KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
|
|
Sat, Jan 31: The Million Card Show at POST Houston
Sat, Feb 7: Library Carnival at Brazoria County Library System - Clute
Sat, Feb 14: Bubbles and More Play Day at Nature Discovery Center
Sat, Feb 14: Lunar New Year Festival 2026: Year of the Fire Horse at Parker Williams Branch Library
Sun, Feb 15: Lunar New Year- Discovery Green
Sat, Feb 21: Annual Go Texan Parade at Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce
Sat, Feb 21: Mardi Gras! Galveston
Fri, Mar 20: National Youth Theater presents Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical
Sat, Mar 21: Heights Kids' Day of Music
Sat, Mar 28: Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park Thu, Apr 9: Handyman Hall Comes to Town - Cullen Performance Hall, April 9 |
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
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Peppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George and new baby sister Evie, are coming to Galveston for PEPPA PIG: MY FIRST CONCERT – a fun, interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Join Peppa and George to learn all about
the different sounds that instruments make together! Enjoy some of your favorite music from the show played by a live orchestra and discover some other exciting orchestral pieces perfect for children. Plus, some little piggies can join Peppa and her family to make music of their own! Join the Grand 1894 Opera House March 6th 12:00 PM for a fun Classical Musical Journey.
|
|
|
|
KLA Schools of River Oaks, an innovative preschool opening in Spring 2026, is now accepting admissions for Summer and Fall 2026. Located in the heart of River Oaks, Houston’s first KLA school will welcome young learners into an environment designed to
inspire exploration, creativity, and confidence through inquiry-based learning that honors children’s ideas and natural curiosity. The Admissions Office in the River Oaks Shopping Center is open for enrollment by appointment. Become a Founding Family to enjoy exclusive benefits and early access to the school community. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, the curriculum supports whole-child development, preparing confident, compassionate, and academically ready lifelong learners.
|
|
|
|
Join us for Axolotl Day on February 1 from 11am–4pm for a day packed with exhibit chats, animal encounters, hands‑on activities, and plenty of adorable axolotl fun.
Meet our amazing animal care team during special chats, discover the fascinating world of axolotls and salamanders, enjoy story time, and get up close with some of your favorite creatures throughout the day.
Plus, stop by our Conservation Booth for bio‑facts, coloring activities, and a chance to support wildlife conservation — donate $1 and receive an authentic shark tooth!
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Join us to experience the park like it's your first time, on our Creekfield Lake Trail.
First time or 50th time at our park? Join us at our 0.5-mile paved trail to explore our diverse ecosystem. Along the trail, read and enjoy our bronze plates showcasing a few key residents. This short but highly informative guided hike will remind you why you love our park.
Meet at the Nature Center to start this hike.
|
|
|
|
Join us at POST Houston all weekend for The Million Card Show — a massive celebration of trading cards, collectibles, and memorabilia!
Shop with 200+ vendors and explore everything from Pokémon, One Piece, RiftBound, and more, plus original work from talented artists, tons of exciting giveaways, and drinks from ensō Matcha.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just diving into the hobby, this is the place to be.
See you there!
|
|
|
|
I Am Texas is the “largest published book in the world,” according to representatives from the Guinness World Records™. Measuring seven feet tall and weighing 496 pounds, the book is an ode to Texas from the perspective of students in grades 3-12 from over
80 school districts. I Am Texas captures what the Lone Star State means to 1,000 young Texans through stories, poetry, and artwork.
The giant book has traveled all over Texas since breaking the Guinness World Record™ in Houston in November 2022. Take your picture with I Am Texas and pick up a free copy of the book while supplies last (one per family).
|
|
|
|
Looking for a family adventure? Come and enjoy refreshments (light snacks, hot chocolate, coffee, water, and – for the grown-ups – Saint Arnold Brewing Company beer) while you meet live owl ambassadors. You’ll learn all about these wise and wonderful birds
and then you’ll join our Naturalists for a hike to search for nocturnal animals.
Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.
|
|
|
|
The Bookworm Festival was started in 2014 and is a free, family-friendly book event that celebrates readers and those who create books for them. Come and hear from award winning authors and illustrators! Through a series of author/illustrator panels,
readers will hear new books, have the chance to ask questions, and learn from our amazing presenters.
