KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
|
|
Sun, Jan 11: Early Dance Open House at Maryland Youth Ballet
Wed, Jan 14: Pokémon in Real Life at Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Sun, Jan 18: STEAM Hour at College Park Aviation Museum
Sun, Jan 25: Families Together: East Court Center
Open House at Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
Tue, Jan 27: NSO at Mount Vernon George Washington's Mount Vernon
Fri,
Feb 6: Storytime: Love You, Baby/Te amo, bebé at National Gallery of Art
Sat, Feb 7: Big Lick Comic Con 2026 at
Berglund Center
Sat, Feb 7: Black History Month at the Meeting House - Frying Pan Farm Park |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a teenager, a math teacher I respected told me that there are two kinds of people: Those who make pizza, and those who grab as many slices as they can. "At the end of the day," he said, "you want to be someone who has made more pizza than she eats." He said this to me at the perfect time, when I was just forming my ideas about who I was and was going to become. I
decided I wanted always to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation, so I started thinking about how to use the time I have here on Earth to make as much pizza as I possibly could. Over the years, I found that the key to success in this long-term goal is to tune my mental radar to the very near future, to stay in control of my time rather than giving it away to an algorithm that serves endless empty calories: How best do I use the next five minutes, the
next half hour, the next day? It all adds up. Even young kids can add value to the world, especially if they watch their parents doing it. New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, especially when they're overly specific. But resolving to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation is straightforward. For some easy recipes for quick wins, check out my quick-read article 12 Starter Ideas for Pizza on Earth. Then look up from your phone, scan your world, and you'll find all the ingredients you need. Here's to a delicious 2026!
—Debra Ross, publisher
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
MAKE 2026 the Year Your Child Learns Music!
Turn your New Year’s resolution into a lifelong skill with Music Lessons (In-Person or Online) at the International School of Music. Voted Best for Music Lessons, ISM’s nurturing and patient instructors customize lessons to your child’s goals— so they can progress at their own pace and learn the music they love! From our Early Childhood Music Program to private lessons for all ages, ISM offers award-winning instruction in all instruments and voice, across
classical, rock, pop, jazz, and more—whether your child is a complete beginner or ready to advance. ISM’s fun, engaging and personalized lessons help students build confidence, focus, discipline, and self-expression that last beyond the music lessons! Save 50% off registration—New Year offer ends
1/30! Call/Text 301-396-7497 LEARN MORE & schedule YOUR trial today |
|
|
|
|
The Hylton Performing Arts Center believes that children should experience the arts early and often. That's why we offer performances designed for children, offer half-price Hylton Presents tickets for kids, and designate the performances most suitable for all ages as family friendly. Our Hylton 2025-26 Family Series features Secrets of Space, Click, Clack, Moo, and much more. Join us!
|
|
|
|
Sensory friendly times at the Cub Run Rec Center Leisure Pool welcomes individuals and families who need spaces with reduced sensory input. The indoor water park features a water playground with slides, water jets, cannons and sprays; a lazy river; and large tube slides for those 48 inches or taller. During Sensory Friendly times experience limited capacity, reduced sounds and staff trained to respond to children with special needs.
|
|
|
|
Join us during our Winter Wonder Lab, featuring wintry decorations and special activities all season long! Embark on an arctic animal expedition, create an animated story with stop motion in the Tinker Shop, and put your slime to the test at the Experiment Bar Slime Factory. If you catch the pop-up Home, Sweet Home event in the Bio Zone, you'll learn how animals stay cozy in their habitats all winter...and then design your own!
|
|
|
|
Experience So Much Christmas with dazzling displays, tempting treats, holiday shows, and festive activities. ICE! features beloved scenes from The Polar Express™ brought to life through colorful, colossal ice sculptures. Whether you're staying overnight or visiting for the day, it's the ultimate way to create lasting holiday memories together! ICE! is presented by PEPSI®.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the holidays at ZooLights! Enjoy twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere as this beloved winter classic returns to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Journey through magical displays of glowing animal lanterns, watch live musical performances, sip hot cocoa and other festive treats, and explore the Zoo under the dazzling glow of one million environmentally friendly LED lights. ZooLights is a family-friendly, conservation-minded holiday tradition — each visit helps support the Zoo’s mission to save species and protect habitats worldwide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 in and around the D.C. Metro Area. Here are local organizations that
offer memberships.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Detroit Metro Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
