KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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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Welcome to the worst play you’ll ever love! Aurora’s biggest selling comedy is back. The Play That Goes Wrong follows a hilariously inept theatre troupe attempting to stage The Murder at Haversham Manor. With collapsing sets, forgotten lines, and an
unconscious leading lady, this chaotic masterpiece is a nonstop rollercoaster of fun and mayhem.
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Based on the New York Times Best Seller series, this groovy puppet show features Pete the Cat’s most awesome adventures, inspired by some of the coolest books around. Come see everyone’s favorite skateboarding, surfing, rocking blue cat and his fine friends
come alive on stage!
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DinoVerse is a family exhibition where kids and adults can explore giant skeletons, interactive dino zones, and creative activities. Step through a time portal with a thrilling Virtual Reality experience and snap epic dino photos!
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Journey down the rabbit hole for a delightful musical adventure. All the neighborly forest animals have gathered in the rabbit’s den (under Mr. McGregor’s Garden) to throw a surprise party for Peter. And the biggest surprise of all – for the first time
ever, they've invited you to join them! But the animals soon realize Mr. McGregor has terrible plans for the land around Peter's burrow. Peter must face his fears and, together with his friends, gather a community to help save his home. Featuring beloved characters from the classic Beatrix Potter tales and a variety of original songs, this new tale encourages us to acknowledge our fears and work together to overcome challenges. INTO THE BURROW: A PETER RABBIT™ TALE is presented by special
arrangement with Frederick Warne & Co Limited.
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Do you have what it takes to live in space? We’ve all imagined what it’s like to live and work in space, but only a select few have done it. Opening on October 10, those who have lived in space will share their experiences with visitors in our newest
traveling exhibition, Journey to Space.
Using hands-on and large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, Journey to Space gives visitors a glimpse at the extraordinary conditions of human space travel, as well as the unique challenges and rewards of life on board the International Space Station.
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Come on down for an awesome in-person Friday Night Family Session! It's the perfect chance to hang out, have fun, and make some great memories with the whole crew. Bring your energy, your smiles, and get ready for a night packed with laughs and good vibes.
Don't miss out – let’s make your Friday night something special!
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License to Chill Snow Island brings all the winter excitement and joy to paradise! Glide down snowy hills, ice skate, and immerse yourself in holiday-themed activities that make Margaritaville at Lanier Islands the ultimate winter escape.
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Examine the historic evolution of Black quarterbacks in college football! The College Football Hall of Fame proudly presents Ascension: Rise of the Black Quarterback, a new exhibition examining the historic journey of Black quarterbacks in college football
as part of The Hall's Black History Month programming.
From breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes to leading the game with innovation and excellence, Ascension highlights generations of players, coaches, and programs—including iconic figures from HBCUs—who reshaped the sport.
Featuring immersive storytelling, rare artifacts, and inspiring moments, the exhibition celebrates the legacy and impact of Black quarterbacks on today’s game, thanks to collaboration with Kia and Coca-Cola.
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The Museum opens early for families with children on the autism spectrum and children with sensory processing challenges. We offer a sensory-modified experience on select Sunday mornings. This experience includes a sensory-modified setting, limited
admission and sound adjustments.
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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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Birthday Parties at Small Craft Kids Club
Make your child’s birthday unforgettable with a fun, hands-on art party! Our party package includes 1.5 hours of private studio time, an art activity of your choice, and space for up to 14 kids.
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An exhibit entitled “HigherGround” focused on connecting to the higher self is on display at the Cultural Arts Center of Douglasville/ Douglas County (CAC) in honor of Black History Month, from January 8-February 20, 9 am – 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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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Atlanta area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping a
spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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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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