KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: One day last week, I was driving home around 7 pm when I glanced out the passenger's window and saw a stunning rainbow stretched fully across the sky, glowing in front of dark gray storm clouds that were rushing away to the east. I was approaching a stop light. Left was the way home, where various chores awaited... but right was the way to the rainbow. My husband was driving
behind me, and I knew that if I turned right, he was going to think I had lost my mind. For a split second, practicality made its case: Don’t be silly; go home, you have stuff to do. But then another question darted into my mind: Am I a person who chases rainbows, or am I not? Once I framed it that way, the answer was easy. For kids and grownups alike, this can actually be a helpful way to make all kinds of decisions. When the moment
comes to act, it helps to ask not just What do I feel like doing? but Who am I? Am I a person who tells the truth? Am I a person who helps? Am I a person who persists when times are hard? Am I a person who stops to notice the beautiful things around me? We build identity one choice at a time for our entire lives. The clearer we are about who we want to be, the easier it becomes to know what to do in the moment, to give ourselves evidence that we are, in fact, that sort of
person. I hope the kids in your world grow up thinking of themselves as people who seek what is bright and good and full of wonder. It’s our job to show them that delight is often worth the detour.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments
to Build Strong Communities
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
At the YMCA Summer Day Camp, we turn ordinary summer days into extraordinary adventures! Our summer camp program offers an environment where safety is a top priority, led by our highly trained and trusted staff who ensure every child feels secure and supported. There is truly no place like this place for kids to explore and grow. As the ultimate "get dirty, have fun" place, we encourage campers to explore everything from cooking classes to creative arts. Throughout the week, kids will have a blast engaging in swimming, sports, STEM challenges plus much more! It's a summer of building confidence, making lifelong friends, and creating messy, wonderful memories.
|
|
|
|
Moms and Dads, Grandma's and Grandpa's, Aunts and Uncles bring your favorite mini and paint Mario and Luigi on a double 10 X 20 canvas together.
|
|
|
|
Your Glass Slipper Awaits! This April 24th through 26th, experience Cinderella with Saint Louis Ballet at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. A breathtaking fairytale with dazzling sets and costumes new to our stage. Bring the whole family and step into the magic. Get your tickets now at stlouisballet.org.
|
|
|
|
Whether you are coming for the food, the music, the activities, or the people watching, we PROMISE you will leave a little more inspired about real progress being made to preserve our planet and a little more connected to those on the front lines! The St. Louis Earth Day Festival is a community tradition to learn about sustainable products and services offered by local businesses and organizations, meet local area non-profits that share Earth Day values, as well as showcasing local entertainment and local Green Dining Alliance restaurants.
|
|
|
|
The public is invited to observe art unfolding before their eyes each day at “paint-out” events in a variety of locations from local wineries to historic sites, with special days in surrounding towns. Over 100 artists will be scattered about the small towns of Defiance, New Melle, and Augusta, capturing and recreating the rolling hills of wine country, the Missouri River bluff, prosperous farmland, the Katy Trail and historic structures. Each day, completed art will be on display and available for sale at the Augusta Harmonie-Verein hall as well as on location at each special event.
|
|
|
|
We can't wait to spend Saturday, April 25th celebrating Independent Bookstore Day with you! Join us for an exciting and packed day of bookish fun.
|
|
|
|
Research asserts that most brain development happens in the first three years of a child’s life. Each 45-minute Science Tots class is designed to provide opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration, and play. Activities will ignite curiosity and wonder in young children as well as empower parents and caregivers to support their child’s STEM learning in class and in their daily lives.
|
|
|
|
Join us for a fun art day sponsored by the Wylie family! The MAC will bring their art bus for a fun keepsake project! Free for members or with paid admission for non-members.
|
|
|
|
BEEP! BEEP! Join us and the City of Clayton to see different vehicles from police, fire, public works, parks and recreation and construction and more. Kids will be able to climb in and explore each vehicle. Parents, don’t forget your cameras!
