KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When Madison and Ella were young, I made it a point to stretch their comfort zones in small, manageable ways. They’d order their own food at restaurants, they'd arrange their own homeschool work schedules, they'd try activities where they didn’t know anyone. I did my best not to step in unless invited. Over time, they started trusting their own ability to
navigate the world without me. That, of course, was the point. But the better they got at being independent, the more I started to feel a quiet kind of discomfort. They were moving outward—into the world, into themselves—and I could feel the shift. There’s a concept in astrophysics called red shift. When a star or galaxy moves away from us, the light it emits stretches, shifting toward the red end of the spectrum. The farther away it moves, the redder the
light appears. It’s how we know the universe is expanding. The movement doesn’t mean the light is gone—just that it’s arriving to us in a new form, from farther away. I think about that a lot as my kids are no longer orbiting so closely. I still see their light; it just looks different now. I’m learning to recognize their new wavelengths. The trick, I think, is not to see red shift as loss, but as evidence of motion. The fact that I feel the stretch means the universe is doing
what it’s supposed to do: expanding, evolving, moving outward. I remind myself that this kind of shift is a mark of success. Increased wavelength, decreased frequency... it's all part of the natural order of things. Light travels and stretches, and love does, too.
—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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Free Family Fun Outside! On January 24, 2026, join Friends of Balcones for #TheReset—a national call to unplug and step outside together. Spend the morning at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, where screens are set aside and nature takes center stage. Families can join a Guided Hike with Nature Bingo or explore at their own pace using a borrowed Nature Backpack filled with fun tools for discovery. Breathe fresh air, spot wildlife, and watch curiosity come alive. This relaxed outing ends with refreshments and a chance for kids to share their favorite finds. Registration is FREE for all ages—come explore, laugh, and make new memories outdoors!
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LEGO Lovers Unite! All-new show for 2025! Brick Convention is the ultimate event for LEGO lovers of all ages! The numerous play areas treat fans of all ages to a day of hands-on fun, games, and life-size LEGO models. Coming to Fort Worth, TX on October 4 and 5! Attractions include of amazing LEGO creations to gawk at, meet-and-greets with professional LEGO artists, and vendors selling the latest LEGO accessories, sets, mini-figures, and even retired and hard-to-find LEGO.
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Enjoy FREE museum admission all day during H-E-B Free Fourth Sundays, held the fourth Sunday of every month.
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Miss Nelson can’t control her crazy classroom because she’s just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp! With the Big Test approaching, the kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson and they’ll do anything — including hiring a private eye — to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back.
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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 us for a biking adventure on park trails! Some equipment provided. Registration required. Try trail biking in this safe and fun workshop! We have a few mountain bikes/helmets available to borrow on a first come, first served basis, or bring your own.
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Branch out and explore the wonders of Texas trees at our next Discovery Day: Into the Wood, a family-friendly celebration of nature, science, and play. This time, we’re diving into the fascinating world of woody plants, from the towering oaks that define our landscapes to the scientists and arborists who help protect them.
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Come enjoy an interactive science show that will spark your children’s imagination, make them laugh, and get them excited about learning. Kids will enjoy exciting demonstrations and experiments, including the surprisingly loud dinosaur-in-a-can, the glowing electric pickle, and a kid-created thunderstorm!
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Jump into the fun! Kids are invited to stop by our Children’s Area for open Nintendo Switch gaming. Play popular titles, team up with friends, challenge other players, or try something new — it’s all about friendly competition and having a great time. All skill levels are welcome. Drop in, grab a controller, and let the games begin!
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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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Little Land’s Music Exploration program is designed to provide children with an experience that introduces them to various types of music, encourages exploration of musical instruments, and develops a personal sense of musicality. Our curriculum has been developed by therapists and musicians to increase awareness of basic musical concepts, as well as improve attention, auditory comprehension, coordination and confidence!
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If you're a fan of felines, then this might be for you. Do you enjoy discussing everything about cats, sharing pictures of your own furry friends, and delighting in images shared by others? Come join us and share in the fun!
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- Family Storytime - Georgetown Public Library, 402 West 8th Street, Georgetown, Friday, January 23, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9:30, 10:15. and 11 am
- Preschool Storytime - Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church Street, Bastrop, Friday, January 23, 10:30 am
- Baby Lapsit (0-18 months) - Buda City Hall & Library, 405 East Loop Street, Buda, Friday, January 23, 10:30-11 am
- South Austin Recreation
Center - Art In Cahoots - City of Austin, 1100 Cumberland Rd, Austin, Friday, January 23, 10-11 am
- Revolutionary Wall - 904 Main St, Bastrop, Friday, January 23, 10am-5pm
- Open Gaming- Nintendo switch fun! - Dripping Springs Community Library, 501 Sportsplex Dr, Dripping Springs, Friday, January 23, 4:30-5:30 pm
- Music/ Movement Storytime - Liberty Hill Public Library, Main Street, Liberty Hill, Friday, January 23, 10:15 - 11 am
- Family Game Day - Elgin Public Library, 404 North Main Street, Elgin, Saturday, January 24, 2nd and 4th Thursday at 10:30 am
Every Saturday from 1-5pm
- Kirby Hall School Open House - Kirby Hall School, 306 West 29th
Street, Austin, Saturday, January 24, 10 am- 12 pm
- Caturday Saturday - San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, Saturday, January 24, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
- Soccer Stars Free Demo Day - Ages 1-10 at Lakeline Park - Soccer Stars, 234 Escarpment Way, Cedar Park, Saturday, January 24, 10:00AM
- Mad Science @ Laura’s - Laura Bush Community Library, Bee Caves Rd, Austin, Saturday, January 24, 11:30 am
- Family Hike at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge - 24518 Ranch Road 1431, Marble Falls, Saturday, January 24, 9am
- Family Morning - Explore
Nature - Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Ranch Rd 1431, Marble Falls, Saturday, January 24, 9:00 AM
- Guided Tours of Jacob's Well Natural Area - Jacob's Well Natural Area, 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, Saturday, January 24, 10 am
- Read with Ruby the Therapy Dog! - Dripping Springs Community Library, 501 Sportsplex Dr, Dripping Springs, Saturday, January
24, 10:30 am- 12 pm
- Lunar New Year Family Event- QiLi Chinese Dance Studio Performance - QiLi Chinese Dance Studio, 500 W Live Oak St, Hutto, Saturday, January 24, 1-2 pm
- Baby Time with Ms. Melissa - Pflugerville Library, Pfluger Street West, Pflugerville, Saturday, January 24, 10:30 am
- Pokémon Club - Round Rock Public Library - RRPL, East Liberty Avenue, Round Rock, Saturday, January 24, 9-10:30 am
- Kids Chess Open Play - 550 Discovery Boulevard, Cedar Park, Sunday, January 25, 1:30-3 pm
- Beachside Billys 6th Annual Chili Cook Off! - Beachside
Billys, Farm to Market Road 2769, Leander, Sunday, January 25, 2:00PM - 6:00PM
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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 and around Austin? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues, unlock secrets,
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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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