KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: A tumble is not a verdict; it's information. And kids are natural data analysts. That's what a mom half a generation older than me told me when I was getting ready to have kids, and I took it to heart. So I was secretly a little thrilled the summer my daughter Madison was almost 4, when she took her first big splash off a slippery log into a
creek. Here's why: To succeed in life, everyone needs to learn to stretch to the edge of their abilities... to gather courage from their toes, to calculate, to balance, to wobble, to slide... and eventually to succeed. Kids can learn this early if the grownups in their orbit help them see the mud and bruises that come from a tumble as badges to be worn proudly: a fail-until-we-succeed philosophy in action. That's how personal fulfillment happens, and it's how human progress happens,
too. Summer is childhood's best laboratory, where sensory experiences stick as lifelong learning. School has grades and rubrics and consequences; summer has grass stains and do-overs. An amusement park ride can teach the difference between fear and danger. A hands-on museum can teach that when your tower collapses, you simply vow to rebuild it taller. A farm can teach that maybe you don’t like strawberries from the grocery store, but
you do like the ones you picked yourself, still warm from the sun. A climbing gym can teach your muscles that “I can’t” really means “I can’t yet.” And summer camps are entire worlds built around trying something new with no transcript following you home. Last week, the KidsOutAndAbout.com team launched our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey. It's a way to thank the people who make your community a great place to raise kids. Equally important, it’s a giant menu of local opportunities for your kids to stretch their legs, their minds, and their bravery this summer. Use it to create your summer bucket list! Then step back and set your family’s summer dial to “safe to fail.” Watch your kids climb, build, stumble, and try again.
Let them splash.
—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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If you always thought school started at kindergarten, you’re not alone. In San Bernardino County, children ages 3 and 4 have early education options including California State Preschool, private preschool, Head Start, and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for eligible 4-year-olds. Some programs are even FREE! It’s all part of Universal PreKindergarten (UPK). San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is your trusted guide to understanding what’s available, what fits your family, and how to take the next step. Every child deserves a strong start. If you’re trying to figure out what’s next for your little one, the road to kindergarten readiness starts here. Visit SBCSS.net/upk to see what’s available near you.
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Inland Empire 66ers home games at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino offer an intimate, fan-friendly Minor League Baseball experience. As an Angels affiliate in the Single-A California League, games feature up-and-coming talent in a stadium with stunning mountain views, mascot entertainment from Bernie, and regular promotions like Tuesday perks
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This annual event, which has been a favorite of residents and visitors for over 60 years, celebrates the city’s rich agricultural history and heritage, and it is dedicated to the strawberry.
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Summer is here, and the thrills are endless. Whether you're dancing under the stars at electrifying outdoor concerts, experiencing adrenaline-pumping adventures, or soaking in the dazzling fireworks, there’s excitement around every corner.
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SkyPark is pleased to announce the return of our popular Tunes in the Trees concert series. Friday nights, from 7pm to 9pm, join us for live music, dancing, food and fun! Doors open at 5pm so that you can grab dinner at St. Nick’s Patio & Grille or Billy’s BBQ House before the show. The Pedal Pub will remain open for your enjoyment as well.
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This Memorial Day Weekend bring the family out to enjoy an 'oh so American' BBQ festival, the Big Bear Lake Grill & Chill! Grill masters from across the country will flock to our little mountain town to hash it out over the barbeque. This smokin' event lets attendees sample some of the best BBQ around complete with sides. Local event hosts Bones & Brews are bringing back their Beer Tasting Festival to complement the cook-off. Sip on ice cold samplers while you dig into mouth-watering grub. This event is kid friendly, with rock walls, bounce houses, face painters and more!
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Guided tours of Heritage House are available to book online! Join us every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to learn more about Riverside!
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Come see us at the Runing Spring Farmers Market that occurs every Saturday morning (Late-March to mid-November) from 9am to 1pm. Click to see the location in The parking lot next to the Runing Springs library, California. Come listen to live music, check out our special activies, like our holiday craft fair in December. See pictures of what we've been upto at recent markets by visiting the Facebook page for the market.
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Does your child have a business dream? Let them shine at the Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary Spring Event! Parents, this is a unique way to support your child’s interests and watch them proudly run their own mini store, connect with customers, and have fun doing it! Sign up now for a wildly fun spring day!
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A Faery Hunt shows are interactive, immersive performances designed for young audiences and families that inspire creativity, imagination and fun.
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- Little Artists - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch Library - 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA 92307, Friday, May 22, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm
PST
- Mountain Story Time - City of Big Bear Lake California - 39707 Big Bear Boulevard - 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, CA, USA, Friday, May 22, 2026 and Sunday, May 24, 2026, 1:30 - 2:30pm PST
- Tours - Heritage House of Riverside - Riverside Heritage House - Riverside Heritage House, Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA, USA, Friday, May 22, 2026 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, Check Website for Time
- Little Seedlings Story Time - Sherman Library and Gardens - Sherman Library & Gardens - Sherman Library & Gardens, East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA, USA, Friday, May 22, 2026, 10 am - 10:30 am
- Community Closet - Cathedral City Library - 33520 Date Palm Drive - 33520 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, CA, USA, Sunday, May 24, 2026, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
- National Memorial Day Concert Live Stream - ONLINE ONLY - ONLINE ONLY, Sunday, May 24, 2026, 8pm EDT / 7pm CDT / 6pm MDT / 5pm PDT / 4pm AKDT
- Chess A2Z March Webinar: NM Austin Tang - Practical
Prophylaxis: Anticipating Your Opponent’s Ideas - Chess A2Z - 10940 SW Barnes Rd 247, Portland, OR 97225, Sunday, May 24, 2026, 2PM to 3PM PDT
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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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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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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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