|
|
|
|
Get the best of both worlds at Skate City during our Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus Skate on Friday, April 24th. Join us for two sessions from 4–6pm and 6–8pm featuring all your favorite Hannah and Miley hits. Test your knowledge with themed trivia and skate the night away in a fun, high-energy atmosphere. Admission is $8, with $5 skate rental available if needed.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the environment with us at our annual Arbor Day Celebration. Staff will be commemorating the start of the City’s 20th year as a Tree City USA-recognized municipality by planting new park trees and giving away up to 100 free tree saplings for guests to take home. This celebration and support for tree care throughout the St. Charles City Parks & Recreation is made possible by resources from the Missouri Department of Conservation T.R.I.M. (Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance) grant and the Arbor Day Foundation. Following the tree planting will be a Tree Identification Tour with our Park Horticulturist. Take a guided tour with our knowledgeable staff as we identify trees and answer any questions you may have along the way.
|
|
|
|
Drop off the kids (age 4-12) for their fun night out, while you go out yourself! The night includes: Cheese Pizza Dinner, Tumbling, Gymnastics, Silks, Games, Obstacle Course, and Craft Time. INVITE A FRIEND! NON-MEMBERS WELCOME!
|
|
|
|
Coming this spring and summer, Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO explores the wondrous connection between art, science, and nature through 21 intricately designed and interactive installations located throughout the Garden. This mesmerizing display is the first exhibition of its kind in Missouri. Created by artists Serge Beaulieu and Yelena Filipchuk, HYBYCOZO’s large-scale geometric sculptures reveal the hidden systems that shape the natural world—expressed through light, shadow, and monumental form. As sunlight and illumination filter through intricate designs, shifting patterns bloom across the landscape, inviting you to explore, reflect, and feel a deeper connection to the world around you. Experience the beauty and mystery of nature's geometry by day, by night, and only at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
|
|
|
|
This summer, learning comes to life through hands-on STEAM adventures designed for students PreK–8th grade! Each week brings a new theme, engaging essential questions, and interactive activities that challenge students at every level. Our students will also have field trip opportunities on certain weeks as well as fun in the sun with splash day/water activities on select days. Breakfast and lunch are provided or students are welcome to bring their own lunch.
|
|
|
- Arbor Day Celebration - Frontier Park, South Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO, Friday, April 24, 2026, 10 am
- Toddler and Me—Groove in the Galleries - Saint Louis Art Museum, Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO, Friday, April 24, 2026, 10 AM
- Songs and
Stories - Babies & Toddlers - Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143, Friday, April 24, 2026, 10-10:30 am
- Augusta Plein Air Art Festival - Greater Augusta Chamber-Commerce, Walnut St, Augusta, MO 63332, Saturday, April 25, 2026, Varies
- Tons of Transportation - Center of Clayton, Gay Avenue, Clayton, MO, Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9-11 am
- Tons of Transportation- A Free, Family-Friendly Vehicle Exploration Event - Center of Clayton, 50 Gay Avenue, Clayton, MO, Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9-11 am
- St. Louis Earth Day Festival - Forest Park, St. Louis, MO, Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11 am – 5
pm
- SLTRC at St. Louis Earth Day Festival - Municipal Theatre Association, Theatre Drive, St. Louis, MO, Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:00am-5:00pm
- Independent Bookstore Day - The Novel Neighbor, 7905 Big Bend Blvd, Webster Groves, MO 63119, Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10 am- 6 pm
- Lake Saint Louis Farmers & Artists Market - Lake St. Louis Farmers And Artists
Market, Meadow Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO, Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8 am - 12 pm
- FREE Family Festival (Rain or shine!) - 12120 Bridgeton Square Drive, Bridgeton, MO, Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
- Arbor Day Celebration & Art Contest - Millennium Park, 2 Barnes W Dr, Creve Coeur, MO, Sunday, April 26, 2026, 1-2:30 pm
|
|
|
|
The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the St. Louis 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the St. Louis area? 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.
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
