Dallas weekly e-newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which means it's the perfect time to talk about LYING. The first lie my daughter Madison ever attempted was when she was about 3. "Did you brush your teeth?” I asked as she was getting ready for bed. She nodded earnestly, but I had my doubts; a check of the toothbrush revealed it was dry as the Sahara. "Looks like
we need a do-over," I said. "Try again." In a 2025 Delta Dental study of 1000 parents of kids age 12 and under, 67% of respondents reported difficulty in getting their kids to brush their teeth. And in a related but thoroughly unscientific survey, 100%
of the friends I asked told me that their own kids have lied about tooth brushing at least once. See, young children don’t experience truth as adults do; their developing minds blur the line between reality and hope, between what happened and what they would prefer had happened. Brushing is tedious, being done is better. Add a desire to please Mom, and those wires can cross. In those early years, our job is to help kids gradually separate fact from wishful thinking. You might
think that prosecuting dishonesty harshly might scare kids into telling the truth, but that often just scares them into hiding more cleverly. Our goal as parents isn't just to have kids who brush their teeth and do their own homework and someday file tax returns without creative interpretations of “business mileage,” although we do want all those things. But overall, we want kids who are brave enough to be, rather than seem to be. If they see early that
mistakes can be brought into the light and fixed with a do-over, they’re far less likely to build a life around pretending they didn't happen. So my best recommendation for Children's Dental Health Month is to model both scrupulous honesty and scrupulous teeth-brushing yourself. In case you need an immediate solution, though, I hunted down a list of kids' best tooth-brushing songs thoughtfully supplied by the American Dental Association. Grit your teeth and hum along.
—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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Kroger Delivery helps busy families reclaim time and reduce stress by delivering fresh groceries and household essentials straight to the doorstep, within the one-hour timeframe that fits your busy schedule. Conveniently shop from your phone to add favorite
items, reorder past products, and save with digital coupons. A Boost membership provides fee-free delivery on qualifying orders and extra fuel rewards, to keep costs predictable. Refrigerated trucks preserve freshness for produce, dairy, and frozen items, while professional drivers handle everything right to your doorstep. Visit Kroger.com to enjoy the convenience of delivery without sacrificing quality for fresh, making weeknight dinners, packed lunches and healthy snacks quick and
easy.
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Saint Paul Catholic Classical School in Richardson, Texas, has formed students in Catholic faith and academic excellence since 1957. Serving PreK3 through eighth grade, SPCCS nurtures students in a close-knit community where they grow in faith, wisdom, and
virtue. Through daily prayer, small class sizes, and a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, our students are shaped by the Gospel message and a strong Catholic tradition.
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now open. We invite you to explore our academic and extracurricular offerings. Schedule a tour today and discover a community where Christ is at the center of all we do.
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Join NASA Ambassador and local North Texan Les Murray, to learn about the Artemis II mission! Hear about the mission objectives, flight plan, and the astronauts joining this exciting mission.
For all ages
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Step into the wild and explore the amazing world of Cedar Ridge Preserve! Learn how the local plants, animals, and habitats all work together to create a thriving ecosystem. Use all five of your senses to observe, listen, and connect with nature like a true
naturalist. Along the way, you’ll uncover fun facts about native wildlife, discover the importance of conservation, and complete exciting hands-on activities. Finish your adventure by earning your official Junior Ranger Badge and becoming a protector of the preserve!
This event is FREE.
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Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming's children's book, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary
Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find "Truly Scrumptious."
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The illustrations of beloved children’s author Eric Carle leap from the page to the stage in a dazzling larger-than-life world of 75 lovable puppets with a stunning display of color and artistry.
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Lowe’s Kids Club is a free program designed to get kids off screens and into real-world making. Kids Club is helping families reconnect through in-store, guided DIY activities, hands-on kits and rewards that don’t rely on devices.
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Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Lunar New Year with a fusion of traditions, flavors and celebrations!
Come and experience the joy and prosperity of the new lunar year! LunarFest is a unique experience for families and community members to explore the three distinct spring festivals in one place.
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Completely restored and furnished with all the trappings of everyday frontier life, the Minor-Porter Log House gives visitors to LLELA a window on life in Denton County in 1870. Interested visitors can tour the house from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the third
Saturday of most months (check our calendar for upcoming dates). Visitors are welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and tour at their own pace, but please arrive at least 30 minutes before the house closes to allow adequate time to tour the building.
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Dallas Blooms brings spring to life as the Southwest’s largest annual floral festival, featuring stunning floral displays, immersive garden experiences, and moments designed to be enjoyed by all ages. As the season unfolds and new blooms emerge, each visit
becomes a unique celebration of spring.
