KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
My first job out of college was as the managing editor at a small medical publishing company in New York City. I worked alongside Steve, our associate editor. My strength was structure and rhythm; his was medical accuracy and detail. We made a good team. One day, Steve walked into my office waving some printed pages. “Deb, can you do that
thing you do, so I can check out the science?” “What thing?” I asked. “You know,” he said, “that magic you work where the writing comes in muddy and you turn it into something clear, logical, and even fun to read.” I’ve never forgotten that moment. Not just because it felt great to be seen, but because of what it taught me about leadership. We’re surrounded by people with unique strengths. As parents, friends, or leaders, one of the most
powerful things we can do is notice those strengths and say them out loud. When we do, people rise. Kids rise. They lean into what they’re good at, and their futures get brighter. It’s not magic—it’s just the natural result of being seen and valued—but it feels like it. Over the years, as I raised kids, built a business team, and worked within various communities, I kept returning to that lesson: Leadership isn’t about having a title, it’s about paying attention.
You can’t run a family or a business unless you know who you’re with and what makes them shine. And once you start validating others (“You know that thing you do? Please do that!”) you become a leader. Even if you're just leading someone to be more themselves. So today, find a reason to start a conversation: “You know that thing you do?...” You won't see it right away, but trust me: Their horizon will glow.
—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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Meet animals, explore nature and participate in crafts, games and activities. The Mommy & Me program will take place every Friday from 10 AM - 10:45 AM, followed by 45 minutes of self-directed exploration and play.
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Ages 2-4 years
One Caregiver per Little Artist!
Join us at the DAC visual arts studio with your little ones and introduce them to creativity and the freedom to express themselves! Sensory art encourages exploration and interaction with materials, focusing on the sensory experience itself rather than the final product. These classes provide a hands-on, messy, and creative environment for toddlers to explore different textures, colors, and materials.
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Visit Old Sturbridge Village this January for a one-of-a-kind event, commemorating the 250th Anniversary of Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery. In partnership with Fort Ticonderoga, this unique event explores the Noble Train as it went from Fort
Ticonderoga through central Massachusetts, and onward to Boston. Join staff from Fort Ticonderoga and reenactors from Knox’s Regiment of Artillery to discover how Henry Knox’s achieved the 300 mile journey to deliver 59 artillery pieces to Dorchester Heights. Examine reproduction artillery tools and ammunition to understand the importance of artillery in the Revolutionary War. Explore the historic Village and interact with costumed historians as they demonstrate the facets of daily life after
the Revolution, hear stories from reenacted patriots who marched on the Trail, see cannon demonstrations, and learn about the impacts the Revolution had on people in the 1830s. On Saturday only, visit the Bullard Tavern in the evening for Tavern…
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Let the light of the FULL moon be your guide as we explore magic in the woods and unravel the mysteries of our nocturnal neighbors, the owls. We’ll discover how owls use their keen senses to navigate the night and learn first-hand how they can hunt in the
dark. We’ll even “give a hoot” and see if we can identify owls by their tell-tale calls, before getting to meet a couple of owls up close & personal.
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Say it with style this Valentine’s Day. Design and hand-print your own heartfelt cards on our 19th-century press using traditional type and imagery. Learn the basics of letterpress printing and take home your own custom creations. No experience
required—feel free to bring your favorite quote! (ages 16+, capacity: 4)
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On the first Sunday of the month, we host a bird-on-glove demonstration where you can learn all about some of our magnificent raptors. Naturalists will discuss the animals’ traits, behaviors, and unique characteristics while the birds interact with their
handlers.
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Dive into Enchantment with live Mermaids at Mystic Aquarium!
When: January 23–25, January 30–February 1, February 6–February 8
Prepare to be spellbound as mesmerizing mermaids return to Mystic Aquarium! On select weekends this January and February, embark on an enchanting adventure as these aquatic wonders gracefully glide through our Caribbean Reef habitat, captivating hearts and sparking imaginations with their magical underwater performances.
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Celebrate the New Year Japanese-style at our Oshogatsu event that’s filled with fun for the whole family! After watching a riveting Japanese taiko drum performance, kids are invited on stage for a hands-on drum mini-workshop. Families can then welcome the
New Year with exciting and traditional activities like New Year’s calligraphy, lion dancing and other New Year’s-themed crafts. With such wonderful activities for the whole family, you are sure to ring in the New Year with great joy!
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Join us for our first Homeschool Days of 2026 on January 16 or 30! During these Homeschool Days, participants will learn about what life was like for New Englanders during the cold, long days of winter. What food and drink warmed their souls, and what
clothing kept them safe from the chill? How did they stay entertained, and what work was necessary during this time of year? Homeschool Days offer you and your family the opportunity to explore the Village and participate in hands-on activities. Sign up for a workshop or explore the Village on your own using one of our many self-guides and scavenger hunts, available at both Museum Education and the Visitor Center.
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- First AMI Montessori Infant Program - Willow Tree Montessori, Willow Tree Montessori, Fri 1/30 - Sun 2/1, 8:30 - 3:30pm
- Little Red Bar[n] Live Music at Bishop's Orchards - Bishop's Orchards, 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT, Fri 1/30 - Sat 1/31, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT, Fri 1/30, See website for specific program times
- Kid's Character Trivia - 314 Beer Garden and
Wood-Fired Pizza, Wilson Avenue, Norwalk, CT, Sat 1/31, 1:00PM - 3:00PM
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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 Fairfield COunty 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 Fairfield County 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 Fairfield County Kids: Once again, our readers have spoken! Thousands of parents voted in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners
in special categories like favorite spot for indoor play, favorite nature center, favorite museum, and much more!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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