KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: The first time I can remember having to take a public stand on anything was in eighth grade English. We were assigned an essay on a controversial topic and told we’d present our arguments to the class. When he handed back our papers, Mr. Schmidt added a twist: no reading. We’d speak from notes. I was horrified. After school, I tried to negotiate my way out of it. “This
makes me really uncomfortable,” I told him, hoping for mercy. He looked at me over his glasses. “That’s the whole point,” he said. “To get stuff done, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t worry, you’ll live.” Mr. Schmidt was right. I didn’t die. And more important, I learned something that stuck: Discomfort isn’t a stop sign, it’s just part of the road, and all roads are bumpy. That lesson shaped how I've raised my kids, too. Karate helped
Madison and Ella distinguish between effort and injury. Long car rides taught them to rely on their own imaginations. Theater nudged them to stand however close to the spotlight they could manage, even when they’d rather disappear. And summer camps—those muddy, unpredictable, gloriously imperfect experiences—gave them countless chances to try something new and realize I can do this without the stigma that can accompany failing in other contexts. Growth rarely happens
inside the comfort zone, which is why I’m such a believer in giving kids opportunities to stretch beyond what feels easy. Summer programs are perfect for this, so that's why during "summer camp search season" we focus on showcasing the wide variety of camps and programs available in each area we serve. Here's the
link to the portal page. These days, as we approach the 25th anniversary of KidsOutAndAbout.com in June, I see that same principle playing out: The technology has changed, the business climate has changed, but the equation hasn’t. Discomfort still shows up right before something meaningful. And I still hear Mr. Schmidt’s voice in my head: Don’t worry, you’ll live.
—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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When school is out, the YMCA is here for families! YMCA Day Camps provide safe, engaging places for kids while parents work during school holidays like spring break and summer vacation. Children enjoy fun-filled days of games, creative activities and
outdoor play, while making new friends, all guided by caring YMCA staff in a supportive, values-driven environment. Day Camp helps kids stay active and continue learning even when school is not in session. Parents can have peace of mind knowing their children are safe, having fun, and growing at the Y. Financial assistance is available, ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the fun and adventure of Day Camp.
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Give your child a summer they’ll talk about for years at YMCA Camp Edwards Overnight Camp! Nestled in the mountains and full of adventure, kids unplug and explore in a safe, supportive environment led by caring YMCA staff. Campers make new friends while
enjoying activities like swimming, hiking, archery, campfires, and classic camp games that build confidence and independence. Each day brings laughter, discovery, and lifelong memories. Spots always fill quickly, so secure your child’s place today! Accredited by the American Camp Association, Camp Edwards helps kids gain independence, develop leadership skills, and experience the magic of the outdoors in a positive, values-driven community. Financial assistance is always available.
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Join us in imaginative cooking with REAL tasty food.
Cooking Activities: 11 am & 2:30 pm
*This is not a cooking class, we will engage in imaginative play and have an opportunity to enjoy pre-made cooked food.
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Create fun, sometimes messy, art with your little one and guide their imagination by making a project together, or let them steal the show with their own personal artistic style!
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Need a couple of hours away from the kids? Drop them off at Chozen's Parents Night Out!
Need a couple of hours away from the kids? Drop them off at Chozen's Parents Night Out! We'll have fun and games to keep your child entertained. PLUS we're serving pizza and drinks!
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Discover the world of Wild Orchard Tea. Explore the diverse health benefits through informative lectures and stations, all while savoring an array of culinary creations infused with teas.
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Join us on the first Friday of every month for an exciting adventure in the world of Dungeons & Dragons! Led by Dungeon Master Peter, these campaigns are designed especially for young heroes ages 7-12.
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Delight in a guided walk through our Garden abloom! Journey by foot through beautiful annual and perennial flowers as an educator guides and informs you about the world of California native plants.
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Join us Community Yard Sale! It is a Don’t-miss for buyers and sellers alike. Sellers can convert unwanted treasures to cash. Shoppers can find all kinds of deals on furniture, art, clothing, home décor, tools, electronics and many other fantastic items.
It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning in the country!
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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Los Angeles - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22 - See link for times
- After School Snacks at the Woodcrest Library - 16625 Krameria, Riverside, CA 92504, Friday, March 20 - 2:30 pm - 4 pm
- Family Game Night @ Eastvale Library - 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA 92880, Friday, March 20 - 4:00 - 7:00pm PST
- Tea Festival at the 123 Farm - 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley, CA 92223, Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22 - 11 am - 6 pm
- Bored Game Day - Canyon Lake Library - 31594 Railroad Canyon Road, Canyon Lake, CA 92587, Friday, March 20 - 3:00pm - 5:00pm
- Little Artists - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - 14901 Dale Evans
Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA 92307, Friday, March 20 - 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
- Mountain Story Time - City of Big Bear Lake California - City of Big Bear Lake California - 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, CA, Friday, March 20 - 1:30 - 2:30pm PST
- Tours - Heritage House of Riverside - Heritage House of Riverside - Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA, Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22 - Check Website for Time
- Family
Storytime @ Eastvale Library - 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA 92880, Saturday, March 21 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
- Sensory Explorers Feat. Crazy Aaron’s® Putty - Lakeshore Learning - Lakeshore Learning - Harriman
Place, San Bernardino, CA, Saturday, March 21 - 11am - 3pm PST
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Inland Empire 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 Inland Empire! 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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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Inland Empire? 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 Inland Empire 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 the Inland Empire? Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Was the winner an indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team? 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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