KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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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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Bubble Planet is an immersive experience full of bubbles! Step into a planet beyond your imagination with VR technology, themed rooms, fantastical landscapes, and even a hot air balloon simulator. Jump from one immersive space to the next and explore them all with your five senses!
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Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics marks the return of the artists behind the Garden’s 2021 exhibition of a signature rainbow-hued “Skynet” billowing above the Canopy Walk. The 10 sculptures will be scattered throughout the Garden, drawing onlookers with their dazzling acrylic leaves. Standing from 10 to 17 feet tall, the trees cast dappled light and reflective, shifting colors on everything around them.
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How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler? Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden! It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging, and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume, and time.
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Join the team at the Zambezi Elephant Center and immerse yourself in what it takes to care for the largest land animals on the planet!
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Join us for a one-of-a-kind magic show in Atlanta! Set against the vibrant glow of a neon portal, this one-magician show is packed with fun for the whole family. Expect jaw-dropping illusions, hilarious moments, and interactive surprises where kids don’t just watch the magic—they help make it happen. Whether you’re six or sixty, you’ll walk away grinning, wide-eyed, and ready to believe in magic all over again. Get your tickets now for The Magic Gateway: A Magic Show for the Family in Atlanta!
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Designed for children ages fifteen months through three years and their caregivers, Toddler Saturdays engage children’s creativity and explore monthly topics with related artwork, art-making activities, and self-guided tours.
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Get ready to carve up the ice, because Skate the Station at Atlantic Station is back! Opening Friday, November 14 with iconic decor, and festive music, and a bit of seasonal magic, it’s the perfect way to get in that holiday spirit. Skate the Station is open from November 14 through January 19!
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Join us for a creative Sunday Funday as we team up with CITYarts for their global Pieces for Peace project! Kids and families are invited to make art that celebrates connection, kindness, and the world we share by answering a single, but profound question: ”What does peace look like to me?” This international project has gathered thousands of artworks from young people in over 100 countries, showcasing them in exhibitions and inspiring the creation of mosaic “Peace Walls” across the globe.
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On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for all visitors and special family-friendly programming! Enjoy art-making activities, performances, and the High’s collection and special exhibitions.
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Glide high above the city on Atlanta’s most scenic ice rink. Whether you’re twirling with friends, making family memories, or holding hands under the skyline lights, Skate the Sky turns every lap into a moment worth remembering. Warm up afterward with a festive cocktail, or keep the fun rolling with rooftop games, bites, and breathtaking views.
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Enjoy a chill Sunday afternoon with fun activities for the whole family to relax and bond together! Get ready for some fun family time this Sunday afternoon! Join us for an in-person session filled with laughter, games, and memorable moments. Whether you're catching up or making new friends, it's the perfect way to spend your weekend. Bring your loved ones and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere designed just for families. Don’t miss out on the joy and connection—see you there!
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Our Rockefeller-inspired ice skating rink is back and we can’t wait to hit the rink with you. Guests will need to book ice skating reservations in advance to ensure a skating time slot. Walk-ups are also welcome, but we cannot guarantee you will be able to skate at that time.
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- Skate the Sky at The Roof at Ponce City Market - Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, Friday, January 9 to Sunday, January 11, Monday–Wednesday: 3pm–10pm. Thursday–Saturday: 3pm–11pm (note: 21+ only access after 5pm on Fridays & Saturdays). Sunday: 12pm–9pm.
- Cirque Du Soleil: Luzia at Atlantic Station - 1380 Atlantic Dr, Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA 30363, Friday, January 9 to Sunday,
January 11, Times vary.
- Morningside Farmers Market - Morningside Farmers Market, 1393 N. Highland
Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306, Sunday, January 11, 8:00 am to 11:30 am
- Grant Park Sunday Farmers Market - The Beacon Atlanta, 1039 Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, Sunday, January 11, 9 am to 1 pm
- UPS Second Sunday at High Museum of Art - Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, Sunday, January 11, 12 pm - 5 pm
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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 changes or if there are venues that should be added, please email us, and we'll get those posted!
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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the Atlanta area! If there is an attraction that we have missed for our birthday party page, please email us to let us know, and we contact them
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com Mom of Madison and Ella
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