KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Fri, Feb 13: The Flurry 2026 at Saratoga Springs City Center
Sat, Feb 14: The Big Chill at Hancock Shaker Village
Mon, Feb 16: Winter Kids Weekend at YMCA Camp Weona
Thu, Feb 19: The Frog Prince at Troy Public
Library
Sat, Feb 21: Teens on Stage presents Water for Elephants at The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
Wed, Feb 25: Silent Hunters at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
Thu, Feb 26: Minecraft Mayhem at the Washington Avenue Branch at Albany Public Library: Main Branch
Tue, Mar 3: Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition at the New York State Museum
Sat, Mar 14: Maple Fest - Indian Ladder Farms
Sat, Mar 14: Thurman Maple Days 2026 at Thurman Town Hall |
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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Camp Invention 2026 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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Tue, February 17 - bring the family to the Palace Theatre for a FREE movie and fun activities! Doors open at NOON for Fun & Games - crafts, face painting and get your photo taken with Anna and Elsa. Then stick around for FROZEN on the big screen at 1PM.
Get Free Tickets at https://bit.ly/PalFrozenffd26
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FEB BREAK UPDATE: Minecraft & Learn Logic/Coding
Body: Does your child love Minecraft? Don't let them just play games next week. Join our "Ink Squad" and turn screen time into skills!
Current Status (Feb 16-20):
Ages 9-13: Morning SOLD OUT. (Only 5 PM spots left).
Ages 6-8: Morning Almost Full (3 spots left).
Your child will master:
Juniors: Building "Rainbow Cities" & coding animated stories.
Seniors: Coding "Parkour Paint" games & "Floor is Lava" courses.
Final headcount is due soon. Secure these final seats before the break begins!
https://steamwhiz.com/product/breakcamps2026/
(P.S. Summer 2026 is also filling fast—book now!)
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Blippi is coming to your hometown in the all-new Be Like Blippi Tour! Join Blippi and Meekah live on stage at the Palace Theatre on Sunday, MARCH 8 at 3pm, in a high-energy live show packed with music, laughter, and surprises. This brand-new interactive
adventure invites families to put on your orange glasses and unlock the spark of curiosity inside us all—showing that everyone can Be Like Blippi!
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JABBERWOCKY -- The Puppet Show.
A Blacklight theater Camp for students in grades 5-10. Students present a fractured Fairy Tale puppet show that re-imagines the events and plays characters from Through The Looking Glass. Students learn blacklight puppetry, stagecraft, illusion and special effects, using fluorescent costumes and props on a darkened stage to create a magical blacklight show presented at the end of camp. No prior experience needed. Program
runs during the 2026 School break week, February 16-20, Monday-Friday 9 AM to 3 PM, located in Dreamlights Studio at Viaport Mall (93 W. Campbell Rd, Schenectady). For information go to https://Eidolon.Theater .
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Looking for a fun, confidence-boosting activity for your kids in Albany? Atlas Jiu Jitsu offers top-notch Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and striking classes through their Tiny Titans program, designed for ages 4–14. Kids learn essential self-defense skills while
building focus, discipline, and resilience in a supportive, team-based environment. Classes are active, engaging, and perfect for all experience levels—from beginners to future champions. With expert coaches and a welcoming community, Atlas Albany is the perfect place for kids to grow on and off the mat. Try a free class today and see what makes Tiny Titans so special!
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We're excited to celebrate the 27th Anniversary of Chowderfest! Saratoga County's top restaurants will be serving 4 oz. samples of chowder for just $2—vote for your favorite to win! Check individual participants to learn who is hosting live music for
Chowderfest! Family-friendly activities will be scattered throughout downtown Saratoga, including Saratoga Springs City Center and the Heritage Area Visitors Center! Don't miss this year's Chowderfest – it's going to be one for the books!
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The 11th Annual Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest takes place on Friday, February 6 in Downtown Ballston Spa from 5 pm - 9 pm. With over 30 Sweet Spots to choose from, bring your family and friends an make it night of it in our quaint village. Each chocolate
sample is $2 (cash only). At the end of the evening, be sure to vote for your favorite in the three categories: Sweet, Savory and Beverage. Soon you’ll find a list of our participating businesses and chocolate chefs along with a map for the event.
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Enjoy the beloved "Taste of Clifton Park Soup Contest", sledding, horse-drawn carriage rides, outdoor story time, family festival, hot cocoa & smores, outhouse races, ice fishing, and so much more!
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Amazing Magic Show, Reptile Adventure...Come and hold some very cool reptiles, Amazing Magic Show, Saratoga Paint & Drip will be joining us...Come & Paint / Craft with them, Face Painting & Temporary Tattoos, "No Strings Attached" Mobile Puppet
Museum, Valentine’s Day Shopping, Hot Food, Live Music
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Lake George in the winter is an absolute must-see! While our summer is iconic, the colder months bring a unique magic—think crystal-clear Adirondack air, snow-dusted mountains, and the serene, breathtaking beauty of the frozen lake. The Winter Carnival
transforms the village into a lively, welcoming hub of family fun. Escape the ordinary and come experience the unique charm, thrilling outdoor adventures, and cozy atmosphere that only Lake George can offer! The magic started way back in 1961 with our 1st Annual Lake George Winter Carnival. Now, over six decades later, this legendary celebration of everything fun about Adirondack winter continues! Join us for an extended 2026 season of five activity-packed weekends, running from February 6
through March 8, featuring a full slate of frosty fun for all ages.
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100 Years of Thrills. 100 Years of Laughs. 100 Years of Joy.
This is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of Jaw-Dropping "No Way!" moves, 100 Years of "Wow!" and 100 Years of Heart-Pounding Thrills! The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to your city with their most LEGENDARY TOUR EVER. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball! This is history you can feel and a celebration of 100 years of over-the-top FUN with all-new surprises like the Golden
Basketball by Spalding®. This is fan celebration from the moment you arrive with epic new pre-game magic, unforgettable post-game interactions, and the most fan-fueled experience in sports. This is your only chance to be part of The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour.
Don't miss your chance to be part of the LEGACY.
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- Free Ice Skating at the Rink at Empire State Plaza - New York State Office of General Services, Albany, NY, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 3 pm, & 4 pm - 6 pm
- Albany Center Gallery's 21st Annual Members' Show
- Albany, NY, 12 pm - 5 pm
- Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition at the New York
State Museum - New York State Museum, Albany, NY, 10 am - 2 pm
- 2026 Ballston Spa
Chocolate Festival - Ballston Spa, NY, 5 pm - 9 pm
- Winter Fest - Huyck Preserve, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- 10th Annual Family Festival - Schenectady, NY, 12 -4
- Take Your Child to the Library Day - Rensselaer Public Library, Rensselaer, NY, 10 AM
- Winterfest Story Time & Craft - Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Clifton Park, NY, 10:00AM-10:30AM
- Winterfest Famous Snowman
Scavenger Hunt at Clifton Park Center Mall - Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Clifton Park, NY, 12:00PM-3:00PM
- Reading with Greta at Troy Public Library - Troy, NY, 11 am to 12 pm
- Superb Owl Sunday - New York State Museum - New York State Museum, Albany, NY, 10 am - 12 pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Charlotte 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 Capital Region? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues, unlock secrets, 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 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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