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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Adventure awaits at The Tech Interactive's brand-new Summer 2026 camp! Campers entering Grades 3-6 will master the FUNdamentals of engineering design through hands-on daily challenges that spark creativity and problem-solving skills. But the excitement doesn't stop there: campers will enjoy unique experiences, including breathtaking IMAX films in the IMAX Dome Theater, inspiring conversations with real subject-matter experts, and exclusive after-hours access to explore interactive exhibits when the museum is theirs entirely. This isn't just another museum visit; it's where curious minds discover their potential, build confidence, and create memories that last a lifetime. Spots are limited for this premiere season. Make this the summer they never forget. Register now before enrollment closes!
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Looking for the perfect free Saturday plan? Join us at History Park San Jose (635 Phelan Ave) on Saturday, May 9th, from 10 am – 4 pm for the Family Adventure Festival: Scout-O-Rama! Northern California’s largest Scouting event open to the public features 100+ hands-on activities, including water rockets, obstacle courses, archery, knot tying, and the Pinewood Derby. Enjoy crafts, games, and interactive challenges for all ages. This year’s “World of Scouting” theme includes live entertainment like Taiko drumming, the Vietnamese Lion Dance, and School of Rock. Meet local mascots and enjoy food trucks or bring a picnic for a fun-filled family day!
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Join us for a week of courage, confidence, and trying something new. From community heroes and teamwork in action to wild animal exploration and fairytale adventures, each day of Spirit Week celebrates a unique way to be brave. Kids complete daily challenges, conquer obstacle courses, enjoy arts & crafts, and earn their Bravery Badge by trying new activities around the park.
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This virtual group is for parents and caregivers of children and teens who: experience chronic absenteeism, regularly refuse or avoid school, and/or frequently stay home due to anxiety or illness.
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Adults and kids alike will enjoy viewing California Central Coast On30’s large scale model railroad display. Watch model trains chugging through the Redwoods, around railroad bends and over the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Boardwalk with the miniature scale of the Central Coast spread out before them. During your visit be sure to see Roaring Camp’s authentic 1800s steam train.
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Our Farmstand is open year round and stocked with already harvested veggies, flowers, heirloom dry beans and preserves all organically grown here at Blue House Farm! We also carry sourdough bread and pastries from Rosalind Bakery, local pastured eggs from Antonio & Sons Farm, chicken, pork, and beef products from our friends at Root Down Farm and Markegard Family Grass-fed, organic seasonal fruit from Frog Hollow Farm and Blossom Bluff Orchards, local honey from State Street Honey, and lots of other goodies from our coastside community!
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Join us April 11 and 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM for our Model Railroad Open House celebrating Steam Engines and the Transition Era. Enjoy trains in action, detailed scenery, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for all ages. This special event also shares in the excitement surrounding Big Boy and the celebration of American railroading history. Train enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors are all welcome. Learn more at www.cmrstrainclub.org . Come experience a unique Bay Area weekend event!
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Earth Day is almost here, and Happy Hollow is throwing a Party for the Planet on Sunday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.!
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Join museum staff for a lively story followed by fun activities. Storytime is open to all ages, but is primarily designed for toddlers and preschoolers.
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the San Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues, unlock secrets,
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the San Jose 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 Jose survey winners: What are the best places to take kids in the Bay Area? Each summer, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Who won the top spot? Click through to
find out!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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