KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Fri, Feb 6: Lunar New Year Celebration at Kimbell Art Museum
Sat, Feb 7: Black History Month Celebration in Denton at MLK Jr. Rec Center
Fri, Feb 13: Valentine's Day Dance at Southside Community Center
Sat, Feb 21: College & Career Fair at Denton Civic Center
Sat, Mar 7: TEXFest at City of Carrollton
Sat, Mar 7: Cliburn Family Concerts- Flight of the Bumblebee at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Sat, Mar 14: TRAIN-A-PALOOZA 2026 at Lone Star Hi-Railers Model Railroad Association
Thu, Mar 19: Disney On Ice presents Jump In! at State Farm
Arena
Sat, Mar 21: The World's Only St. Paddy's Pickle Parade
Sat, Mar 21: Fort Worth African American Roots Music
Festival
Tue, Mar 24: Back to the Future: The Musical at Bass Performance Hall
Tue, Mar 24: Kindergarten Preview at Pantego Christian Academy
Wed, Mar 25: Grace Classical Christian Academy OPEN HOUSE |
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
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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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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.
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You're invited to join the Texas America250 Reading Challenge! Texans of all ages are invited to log 2,500 minutes (41.6 hours) of reading, state parks visits, and/or service
activity in 2026, in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants who complete the challenge can receive a certificate from their local librarian.
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This Thing is Legendary®! It’s not just a slogan. It’s why the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is the most authentic western lifestyle experience anywhere – since 1896. It’s exciting, it’s fun, it’s 23 days of what makes Fort Worth the greatest city in
Texas!
Our rodeo action features the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebración, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, Bulls' Night out and the PRORODEO Rookie Rally. The FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament tops it off in the world’s most awesome venue for rodeo – Dickies Arena.
We also have livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, live music, carnival midway, shopping, great food and much more. After experiencing it all, we bet you’ll agree – This Thing IS Legendary!
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Come to the library and practice reading to Luna, our therapy dog!
The target audience is elementary-aged children and younger.
This program uses therapy dogs as reading companions for children. Often, reading for children involves overcoming fear. The dogs offer a method to help alleviate the fear associated with reading by serving as non-judgmental, attentive listeners.
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Whether by yourself, with a family, or a special someone, the Nature Center has plenty of beauty to fall in love with. Come take a hike and see what catches your eye. Pre-registration required. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS $3. *FREE with paid
admission.
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Stans of BTS, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, Enhypen, Tomorrow x Together, Black Pink, or any other group, come by the library for an afternoon of all things K-Pop.
Make custom bracelets for your bias, chat about the most anticipated comebacks of the new year, and enjoy time with other fans. Got a photocard collection? Bring it down to show off and make trades with fellow fans. Snacks will be provided. Whether your new to the genre, or have been a fan for years, we hope to see you there!
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Watch timeless Disney classic, The Lion King on the big screen as the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra brings every note to life, performing the complete score live on stage. This unforgettable experience is perfect for all ages, letting families share the
nostalgia of songs like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata” while creating cherished new memories among their pride. It’s going to be a roaring time!
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Join us in the children's room to watch a movie while you play, color, and explore!
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Come join us as we break out our collection of board games, playing cards, and dominoes and let you and your family have at them.
Our giant versions of Connect 4, Jenga, checkers, and Kerplunk offer big gaming fun you won’t find hardly anywhere else.
Game Night is a potluck affair, so attendees are encouraged (though not required) to bring food to share so that everyone can snack while they play. The library provides soda, juice, and water for all. The games are set out for you to browse, and you’re welcome to play whichever one(s) you’d like, either with your friends and family or with other game lovers from the community. Occasionally, we’ll have a themed Game Night. Such nights will be noted on
the schedule.
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Get ready to jump, play, and explore with us at our exciting Enrollment Event! We invite you and your little and bigger kids (up to age 10!) to discover the world of fitness and adventure in a safe and nurturing environment.
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Our Preschool Storytime is intended for ages 3-5. It provides active children with stories and songs based on simple concepts, repetition, and lots of movement. Storytimes give children and caregivers a chance to bond, socialize with others, and create new
relationships while building language and literacy skills. This class will be educational but most of all it will be fun. This class is hosted by WJSL.
