KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For much of the country, it's been the hardest winter in recent memory: cold, monochrome, relentless. The kind of season that reminds us how little control we really have. We do our best to manage routines and moods and expectations, but parents feel it most. February stretches long and flat after the excitement of the holidays, before the lift of spring. You're still packing
lunches, wrangling homework, managing emotions (your kids’ and your own)... all while the cold keeps the family cooped up. This is the season of endurance. Of course, endurance isn’t about being stoic or silent or superhuman; it’s about continuing, even when things are hard. It’s about showing up for your people, your plans, and yourself, day after chilly day. And it’s about knowing that if you’re feeling the drag right now, you’re not alone. Many of us are moving through it
together. Even for those who don't live in Nature's Refrigerator,* February can still bring its own version of stuckness: that long stretch between holidays, where kids are restless and routines feel stale. Sometimes, by February, our gray matter feels just as gray as the weather. When that happens, help is allowed! Check out our article and outsource the brainstorming to KidsOutAndAbout: Stuck Inside This Winter? 20 Creative Indoor Activities for Kids is packed with creative, practical, low-effort ways to keep your family engaged (and sane) when outside play isn’t an option. And it shows you how to tap your favorite AI to be your thought partner to personalize it for your
family. February Gray doesn’t need to be conquered; it just needs to be lightened a bit. So whether you're "out and about" or "in and not at all about," we're here to brighten the rest of your winter!
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build
Strong Communities
*Rochester, NY ☺️ |
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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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Help Your Child Thrive Inside and Outside the Classroom
BrainAbouts® empowers young people to make smarter decisions, manage stress, and build confidence with neuroscience-based lessons. Parents love how the program connects real-life skills with academic success, preparing children for bright, resilient futures.
Support Your Child’s Growth so Discover BrainAbouts®
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At iBis Learning, we prioritize focus and self-regulation because they are foundational brain skills that determine how children learn, think, and interact. Research shows these abilities predict long-term academic success more strongly than IQ, yet many
bright students struggle to manage attention, frustration, and impulsivity in traditional classrooms. Our program intentionally teaches children how to plan, execute, and then reflect on academic tasks, strengthening the executive functions needed to stay focused and persist when learning becomes challenging. By practicing these skills daily, children become more independent, confident, and thoughtful problem solvers. This targeted approach prepares students to thrive academically while
developing creativity, collaboration, and strong decision-making skills.
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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.
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Located in the ground floor of the historic Moody Mansion, the Galveston Children’s Museum offers hands-on camps and programs that turn a day in Galveston into something truly memorable. Designed for locals and visitors alike, GCM’s one-day camps provide
flexible options that fit busy work schedules and vacation plans—while giving kids a full day of creative, screen-free learning. From art and STEM to imaginative play inspired by island life, children learn by doing in a welcoming, engaging environment. The Museum also hosts birthday parties, group visits, and field trips, making it a go-to destination for celebrations, school groups, and unforgettable kid-centered experiences.
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Saturday, February 14: Join us for our Valentine's Family Day! Free entry to the museum 10am-4pm. Come take a break from the cold and enjoy Valentine's and maritime crafts, engaging activities and hands-on learning!
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On February 15, POST is celebrating the Lunar New Year welcoming the Year of the Horse. Experience dazzling lion dances, cultural performances, a vibrant Asian pop-up market, and traditional Lunar New Year activities. Join us for a day of joy, community,
and celebration!
This event is free to attend for all ages with RSVP.
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If you're thinking of getting into fishing, then this is the program for you!
Have you been thinking about getting into fishing, but you're not sure where to start? Then this is the perfect program for you! Discover the basics and experience the fun that can be found while fishing with one of our rangers to guide you. Join us at the Hale Lake fishing pier for this exciting program and maybe leave with a fish that you caught yourself!
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Enjoy 4 days of unlimited thrills across all three iconic parks — Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and Downtown Aquarium — all with one pass! (exhibits at Aquarium also included)!
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Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees
into the mountains.
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FREE for all fans, Fan Fest is a day full of soccer, music, food, and family fun. Doors open at 11:00 a.m., so come early and enjoy all the pre-match activities.
