KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: I’m a sucker for songs in 6/8 time, no matter the music style. I don’t know why that ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six swinging rhythm so captures me whether it’s fast or slow, but there’s no denying that it does. And I might not even notice this rhythm, but for one little fact: I’m a thoroughly mediocre cellist. I took cello lessons from age 8 to age 14; during
those years, I graduated from “truly bad” to “moderately acceptable,” at least acceptable enough to play in orchestras where my individual sound would be drowned out by the better kids’ playing. But even as unskilled as I was, I know I am happier as an adult for having played: I can understand music from the inside. I hear patterns and styles and instruments with far different ears than I would have had I not studied music early in life. Understanding what makes your heart sing helps
you be on the lookout for more, and that makes your life better. Summer is the perfect season to help kids grow their ears. Yes, check out the big open-air concerts from your local orchestra, municipal band, or jazz ensemble. But also keep an active ear out for the smaller stuff: free concerts in parks, weekly community series, festivals, buskers, church lawn performances, library gigs, and whatever band happens to be playing near the funnel cakes. When you hear something,
name it: bluegrass, salsa, soul, swing, zydeco, classical, funk, folk, rock, rap, mariachi. Kids don’t have to like everything, but knowing the names of things helps them understand what they do like, and gives them handles for finding more of it later. A couple of tips: If you know you're headed in the direction of something new, play a sample of the style before you leave so kids have a hook on which to hang the experience. While you’re there, help them notice one thing: the
bass line, the drummer, the singer’s breathing, the way people move. That will help the music swirl around in their minds long after the last note fades. Remember, music isn’t only on stages. It’s in carousels, movie scores, worship services, elevators, malls, ballparks, and the ice cream truck coming around the corner. So as tour guide to your kids’ universe, don’t ignore the invisible! Point your ears toward the music, tune everyone's radar, and grow.
—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. |
Please click through to our 2026 survey to vote for your top 3 places to take kids... it will be used to compile our 2026 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the St. Louis area. Voting is live through June 20; believe me, winning a place on the Top 20 list matters to the people
who create amazing family-friendly experiences. Take 3 minutes to choose your favorites as your way of saying thank you... and use the list to build your summer bucket list at the same time! You have my personal and fervent thanks for your participation! —Deb |
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Give your girl more time to discover, lead, and thrive with Girl Scouts! Through our Extended Year Membership, new members can join today and enjoy all the fun, friendship, and opportunities of Girl Scouts through September 30, 2027. Join now and start making memories right away with exciting summer programs, camps, and events, then continue the adventure by joining a troop this fall. From outdoor exploration and STEM activities to leadership experiences and lifelong friendships, Girl Scouts helps girls build confidence, develop new skills, and discover what’s possible when they believe in themselves. Join today and unlock extra months of Girl Scouts for one great value. Because every unstoppable journey starts with a single step. Become a Girl Scout today and see what’s within.
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Join us to celebrate freedom, culture, and community with a morning of performances by Greg Carr and Kenya Ajanaku, along with tabletop crafts. Come learn, reflect, and celebrate together! Light snacks will be provided.
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In “Flying High,” Circus Flora transforms an ordinary high school into an extraordinary academy of wonder. Step into halls and classrooms filled with a mix of world-class acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and class clowns – along with an unforgettable faculty whose astonishing skills turn every moment into a spectacular surprise. From high-energy antics to breathtaking, high-flying feats, “Flying High” passes every test with heart, humor and incredible artistry. This all-ages show turns a typical school day into an unforgettable circus adventure. Don’t miss “Flying High,” June 4-21.
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Dust off your rod and reel and join us at Des Peres Park for our Youth Fishing Derby — now featuring our Public Safety team! Youth ages 3–12 can enjoy a fun morning of fishing and spend time casting a line alongside their favorite police officers and public safety staff. Participants can compete in the Longest Fish Contest and Most Fish Caught in each age division. Please bring your own fishing pole and bait — we’ll provide the FUN! Registration deadline is June 15. Pre-registration required, no onsite registration.
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There’s something for everyone at this vibrant, family-friendly celebration! Enjoy exciting live performances, local vendors, community resources, and endless entertainment. Come show your support, make memories, and celebrate love, diversity, and inclusivity with us in a day that promises to be unforgettable. Don’t miss out on our largest Pride celebration yet!
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Join us the weekend of Father's Day to celebrate your kids father figures. Kids 12 years old and younger will have the opportunity to compete in a fishing derby at the pond located in New Ballwin Park. Prizes will be awarded for the most unusual catch, smallest fish by length, biggest fish by length, and most fish caught. It is a great chance to get out and spend quality time with your family and community. The competition will run from 9am-11am. Lunch will be served from 11:15am-12pm. You must check in at the booth at the entrance to the lake the day of the event to verify yourself as a participant/agree to the rules and guidelines.
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Join Allies of Marquette Park and Dutchtown Main Streets for the annual Juneteenth & Father’s Day Kickball Tournament in support of Marquette Community Day! Whether you’re in the game or just looking to get out with your friends and neighbors, everyone is encouraged to come to Marquette Park on Sunday, June 21st, for the kickball tournament! Cheer on the teams, get some food, meet vendors and community partners, and spend a day at beautiful Marquette Park. Limited slots are available for teams of 9 to 13 players. The cost to register is $65 per team. If your team is not on the field and ready at game time, your team forfeits the match and registration fee. Games begin at 11:30am, so make sure your teammates are on time and ready to go.
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Get Dad what he really wants for Father’s Day this year — a day of FUN! We’re giving all dads, grandpas and great-grandpas FREE General Admission on Sunday, June 15. Bring the kids to Art City for a special Dad-themed craft project, and then Dad can swing by Cabin Inn (1st Floor) or Beatnik Bob’s (3rd Floor) to purchase a City Museum Pilsner or the new City Museum Hard Seltzer from 4 Hands Brewing! Father’s Day discount includes one free General Admission for each paid admission. Discount valid on Sunday, June 21, 2026 only.
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Donuts with Dad is the sweetest way to celebrate Father’s Day at Eckert’s. All dads can enjoy a free cider donut, available 9am–7pm—the perfect little treat to make his day extra special. Bring the family, spend some time on the farm, and celebrate Dad with a bit of farm-fresh sweetness.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the St. Louis 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 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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It's almost time for fruit picking! Fruit picking is a great activity to do together as a family. It helps little ones understand where their food actually comes from, and it's a fun tradition to share every year right through the teens.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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