KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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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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Calling all families for a museum-wide celebration that will include creative activities, live performances, and free admission to the special exhibition Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection. Special thanks to the Nuestro Kimbell committee for their support.
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Barbie is the ultimate career guide having had more than 200 jobs over the last 60 years. Explore a variety of careers and learn the story of real-life women who broke barriers in their industry. Discover your career with Barbie™ You Can Be Anything™:The Experience! Barbie dolls and their accessories encourage imaginative play. The kind that teaches us no matter our gender, ethnicity, or background, we can make the world a better place by doing work that excites us, challenges us and brings us fulfillment. This exhibit has something for everyone!
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Bubble Planet is an immersive experience full of bubbles! Step into a planet beyond your imagination with VR technology, themed rooms, fantastical landscapes, and even a hot air balloon simulator. Jump from one immersive space to the next and explore them all with your five senses!
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Balloon Museum presents Let’s Fly in Dallas — the third stop of its Texas tour. A one-of-a-kind experience set in the iconic space of the South Side Studios, featuring monumental inflatable artworks by renowned international artists. The exhibition explores air not only as a physical element, but as a metaphor for movement, lightness, and boundless travel.
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The Kids’ Express is ready to roll! Join us for a festive indoor parade featuring kid-made train cars, chugging through the Library for all to enjoy. Stick around for a special storytime celebrating trains at the end of the line!
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Give your kids a night of unforgettable fun at ASI Gymnastics’ Parents’ Night Out! Every Parents’ Night Out is uniquely themed, transforming our gym into a world of adventure. We cater to children ages 3-14, offering a safe and supervised environment filled with engaging games, creative crafts, pizza, and exhilarating trampoline sessions. While your children enjoy an evening of laughter and exploration, you can relax and unwind with the peace of mind that comes with ASI Gymnastics’ experienced staff. Whether you’re a member or not, Parents’ Night Out is the perfect opportunity for your child to make new friends, burn off energy, and create lasting memories. Sign up today and let ASI Gymnastics be your go-to solution for a well-deserved night off!
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Create something beautiful in our first-ever mail art class! Mail art is an artistic movement centered on sending small-scale artwork through the postal service. This class will teach you the basics of what mail art is, offer examples, and have our instructor walk you through the basics to get you started in this unique art form. Supplies are provided.
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Join us on Saturday, January 10, at 10 a.m. for a Penguin Storytime! We will read books, sing songs, and do a craft together. All ages are welcome to attend.
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Gather your friends and family for a Loteria Night with a chance to win Raising Cane's themed prizes!
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During the 20th Annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibition, these animatronic dinosaurs will move and roar, providing an experience sure to captivate visitors.
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Calling all super heroes! You’re needed in our newest adventure, DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpower. Join your favorite heroes from the DC Universe, including Batman™, Superman™, Wonder Woman™, The Flash™, and Cyborg™. Explore themes of teamwork, self-discovery, strength, and justice while on the trail of a group of supervillains.
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Harry Potter™: The Exhibition celebrates all things Harry Potter™ by bringing to life some of your favourite moments, characters, locations, and beasts from the film series, as well as the extended Harry Potter universe. Get up close to authentic props and costumes, practice your Quidditch™ skills, pot a Mandrake, and more in this unforgettable experience.
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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 Fort Worth. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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- Raising Cane's Lotería Night - 901 Conover Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX, Friday, January 9, 2026, 6:30-8:30 pm
- Saturday Penguin Storytime - 248 Southwest Johnson Avenue, Burleson, TX 76028, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10 am
- Train Car Parade & Storytime - 901 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, TX 76053, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11 am
- Sensory Friendly Morning- Explorium
- Denton Children's Museum - North Interstate 35, Denton, TX, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 9-10 am
- African Painted Houses - Southwest Regional - 4001 Library Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76109, Saturday, January 10, 2026,
12-1 pm
- Intro to Mail Art - 9015 Grand Ave, North Richland Hills, TX 76180,
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
- Family Festival / Fiesta de la Familia - 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, Sunday, January 11, 2026, 12-5 pm
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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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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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