KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area |
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Good morning! We are re-sending this newsletter because we had some technical difficulties this morning, and the earlier version didn't include information about a bunch of great activities for this weekend. You'll find them below. - The KidsOutAndAbout team |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For much of the country, it's been the hardest winter in recent memory: cold, monochrome, relentless. The kind of season that reminds us how little control we really have. We do our best to manage routines and moods and expectations, but parents feel it most. February stretches long and flat after the excitement of the holidays, before the lift of spring. You're still packing lunches,
wrangling homework, managing emotions (your kids’ and your own)... all while the cold keeps the family cooped up. This is the season of endurance.
Of course, endurance isn’t about being stoic or silent or superhuman; it’s about continuing, even when things are hard. It’s about showing up for your people, your plans, and yourself, day after chilly day. And it’s about knowing that if you’re feeling the drag right now, you’re not alone. Many of us are moving through it together.
Even for those who don't live in Nature's Refrigerator,* February can still bring its own version of stuckness: that long stretch between holidays, where kids are restless and routines feel stale. Sometimes, by February, our gray matter feels just as gray as the weather. When that happens, help is allowed! Check out our article and outsource the brainstorming to KidsOutAndAbout: Stuck Inside This Winter? 20 Creative Indoor Activities for Kids is packed with creative, practical, low-effort ways to keep your family engaged (and sane) when outside play isn’t an option. And it shows you how to tap your favorite AI to be your thought partner to personalize it for your
family. February Gray doesn’t need to be conquered; it just needs to be lightened a bit. So whether you're "out and about" or "in and not at all about," we're here to brighten the rest of your winter!
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build
Strong Communities
*Rochester, NY ☺️ |
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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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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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Kroger Delivery helps busy families reclaim time and reduce stress by delivering fresh groceries and household essentials straight to the doorstep, within the one-hour timeframe that fits your busy schedule. Conveniently shop from your phone to add favorite
items, reorder past products, and save with digital coupons. A Boost membership provides fee-free delivery on qualifying orders and extra fuel rewards, to keep costs predictable. Refrigerated trucks preserve freshness for produce, dairy, and frozen items, while professional drivers handle everything right to your doorstep. Visit Kroger.com to enjoy the convenience of delivery without sacrificing quality for fresh, making weeknight dinners, packed lunches and healthy snacks quick and
easy.
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Hey kids! Stop in for this month’s Valentine’s Day take and make craft! Decorate your own holiday themed frame to hold your favorite photo! Hurry in! These are only available while supplies last!
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Whether you’re superstitious or not, there is no denying the mythical feeling in the air on Friday the 13th! Join us in the forest as we explore how some animals have earned their badge of superstition. We will discuss how owls became wise, why bats are
seen as spooky, and whether crows are good luck, bad luck, or both!
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Joining the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Violinist and vocalist Danny Koo co-designs a special Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year-themed concert, featuring Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet Suite, Li Huanzhi’s Spring Festival Overture, plus Danny’s own
original arrangements.
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Fireworks and Flannels is back for a second year! Join us Feb. 14 for an afternoon of all your winter favorites - horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, a beer tent, a petting farm, our famed illuminated light trail, games and so much more. This is
a FREE event, so mark your calendar and dust off your coziest winter gear and meet us at the park!
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Join us for a Valentine sensory play. Toddlers and babies are invited to play and explore with various sensory activities, toys, and textures in and around the room. It is a great opportunity for children and parents to interact as well. Please register all
adults and children attending.
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Keep Maybury Farm in your Heart when you visit your favorite farm animals! Show some love to our "soon-to-be goat moms" & enjoy special Valentine-themed games & activities!
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Are you ready for a day of family activities and fun in Hartland Township? Bundle up the kids and join us for the 11th Annual Hartland Winterfest on February 14, 2026. The family-oriented event will take place at and around Hartland’s Heritage Park, located
at 12349 Highland Road. There’s something for everyone as we celebrate the winter season with sledding, entertainment, food, and ice skating. The night will conclude with a fireworks show at dusk. This event was made possible through the generosity of many volunteers and sponsors.
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Come together and celebrate a decade of community, connection, and belonging at our 11th annual Share the Love event! This FREE gathering is all about uplifting one another, building friendships, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Join us on Sunday, February 15th, from 4-7PM at Orchard United Methodist Church to enjoy an evening filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful connections.
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Celebrate the release of GOAT the movie with a fun family Breakfast & a Movie experience. Enjoy a full buffet breakfast, popcorn, soft drinks, and a movie!
Join us February 15, 2026, for Breakfast at 10:00am, the film begins at 11:00am.
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Visit the Village free of charge! Tour historic buildings including the Niles-Barnard House which is typically closed to visitors. Families will have fun looking for Cheddar the Village Mouse and people of all ages can try a special winter scavenger
hunt!
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We’re in the middle of winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t explore outside! Put on your coat, hat, and mittens, and join us on the trails! We will be searching for any signs of wildlife we can find. It may be a nest, a track in the snow, or a brave
winter warrior still out and about! Stay warm with a hot cup of cocoa; if you have a travel mug, please bring it! If not, we will have a small cup for you to take.
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- Kids Take & Make: Valentine's Day Picture Frame | Harrison Township Public Library - Harrison Township Public Library - Harrison, NY 10528, Saturday, February 13, 2026, all day
- Open Skate at The Rink at Stine Community Park
- Troy, MI, Friday, February 13 to Sunday, February 15, 2026, Fri: 3–9 pm | Sat: 11 am–9 pm | Sun: 11 am–8 pm
- Dearborn Wonderlights - Dearborn, MI, Friday, February 13 to Sunday, February 15, 2026, 5:30P:M
- Fireworks and Flannels - A Cozy Night Out at Waterford Oaks - Waterford Township, MI, Sunday, February 14, 2026, 4 - 8PM
- Valentine Sensory Play: Ages 6 Months to 3 Years | Royal Oak Public Library - Royal Oak Public Library - Royal Oak, MI 48067, Sunday, February 14, 2026, 10:15AM - 11:00AM
- Hartland Winterfest 2026 - Hartland,
MI, Sunday, February 14, 2026, 1:00PM - 6:00PM
- Artist Trading Cards (ATC) Tea and Trade - Art Works! Studio LLC - Walled Lake, MI 48390, Sunday, February 15, 2026, 1 -2 PM
- Share The Love 2026 - Stand with Trans - Farmington, MI 48336, Sunday, February 15, 2026, 4:00PM
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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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