KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which means it's the perfect time to talk about LYING. The first lie my daughter Madison ever attempted was when she was about 3. "Did you brush your teeth?” I asked as she was getting ready for bed. She nodded earnestly, but I had my doubts; a check of the toothbrush revealed it was dry as the Sahara. "Looks like
we need a do-over," I said. "Try again." In a 2025 Delta Dental study of 1000 parents of kids age 12 and under, 67% of respondents reported difficulty in getting their kids to brush their teeth. And in a related but thoroughly unscientific survey, 100%
of the friends I asked told me that their own kids have lied about tooth brushing at least once. See, young children don’t experience truth as adults do; their developing minds blur the line between reality and hope, between what happened and what they would prefer had happened. Brushing is tedious, being done is better. Add a desire to please Mom, and those wires can cross. In those early years, our job is to help kids gradually separate fact from wishful thinking. You might
think that prosecuting dishonesty harshly might scare kids into telling the truth, but that often just scares them into hiding more cleverly. Our goal as parents isn't just to have kids who brush their teeth and do their own homework and someday file tax returns without creative interpretations of “business mileage,” although we do want all those things. But overall, we want kids who are brave enough to be, rather than seem to be. If they see early that
mistakes can be brought into the light and fixed with a do-over, they’re far less likely to build a life around pretending they didn't happen. So my best recommendation for Children's Dental Health Month is to model both scrupulous honesty and scrupulous teeth-brushing yourself. In case you need an immediate solution, though, I hunted down a list of kids' best tooth-brushing songs thoughtfully supplied by the American Dental Association. Grit your teeth and hum along.
—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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Once Upon A Cowboy offers a fun and unique experience that will be unforgettable. At Once Upon A Cowboy, we handle every detail, ensuring a stress free and enjoyable celebration. Create lasting memories with your loved ones where fun, laughter and good
times await!
Pricing starts as low as $329. Email: events@onceuponacowboy.com to reserve your party today or give us a call at 346-587-5653.
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Get ready for big laughs and middle-school mayhem as Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical hits the stage! Based on the wildly popular book series, this high-energy, family-friendly show brings Greg Heffley’s hilarious misadventures to life with catchy songs,
heart, and plenty of awkward moments everyone can relate to. From friendship drama to school disasters, Greg’s journey proves growing up isn’t easy—but it sure is funny. Perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike, this musical is packed with humor and unforgettable characters you love from the books.
Performances: March 20–22, 2026 Location: Lone Star College Tomball Performing Arts Center, 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball 77375
Tickets available at https://nationalyouththeater.org/ticketing
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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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-Join Discovery Camps at The Health Museum during spring and summer breaks, where young explorers of ages 5-13 experiment hands‑on science, creativity, and fun! Campers dive into STEM, health, and the human body through interactive activities, experiments,
and challenges designed to spark curiosity. The newly added innovation, engineering, and robotics camps invite young scientists to tackle building challenges, explore coding and AI. Each day of the camp delivers engaging learning, collaboration, and discovery in a safe, inspiring environment—perfect for curious minds ready to explore, create, and innovate.
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Have you ever wondered how to load a cannon? Have you ever seen one fired? Visitors to the San Jacinto Monument can learn how to load a cannon and watch regular cannon demonstrations. It will be a blast, literally!
Cannon fire will take place on the hour and half-hour.
Note: The cannon program will be canceled if it rains
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Ride on a caboose! The 20 minute train ride departs every 30 minutes from the Galveston Railroad Museum, weather permitting. Fun for all ages, children must be accompanied by adult and all must be ticketed. Reservations may be made online or at the ticket
counter. Museum admission ticket required. $8 each.
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The Big Swim celebrates Lunar New Year with a witty, heartwarming one-act opera sure to delight families and opera lovers alike! In this retelling of the Jade Emperor and the Great Race — a fable that sets the order of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac
calendar — the animals learn to put aside fierce competition to instead care for and support one another, side by side.
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At Mardi Gras! Galveston, the extravagance found in Texas’s largest Mardi Gras celebration starts with the beads! More than 3 million beads will be thrown at Mardi Gras! Galveston and that’s just the beginning of the elaborate parades, headliner
performances, family events, feasting, and other festivities that come with hosting Mardi Gras island style.
