KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: For much of the country this year, March simultaneously is bringing hope that spring may in fact return to North America AND the awareness that every car is at risk for the foreseeable future. All winter long, water seeps into asphalt cracks, freezes, expands, melts, and freezes again, and bit by bit the driving experience becomes a game called Avoid the
Crater. But lately I’ve started seeing the repair trucks out there again, their bright-vested workers moving methodically from hole to hole with their shovels. Every time I pass them, it gives me a lift, not just because it means someday soon I'll start seeing flowers out in the real world, but also because potholes are one of those perfect reminders of what humans do. Playrooms, projects, and paperwork start out neat, but over time, weather, wear, gravity, and
procrastination take their toll. No matter how strict the system, order gradually slides toward chaos. And then humans step in and make it right again. I saw the cycle in action at the KidsOutAndAbout office last week: Our storage room had slowly become a museum of random supplies, half-filled bins, and Christmas decorations that had been tossed in with a hopeful Future Us will deal with this someday. Fortunately, my colleague Michelle, who works in our data department,
is also a genius organizer. A few hours after Future Michelle stepped in and applied logic and elbow grease, the little room had transformed from a cluttered cave into a serene space. The quickening of the seasons seems to bring that same energy into our homes: Closets get sorted, garages get swept, junk drawers finally meet their match. It feels good, not just because the space looks better, but because fixing things reminds us of something important: Disorder is normal, but
it’s not permanent. Humans can step in and bring brightness back. So here’s to spring cleaning, organized shelves, and freshly patched roads. Our tires, and our spirits, roll much more smoothly because humans fill potholes.
—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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Looking for a summer camp that truly has it all? Our latest article dives into why AstroCamp stands out for value, variety, and unforgettable adventure. Nestled in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains, AstroCamp blends hands-on STEM learning with epic
outdoor experiences like rocketry, drone piloting, hiking, archery, and even stargazing through digital telescopes. With customizable Specialty Weeks, culinary Camp CHOP, and one- or two-week overnight options, kids can tailor their experience to match their passions. Curious how it all comes together to create an extraordinary summer? Click the graphic to read our article!
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The world’s creative capital meets the ultimate creator experience! Creator Camp is coming to Los Angeles for the first time for Summer 2026. As seen on Shark Tank, we offer professional-level training in filmmaking, YouTube creation, animation, and music
production right in the heart of the entertainment industry. Our weekly camps empower kids to take control of technology and express their unique voices. With a focus on hands-on learning and social collaboration, campers build friendships while building their portfolios. Don’t miss out on the most exciting tech and media camp in LA, reserve your child’s spot for Summer 2026 today!
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Camp Integem is Magical, Fun, and Future-Focused for Ages 6-18: dive into AI, Robotics, Drones, Holographic AR, coding, 3D, Game Design, STEM, Art, Animation, Space/Nature Exploration, STEM, STEAM and more. Teleport into their creation to experience the
magic of their design with Holographic AR and prepare students for future success, all the while having a blast! No prior knowledge is needed and suitable for all levels: beginner to advanced levels. ACS WASC accredited, NVIDIA-partnered camp. Visit https://camp.integem.com or call 408-459-0657. Space is limited. Save $50/week with KOAB today!
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Set in a city torn apart by an ongoing feud, Romeo and Juliet follows two young people who meet by chance and are quickly drawn into a secret romance that defies their families and the rules of their world. As they struggle to keep their love alive,
tensions rise around them, and every choice carries greater risk.
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Experience the authentic tastes of Cajun cuisine alongside the animated adventure of this Disney classic.
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Hop on over with family and friends to enjoy this fun and exciting Spring-time event. Children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny as well as participate in several activities that are located throughout the area.
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The Knott's Boysenberry Festival is our annual food and wine festival that celebrates the park's historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. Indulge in a tantalizing lineup of dishes ranging from savory foods with a
boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks including a variety of wines and craft beers that you can only find at Knott's Berry Farm during this limited-time food-inspired event.
In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott's Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local crafters, live music, musical stage shows, and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. This year's event will introduce entirely new food offerings featuring a selection of more than two dozen food and drink items.
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Back for its 30th year! Enjoy seeing some of your favorite local nonprofits, unique vehicles, cool brands and more in this eclectic and diverse celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
Pier Avenue and Hermosa Avenue will be closed early morning on Saturday so that the parade route can be well established. The community is welcome to line up on the street. Parade participants are not allowed to throw or toss items from the route but can hand out content to parade attendees directly. Enjoy the parade near one of the three announcing stages to enjoy information about each parade entry.
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Do you know a child who loves the ocean? Ocean Investigators is a series of programs at the Aquarium for participants 7-12 years old, that encourages exploration of marine life.
Each 2-hour class includes theme related activities, guided gallery tour, interaction with our animal care staff, and a keepsake journal. See below for each program theme, activities, and dates.
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County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade is brought to you by Downtown Ventura. Since 1984, the parade has been a showcase of Ventura County’s finest. It features amazing costumes, dancers, horses, high school bands and more.
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Come see a fierce match when the Los Angeles Football Club takes on one of their competitors!
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A dedicated time for immunocompromised families.
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Come see the movie that started it all! Experience a night of culinary innovation whilst eating dishes right from the silver screen.
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the San Fernando 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 Fernando? 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 Dallas 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! Find venues in Burbank, Calabasas,
Glendale, Hidden Hills, and San Fernando.
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2025's best places to take kids in the San Fernando Valley. Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page is an annotated list of the winners, both of the top 20 slots and
of the three category winners: Who won for Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator?
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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