KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area |
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Fri, Jan 16: Parents Night Out at Champion Gymnastics Ann
Arbor
Fri, Jan 16: Fire & Ice Festival 2026 at Downtown Rochester Fri, Jan 16: Tecumseh's Annual Ice Sculpture Festival
Fri, Jan 23: STOMP - Fox Theatre Detroit
Fri, Jan 30: Annual Plymouth Ice Festival
Sat, Jan 31: Longest Night in the Village at Troy Historic Village
Sat, Jan 31: Adopt a (Stuffed) Puppy - Saline Recreation Center
Sat, Feb 14: Lunar Love with Danny Koo: A Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Celebration at Hill Auditorium
Sat, Feb 21: Daddy Daughter Valentine Ball - Saline Recreation Center
Sat, Mar 7: American Girl Tea Party - Saline Recreation
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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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Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan (PYTMI) empowers young performers through exceptional training, inclusive productions, and a commitment to artistic excellence. Based in Ypsilanti, PYTMI offers high-quality theatrical experiences for students of all backgrounds, with opportunities in acting, singing, dancing, and technical theatre. From beloved musicals to innovative new works, each production emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and confidence. PYTMI welcomes families into a supportive, community-driven environment where youth can grow on and off the stage. With camps, classes, and shows year-round, PYTMI is where young artists shine. Learn more and get involved at www.pytmi.com or by clicking on the image.
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Ages 5 and up. $10 per kiddo. Fridays 8:00-9:00pm. Open Gym style play for 1 hour. Make friends, practice skills, and have FUN! We are only offering this open gym one Friday a month. Look at the customer portal to see when the next one is!
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Join us for an exciting series just for preschoolers. Bring your munchkin (ages 3-6) to the nature center for a favorite story and related hands-on, nature-based activity. Events in the series take place on the first Friday of each month.
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Go out for date night, run some errands, or simply have a fun night at home while the kids are safe watching movies, making crafts, playing games, and eating pizza! Each night is only $20 with a $10 sibling discount!
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You bring your Nerf Blasters (N-Strike compatible only) and we'll provide the nerf darts (please do not bring your own) and the obstacles. Teams will be split by our Nerf Nerds (referees) and they'll coordinate different games during the hour. Safety glasses will be provided and must be worn during the game. Limited spots per age group, register early -- will sell out fast!
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Thank you for your interest in the Learn to Play Hockey program, presented in collaboration with the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, the Little Red Wings and the Detroit Downtown Partnership. Detroit-area children ages 5-9 will receive free on-ice instruction and a full set of hockey equipment. Sessions will be held on Saturday mornings at the Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus, starting at 9 a.m. The program runs from Jan. 10 to Feb. 21. (No session will be held on Feb. 14th).
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Second Saturdays at The War Memorial bring families together for a morning of hands-on fun, themed activities, and a live onstage performance—perfect for kids ages 3–10 (and the adults who love them!). Each month offers a new adventure to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and make memories on our beautiful lakeside campus.
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World of Winter 2026 starts Friday, January 9, and runs through Sunday, March 1. Art installations are usually open daily from 8 am to 11 pm, though some light-based pieces are only illuminated after dark. The festival tends to be busier after 5 pm and on weekends, when most events and performances are scheduled. There’s still plenty to enjoy during the day, so visit before 5 pm Mondays-Thursdays to avoid the heaviest crowds. Now in its 6th year, World of Winter features stunning art installations, interactive exhibits and live performances, offering a unique way to embrace the season and enjoy the beauty of winter.
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Enjoy quality one-on-one time with a special child in your life with a fun and educational experience at our Zoo Tots programs. The sessions of eight weekly classes are for a preschool-age child and adult caregiver and include activities and art to build social and exploration skills, while learning about animals at the Detroit Zoo!
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This 7-practice/6-game season held on Sundays is a 5 vs. 5, non-contact, recreational, co-ed format (Except Clarkston and Romeo Females in Flag Leagues). We try to limit teams to 8-10 players to maximize playing time. This is an exceptional program for first-time players who want to learn the fundamentals of football. This is also a wonderful opportunity for players who want to continue enhancing their skills before taking the next leap into tackle football. There are no try-outs!
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For ages 2-4 with a grown-up. A fast-paced story time with dancing, musical instruments, books, and toy time! No registration required.
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Toddlers and their grown-ups are invited for stories, action songs, sign language and more! No registration required.
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Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue; wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – dustbins, suitcases, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps – to fill the stage with a compelling and unique act that is often imitated but never duplicated. STOMP, the international percussion sensation, comes to the Fox Theatre for three performances on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. as part of the 2025-26 Fox Theatre Series presented by Comerica Bank.
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- Baby Playgroups at Ann Arbor District Library Downtown - Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, Friday, January 9, 10:30 - 11:30AM
- Dearborn Wonderlights - West Village Drive, Dearborn, Friday, January 9 to Sunday, January 11, 5:30P:M
- Get to Know Greenhills Lower
School - Greenhills School, 850 Greenhills Drive, Ann Arbor, Saturday, January 10, 2:00 pm—3:30 pm
- Little Red Wings – Learn To Play Clinics (Register Now!) - 1 Campus Martius, Detroit, Saturday, January 10, 9:00AM
- Discover Greenhills 6th Grade Event - Greenhills School, 850 Greenhills Drive, Ann Arbor, Sunday, January 11, 1:00PM -
2:30PM
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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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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. If the
information above changes or if there are venues that should be added, please email us, and we'll help get those posted!
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas 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 Detroit Metro 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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