After the panel sessions, readers can get books signed by the authors and illustrators, chat with them personally, and take pictures.
|
|
|
|
Let it snow—indoors! In this playful sensory class, families will make their own snow dough from scratch and then dive into open-ended winter-themed play. Perfect for little hands, this activity encourages creativity, fine motor development, and sensory
exploration in a relaxed, fun environment.
|
|
|
|
Open Dance Project’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, follows Hermia as she runs away from an overbearing father into a forest filled with hapless young lovers, a feuding Fairy King and Queen, a mischievous sprite, and an uproarious band of amateur actors. This
adventurous comedy filled with mishaps, misunderstandings, misdirection, and magic features aerial silks, acrobatics, and clever choreography that is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike!
|
|
|
|
The Humble Rodeo is a tradition in Humble, Texas since 1947. It is a yearly activity that brings people of all demographics together for fun and excitement.
The Rodeo is a weekend of great competition by cowboys and cowgirls from around the US. We also host an extraordinary concert that is always sure to please. The rodeo arena has box seats and general admission and we offer dirt passes for the concert, to get that up close experience.
Both weekends are family friendly events that help the Humble Rodeo and BBQ Cook-off to raise money for the Humble School District by donating all proceeds to the Humble ISD Education Foundation.
|
|
|
|
Friday, January 30th at 11am Author visit with Alisa & Alejandro Magallón, who will read “If You Sing a Song to a Dragon”. Dragons tend to get cranky if they don’t get enough sleep, just like children. However, there is a secret way to tame a tired
dragon and improve its mood.
|
|
|
|
Movers & Shakers is a high-energy storytime designed especially for active toddlers and their caregivers. Join us each week for lively read-alouds, upbeat music, props, and plenty of movement to support early literacy and motor skill development!
Geared to ages 18 months to 3 years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
- Teen-Tween Space - Galena Park Library, 1500 Keene Street, Galena Park, TX 77547, Friday, 01/30/2026 to Sunday, 02/01/2026, 2:45-5:15 pm
- Toon Café - High Meadows Branch Library, 4500 Aldine Mail Route Road, Houston, TX 77039, Friday, 01/30/2026, 3-5 pm
- Movers & Shakers Storytime - 215 North Shanks Street, Clute, TX, Friday, 01/30/2026 to Saturday, 01/31/2026, 11 am
- Texas America250 Reading Challenge
- Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 1201 Brazos St, Austin, Texas 78701, Friday, 01/30/2026 to Sunday, 02/01/2026, all day
- I Am Texas: The Largest Published Book in the World - Houston Public Library - Central Library, 500 McKinney
Street, Houston, TX 77002, Friday, 01/30/2026 to Sunday, 02/01/2026, all day
- Bookworm Book Festival - Mead Middle School, Lauder Road, Houston, TX, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 9:30 am- 12:30 pm
- Wagging Tales - Katherine Tyra Branch Library, Clay Road, Houston, TX, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 10:30-11 am
- Playtime on the Plaza! - Houston Public Library - Central Library, 500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77002, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 11:30 am- 12:30 pm
- Saturdays @ HPL - Flores Neighborhood
Library, 110 North Milby Street, Houston, TX 77003, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 2-4 pm
- Pokemon Card
Swap - South Houston Branch Library, 607 Avenue A, South Houston, TX 77587, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 2-3 pm
- Sweeny - School Age: Movie and Craft - 205 West Ashley Wilson Road, Sweeny, TX, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 2-3 pm
- Saturday Movers and Shakers - 20514b Highway 6, Manvel, TX, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 11-11:30 am
- Family Fun Day: Snowy Fun Day! - 20514b Highway 6, Manvel, TX, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 2-3 pm
- Agritourism Days at Blackwood Farm 2026 - Blackwood Educational Land Institute, 27144 Rock Island Road, Hempstead, TX 77445, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 12-4 pm
|
|
|
|
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 Houston? 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 Houston 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 winners in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Houston area: Houston, The Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, and beyond. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, plus winners in special categories
like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
