KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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:
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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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 |
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Omnium Circus delivers a unique blend of thrills, chills, fun and laughter! Join us where everyone is in on the action in a spirited limit-defying & life-affirming spectacle with award winning artistry, memorable music, and a heartwarming story. Our new show features America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer- Mandy Harvey, Malik Paris, a Deaf dancer and ASL performance artist, and top talent from across the nation. You’ll enjoy 2 Guinness record holders, the world's fastest female juggler, a record-holding hair hang artist with a PhD, and the comedy antics of Monday and Riley. Experience jaw-dropping performances of skill, dexterity and comedy, while creating memories your family will treasure forever.
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Balloonacy (Jan 10 – Feb 15): This gentle, non-verbal comedy revisits the boy from The Red Balloon, now a lonely man rediscovered by his magical friend. It is a movement-based production perfect for ages 1+ and speakers of all languages. Classes & Camps:January 6: Summer Camp registration begins! Popular spots fill fast, so secure your child's spot early.January 20: Winter 6- and 14-week theatre classes begin for ages 1–18. View class offerings.March 30 – April 3: Don't miss Spring Break Camp for grades K-5!April 6: Add on to Spring Break Camp, or sign up for a one-day no-school "Theatre Arts Day" Visit our website today to buy tickets and register!
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STEAM Saturday at the National Building Museum offers hands-on, family-friendly activities focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, typically held on the second Saturday of each month from 10 AM - 12 PM (or 1-3 PM), allowing kids (grades 2-6) and caregivers to design, build, and problem-solve, often linked to current exhibits like Brick City, and it's free with museum admission.
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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!
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Join us for an up-close encounter with one of our animal ambassadors. Why do they live at the nature center? What would their wild counterparts be doing at this time of year? We’ll answer these questions and more. No registration required.
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Enjoy an evening around the campfire, toasting marshmallows over the embers and learn about flying squirrels that live in our area. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register. (4-Adult)
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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 in and around the D.C. Metro Area. Here are local organizations that
offer memberships.
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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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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!
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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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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