The action kicks off at 12:00 p.m. with the match against the New York Red Bulls, and your ticket gives you full access to watch the preseason match live. Seating is general admission so get in early to see the match up close.
Claim your tickets for Fan Fest today!
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You are invited to the wedding of Mary Ann Fanthorp and William Stone! Join us in commemorating the anniversary of the couple that continued the Fanthorp legacy. Hear the story of their early life, courtship, and marriage. Visitors will have the opportunity
to fill out a colonial Texas marriage license and serve as witness to the Fanthorp nuptials.
Wedding ceremony at noon.
Saturday only, from 11-3, Take a ride through history and experience what travel in early Texas was truly like on our replica stagecoach.
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The Center’s front lawn, Pecan Grove, and the sidewalks around the Center will be set up with everything your kids need for a fun filled afternoon of outdoor play! You can feel like a kid again, too, if you join them in playing with bubbles, hula hoops,
jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, and more. Kids should bring refillable water bottles.
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During the school year, homeschoolers from all over the Houston area come to The Learning Zoo to bond over their shared excitement for nature and science!
Each of our Homeschool Days has a theme and special activities geared towards ages 6-12. Complimentary Craft and Scavenger Hunt is provided.
Tickets are $8each. Each guest over the age of 12 months will need to purchase a ticket. Both adults and students will require a ticket for entry.
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Little Lovebugs: Celebrate a morning of love in this two-hour class! Our Little Lovebugs will create their own lovebug, make a name heart banner, and complete an Candy Heart investigation (note: campers will be allowed to taste Candy Hearts afterwards).
Families are invited to join our Lovebug Parade and Performance at pickup. Snack provided: Pepperidge Farm Goldfish.
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Come make something fun! We will be making a Valentine's Day-themed craft. Participants will be given supplies and instructions.
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Suit up and team up for an action-packed evening of laser tag fun!
Moms and sons will dodge, tag and battle side-by-side in a night full of laughs, lights and memories.
Because nothing says bonding like a friendly laser showdown!
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- Teen Craft Night - Katherine Tyra Branch Library,
Clay Road, Houston, TX, Friday, February 13, 2026, 4-5 pm
- Movers & Shakers Storytime - 215 North Shanks Street, Clute,
TX, Friday, February 13, 2026, 11 am
- Movers & Shakers Storytime - 215 North Shanks Street, Clute, TX, Saturday,
February 14, 2026, 11 am
- Valentine's Family Day at Houston Maritime Center - Houston Maritime Museum, 2940 Riverby Rd, Suite 200, Houston, TX, Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10am - 4pm
- Lunar New Year 2026: Celebrating the Year of the Horse - Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004, Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- 2026 Lunar New
Year Festival: Year of the Horse - Chinese Community Center, 9800 Town Park Drive, Houston, TX 77036, Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10 am.– 4 pm
- Lunar New Year Festival 2026: Year of the Fire Horse - 10851 Scarsdale Boulevard suite 510, Houston, TX 77089, Saturday, February
14, 2026, 11 am- 1 pm
- Wagging Tales - Katherine Tyra Branch Library, Clay Road, Houston, TX, Saturday, February 14,
2026, 10:30-11 am
- Bubbles and More Play Day at Nature Discovery Center - Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle Street, Bellaire, TX 77401, Saturday, February 14, 2026, 1-3 pm
- Agritourism Days at Blackwood Farm 2026 - Blackwood Educational Land Institute, 27144 Rock Island Road, Hempstead, TX 77445, Saturday, February 14, 2026, 12-4 pm
- "The Princess Bride" Family Movie - South Houston Branch Library, 607 Avenue A, South Houston, TX 77587, Saturday, February 14, 2026, 2-3 pm
- Saturday Movers and Shakers - 20514b Highway 6, Manvel, TX, Saturday, February 14, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Fan Fest - 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010, Saturday, February 14, 2026, 11 am
- Lunar New Year- Discovery Green - Discovery Green, McKinney Street, Houston, TX, Sunday, February 15, 2026, 4-7 pm
- Lunar New Year Celebration at POST - POST Houston, 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201, Sunday, February 15, 2026, 11 am- 9
pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Houston 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 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.
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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!
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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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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