KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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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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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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.
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The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Springfield Science Museum will open early, with some exhibits will be modified to provide an opportunity for people with a range of differing abilities to experience what these Museums have to offer. Our
trained staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions you have and, if necessary, direct you to a quiet space that provides a chance to cool down and take a break. Sensory-friendly crafts for all ages will be available in the Cat’s Corner.
Parents and caregivers must stay with their children at all times.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A now staple in the Pack’s promo schedule, New York Rangers Night, returns on this night. A Rangers’ alumni will be available for a meet and greet pregame and will be announced at a later date.
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- Family Programs - Yale Peabody Museum - Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT, Friday, 02/06/2026 to Sunday, 02/08/2026, See website for specific program times
- Little Red
Barn Live Music - Bishop's Orchards - Bishop's Orchards, 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT, Friday, 02/06/2026 - Saturday, 02/07/2026, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Special Creature Feature: Critters in the Cold - Ansonia Nature Center - Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia, CT, Saturday, 02/07/2026, 12 pm - 1 pm
- Kids Valentine's Day Party - Lyman Orchards - Lyman Orchards, 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield, CT, Saturday, 02/07/2026, 10 AM - 4 PM
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Hartford 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 Hartford 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 Hartford 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 Hartford Kids, as voted by KidsOutAndAbout.com readers! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Favorite Arts Educator, Favorite Sports Educator, and Favorite STEM
Educator!
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Wishing you and your family health and happiness!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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