KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
|
|
Fri, Feb 13: 2026 Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises on RiverQuest
Sat, Feb 14: Maple Sugaring Time at Dudley Farm Museum
Sat, Feb 14: Valentine’s Day at the BNC at Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut, Inc.
Mon, Feb 16: Presidents' Day: Kid's Apple Pie Workshop at Lyman Orchards
Tue, Feb 17: Homeschool Open House at The Bushnell
Fri, Feb 20: Polar Bear Picnic at Grace Farms
Fri, Feb 20: Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Celebrating Music of Taylor Swift at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Sat,
Feb 21: Winter Weekend in Norfolk 2026
Tue, Mar 3: World Wildlife Day at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Sat,
Mar 7: Indian Rock Nature Preserve Annual Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Demonstration 2026
Sun, Mar 8: First County Bank Maple Sugar Fest Sundays! at Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Sat, Mar 14: Morning Session: St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Search at Trumbull Nature & Arts Center
Sat, Mar 21: Hocus
Pocus Lotions and Potions at Trumbull Nature & Arts Center
Fri, Mar 27: We Can Do It: A Celebration of Women's History at The Bushnell
Sat, Apr 25: Earth Day Celebration at Grace Farms |
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 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summer fun starts at the YMCA of Greenwich—and registration is now open for our 2026 Summer Camps! With spots filling quickly, now is the time to plan a season of adventure, learning, and connection. This year, we’re excited to introduce all-new outdoor
camps at Camp Seton, offering a nature-rich experience with hiking, archery, water activities, and more. We offer camps for every age, from infants and preschoolers to school-age kids, middle schoolers, and high schoolers. Tweens and teens can build leadership skills through specialty programs and work toward future employment opportunities at the Y. Plus, families love our one-week specialty camps, perfect for kids who want to dive into a favorite interest like coding, archery, or creative
technology. There’s truly something for everyone this summer at the Y!
|
|
|
|
Hudson Country Montessori School in Danbury inspires innate curiosity and a lifelong love of learning through a progressive Montessori education. Our program builds strong foundations starting in the infant program and continuing in Preschool through
Elementary and Middle School, allowing students to develop independence, confidence, and real academic strength over time. Through hands-on materials, individualized lessons, and mixed age classrooms, children learn to think deeply, solve problems, and take meaningful responsibility for their work. Hudson Country Montessori is a private, co-educational school serving children from 8 weeks through 8th grade in a supportive, engaging learning environment.
Schedule your tour today: https://www.hudsoncountry.org/danbury-ct-campus/schedule-a-tour
|
|
|
|
Our Storytime and a craft program held on select Friday mornings at Barnes Nature Center will continue throughout the winter! Children will enjoy a Story followed by a craft that is topic related. These programs will be led by Retired school teacher and
Volunteer, Diane Benson.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Feel the love at The Apple Barrel Farm Market and celebrate Valentine's Day on February 7th & 14th from 10 AM - 4 PM!
Decorate your own Valentine's Day cake (advance tickets required), treat yourself to free sweet treat tastings, and get crafty at a Valentine's Day card-making station.
|
|
|
|
MarioKart Day puts science in the driver’s seat! This dynamic event explores the scientific principles behind racing, speed, and motion through immersive activities and engaging demonstrations. From testing reaction times in the MarioKart Game Zone to
racing slot cars on a giant Slot Car Speedway, participants will see how physics, engineering, and problem-solving shape every race. Live science demonstrations and special guest appearances add to the excitement, making this a day where learning and fun go hand in hand. Get ready to race, experiment, and explore! MarioKart Day invites you to experience the science behind racing through interactive activities, exciting demonstrations, and special guest appearances. From digital courses to
physical tracks, this event connects beloved games with real-world scientific principles.
|
|
|
|
Attracting eastern bluebirds to your yard can be as simple as offering them a bluebird-specific nest box. These cavity nesters begin scouting out the perfect nesting spot starting in early spring, so join us in building a nest box to have ready for when
their search begins. We provide all the supplies for the house itself, but ask that you bring a hammer to help during construction. Ages 6+.
|
|
|
|
Dive headfirst into nature and explore your fascination with the natural world! Through hiking, animal encounters, nature activities, and more, we'll enhance our understanding of nature as we appreciate and enjoy precious time spent outdoors! Learning will
be guided by our observations as we explore.
|
|
|
|
Swing by the Connecticut River Museum for stories take-home craft activities that engage kids with the Connecticut River’s stunning wildlife and rich history! Perfect for young learners 4+ and their caregivers. Check in at the front desk upon arrival.
|
|
|
- Little Red Bar[n] Live Music at Bishop's Orchards - 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT, Friday, February 6, 2026 to Sunday, February 8, 2026, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT, Friday, February 6, 2026 to Sunday, February 8, 2026, See website for specific program times
- Special Creature Feature: Critters in the Cold at Ansonia Nature Center - Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia, CT, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 12 pm - 1 pm
- Meet the Author Jr.: Chris Newell at Pequot Library - 720 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 2 pm
- Kid's Valentine's Day Party at Lyman Orchards - Lyman Orchards Corn Maze, 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield, CT, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10 AM - 4 PM
- Challenge Camp Information Session - Challenge Camp, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- History Through a Lens - Exploring Old Photos -
Student Class - Weston History & Culture Center - Weston Historical Society, Weston Road, Weston, CT, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 02:00pm
|
|
|
|
Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Fairfield County 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
