KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: One day last week, I was driving home around 7 pm when I glanced out the passenger's window and saw a stunning rainbow stretched fully across the sky, glowing in front of dark gray storm clouds that were rushing away to the east. I was approaching a stop light. Left was the way home, where various chores awaited... but right was the way to the rainbow. My husband
was driving behind me, and I knew that if I turned right, he was going to think I had lost my mind. For a split second, practicality made its case: Don’t be silly; go home, you have stuff to do. But then another question darted into my mind: Am I a person who chases rainbows, or am I not? Once I framed it that way, the answer was easy. For kids and grownups alike, this can actually be a helpful way to make all kinds of decisions. When
the moment comes to act, it helps to ask not just What do I feel like doing? but Who am I? Am I a person who tells the truth? Am I a person who helps? Am I a person who persists when times are hard? Am I a person who stops to notice the beautiful things around me? We build identity one choice at a time for our entire lives. The clearer we are about who we want to be, the easier it becomes to know what to do in the moment, to give ourselves evidence that we are, in fact, that sort
of person. I hope the kids in your world grow up thinking of themselves as people who seek what is bright and good and full of wonder. It’s our job to show them that delight is often worth the detour.
—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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Camp Brandeis delivers an engaging, activity-packed experience with in-depth STEM, arts, and sports blocks every day, plus 1 field trip per week to exciting Bay Area destinations via private bus. Campers rotate through visual and performing arts, hands-on STEM, and sports/movement, guided by unique two-week themes that shape learning and exploration. Each week features special events like foam parties, bouncy houses, magic shows, visiting performances, sweet treats, and joyful Friday celebrations. Led by warm, experienced counselors and teachers, our program fosters togetherness, friendship, and growth, grounded in our core values of Kindness, Integrity, and Service.
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All skill levels are welcome to find inspiration from Tony Foster's watercolor wilderness Journeys within the galleries. Bring your own art supplies such as graphite pencils or watercolor sets, nature journals or sketch pads, or borrow our colored pencil provisions. Spend time in our meditative galleries looking closely at Foster's artwork masterpieces, and making your own!
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Get ready to race at this exclusive LEGO® F1® - themed ‘Build the Thrill Event’ only at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bay Area from April 16 – May 25!
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Potter the Otter invites kids on a healthy adventure with friends to catch the speedy Rainbow Racer and earn a place on the water polo team. Along the way, visitors explore fun, hands-on activities that highlight the power of drinking water, eating fruits and veggies, and staying active. From shopping for produce and building a balanced plate to splashing in Bubbling Brook and racing pedal boats, families can discover how healthy choices help everyone feel their best!
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See replicas of the batsuit worn by Michael Keaton in 1989’s Batman; the Val Kilmer Panther Batman and Sonar Batman suits; the George Clooney Batman; Christian Bale's Batman from The Dark Knight; and the Ben Affleck Bat Armor from Batman vs. Superman. Numerous replica hand props and weapons from all the films and some from the 1960s TV show starring Adam West will also be on hand.
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These outdoor performances are perfect for families. Upcoming showings include Free to Be… You and Me. Food and drink are sold onsite by the Friends of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. All Summer Hot Dog Productions take place in the “Secret Garden” at the Children’s Theatre.
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The Annual Earth Day Citywide Clean-Up & Community Fair is a litter pick-up event hosted at Weekes Park. Volunteers come together to collect litter and abandoned debris in various neighborhoods throughout the City. The Annual Earth Day Citywide Clean-Up will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025. After volunteers collect litter, there will be an Earth Day themed Community Fair at the park, with local organizations hosting booths with activities. Free lunch will be provided to volunteers who register via Eventbrite by Thursday (4/24).
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Drop by the Randall Museum’s Art Room and get creative with your kids. Art instructors guide a different hands-on art activity each week. All ages are welcome to participate. Afternoon Art is a great way to get a taste of the Randall Museum’s arts and crafts programs. All children under 8 must be with a paying participating adult.
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The Jack London Square Farmer’s Market offers local produce, food, and craft products. The Farmer’s Market provides a weekly opportunity for the community to enjoy a variety of vendors along the beautiful Oakland waterfront. Market hours are 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM every Sunday. The Farmer’s Market is operated by Golden State Farmers Market Association.
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Designed especially for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers, Museum Mondays features stories, crafts, and activities inspired by changing themes.
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Bring your wild things to the Academy between March 9-April 28 for Riveropolis, Bugtopia, and a bouquet of other programs that will connect your family to the beauty, wonder, and whimsy of the natural world.
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- Free Spring Mini Photo Session with Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 04/23/2026 to 04/25/2026, See link for times
- Toddler Plus Storytime - Main Library - Children's Department, 04/24/2026, 10:30am
- Family Storytime - West End Library, Alameda Free Library, 788 Santa Clara Avenue,
Alameda, CA 94501, United States, 04/25/2026, 10:30am
- Family Storytime - Main Library - Children's Department, 04/25/2026, 10:30am
- Family Storytime - Main Library, 04/26/2026, 12:30pm
- Chess A2Z April Webinar: WGM Zoey Tang - Think Pawn Structures & Key Positional Ideas You Must - Chess A2Z, 10940 SW Barnes Rd 247, Portland, OR
97225, 04/26/2026, 7PM to 8PM PDT
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the San Francisco 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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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the San Francisco area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the San Francisco? 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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