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Welcome back Allen Americans Professional Hockey Club fans! The Allen AMERICANS Professional Hockey Club will have an action-packed schedule for fans at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center.
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Calling all video game enthusiasts, board game lovers, and Dance Dance Revolution fanatics! Hang out with us at the library for a game night after hours!
Note: Games will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own favorite games to play!
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Join us for high energy music, movement, stories, and crafts to promote literacy and motor skills. For ages 0-5 years.
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The Annual Black Heritage program recognizes and commemorates the accomplishments of African Americans. The event may feature speakers, musical performances or poetry.
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- Black History Month Scavenger Hunt - South Irving Library, Schulze Drive, Irving, Friday, February 20, 2026 to Sunday, February 22, 2026, during normal library hours
- Pokémon Gym Badge Challenge - 900 Civic Center Dr, Richardson, Friday, February 20, 2026 to Sunday, February 22, 2026, all day
- Crafternoon: Black History Month - Audelia Road Branch Library, 10045 Audelia Road, Dallas, Friday, February 20, 2026, 3:45-4:30 pm
- Black History Celebration
APK - Arlington Park Recreation Center, 1505 Record Crossing Road, Dallas, Friday, February 20, 2026, 12-2 pm
- Toddler Time (16 Months-3 Years) - John and Judy Gay Public Library, 6861 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, Friday, February 20, 2026, 10:30-11:15 am
- Wiggle and Read Storytime - 1 Lou Finney Lane, Greenville, Friday, February 20, 2026, 10:30-11:30 am
- Book Babies - 901 Conover Drive, Grand Prairie, Friday, February 20, 2026, 11-11:45 am
- Gaming Guild - Tony Shotwell Library, Graham Street, Grand Prairie, Friday, February 20, 2026, 6-7 pm
- Bilingual Storytime / Hora de cuentos bilingüe - Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Boulevard,
Dallas, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:30-11:30 am
- Saturday Chess Meetup (All Ages) - John and Judy Gay Public Library, 6861 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11 am-1 pm
- Saturday Morning Kids - Richardson Public Library - 900 Civic Center Dr, Richardson, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Black History Month Celebration - Mountain Creek Branch Library, 6102 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2-3:30 pm
- 19th Annual Lunar
New Year 2026 - Asia Times Square, West Pioneer Parkway, Grand Prairie, Saturday, February 21, 2026 to Sunday, February 22, 2026, see website
- Lunar New Year Festival - NorthPark Center, N Central Expy, Dallas, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 9:30 am-1 pm
- Lunar New Year Festival - Forest Green Branch Library, Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
- Cuentos & Stories - DeSoto Public Library, 211 E Pleasant Run Rd, DeSoto, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- IntelliChoice K-12 Math Tutoring - Fretz Park Branch Library, 6990 Belt Line Road, Dallas, Saturday,
February 21, 2026, 10:30 am-12 pm
- From Page to Stage - Fretz Park Branch Library, 6990 Belt Line Road,
Dallas, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11 am-12 pm
- Play & Learn (Ages 0-5) at the Central Library - 713 Austin
Street, Garland, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10 am-12 pm
- Canvas and Cookies: Paint and Celebrate Black History Month (Ages 6-12) at the South Garland Library - South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd, Garland, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2:30-4:30 pm
- Lunar New Year
Family Event at the West Garland Library - West Garland Library, West Walnut Street, Garland, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
- LunarFest: Celebrating Chinese New Year, Korean Seollal and Vietnamese Tết - Moody Family YMCA in
the Park Cities, Preston Road, Dallas, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2-4 pm
- Family Storytime at Lewisville Public Library - Lewisville Public Library, 1197 West Main Street, Lewisville, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Service Saturday - Litter
Cleanup - 2205 W Hebron Pkwy, Lewisville, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8-10 am
- Lowe's Kids Club Workshops
2026 - Lowe's Home Improvement, Preston Road, Dallas, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2:00 pm
- Creatures and Captives: Painted Textiles of the Ancient Andes - Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:00 am
- 250 Years of Us: Amazing Race for Independence - Dallas Public Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, Friday, February 20, 2026 to
Sunday, February 22, 2026, all day
- Texas America 250 Reading Challenge - Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 1201 Brazos St, Austin, Friday, February 20, 2026 to Sunday, February 22, 2026, all day
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Dallas 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.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Dallas 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.
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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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Every May and June, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids. This is the page where we showcase the Dallas-area winners for 2025. (Click here to see the full list of nominees.)
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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