KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Fri, Feb 13: Titanic (1997) – Live In Concert with the Chicago Philharmonic
Fri, Feb 13: Disney On Ice presents Jump In!
Sat, Feb 14: Family Days at the MCA at Museum of Contemporary Art
Chicago
Sun, Feb 15: February Free Museum Day at the American Writers Museum Mon, Feb 16: Curiosity Day Camp at Museum of Science Industry: Bessie Coleman Flight School
Thu, Feb 19: Little Climbers at Funtopia Tue, Feb 24: Youth Basketball Winter III at Milwaukee Yard
Fri, Feb 27: Superhero and Princess Party at the Community Arts Center at Buffalo Grove Park District Sat, Mar 7: Once Upon a Symphony (for ages 3-5): The Bremen Town Musicians at Chicago Symphony Orchestra Fri, Apr 17: Handyman Hall Comes to Town - Riviera Theatre, April 17
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Next week, my husband and I are heading to a Valentine's Evening behind-the-scenes tour of the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo, New York. It’s the same Frank Lloyd Wright museum we’ve visited
several times, but this version is fancily dressed for the holiday: candlelight, champagne, treats, and a fresh perspective on something familiar. That’s the real magic of Valentine’s Day: It’s one of those perfectly made-up holidays, constructed out of paper hearts, glitter, and good intentions... and it manages magically to transform our spaces, our schedules, and our spirits. As publisher, I've had a 25-year front row seat to communities
around the country who turn nothing into something every February. This year, visitors can say "I Love Thee" in a Victorian mansion in Riverside, CA while a re-enactor in a top hat explains the romantic origin of the Hershey’s Kiss. Frying Pan Farm Park in Virginia will
help kids say "I Love MOO!" with farm animal puns. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center invites everyone on a Valentine's
Express Steam Train ride that is more light-hearted than steamy. And next Saturday, biologists at the California Academy of Sciences will hand out heart-shaped valentines to their African penguins—who will then present them to their mates to help line their nests. Not
all Valentine’s Day celebrations require you to get out and about, though; just muster some creativity and apply it to stuff you already have lying around the house. Cut hearts from red paper and tape them to the door. Dress in scarlet or rose or salmon pink. Light a candle at dinner while you're eating heart-shaped cheese, toast, bacon, or lasagna (here are 25 fun recipes from Food Network). When you and your kids dress up your world together, you’re not just celebrating love, you’re celebrating creativity. And they're learning the life skill of transforming ordinary stuff around them into something special. It only takes one step beyond the good intention to make it so. Love can be grand, indeed. But it doesn’t have to be grand to be great.
—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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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of
entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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We love to see our younger friends at Altitude Chicago!
Toddlers (and their parents) have a blast at Altitude Trampoline Park Chicago, and we’re here to make sure they are safe while doing so. While a parent ticket isn’t required, we certainly encourage it to accompany any Toddler jumpers – and for that reason offer it at a discounted rate of just $12!
Toddler Time is exclusive to any children ages 6 & under*+. Toddler Time is offered Monday – Friday at a discounted rate of $17.95.
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Gather your family for an evening of fun and games! Enjoy your favorite board games along with delicious pizza and snacks. Pre-registration is required, and the fee covers a family of four. Each additional family member is $7.
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This is a family-friendly program designed to learn about the life and work of Dr. Leonidas Berry. As an introduction to his collection and his impact in Chicago, participants will be putting together a model plane like the ones used by the Flying Black
Medics, of which he was a founding organizer. Learn more in our archives! Presented as part of the Renaissance Project, this event invites participants to actively engage with the rich and often untold stories of Black history and heritage at Chicago Public Library.
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Join us for a special dance-inspired story time presented by Tutu School Ballet. The program includes an introduction to ballet and dance, a read-aloud from Tutu School's monthly book club selection, dance participation and more! Tutu School is a collection
of whimsical, boutique ballet schools for toddlers and children across the US, UK and Canada. The school, especially their Lincoln Park studio, is passionate about helping children nurture their imagination and develop confidence and joy through music and movement.
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Presented in Symphony Center's intimate Buntrock Hall, Once Upon a Symphony weaves chamber music performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with storytelling, sets, costumes and multimedia to create a captivating and magical introduction to live
music for children aged 3-5. In the Ugly Duckling, a young duckling is teased for being different. After facing loneliness and other struggles, the duckling matures into a stunning swan, realizing true beauty comes from within. Explore this musical portrait of self-discovery, acceptance and inner strength.
Once Upon a Symphony is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ignite your child’s imagination with vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre.
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For 5 Saturdays only, warm up with us INDOORS from 10am to 2pm in the 1st Floor Gymnasium at Broadway Armory (5917 N. Broadway). The indoor market will feature 50+ food vendors, artists, and artisans selling prepared foods, baked goods, winter produce, warm
drinks, local treats, art, gifts, and more! Entry to the market is free. Vendors will have individually priced goods for purchase (and maybe some free samples!)
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Lace up your skates and hit the ice! Public Skate at Fifth Third Arena offers a fun and welcoming experience for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're gliding for the first time or a seasoned skater, our sessions provide the perfect
opportunity to enjoy the ice with family and friends. We have rental skates available for all ages and sizes, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the ice. We only offer hockey skates sizes 8j-16 Adult
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- WPB First Friday in February - North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL, Friday, February 6, 2026, 6 pm - 8 pm
- Play Group at Lincoln Park Library - West Fullerton Avenue, Sheffield & DePaul, Chicago, IL, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10 - 11 am
- Lunar New Year at Little Red School House Nature Center - 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 10 am
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Chicago area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Chicago 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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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Chicago 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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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Chicago Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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