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Stop by for a morning of play-based learning just for our littles! This program will vary week-to-week as we explore art, math, science, engineering, and fine motor skills. Join us as we playfully discover the world around us!
Designed for ages 1-4. This program is designed to be flexible on time so that families can participate at any time during the program's duration. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (817) 459-6900 or by email at LIBYouthServices@arlingtontx.gov.
Thank you to the Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library for their generous support of our programming.
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Love video games? Play with friends and chat with other gamers at the library. Teens may use our systems for free play or bring their own hand-held devices.
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- Crafternoon: Valentine's Day Air-Dry Clay Hearts - Fort Worth Public Library, Fort Worth, Friday, February 6, 2026, 4-5 pm
- Lunar New Year Celebration - Kimbell Art
Museum, Fort Worth, Friday, February 6, 2026, 5-7 pm
- Book Babies - Grand Prairie Public Library,
Grand Prairie, Friday, February 6, 2026, 11-11:45 am
- Music & Movement - Fort Worth Public Library - Clifford Crossing, Fort Worth, Friday, February 6, 2026, 11:30 am - 12:15 pm
- HairStory
- Fort Worth Public Library - Shamblee, Fort Worth, Friday, February 6, 2026, 4:30-5:30 pm
- Late Night at The Library: Library Olympics - Keller Public Library, Keller, Friday, February 6, 2026, 7-10 pm
- Little Explorers - Arlington Public Library - George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, Arlington, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10-11:30 am
- Family Storytime - Arlington Public Library - Southeast Branch, Arlington, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:30-11:15 am
- Preschool Storytime - Nicholas P Sims Library, Waxahachie, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10-11 am
- 19th Annual Lunar New Year 2026 - Asia Times Square, Grand Prairie, Friday, February 6, 2026 to Sunday,
February 8, 2026, see website
- Children's Playtime - Bedford Public Library, Bedford, Friday,
February 6, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Bounce Time (Age 0-3)- Colleyville Public Library - Colleyville Public Library, Colleyville, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:15-11:15 am
- Teen Gaming Club- Diamond Hill/Jarvis - Fort Worth Public Library - Diamond Hill/Jarvis, Fort Worth, Friday, February 6, 2026, 4-5 pm
- Toddler Story Time - Fort Worth Public Library -
Shamblee, Fort Worth, Friday, February 6, 2026, 11-11:45 am
- Teen School's Out Hang
Out - Euless Library, Euless, Friday, February 6, 2026, 4-5 pm
- Bouncing Baby Booktime -
Haltom City Public Library, Haltom City, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:30-11:30 am
- Lego Club -
Kennedale Public Library, Kennedale, Friday, February 6, 2026, 3:30-5 pm
- Family Place
Playtime -Mansfield Public Library - Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, Friday, February 6, 2026, 11 am- 12 pm
- Black History Month Celebration in Denton, Denton, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10 am- 1 pm
- Passport to Lunar New Year: Tết in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam - Fort Worth Public Library - Northwest, Fort Worth, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 3-4 pm
- Saturday Make & Take Crafts - Coppell Arts Center, Coppell, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 9 am
- Love & Library: The Sweetheart Clue Hunt - Prosper Community Library, Prosper, Saturday,
February 7, 2026 to Sunday, February 8, 2026, during regular library hours
- 1st Saturday Bird Walks at Acton Nature Center - Acton Nature Center of Hood County, Granbury, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 7 am
- Ice Cream for Breakfast - Nicholas P Sims Library, Waxahachie, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10-10:30 am
- Heart Paper Chains (Ages 5-9) - Burleson Public Library, Burleson, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 3-4 pm
- Gro’ Her
’Fro—A Celebration of Black Love - Forest Hill Public Library, Forest Hill, Saturday, February 7, 2026, during normal library hours
- Family Craft Hour: Mardi Gras Masks - Fort Worth Public Library - Northside, Fort Worth, Saturday, February 7, 2026,
3:30-4:30 pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Fort Worth 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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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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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Fort Worth 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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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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