KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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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Experience the ultimate combination of music and ambiance at Cannonball, thanks to San Diego’s finest local artists. As you enjoy delicious sushi and breathtaking ocean views, let the soothing sounds of live acoustic music transport you to a state of pure relaxation. Book your table now!
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Step into the wonders of Spring at our most vibrant festival of the year – Belmont in Bloom! Starting on April 3rd, join us in creating colorful experiences with neighbors and friends as we bring the beauty of Spring to the beach! Find yourself surrounded by a Kaleidoscope of color with stunning floral arrangements and vibrant sculptures, or dance with us under blue skies with a talented lineup of local artists and performers.
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Join San Diego Craft Collective’s Organic Garden workshop each month and learn how to grow your own organic fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables, seed-saving, compost, planting, plus all the benefits of eating healthy, being outdoors and giving back green space to our planet. In this class, Instructor Mia Vaughnes teaches gardening techniques and beyond. We welcome all families, friends and adults to join in the fun! Free for active duty military.
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Our farm has been growing strawberries for over 10 years. The berries love the weather at our farm in Rainbow, which tends to be more temperate and cool than the high desert climate in the nearby Temecula Valley. We grow a variety of strawberry that is known for its vibrant red color and sweet flavor. What sets our strawberries apart is their sweetness and freshness. The berries that you get at our stands are picked at the peak of ripeness, making them more delicious than berries you get in stores. And the best way to get the freshest berries is to visit the farm and pick them!
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Join us on April 11th to learn more about our STEAM focused charter Middle School. As a California Blue Ribbon School, 3 time California Distinguished School, and a PBIS Platinum award winning school, we provide a high quality education to 6th-8th grade students in San Diego County.
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All aboard! Come visit our miniature marvel in the Seeds of Wonder garden. Our model trains are volunteer operated Thursday through Saturday. Stop by the Welcome Center and check with our Guest Services team to see if the trains are running during your visit!
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On the second Sunday of every month, the museum offers free admission to all visitors. No reservations are required for Second Sunday admission. From 11AM – 5PM, explore The Collection Galleries, The Sculpture Garden, and our special exhibition: Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today.
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Enjoy a Garden Workshop with our Educators!
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A San Diego Padres home game at Petco Park offers a premier MLB experience, blending high-energy baseball with a scenic, downtown atmosphere in one of baseball's top-rated stadiums. Fans enjoy competitive action featuring stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. in a park known for its, unique, open-air design, local cuisine, and the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building.
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This delightful and award-winning adaptation of one of the world's most beloved fables is a heartwarming celebration of what makes us special. Since it first hatched in 1993, Stiles & Drewe's musical, Honk!, has winged its way around the world in over 8,000 productions and in many different languages.
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the San Diego 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 Diego area? 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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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the San Diego 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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2025's best places to take kids in San Diego as voted by parents. Who won the top spot? An indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team? Click through to find out, as well as favorite Arts Educator, Sports Educator, and STEM educator! Plus
there is LOTS more to do in San Diego!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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