KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When Madison and Ella were young, I made it a point to stretch their comfort zones in small, manageable ways. They’d order their own food at restaurants, they'd arrange their own homeschool work schedules, they'd try activities where they didn’t know anyone. I did my best not to step in unless invited. Over time, they started trusting their
own ability to navigate the world without me. That, of course, was the point. But the better they got at being independent, the more I started to feel a quiet kind of discomfort. They were moving outward—into the world, into themselves—and I could feel the shift. There’s a concept in astrophysics called red shift. When a star or galaxy moves away from us, the light it emits stretches, shifting toward the red end of the spectrum. The farther away it moves, the
redder the light appears. It’s how we know the universe is expanding. The movement doesn’t mean the light is gone—just that it’s arriving to us in a new form, from farther away. I think about that a lot as my kids are no longer orbiting so closely. I still see their light; it just looks different now. I’m learning to recognize their new wavelengths. The trick, I think, is not to see red shift as loss, but as evidence of motion. The fact that I feel the stretch means the
universe is doing what it’s supposed to do: expanding, evolving, moving outward. I remind myself that this kind of shift is a mark of success. Increased wavelength, decreased frequency... it's all part of the natural order of things. Light travels and stretches, and love does, too.
—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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Join us on January 24, 2026, from 10:30 am until 12 pm for a FREE event: Weird Science with Professor Sparks! Come spend the morning exploring the science of fire! Professor Sparks and her robot canine companion, Spot 2000, will present an interactive program that is full of surprises! After the program, do your own science experiment with Professor Sparks (supplies included with the program) and take home your supplies to do the experiment again at home! All activities are FREE and will be indoors. Free admission to the Museum will also be offered to all who attend this special event. Reservations are not required for this event.
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Embrace winter and enjoy a fun day outside skating at Empire State Plaza! Skate rentals cost $5, except on Saturdays, which are Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday. Skate sizes range from child's size 8 to adult size 15, subject to availability. Reminder! Ice rink hours and events are always subject to weather conditions.
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Come on in to relax and create a unique project! Hundreds of paintings and surfaces to choose from. 4 featured specials for $24 each! Leave your busy schedules and the stresses of the world at the door as you enter our peaceful studio atmosphere. Open Studio is typically held every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, plus extra days off from school. No experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome – a great option for family time! We also welcome those with needs to attend any of our regular classes or Open Studio hours with an aid or family member.
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Join Greta, our loveable therapy dog every Saturday! Kids can build reading skills in a relaxed judgement free space. Boost your child's reading skills and wellbeing: Join Greta every Saturday from noon to 1 pm, Kids may read to her or just visit. All are welcome!
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Got Kids? is a children’s consignment sale held each Spring and Fall in the Capital Region of New York. The sale is set up like a retail store, where items are organized for easy shopping. We bring together the consignors with shoppers, in one fantastic weekend event. We strive to extend the short life of children’s items to help our next generations maintain our earth. VIA PORT Rotterdam (Old Rotterdam Mall) - Old Shoe Depot Entrance - GPS Viaport Aquarium and we are right next door. Free and open to the public. Cash and credit accepted (credit has a 1.5%fee). Everything you need for your kids in one spot! Toys, clothes( adult and kids), shoes (adult and kids), books, games, electronic, baby gear, sport equipment, decor and so much more!
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Do you want to be involved in your child's first school experience? Are you looking for a place that creates a community? Then check us out! Bring your child, play with the toys, and meet the teacher and current families. Spread the word to friends and family and let them know we are open for public registration and will be hosting 2 open house events on January 22 from 12:30 pm - 2 pm and later in the evening from 6 pm - 7 pm.
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Acting, improv, writing, and imaginative play classes for kids age 2-18. Imaginary Circumstances provides inclusive spaces where kids can explore their creativity through theatre games, techniques, and performances. Our classes are designed to spark imagination while enhancing your child's communication, confidence, and social skills. Winter session starts the week of January 12, 2026.
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Are you a parent or caregiver of a trans or non-binary child? Saratoga Pride is here for you! Please join our new support group for parents of transgender or non-binary children of all ages. We will be meeting the 4th Monday of each month, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Presbyterian United Church of Christ Nolan House at 25 Circular Street in Saratoga Springs.
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- Free Ice Skating at the Rink at Empire State Plaza - New York State Office of General Services, Albany, NY, Friday, January 23 to Sunday, January 25, 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, 222 Madison Ave, Albany, NY, Friday, January 23 to Sunday, January 25, 10 am - 2 pm
- International Creativity Month: Collaborative Popsicle Stick Collage - Albany Public Library - Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, Friday, January 23 to Sunday, January 25, All day
- Colonie Library's 2026 PreSchool Fair - Saturday, January 24, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Reading with Greta at Troy Public Library - Saturday, January 24, 12 am - 12 pm
- PAWS for Reading at Schenectady County Public Library - Sunday, January 25, 2 -
3 pm
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Capital Region? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues, unlock secrets,
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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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