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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Calling all young creators! Let your child discover the joy of clay at Clay Art Center’s award-winning Clay Summer Day Camp. Weekly themed camps for ages 7-15 include activities like handbuilding, sculpture, and throwing pottery on the wheel. Our expert
instructors guide campers through creative, hands-on projects, building confidence and fostering artistic expression in a fun, supportive environment. From mythical creatures to handmade dishes, kids will create lasting memories with their own hands. Camps run July 13–August 28. Early Bird Discount before 2/11!
Register today at clayartcenter.org.
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-Looking for super-engaging, screen-free fun that fits your winter break schedule? Foundry Fundays at Brooklyn Robot Foundry offer flexible half-day or full-day options—join for a single day or a full week. Each day, kids build, decorate, and take home a
brand-new robot (no repeats!) while learning through hands-on tinkering, creativity, and collaboration. Days also include outdoor or movement time, games, arts and crafts, and the occasional dance party. Located in Mamaroneck at Harbor Island. Open to grades K–5, with multi-day discounts available. Registration is now open—come build with us! Questions? Call 914-200-4879.
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Cloudbound is a whimsical playground in New Rochelle where children ages 0-6 can explore an imaginative world of unstructured play above the clouds. From boarding a hot air balloon that transports them into this realm to discovering treetops, rooftops, and
castles in the clouds, each zone offers a unique adventure that sparks curiosity and joy. Cloudbound inspires children to dream at new heights, making every visit a magical journey through the wonders above.
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Meet animals, explore nature and participate in crafts, games and activities. The Mommy & Me program will take place every Friday from 10 AM - 10:45 AM, followed by 45 minutes of self-directed exploration and play.
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For tweens and teens in grades 6 - 12. Stressed? Need a moment to relax? Join our mindful activities including coloring mandala's, listening to calming music, and getting into a state of relaxation. Snacks and drinks will be provided! No registration
required; just drop in!
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In honor of Black History Month, we’re learning about George Washington Carver, a black scientist who faced many challenges. Find out how soil affects the food we eat by making colorful still-life creations using some of the same things Carver studied, like
dirt and dried beans.
At 11:30AM families can enjoy a themed storytime program in the Gund Theater. All ages welcome. We will be honoring Black History Month with a reading of the book I Am Enough by Grace Byers.
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On the first Sunday of the month, we host a bird-on-glove demonstration where you can learn all about some of our magnificent raptors. Naturalists will discuss the animals’ traits, behaviors, and unique characteristics while the birds interact with their
handlers.
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Terrapin Station Entertainment and TEG Life Like Touring, in association with Universal Destinations and Experiences, present Gabby's Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart, a brand-new stage show inspired by the magical world of the global preschool
sensation from DreamWorks Animation.
In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right.
Gabby, Pandy Paws and friends travel to the Cat-O-Sphere, Mermaid-Lantis and some favorite Dollhouse locations in search of the colors that will make rebuilding the rainbow, possible. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart brings to life an exciting original story featuring incredible puppets, dynamic staging, a talented live show cast of singer-actor-puppeteers and songs from the beloved series, including “Hey Gabby”, “You Can’t Spell
Meow…
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Meet some of the fiercest apex predators on Long Island living right in our backyards. Get an in-depth explanation of hunting methods, diurnal vs. nocturnal adaptations, & unique survival tactics! See live birds of prey up close during this popular and
exciting program! Children must be accompanied with an adult. For children ages 8 yrs. and older.
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Celebrate the New Year Japanese-style at our Oshogatsu event that’s filled with fun for the whole family! After watching a riveting Japanese taiko drum performance, kids are invited on stage for a hands-on drum mini-workshop. Families can then welcome the
New Year with exciting and traditional activities like New Year’s calligraphy, lion dancing and other New Year’s-themed crafts. With such wonderful activities for the whole family, you are sure to ring in the New Year with great joy!
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Using liquid crystals and swirling waters, visualize the intensity and flow of heat energy in the world around us. Inspired by the exhibitions DRAW: Heat and Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat. Recommended for ages 8+.
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- Preschool Storytime - Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church Street, Bastrop, TX 78602, Friday, 01/30/2026, 10:30 am
- Baby Lapsit (0-18 months) - Buda City Hall & Library, 405 East Loop Street, Buda, TX 78610, Friday, 01/30/2026, 10:30-11 am
- Family Storytime - Georgetown Public Library, 402 West 8th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626, Friday, 01/30/2026, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9:30, 10:15. and 11 am
- Revolutionary Wall - 904 Main St, Bastrop, Bastrop County, TX 78602, Friday, 01/30/2026, 10am-5pm
- Manga Meet up - Dripping Springs Community Library, https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Dripping+Springs+Community+Library%
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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 Austin 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,…
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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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