KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Next week, my husband and I are heading to a Valentine's Evening behind-the-scenes tour of the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo, New York. It’s the same Frank Lloyd Wright museum we’ve visited
several times, but this version is fancily dressed for the holiday: candlelight, champagne, treats, and a fresh perspective on something familiar. That’s the real magic of Valentine’s Day: It’s one of those perfectly made-up holidays, constructed out of paper hearts, glitter, and good intentions... and it manages magically to transform our spaces, our schedules, and our spirits. As publisher, I've had a 25-year front row seat to communities
around the country who turn nothing into something every February. This year, visitors can say "I Love Thee" in a Victorian mansion in Riverside, CA while a re-enactor in a top hat explains the romantic origin of the Hershey’s Kiss. Frying Pan Farm Park in Virginia will
help kids say "I Love MOO!" with farm animal puns. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center invites everyone on a Valentine's
Express Steam Train ride that is more light-hearted than steamy. And next Saturday, biologists at the California Academy of Sciences will hand out heart-shaped valentines to their African penguins—who will then present them to their mates to help line their nests. Not
all Valentine’s Day celebrations require you to get out and about, though; just muster some creativity and apply it to stuff you already have lying around the house. Cut hearts from red paper and tape them to the door. Dress in scarlet or rose or salmon pink. Light a candle at dinner while you're eating heart-shaped cheese, toast, bacon, or lasagna (here are 25 fun recipes from Food Network). When you and your kids dress up your world together, you’re not just celebrating love, you’re celebrating creativity. And they're learning the life skill of transforming ordinary stuff around them into something special. It only takes one step beyond the good intention to make it so. Love can be grand, indeed. But it doesn’t have to be grand to be great.
—Debra
Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Camp Hidden Meadows is an all-gender sleepaway camp for ages 7–16, offering flexible one- and two-week sessions. Our program blends independent exploration with a strong sense of community, guided by our core values: Adventure, Community, Confidence, and Respect. With 40+ activities and out-of-camp trips across West Virginia, campers grow through hands-on, unplugged experiences in a nurturing environment where they can be themselves and try new things!
Older campers unlock new adventures: Earth Expeditions outdoor adventure program (Finishing 7th - 8th grade), our Counselor-In-Training program (Finishing 10th grade), and for the first time in Summer 2026, an International Earth Expeditions trip to Iceland (Finishing 9th - 10th grade)!
|
|
|
|
Camp Twin Creeks is where friendships flourish, childhood thrives, and independence grows. During two weeks of traditional overnight camp, children become part of a lifelong community. By unplugging from technology and everyday distractions, campers connect
with new friends and mentors, try new things, and develop confidence and independence.
Camp Twin Creeks has a stunning location in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. Our carefully selected staff provides endless opportunities for fun experiences. Activities span four program areas: Land Sports, Water Sports, Arts, and Adventure.
For over 25 summers, our camp has been led by husband-and-wife directors. Programming, staff training, and all endeavors are guided by the four pillars of our Youth Development Philosophy.
|
|
|
|
Register today for Imagination Stage’s Spring Break Camp!
Plus, fantastic shows for kids ages 1 and up.
Kids will have a blast at Imagination Stage’s Spring Break Camp for grades K-5, Mar 30-Apr 3! And, on Apr 6: Add on a one-day no-school "Theatre Arts Day." Also this winter, check out the professional theatre for kids with three interactive and engaging shows. For very young children (Ages 1-5): Balloonacy (Jan 10 - Feb 15) and Good Morning, Good Night (Mar 20 - Apr 19), and for kids aged 5-10, Havana Hop (Feb 14-Mar 7). Buy Tickets and
Register at Imaginationstage.org
|
|
|
|
Let’s play together while reading aloud the children’s book Love You, Baby / Te amo, bebé written by Amy Pixton and illustrated by Stephan Lomp in English and Spanish. We welcome all ages, especially our youngest visitors and nursing parents. We will gather
our play group at the entrance of our East Building and we will get settled in the Atrium with a special book and other creative ways to play. We will read the story twice. Storytime is free of charge and there is no registration.
|
|
|
|
Big Lick Comic Con returns to Roanoke this February with two full days of comics, cosplay, celebrities, and pop culture fun! Fans of all ages can enjoy celebrity guest appearances, panels, artists, vendors, gaming, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong
collector or just discovering your fandom, Big Lick Comic Con is the ultimate celebration of creativity and community.
|
|
|
|
In honor of Black History Month, the Frying Pan Baptist Meetinghouse will be open from noon-2 p.m. Interpretive signage will be posted throughout the site for guests to read about the Black history of the Meeting House and stories of the people from the
community. Stay for just a few minutes or a couple hours.
|
|
|
|
Discover the powerful intersection of American history and the rise of railroading—how the rails did not just transform transportation, but sparked the growth of industries across the nation. Together, we’ll uncover how the railroad opened the door to
freedom: freedom to prosper, freedom to explore, and freedom to pursue a new life.
|
|
|
|
The Chocolate Lovers Festival is making its delicious return to Fairfax City! All your favorite chocolate-themed events and vendors are back, with plenty of sweet treats in store! The Chocolate Lovers Festival is a beloved annual tradition hosted by the
City of Fairfax, in collaboration with local partners, community organizations, and businesses throughout Old Town Fairfax.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the DMV area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the DMV 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, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
