Thank the Magicians

July 3, 2025

One Saturday morning during my daughter Madison’s first season with the Bach Children's Chorus, I stood in the hallway with other parents as the notes of John Rutter’s Mass of the Children floated through the door. I found myself tearing up—not just at the music’s beauty, but at the joy of watching my daughter thrive in exactly the right place for her.

My colleague June Santini, who managed the chorus back then (before I stole her for KidsOutAndAbout), noticed my tears and smiled. “Yeah,” she said, “parents do a lot of weeping the first year.”

You’ve likely had a moment like that too—when your child connects with a wonderful teacher, coach, or experience and just soars. These are the people and places that shape our kids and make our communities better. And they deserve a thank-you.

That’s why each summer, we at KidsOutAndAbout.com run our Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey. It’s a fast, free, meaningful way for you to show appreciation to those creating local magic for kids and families. In addition to voting for your favorites, you can leave comments we’ll pass along directly to the people who make the magic happen.

The survey takes just a few minutes. But your vote is a powerful note in a larger chorus—a way of saying, “We see you. We’re grateful. Keep going.” So please click here to vote. You'll click to choose your three local favorite destinations, then optionally write in some category nominees.

Celebrate the places you love and lift up those who give their hearts to your kids. It’s the best kind of music.

—Deb