KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Fri, Jul 10: Tango's Gotcha Celebration at Sesame Place San Diego Sat, Jul 11: City Hike - City of San Marcos California
Tue, Jul 14: Bastille Day for a Cause - Rotary District 5340
Thu, Jul 16: Block Printing on Fabric: Totes, Tea Towels & Textiles
Sat, Jul 18: Camping Under The Stars July at the Bates Nut Farm Sun, Jul 19: Kumihimo Beaded Bracelet Workshop
Mon, Jul 20: 2-Week Clay Handbuilding Workshop: Egg Tray
Thu, Jul 23: Perfume Making: Create Your Own Signature Fragrance
Tue, Jul 28: Crochet: Tea Talks & Tiny Stitches | Crochet 102
Fri, Jul 31: Ramona Country Fair
Sat, Aug 1: San Marcos Family Campout
Wed, Aug 12: Family Night Craft - City of San Marcos California |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a kid, a giant azalea bush stretched across our backyard, exploding into glorious pink blossoms in early May. In summer, it became something even better: a secret hideout that my sister and I named the Humble Abode. We hollowed out the dead branches behind the bush and dragged in little chairs and treasures and our dollhouse family. The Humble Abode barely qualified as
a fort, and it wasn't even secret; I'm sure my parents knew when we were back there. But it was a great kids-only space. A few weeks ago, I wrote about five summer lenses through which to plan summer: music, motion, making, nature, and food. Making—the lens for this week—reminds kids that they are not merely consumers of the world, but contributors to it. They can push value into existence. They can turn sticks, cardboard, fabric, tape, mud, blocks, gears,
sand, and flour into something that wasn’t there before. Especially for younger kids, making with the hands gives the brain evidence. I did that. I made that. I can make things happen. Summer is perfect for this because summer has time and room for mess. Pull out the science kits, the rocket kits, the LEGO bins, the soap-making sets that arrived at Christmas and then sat politely in the closet. "Upcycle" old boxes, fabric, toys, crayons, paint, buttons.
Let your kids build backyard forts, fairy houses, marble runs, cardboard cities, obstacle courses, blanket tents, museum towers, and whatever else the day and their imagination suggest. Of course, glue will drip. Sand will migrate. The kitchen table may briefly disappear under invention. (If the clutter gets overwhelming, consider a trip or two to your local science museum or maker space to save your sanity.) After all, you can’t make omelets without breaking eggs. And
you can’t make a maker without giving a child some space, some tools, some trust, and permission to begin.
—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 San Diego County Fair is the greatest story our community has ever told. It's a tale of food, fun, friends, family, laughter, tradition, music, amazement, and pure, unbridled joy. The Fair — the largest and longest-running community event in San Diego County — makes its triumphant return from Wednesday, June 10, through Sunday, July 5, 2026 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays.) You won't want to miss your chance to live out your "happily ever after" at the 2026 SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR.
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Young Scientists is the perfect way to help your little ones discover a passion for science and ignite a desire to explore the world around them. Each four-week session provides developmentally appropriate, informal learning experiences that support and enhance exploration, create excitement and facilitate scientific discoveries. We understand that learning is best achieved through exploration and discovery, which is why our sessions encourage hands-on learning and active participation.
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The whole family is invited to join us for interactive stories and songs that encourage a love for books and reading early!
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Unlock a summer of fun, laughter, and lasting memories - all at no cost! Kids Bowl Free is a program created with families in mind, offering children a fun and safe way to stay active and engaged all summer long. Since 2007, we've partnered with bowling centers across the US, Canada and around the globe at US military bases with bowling to give kids the chance to bowl two free games every day during the summer - all at no cost to parents. Visit our website to find a participating bowling center near you today!
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Join us for Grandma Kathy’s Tales & Tunes puppet show and singalong every Friday from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.!
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Exclusively at LEGOLAND® Resorts – limited-time, high-energy soccer celebration, featuring LEGO® soccer heroes, interactive soccer games and epic LEGO build activities.
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The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 18 minutes. Come down to the bay and enjoy the biggest fireworks show in San Diego!
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Start your week with the whirl of colorful skirts and the stomp of traditional footwork as folklorico dancers perform live in the plaza.
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Get creative and have fun with the DYH@L crew! Kids can explore their creativity through a variety of fun, hands-on arts and crafts activities, use their imagination to design unique creations, and make a special craft t This free program is perfect for elementary-age children (ages 6 and up) who love making, building, and exploring through art. All materials will be provided—just bring your creativity and be ready for some colorful fun! While this program is for children ages 6 and up, parents may attend to assist younger children!
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Have you ever wondered what species swim in our local waters? Or wanted to know what makes sharks such unique animals? This July, join us as we dive deep into the world of these amazing animals, with fin-tastic fun for shark fans of all ages! Shark Summer celebrates the vital role sharks play in the ecosystem, while shining a light on the important conservation work and research being done to protect them.
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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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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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The San Diego Area's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Listed below are farms in and near San Diego that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. And... to make the most of your experience, check out
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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