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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The Academic Excellence Program (AEP) is a scholarship to recognize and financially support students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and intellectual promise. AEP awards are two-year merit scholarships for high school students in 10th or
11th grade to begin college at Simon’s Rock at Bard College, the nation’s pioneering Early College. Awards will be granted on a competitive basis, by a committee of Simon’s Rock faculty. For fall 2026, the committee will award at least 20 scholarships across the three award levels.
There are three scholarship awards levels available: 1. Founder’s Scholarship – $50,000 merit scholarship per year, 2. Provost’s Scholarship – $25,000 merit scholarship per year, and 3. Faculty Scholarship – $10,000 merit scholarship per year. Students may apply for additional need-based financial aid.
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Winter fun is in full swing at Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm, which will host its annual Winter Festival on Saturday, February 7, from 11 am to 3 pm. People of all ages are invited to celebrate the season with hands-on activities, live music, tasty food
and classic farm experiences. Please be aware that some activities may be weather dependent and are subject to change. Check back for more details!
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Meet animals, explore nature and participate in crafts, games and activities. The Mommy & Me program will take place every Friday from 10 AM - 10:45 AM, followed by 45 minutes of self-directed exploration and play.
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The 22nd Annual Teatown Hudson River EagleFest® will be on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Join us for an all-day celebration at Croton Point Park! The program includes thrilling live bird shows spotlighting birds of prey, bird walks where you can view eagles
through spotting scopes, heated tents filled with educational displays and exhibits, crafts and games for children, food trucks, and more! We look forward to celebrating together with Bald Eagles as they descend upon Hudson River during their annual winter migration.
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Prepare to be captivated as Ice Creative Entertainment presents “Wizard of Oz On Ice,” a reimagined, all-new production that breathes fresh life into the beloved classic. Set on a stunning synthetic ice stage, this innovative performance will take place at
select theaters around the nation. From the visionary team behind acclaimed ice spectacles like “Peter Pan On Ice,” “Cinderella On Ice,” and “Beauty & The Beast On Ice” comes a fresh and exhilarating reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s timeless story. This all-new production, “Wizard of Oz On Ice,” promises to dazzle audiences of all ages with stunning choreography, state-of-the-art special effects, and vibrant costumes that bring the Land of Oz to life in ways never seen before, enchanting both
the young and the young at heart.
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Join us for the Newburgh Farmers Market. The Winter Market is every Saturday through April 25, from 10 am – 2 pm in the Safe Harbors Ritz Theater Stagehouse (100 Ann St, Newburgh).
Support local farmers and get some local goodies!
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Take a celestial adventure in the magical night sky via the StarLab inflatable planetarium! Learn how to identify the major constellations and stars while hearing Native American and Greek stories of how they were believed to be created. Feel free to bring
a pillow or blanket to get comfy during the show.
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Hudson Valley 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 Hudson Valley? 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 Hudson Valley 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 annual survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Hudson Valley. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Favorite Art Educator, Favorite Sport Educator,
and Favorite STEM Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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