KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: There’s a sign on the New York State Thruway heading west that marks 70 miles to where I live. For Rochesterians driving back to Western New York from the east or southeast, that marker elicits both a sigh of relief and a groan: You’re close, especially relative to where you started. But in that final stretch, each mile is somehow psychologically
longer. Over the years, this became a useful metaphor in my family: You're pushing through to the end of a project, you'd love to see the finish line, but the murky distance between you and that goal is in your way. "Ugh, it's those last 70 miles," one of us will say to the person suffering, and we'll all nod sympathetically. At this time of year, families with kids in school are experiencing those last 70 miles: The end of the school year is in sight, yet
not quite here. The energy reserves are low, and the end point seems stuck in the distance. We feel like we’re sprinting but not getting closer fast enough. As in any journey, that’s precisely when it’s worth keeping in mind that these last miles may feel long, but they’re also the most meaningful: They become the lens through which we look back at the whole experience, so these final steps really count. Remembering this can provide the last surge of energy to press
forward. So whatever final 70 miles you and your kids are facing, remind yourself and the people traveling with you that if you put your best self into it now, the rewards will feel sweeter, and the memories of success will help fuel you next time. You’re on the last leg. You're almost there. And you have lots of company.
—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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It’s GLOW time! Come see NEW lanterns at Animals Aglow presented by Wells Fargo, only at the Saint Louis Zoo. At this celebration of culture and art, you’ll walk around the Zoo at twilight amidst the luminous glow of over 60 towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. You’ll find a wide array of culinary creations and unique handicrafts for purchase, and guests can buy tickets to several open Zoo attractions. Animals Aglow runs Wednesdays through Sundays, March 13 through May 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets at stlzoo.org/animalsaglow.
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The “Party in the Park” hosted by Olivette Parks and Recreation is a lively community event held at Stacy Park that brings people of all ages together for an evening of fun and entertainment. The event typically runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and features a variety of free activities such as live music, inflatable obstacle courses, face painting, balloon twisting, yard games, and interactive performances. Attendees can also enjoy food and drinks available for purchase, including snacks, ice cream, and beverages. With its festive atmosphere and diverse attractions, the event encourages community connection and outdoor enjoyment.
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The Laumeier Annual Art Fair is a three-day, outdoor event held over Mother’s Day weekend. Taking place during Laumeier’s 50th anniversary year, the 39th Annual Art Fair invites attendees to be part of a festive milestone event celebrating a rich history and fresh new experiences that honor Laumeier’s legacy and vibrant creative community.
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Bring your bingo skills, and get ready for a fun Family Bingo Night at the Pointe! Whether you're a bingo enthusiast or just looking for a fantastic way to spend time with your family, this event is perfect for all ages. Price includes bingo supplies, prizes, pizza, and refreshments. Doors open at 6 pm and bingo will start at 6:30 pm. Register online or in person at The Pointe. Pre-Registration is required by May 5th.
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Celebrate all the wonderful moms and grandmas at ECM! Adorable crafts and activities! *Free for members or with paid admission for non-members*
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Make plans to spend the weekend at the farm—it’s Strawberry Festival time! Gather your family and friends and head to our Belleville Farm for a fun-filled celebration of the season. Enjoy delicious festival food, sweet strawberry treats, and refreshing strawberry-themed cocktails while live music sets the mood all day long. Explore the farm and capture the moment at our many photo-worthy spots, then settle in for an easygoing day of music, food, and fresh air. Kids will love the pony rides, petting farm, children’s play area, and carnival rides, while adults relax, sip, and soak up the festival vibes. It’s a joyful, all-ages farm festival full of flavor, music, and memories—exactly how summer should feel. 10am–5pm (fee charged for select activities)
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We’re teaming up with Swap the Playroom for our Mother’s Day Walk and Playdate and the whole family is invited! Bring your crew, pack a picnic, and join us for a morning of movement, play, and community. Local vendors will be on site. Goodie bags for the first 50 moms.
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Celebrate Compostapalooza as we partner with Collinsville Cool Cities Committee, Good Dirt Composting Collective, and STL Composting! Bring your own bucket and take home-free compost, explore hands-on compost demos, and learn simple ways to compost at home and tour our new ASP composting system, funded through the Environmental Grant by Madison County planning and Development. Enjoy fun family activities, interactive science stations, gardening exploration, and story time brought to you by Roxana High School Biology Club!
