KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: One summer afternoon during a family camping trip in New Jersey when I was about 6 or 7 years old, a horse fly suddenly appeared next to my ear and started following me everywhere I went. I’m sure that, from its own perspective, it was just going about its business doing ordinary horse fly things, but to me it felt enormous, ominous, and purposeful. I can't remember if it
actually bit me, but I can still summon the hot panic of not being able to get away from its threatening buzz. To my small self, that fly wasn't a little distraction, it was a crisis with wings. The memory surfaced recently when my daughter Ella sent me the above photo, taken in Quintana Beach County Park, near Houston. The point was clear: Proceed, and you will be under attack, and not by any adorable Northeastern bugs you might be used to. No, these bugs were born in Texas. Beware. Sometimes that is exactly
how challenges feel, especially to kids: Problems loom much larger to them than they do to adults with decades of experience. A broken toy, a skinned knee, a mistake in front of the class, or a slight misunderstanding with a friend may be a fly in the ointment to us, but a Texas-sized monster to a child. The trick is to validate the feeling without validating helplessness. We stand beside them and say, Yes, I know, this feels huge. The bugs, even if they're not as large as they
think, are real. They watch us shoo them away and learn gradually to do it for themselves. If I had seen the sign above, my first instinct would have been to flee back to the safety of the car. And Ella said it was not exaggerating, at least not by much: The moment she stepped onto the property, giant mosquitoes descended, and they were hungry; even leggings soaked with OFF Deep Woods did not deter them. She assures me that the photo she got of the Bay-breasted Warbler was
worth all the bites on the backs of her knees. She knew better than to show me the damage. Clearly, the script has flipped.
—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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Join us for a family-friendly afternoon of building with colorful bricks. No experience needed, just a love of building! (All Ages)
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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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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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Held every last Saturday of the month, Storytime in the Galleries includes free copies of each author’s featured book while supplies last and free General Admission to the galleries. Reading in the galleries will be followed by a simple, fun art project that kids will love.
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3000 lavender plants await your company at Camel Valley Lavender near Ramona CA Admission is FREE. Camels visit the pasture edge at 11:00 and 2:30
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Come cheer on the Quakes!
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“Splendid entertainment – you realize what masters Rodgers & Hammerstein were!” –The Wall Street Journal “An irresistible score that’s always in tune!” –Entertainment Weekly
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The Farmers Market is ongoing every Tuesday, rain or shine, from 8 AM - 1 PM. This is a Certified Farmers Market with fresh and quality produce grown by real farmers from the region!
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- Little Artists - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library - 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA 92307, Friday, May 29, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm
PST
- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Los Angeles - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, May 29, 2026 to Sunday, May 31, 2026, See link for times
- Little Seedlings Story Time - Sherman Library and Gardens - Sherman Library and Gardens - Sherman Library & Gardens, East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA, USA, Friday, May 29, 2026, 10 am - 10:30 am
- Tours - Heritage House of Riverside - Heritage House of Riverside - Riverside Heritage House, Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA, USA, Friday, May 29, 2026 to Sunday, May 31, 2026, Check Website for Time
- Mountain Story Time - City of Big Bear Lake California - City of Big Bear Lake California - 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, CA, USA, Friday, May 29, 2026 and Sunday, May 31, 2026, 1:30 - 2:30pm PST
- Camel Valley Lavender Farm - Camel Valley Lavender - 26636 Old Julian Hwy, Ramona, CA 92065, Saturday, May 30, 2026 and Sunday, May 31, 2026, 10:00 to 4:00
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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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