KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
In last week's column, I wrote about the Humble Abode, the kids-only hideout my sister and I created behind the giant azalea bush in our backyard. We dragged in chairs and treasures and made a little home in the hollowed-out
branches. At the time, I thought of it as something we had built. But of course, we didn’t create it from nothing. We were makers, yes, but we were making inside a world that was already alive. Summer is the perfect time for kids to experience that lesson up close and personal, with all their senses. The world is warm, green, buzzing, blooming, squelching, chirping, dripping, and growing almost too fast to track. Kids can smell lake water and tomato leaves, feel bark and moss
and mud, watch ants organize themselves with alarming competence, and notice that the same trail looks different after rain. Nature doesn’t need a lesson plan. It offers immediacy first: I am here. This is real. Pay attention. And then, quietly, it offers perspective. A child is legitimately the center of his or her own universe; we all are, from the inside. But Nature gently complicates that story. The robin is not singing for us. The creek does not hurry because we
are late. The sunflower turns toward the sun whether or not anyone remembers to admire it. Clouds, tides, weeds, and weather all proceed with their ancient business, reminding us that we belong to a world much larger than our schedules and preferences. That perspective should not make us feel small in a bad way, but instead help us feel rightly-sized. Humans have the wonderful ability to create, repair, improve, and beautify our little corners of the universe. But we do it
best when we understand the nature of the world we’re working within. So use this summer to include as much Outside Green Time as you can, looking up and around and in. Poke gently. Nature will do the rest.
—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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Celebrate your child’s special day with an unforgettable underwater adventure at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station! From sharks to stingrays, cake to presents, we’ll handle the details — you bring the fun! All parties include Aquarium admission and must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Party Packages: SHELL-ebration Central A simple, fun-filled celebration with aquarium access. FIN-tastic Fish Party Includes a private party space and a special gift. Big SPLASH Shark Party Our ultimate experience! Includes: Private space Snacks Animal ambassador encounter Group stingray feeding Visit from mascot Shark Twain Limited space — book now and get ready to DIVE IN!
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Come join us for the annual parish picnic this year in July 10-11, 2026! Rides, Live music, and more!
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Celebrate over two decades of creativity, community, and whimsy at Maplewood’s most magical summer event—a lively tribute to Bastille Day. This year’s event will feature over 60 artists demonstrating their craft and selling their work, along with roaming performers, live music, and engaging activities for all ages. Enjoy delicious food and drink from Maplewood’s favorite restaurants, and take advantage of late-night shopping with exclusive event-only specials from local retailers.
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Journeying from the snowy peaks of the North Mountain to the heart of Arendelle, Frozen KIDS tells the story of fearless princess Anna as she embarks on a daring adventure to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have accidentally trapped their kingdom in winter. Along the way, Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and the lovable snowman Olaf to bring back summer and heal a frozen heart.
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Come see and explore the many different types of trucks! Free for everyone and fun for all ages. A free toy car will given to the first 200 kids! Items for purchase from the Dynasty Manna food truck and Cool Times ice cream truck will be available.
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Come skate, sing along to your favorite Disney tunes, enjoy a sweet treat, and make memories with Stitch on the skating floor! Don't miss this fun-filled morning of donuts, Disney music, and roller skating! Donut & milk for paid persons only.
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Join us for one of our favorite summer traditions — the Watermelon Festival at the Saint Charles Market! Enjoy fresh, locally grown melons from our vendors, take in the lively market atmosphere, and don’t miss the excitement of our Watermelon Eating Contest. It’s a fun, family‑friendly day you won’t want to skip!
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Simba, the young heir to the Pridelands, is manipulated by his uncle Scar, who plots to take the throne. After Scar causes Mufasa’s death and convinces Simba it’s his fault, Simba runs away and grows up with Timon and Pumbaa. When Nala finds him and urges him to return, Simba must face his past. With Rafiki’s guidance, he confronts Scar, learns the truth, and restores peace to the Pridelands as the rightful king.
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At Grant Station Park 10:00am -4:00pm The Missouri Live Steamers is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and educating the public about steam railroad history. Through hands-on experiences, they showcase the operations and construction of rideable large-scale model railroads. Join us for free train rides on select dates throughout 2026! Bring the family and experience the excitement of riding a large-scale model train, operated by passionate railroad enthusiasts.
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The Children's Arts in the Park series provides a unique & vibrant arts experience for children on multiple Saturdays during the summer in City Park. For 2026, young artists will get to explore a variety of materials and techniques related to rainbows in nature, thanks to the creative efforts of the Edwardsville Arts Center. The teachers are practicing artists and art educators.
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Best places to take kids in St Louis in 2026! Once again, our readers have spoken! Thousands of parents voted in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in
special categories like favorite spot for indoor play, favorite nature center, favorite museum, and much more!
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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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