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All kid’s get the chance to decorate a container, plant a flower and put a card on the container for Mother’s Day. All supplies are furnished FREE by Stuckmeyer’s!
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Join us for a splashing good time filled with aquatic experiences and delicious treats. Our brunch menu will make your taste buds swim with delight.
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Celebrate Mom with a beautiful Mother’s Day Brunch at The Artisan at Baetje Farms. After brunch, stroll the property, experience the charm of our farm, and come see our goats up close — making it a day the whole family will remember. Gather your loved ones, relax in the elegance of The Artisan, and let us take care of everything while you celebrate the moms in your life.
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Here we go again – we’re bringing Mamma Mia! back to the big screen to help celebrate Mother's Day! Mom will feel like a Dancing Queen when you treat her to a fabulous buffet – Hickory Smoked Brisket, Honey Cured Hickory Smoked Ham, Pancakes, Avocado Toast and more – and a showing of the 2008 smash musical.
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The Sprouts program will kick off on May 3! We look forward to seeing all of our youngest market shoppers again! Our goal is to introduce children to a variety of fresh, local produce while encouraging families to shop at the Washington Farmers’ Market.
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- Toddler and Me—Baby Rave - Saint Louis Art Museum, Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO, Friday, May 8, 2026, 10 AM
- Party in the Park - Stacy Park, Old Bonhomme Road, Olivette, MO, Friday, May 8, 2026, 5-8 pm
- Summer Sounds & Spirits - A.B. Green Park, Dale Avenue, Richmond Heights,
MO, Friday, May 8, 2026, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- Bellevue Park Nights - Bellevue Park, Bellevue Park Drive, Belleville, Illinois, Friday, May 8, 2026, Bands at 7pm, Movies at dusk
- Storytelling: May - Missouri History Museum, Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, Friday, May 8, 2026, 10:30 am
- Songs and Stories - Babies & Toddlers - Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143,
Friday, May 8, 2026, 10-10:30 am
- STEAM Club - Rock Hill Public Library, 9811 Manchester Rd, Rock Hill, MO 63119, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11 am- 12 pm
- Chooks With Books: Chicken Storytime - SLPL, 2260 South Vandeventer Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 2-3 pm
- Family Crafternoon - St. Louis Public Library - Walnut Park Library, 5760 West Florissant Avenue, St. Louis, MO
63120, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 3-4 pm
- "The British Attack Against St. Louis During the American Revolutionary War" - 1000 Kisker Road, Saint Charles, MO, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10-11 am
- Maifest at Grant's Farm - Grant's Farm, 10501 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123, Saturday, May 9, 2026 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, see website
- Kid's
Planting a Pot for Mom for Mother's Day - Stuckmeyer's Farm Market, 249 Schneider Drive, Fenton, MO 63026, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm
- Mother's Day Weekend at Eagle Fork Farms - 65 Eagle Fork Ln, Moscow Mills, MO, Saturday, May 9, 2026 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, 10
am- 5 pm
- Explore & Play - Jefferson County Library - Arnold Branch, 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10 AM
- Mother's Day Weekend Walk and Playdate - Millennium Park, Barnes West Drive, Creve Coeur, MO, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am- 12 pm
- Compostapalooza - Willoughby Heritage Farm, 631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville, Illinois 62234, Saturday, May 9, 2026,
9 am - 12 pm
- Saint Charles Farmers Market - 370 Lakeside Park, Lakeside Park Drive, St. Peters, MO, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8 am- 1 pm
- Overland Farmers Market - 2500 Woodson Rd, Overland, St. Louis, MO 63114, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8 am- 12 pm
- North City Farmer's Market - 2700 N 14th St, St. Louis, MO 63106, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9:30am- 12pm
- Lake Saint Louis Farmers & Artists Market - Lake St. Louis Farmers And Artists Market, Meadow Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8 am - 12 pm
- Ferguson Farmer's Market - 501 South Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8 am- 12 pm
- Arnold Farmers Market - Arnold Farmers Market, 2400 Bradley Beach Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8 am- 12 pm
- Mother's Day Market - N Randolph St, St Charles, St. Charles, MO 63301, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 7:30 am- 1 pm
- Belleville Woofstock - Rotary Dog Park
(Member Only), North 6th Street, Belleville, IL, Saturday, May 9, 2026, see website
- Family Sunday - Saint Louis Art Museum, Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 1 PM
- Washington Farmers' Market Sprouts Kids Club - 323 W Main St, Washington, MO 63090, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 8 am- 1 pm
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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!
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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.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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