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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An acclaimed stage adaptation of Mo Willems' popular books, Leonardo, the Terrible Monster and Sam, The Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World. Monsters have one job and it’s to be SCARY! “Booga booga booga!” But as hard as he tries, Leonardo can’t scare even a mouse. When the other monsters laugh and make fun of him, Leonardo goes in search of the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world to try and scare the tuna salad out of him! Nationally acclaimed theatre company Manual Cinema breathes innovative life into this beloved story (and its doubly charming sequel), using hundreds of puppets to magically create a movie before your very eyes. Will Leonardo finally become the scary monster he dreams of being? Or will he discover something even better to be? Best for ages 4 and up.
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Museums don’t always have to be hands-off! One Sunday out of the month, the Neill-Cochran House Museum opens its doors to feature hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, self-paced tours, and (weather permitting) lawn games with space to picnic in the shade. Looking for that extra little bit of weekend time to come out and see something new? Between our spacious lawn and kid-friendly activities, we’re in it to offer a museum experience to folks of all ages and, (ahem!) attention spans. Don’t let the 21st century get you down! Come out and learn something new about how we got to where we are now!
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Join us on the second Sunday of every month for Family Yoga! Family classes are a playful and inspiring way to connect with other families in your community. Stretch, breathe, connect, relax, and have fun! This lighthearted class includes partner poses, whimsical music, and mindful moments as you connect with nature. No experience is required.
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Your move! Meet up with other chess fans to play a few games. Players of all abilities are welcome, but basic knowledge of how to play is recommended. Formal instruction is not provided. Boards and pieces are provided. This program is for ages 5-17 only.
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Join the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center for a fun, hands-on Family Make N Take celebrating one of Bastrop’s most iconic landmarks — the Bastrop Bridge! Families are invited to learn about the bridge’s history and engineering while designing and building their own miniature bridges using straws, paper clips, tape and popsicle sticks. This engaging, family-friendly activity encourages teamwork, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the structures that connect our community both literally and historically. All materials are provided, and participation is included with museum admission.
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Come down to the library's parking lot to explore the cars and trucks that keep our city running. Overflow parking is available at Stagecoach Park. Ear protection is recommended! Prior to our start time, we will allow families with sensory-sensitive members to attend from 10-10:30. During this time there will be no honking and attendance will be limited to 50 attendees.
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Every second weekend of each month, join Austin’s biggest all-day art event. Explore our ever-changing galleries and relax on the Moody Patio. Join us for a full day of live music, tours and talks, family-friendly art activities, and more. Always free for Blanton Members. Not yet a member? Join today!
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Looking for a fun and engaging way to connect with your little one through music? Join Heartsong Music this Winter and experience the joy of Music Together®! Heartsong's Music Together classes offer music and movement for babies, toddlers, preschoolers. . . and the grownups who love them®.
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Join us for a masterclass in learning how to craft a Snow Flake Lantern!! *Included with Museum admission while supplies last*
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Pop in for a pop-up! Art in Cahoots activities are free, led by Austin Artists, and designed specifically for children ages 2.5-5 years of age working cooperatively with an accompanying adult caregiver. This is a great way to collaborate creatively with your child and connect with your community through the arts! Free! Spots are limited! Register in advance to reserve space!
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NBA G League team owned and operated by the San Antonio Spurs. Affordable, fun family entertainment at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.
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This historic walking tour takes guests through the beginnings of Austin's Black community through the present. Guests will learn about The City of Austin's 1928 Master Plan and creation of the "Negro District", which is was centered around East 11th Street. We will visit important sites and institutions throughout our one-mile journey. Guests will also be able to engage in dialogue about the changing nature of East Austin and the city's Black community. A large part of this experience is to support local Black owned businesses in the neighborhood.
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- Family Storytime - Georgetown Public Library, 402 West 8th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626, Friday, January 9, 9:30, 10:15, and 11 am
- Winter Studio Demos – Free Music Together Music Classes (Age 0 – 5yrs) - Heartsong Music, 2700 West Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757, Friday, January 9, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Winter Studio Demos – Free Music Together Music Classes (Age 0 – 5yrs) - Heartsong Music, 2700 West Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757, Friday, January 9, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Preschool Storytime - Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church Street, Bastrop, TX 78602, Friday, January 9, 10:30 am
- Baby Lapsit (0-18 months) - Buda City Hall & Library, 405 East Loop Street, Buda, TX 78610, Friday, January
9, 10:30-11 am
- Art in Cahoots at Dougherty Arts Center - Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, Friday, January 9, 10-11 am
- Family Game Day - Elgin Public Library, 404 North Main Street, Elgin, TX 78621, Saturday, January 10, 1-5pm
- Touch-A-Truck - Buda City Hall & Library, 405 East Loop Street, Buda, TX 78610, Saturday, January 10, 10:30-12 pm
- Kids Chess Open Play - 550 Discovery Boulevard, Cedar Park, TX, Sunday, January 11, 1:30-3 pm
- Sunday Funday- Neill-Cochran House Museum - Neill-Cochran House
Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705, Sunday, January 11, 11 am- 2 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.
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Planning a kids birthday party in the Austin area? Here are lots of ideas for where to have it! If there is a resource that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly.
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Enjoy the weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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