KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
My first job out of college was as the managing editor at a small medical publishing company in New York City. I worked alongside Steve, our associate editor. My strength was structure and rhythm; his was medical accuracy and detail. We made a good team. One day, Steve walked into my office waving some printed pages. “Deb, can you do that thing you
do, so I can check out the science?” “What thing?” I asked. “You know,” he said, “that magic you work where the writing comes in muddy and you turn it into something clear, logical, and even fun to read.” I’ve never forgotten that moment. Not just because it felt great to be seen, but because of what it taught me about leadership. We’re surrounded by people with unique strengths. As parents, friends, or leaders, one of the most powerful things
we can do is notice those strengths and say them out loud. When we do, people rise. Kids rise. They lean into what they’re good at, and their futures get brighter. It’s not magic—it’s just the natural result of being seen and valued—but it feels like it. Over the years, as I raised kids, built a business team, and worked within various communities, I kept returning to that lesson: Leadership isn’t about having a title, it’s about paying attention. You can’t run a
family or a business unless you know who you’re with and what makes them shine. And once you start validating others (“You know that thing you do? Please do that!”) you become a leader. Even if you're just leading someone to be more themselves. So today, find a reason to start a conversation: “You know that thing you do?...” You won't see it right away, but trust me: Their horizon will glow.
—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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Attention party animals: Celebrate your birthday at the Humane Society of Huron Valley for $50 off!
Our party program for ages 6-12 includes a shelter tour, a craft for the animals, and a meet-and-greet with the adoptable animals. Plus, the birthday kid gets to name a shelter animal! Use code WINTER26 to get $50 off of a party booked for January, February or March. (But don’t wait – spots for Saturdays and Sundays fill before you know it!)
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The Plymouth Ice Festival, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, is a world-class event in beautiful downtown Plymouth that is exciting and fun for the whole family. Furthermore, the event is committed to spreading the word about downtown Plymouth and
helping the local business community thrive through event outreach and marketing efforts.
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Get ready to light up the rink like never before! Join us at United Skates for an electric night of skating, music, and glowing fun under the black lights. Bring your friends, your brightest neon, and get ready to shine, spin, and glow!
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A Sci-Fi Adventure in Creativity, Connection, and Imagination. Calling all dads, father figures, and kids ages 7–14! Step away from the screens and blast off into an evening of hands-on fun at the Village Arts Factory. Our sci-fi themed Salvage Robot
Workshop is the perfect chance to unplug, get creative, and build something amazing—together. In this interactive assemblage art experience, each duo will design and construct their own robot sculpture using an exciting assortment of recycled materials, found objects, hardware, scraps, and other unexpected treasures. No experience needed—just teamwork, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure!
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Shake your winter blues and join us for a day of getting crafty! The Village has a slew of crafts at the ready to put your skills to the test or teach you some new ones. Tie some knots on a rag doll, try your hand at knitting, make a toy, and dip a beeswax
candle! Expect to be here approximately 2 hours. This event is held rain, snow, or shine, so please dress for the weather! All activities take place inside buildings, but you will need to walk outside to get from one building to another.
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Bring your imagination and love for animals to the Rec Center for this new event! Children will adopt their very own plush friend to take home and love. They will receive an adoption certificate, visit the vet checkup station, make a personalized collar,
decorate a special carrier box to take them home in and more! This heartwarming program encourages creativity, kindness, and pretend play - plus every child leaves with a cuddly keepsake!
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Get ready for a fast, fun, and frosty skate with Sonic at United Skates! He wants to warm you up with a free cup of his famous hot cocoa — included with paid admission. Skate fast, sip cocoa, and have a blast — Sonic Hot Cocoa Skate is the ultimate winter
fun!
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Maybury Farm is hosting a pop up event on 1/31/2026. Fun few hours doing a scavenger hunt and see all the animals that are waiting for your attention Complete the scavenger hunt and turn in your results for a free bag of popcorn.
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Don’t miss our Winter Kids Series at select locations!
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Every Saturday and Sunday includes Sledding with free sleds to borrow in the Sled Shed, Oversized bonfires and marshmallow roasters (lit 12-7 p.m.), Curling, Board Games inside the Shed, Riverfront Ambassadors with free activity pages, hand warmers, and
gloves, Drinks and s’mores at the Valade Shed Bar (12-8 p.m.), and Food from Smokey G’s (12-7 p.m.)
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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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Monday - Thursday 8:30-10:00 AM
Saturday from 1:00-2:00 PM
$10 per child
ALL children must be accompanied by an Adult.
Remember, open gym is not a time to learn new gymnastics skills. Coaches are present to monitor safety, not spot or provide coaching during this time.
If you are using equipment, please put it back where you found it.
We must take care of our equipment so we can keep offering this fun experience to all of our wonderful families!
Please register on the Customer Portal.
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For ages 12 to 23 months with parent or loving caregiver. Songs, simple stories, and other activities that introduce our youngest patrons to the pleasures of the library. No registration required.
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Ann Arbor-Detroit 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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- Baby Playgroups at Ann Arbor District Library Downtown - Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, January 30, 10:30 - 11:30AM
- Annual Plymouth Ice Festival - 350 South Main Street, Plymouth, Jan 30-Feb 1, Friday, January 30th, 5 pm to 10 pm Saturday, January 31st, 10 am to 10 pm Sunday, February 1st, 10 am to 6 pm
- Open Skate at The Rink at Stine Community Park - Town Center Drive, Troy, Jan 30-Feb 1, Fri: 3–9 pm | Sat: 11 am–9 pm | Sun: 11 am–8 pm
- Mayfair Co-Op Open House - Mayfair Co-Op Pre-School, 30450 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills, January 31, 10AM -
12PM
- Our Lady of Good Counsel Pre-K Open House - 1151 William
Street, Plymouth, January 31, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Glacier Way Open House - Glacier Way Co-Op Preschool, South 7th Street, Ann Arbor, February 1, 3-5pm
- Triangle Co-Op Open House - 1432 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, February 1, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- NCS Open House 2026 - Northville Christian School, 41355 6 Mile Road, Northville, February 1, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
- Southfield Christian School Open House - 28650 Lahser Road, Southfield, February 1, 2:30PM and 4:00PM
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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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