KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
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
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Stray Kids:The dominATE Experience is an epic concert film featuring the global K-Pop sensation and their sold-out SoFi Stadium performances, along with behind-the-scenes footage. With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide and a fanbase that spans
every continent, Stray Kids : The dominATE Experience will provide fans with a bold, large-scale theater experience, allowing them to see a glimpse behind the curtain of their favorite band.
|
|
|
|
For Beatrice and Benedick, wit is a full-contact sport, and each is happy to throw some elbows, believing themselves to above something as trivial as “love.” But would they really be pushing back if they weren’t…fighting against something? Their friends
sure see right through all their bickering and sparring into what is hiding in their hearts. Sometimes a stubborn soul just needs that proverbial kick in the pantaloons to get out of their own way.
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
To honor Black History Month, the Metropolitan Library will be giving away two sets of the March trilogy graphic novels. These books tell the story of Atlanta's own, John Lewis, the late civil rights leader and Congressman. Sign up for a new library card or
renew your existing one, and you will have a chance to enter to win!
|
|
|
|
After a Sold-Out show last year, Atlanta Chinese Dance Company returns to ring in the Year of the Horse with Lunar New Year Celebration! Join them as they guide you through the holiday. Get ready to experience traditional Chinese music & dance, and even
participate in the show! Whether it’s a part of your daily life, or you’re brand new to it, embracing and learning about a culture connects us all!
|
|
|
|
Atlanta Brick Con is two days filled with everything LEGO®. Each General Admission Ticket is valid for your chosen ticket day and time frame. Children 4 and older require a ticket. Save and purchase your tickets early online. There will be a limited number
of tickets available at the door for full price ($30) on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets do sell out, so early booking is advised.
|
|
|
|
Winter is one of the best times of year to explore nature at night!
The winter world of CNC is one that deserves exploration in the dark. Enjoy an animal demo with a naturalist before going out on the hike. Then we will listen to the sounds of winter in the woods and gaze up at the stars, while enjoying the crisp air of the season. A campfire, where you can roast a marshmallow, will be waiting for you as we wrap up the evening. Limited spaces available.
|
|
|
|
Bank of America’s Museums on Us program provides one free general admission to participating museums for eligible cardholders on the first full weekend of every month.
|
|
|
|
It’s the Year of the Horse! Celebrate Lunar New Year on Sunday, February 8 and watch a special dance performance by Atlanta Chinese Dance Company on the CMA Stage at 11:30 AM!
|
|
|
|
Explore history, arts, and culture in communities throughout Georgia as over 100 museums and historic sites across the state open to the public for free during popular event organized as part of the annual Georgia history Festival.
|
|
|
|
For the whole month of February, we’re celebrating Black History Month! The Museum is highlighting Black leaders from the past and present that are making a difference in our world today. It’s important to learn about our history, and we also want to
celebrate trailblazers in our community and all over the world who are working hard to stand out and lift people up!
|
|
|
|
Join us for a morning of icy excitement and frosty fun as we officially open Planet Ice! Brrrr-ing your sense of discovery and enjoy hands-on activities and crafts that explore the wonders of frozen worlds, ancient creatures, and the science of climate and
conservation. From glacier landscapes to Ice Age megafauna, this immersive exhibit brings the chill to Atlanta.
|
|
|
- Celebrating Black History Month: Storytime & Craft at Ponce de Leon Library - Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA, Google Maps, Friday, February 6, 2026, 3 - 3:30 pm
- Valentine's Day Story Time and Crafts for
Toddlers - College Park Branch - College Park Road, College Park, GA, Google Maps, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Morningside Farmers Market - Morningside Farmers Market, 1393 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306, Google Maps, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 8:00 am to 11:30 am
- Wild Sprout at Wolf Creek Branch - Wolf Creek Library, 3100 Enon Road, Atlanta, GA 30331, Google Maps, Saturday, February 7,
2026, 1 - 2 pm
- Georgia History Festival’s Super Museum Sunday - Georgia Historical Society, 260 14th Street, N.W. Suite A-148, Atlanta, GA 30318, Google Maps, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 12 - 4 pm
- Sunday FUNday - Michael C. Carlos Museum, South Kilgo Circle Northeast, Atlanta, GA, Google Maps, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 12PM - 4PM
- UPS Second Sunday at High Museum of
Art - High Museum of Art, Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, Google Maps, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 12 pm - 5 pm
|
|
|
|
Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Atlanta 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
