition to share every year right through the teens. Here's where you can pick fruit with your family:
Strawberry picking, cherry picking, blueberry picking, raspberry picking, peach picking, and other pick-your-own opportunities in the San Antonio area.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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