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Attending a Houston Dynamo FC home game is an exhilarating experience filled with energy and passion. As you step into Shell Energy Stadium, the buzz of orange and black fills the air, uniting fans from all over Houston. The chants, drums, and waving flags
create an electric atmosphere that makes every moment unforgettable. From the first whistle to the final goal, the crowd’s enthusiasm never fades. The team’s skillful play and relentless drive embody the spirit of the city. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a first-time attendee, a Dynamo game is more than soccer—it’s a celebration of Houston pride.
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Come on out to the Ranch for a day of history and nature! Join in on our special nature trail tour and discover the local animals and plants that make the Ranch home!
We reccomend that you bring a water bottle, hat and wear closed toed shoes.
This tour is free with general admission. Space is limited so reserve your spot early.
Tour runs 45 min- 1 hour in length.
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Spend a morning giving back to one of Houston’s most unique urban natural areas. This volunteer workday brings the community together for hands-on projects that help keep Willow Waterhole healthy and welcoming.
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Join us at the Houston Public Library for Cultural Connections: Celebrating Black History Month, a lively event celebrating our community's rich diversity. Enjoy entertainment, activities, and delicious food that highlight different cultures. Local
partners, including community centers, cultural organizations, schools, and other groups will be part of the festivities, making this a truly inclusive and engaging experience.
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Lights, laughter, and classic cartoons!
Calling all teens—come hang out at the library for a special cartoon
Bring your own favorite snacks to enjoy while you watch and get ready for a fun-filled break with nonstop cartoon comedy. If you love animation and humor, this is the perfect event for you!
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Make whatever you like in our freebuild time or choose from one of our challenge cards. We have OVER 6,000 lego to build with! Open to ages 3-12. Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month.
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Parent's Night Out consists of 3 hours of FUN. This includes running, jumping, playing, sports, games & open gym!
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- Teen-Tween Space - 1500 Keene
Street, Galena Park, TX 77547, Friday, February 20, 2026, 2:45-5:15 pm
- Teen Valentines Party - 135 Hare Road, Crosby, TX
77532, Friday, February 20, 2026, 3-4 pm
- Toon Café - 4500 Aldine Mail Route Road,
Houston, TX 77039, Friday, February 20, 2026, 3-5 pm
- Lego Club - 10851 Scarsdale Boulevard suite 510,
Houston, TX 77089, Friday, February 20, 2026, 4:30-5:15 pm
- Movers & Shakers Storytime - 215 North Shanks Street, Clute,
TX, Friday, February 20, 2026, 11 am
- Brazoria - School Age: Pokemon - 620 South Brooks Street, Brazoria, TX, Friday,
February 20, 2026, 2-3 pm
- Annual Go Texan Parade - West Phillips Street, Conroe, TX, Saturday, February
21, 2026, 1-3 pm
- Celebrate Cultural Connections: Black History Month - 10677 Homestead Rd, Houston, TX 77016, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11 am-1 pm
- Live at Live Oak Presented by H-E-B - 7575 North Picnic Lane, Houston, TX 77007, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 4-6 pm
- Wagging Tales - Clay Road, Houston, TX, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Teen Advisory Group - Gessner Road, Houston, TX, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10 am
- Prelude Family Concert Series - 3801 Eastside Street, Houston, TX 77098, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 4 pm
- Agritourism Days at Blackwood Farm 2026 - 27144 Rock Island Road, Hempstead, TX 77445, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 12-4 pm
- Audubon Bird Surveys - 5310 South Willow Drive, Houston, TX, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8 am
- February Volunteer Workday - 5310 South Willow Drive, Houston, TX, Saturday, February 21, 2026, see website
- Spark 5 Story Time w/ The Michelle Project - 11331 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77037, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11 am-2 pm
- Saturdays @ HPL - 110 North Milby Street, Houston, TX 77003, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2-4 pm
- Lake Jackson - School Age: Don't Let the Pigeon Take Over the Library! - 250 Circle Way, Lake Jackson, TX, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2-4
pm
- Saturday Movers and Shakers - 20514b Highway 6, Manvel, TX, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Game Demo: Cafe Baras - West Gray Street, Houston, TX, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11 am-2 pm
- Pearl Fincher Museum: Family Day - Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:00 AM
- Creatures and Captives: Painted Textiles of the Ancient Andes - 1717 N Harwood
St, Dallas, TX 75201, Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:00 AM
- Discover Nature Together Scavenger Hunts - 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77024, Sunday, February 22, 2026, 2-3 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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