KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area |
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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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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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- Dearborn Wonderlights - Dearborn Peace Park West, West Village Drive, Dearborn, MI, Fri Feb 6 - Sun Feb 8, 5:30P:M
- Open Skate at The Rink at Stine Community Park - The Rink at Stine Community Park, Town Center Drive, Troy, MI, Fri Feb 6 - Sun Feb 8, Fri: 3–9 pm | Sat: 11 am–9 pm | Sun: 11 am–8 pm
- Discover & Play Family Fest -
Everybody Ready, 8225 Allen Road, Allen Park, MI, Sat Feb 7, 10 am to 1 pm
- Valentine Party -
MilkShake Factory Ann Arbor, 326 S Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, Sat Feb 7, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
- Berkley WinterFest 2026 - 3338 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI, Sat Feb 7, 12PM - 2PM
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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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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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