KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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 Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a triweekly California Certified Farmers Market operated by Foodwise at the San Francisco Ferry Building on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday, year round. Since 1993, the market has served as a crucial link between urban dwellers and local farmers, renowned for its diverse offering of delicious, high-quality products from California’s cutting-edge sustainable growers, food makers, and chefs, as well as education programs to connect eaters of all ages with our local foodshed.
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The Walt Disney Family Museum continues its celebration of the 70th anniversary of Disneyland with the debut of Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, an original special exhibition curated by award-winning producer and Disney Legend Don Hahn with museum Director of Collections and Exhibitions Marina Villar Delgado. Inspired by the 2025 book, The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney’s Disneyland, published by Disney Editions and written by Hahn and historian Christopher Merritt, this treasure trove of Disney history will take guests behind the scenes of one of the most groundbreaking endeavors of the 20th century—the creation and opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story will be on view beginning Friday, November 14 in the museum’s Lower Lobby and Theater Galleries.
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MoAD celebrates our dynamic arts & culture neighborhood in conjunction with Downtown First Thursdays. Join us every First Thursday of the month for free admission to the exhibitions and programming at the museum from 4-8pm. Be sure to check out the street party on Second Street between Market & Howard!
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Join us as we explore books that highlight the unique traits of different types of life. Though we are all unique, we all belong in the community of living things!
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The Museum is hosting the interactive World of Soccer Experience from June 13 to July 16, where families can pose for photo opportunities, participate in themed activities, and make memories together! Designed to celebrate the major soccer matches happening across Silicon Valley, the exhibit invites children to build skills, stay active, and explore the joy of teamwork through play.
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We are open every day for u-pick cherries. We can't wait to see you on the farm for another delicious season!
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Swing into the weekend with science, animals, music, food trucks, and fun! On the first Friday of every month, from 5 PM until 8 PM, parents and kids celebrate together at CuriOdyssey.
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Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply).
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This beloved Friday night tradition in Sausalito started in 1996! Our summer concert series is free and family friendly. Enjoy an evening on our beautiful waterfront with lively bands from your picnic blanket, reserve a nightly table for 6, or upgrade to a season table so you can groove with your friends all summer long.
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From giant bubbles to joyful foam parties, the Bubble Bash is a limited-time summer celebration at the Bay Area Discovery Museum! June 6 – September 7.
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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the San Francisco area! Start thinking outside the box! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens (and dozens) of ideas! In addition to venues in San Francisco, there are places in Oakland, Alameda, Pacifica, San
Leandro, Walnut Creek, Hayward, Dublin, and San Ramon.
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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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The San Francisco Area's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Listed below are farms in and near San Francisco that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. And... to make the most of your experience,
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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