KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Tue, Jan 13: Sensory Space Play Time at The William K. Sanford Town
Library/Colonie Town Library
Thu, Jan 15: Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail Walks at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
Thu, Jan 22: Baby Storytime - Albany Public Library: Pine Hills Branch
Sat, Jan 24: Colonie Library's 2026 PreSchool Fair at The William K. Sanford Town Library/Colonie Town Library
Sat, Jan 24: Weird Science with Professor Sparks at FASNY Museum of Firefighting
Fri, Jan 30: Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at UAlbany Performing Arts Center at The Kenmore Ballroom - Albany, NY
Sat, Feb 7: Winter Fest at The Huyck Preserve
Mon, Feb 9: Bluegrass Jam - Old Songs
Fri, Feb 13: We Go Together - Cookie
Decorating Class at Shaker Heritage Society
Sat, Feb 14: Jurassic Quest x Brick Fest Live @ Rochester Riverside
Convention Center
Thu, Feb 19: The Frog Prince at Troy Public Library |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
I'm in Phoenix this week for a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, where I'm giving a talk about my new book, The Eclipse Effect. One of the best parts of being here is getting to attend the other presentations, too, which is how I found myself Monday night inside under the Dorrance Planetarium Dome at the Arizona Science Center, gazing up at a sky unlike any I’ve ever seen. Thanks to cutting-edge LED projection technology and the first imagery from the nearly-complete Rubin Observatory in Chile, the dome became a portal into the depths of our galaxy and beyond,
rendered in light so vivid and detailed it felt like we could fall in. The room was full of astronomers, researchers, educators—professionals who have dedicated their careers to explaining the universe. These were the very people who helped build the tools, who'd worked the math, who’d waited decades to see the science take shape... and even they were astonished: Their faces were lit up with the kind of awe you usually only see in children. It was a reminder that at its
heart, science is about connection. Connecting those points of light above my head, yes; connecting the dots, sure... but also connecting people—to each other, to wonder, and to what’s possible. If you want your kids to connect deeply with science—or history, or nature, or culture, or space—you don’t need a telescope on a mountain, you just need a person. So go to the museum, walk the trail, step into the planetarium. But don’t stop at the
exhibit signs: Find the people! Ask them questions. They want to talk to you! These docents, tour guides, librarians, explainers, and educators are the ones who turn information into illumination. They are the lens your kids can look through to see what their future might be. So seek the sky painters. Then stand next to your kids, look up, and be amazed together.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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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 special day in a creative way at Arts & Glass! At our Pottery-Painting Parties (age 4+), artists pick their own pottery pieces and design them using non-toxic, washable glaze paints. Our team then fires the pottery to a permanent, food-safe, glossy finish. At our Glass Fusing Parties (age 8+), artists learn how to safely handle and assemble designs of brightly-colored glass to build suncatchers, dishes, or even nightlights. Our team then fires the glass in our kilns to a solid, smooth glass work of art. Every party includes a personal party host, private party room, instructional art lesson, all tools and art materials, cleanup, and a FREE personalized keepsake ceramic plate for the birthday child. All pottery and glass art is ready for pickup in 7-10 days. Please visit our website for more information.
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Thinking about PreK for your 3- or 4-year-old? We invite you to come tour Saratoga Independent School and experience our warm, joyful, and award-winning multiage PreK program. With small class sizes, two teachers in every room, hands-on thematic learning, weekly Spanish and music, and a 60-acre campus for outdoor exploration, our students thrive through play, discovery, and meaningful connection. During your visit, you’ll see how our teachers nurture intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development through engaging activities, circle time, and daily outdoor play. We’d love to welcome your family—schedule a tour today and apply for the 2026–2027 (and beyond) school year! www.siskids.org/tour
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Robots Take Over the Capital Center! Mark your calendars for the inaugural Capital Region Classic (CRC) VEX IQ Tournament! On Saturday, January 17th, the Albany Capital Center transforms into a high-tech arena. Watch local elementary and middle school students compete in the ultimate "Sport for the Mind," battling for a spot at the NY State Championship. Hosted by STEAMwhiz and UAlbany’s CNSE, this event is FREE and open to the public. It is the perfect way to inspire your child’s love for STEM. Come cheer on the future engineers of the Capital Region! When: Jan 17, 2026 (9 AM – 4 PM) Where: Albany Capital Center Cost: FREE
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Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to experience Titanic, the most luxurious ship to ever set sail. Featuring numerous artifacts, dramatic room recreations, never-before-seen 3D views, video animations, and cutting-edge technology, Titanic: An Immersive Voyage – Through the Eyes of the Passengers tells the story of the RMS Titanic like never before.
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Meet Barbie®: the multi-generation powerhouse that started it all, made history, and broke boundaries. Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition celebrates Barbie as a reflection of culture, with exclusive designer interviews and an up-close look at vintage dolls, iconic cultural moments, and fashion trends from each era. The exhibition features a priceless collection of over 300 artifacts from the 64-year history of Barbie, including the very first 1959 doll, an original Barbie Dreamhouse, behind-the-scenes prototypes, as well as some of the most infamous Barbie dolls throughout history. Visitors will also find numerous photo ops throughout the exhibition for shareable moments. A role model, a muse, a best friend—Barbie means something to everyone. Step back into your childhood and join us on this exhibition of a six-decade evolution, and the making of a global icon.
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For ages 3 and up. To celebrative International Creativity Month we're hosting a collaborative collage using popsicle sticks. Stop by the Youth Services Room to contribute. Your work will be showcased at the end of the month! This program is designed for children and their caregivers. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
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- Free Ice Skating at the Rink at Empire State Plaza - Albany, NY, Friday, January 9, 2026 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 3 pm, & 4 pm - 6 pm
- Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition at the New York State Museum - New York State
Museum - Albany, NY, Friday, January 9, 2026 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, 10 am - 2 pm
- International Creativity Month: Collaborative Popsicle Stick Collage - Albany Public Library - Albany, NY, Friday, January 9, 2026 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, All day
- Pre-K Open House - St. Thomas the Apostle School - Delmar, NY, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm
- Free Day at the World Awareness Children's Museum - World Awareness Children's Museum - Glens Falls, NY, Sunday, January 11, 2026, 10:00AM - 3:00PM
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
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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 Albany 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 best places to take kids in the Capital District as voted by New York parents! Parents vote, we do the math, and the result is the Top 20 Places to Take Kids! But there is LOTS more to do in Albany than even just this wonderful list: visit
KidsOutAndAbout.com to see our events calendar, find seasonal activities, get ideas for the perfect day trip and MORE.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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