KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Mon, Feb 2: Homeschool Program: Stop Motion Mania, Lights, Camera, Action! (Ages 6-13) at Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
Wed, Feb 4: Winder Wonderland Dance at Cool Creek Nature Center
Wed, Feb 4: Girl Power at Brookside Park
Mon, Feb 9: Making Together - What I'd Say at Indianapolis Public Library - Garfield Park Branch
Tue, Feb 10: Homeschool Hangout Spotlighting Black
Musicians at Johnson County Public Library-Indiana - White River Branch
Fri, Feb 13: Swimmin' Cinema (Ages 6-13) Krannert Park
Fri, Feb 13: Valentine Pajama Jam at Brookside Park
Mon, Feb 16: America's 250th Presidents’ Day: Puzzle Party - FREE Admission at Indiana State Museum
Fri, Feb 20: Anime Crossroads 2026
Fri, Feb 20: GeoFest at Indiana State Museum
Sat, Feb 21: ICC Community Outreach February Day of Song at Indianapolis Children's Choir Performing Arts Center
Sat, Feb 21: Model Train Show - at Avon-Washington Township Library Sat, Feb 28: Pete The Cat at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre
Fri, Mar 6: Barbie Game Day - Indy Fuel at INDIANA FARMERS COLISEUM
Sat, Mar 7: Family Literacy Day - Indiana State Museum
Sat, Mar 7: Sap to Syrup Day - At Holliday Park
Sat, Mar 7: Lunar New Year Festival Year of the Horse at Indianapolis Central Library
Sun, Mar 8: The Indianapolis Children’s Choir Presents: Jubilate
Deo at Hilbert Circle Theatre |
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
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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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Experience the caped crusader like never before at ?Batman in Concert.? Watch Batman unravel the mysteries of Gotham City as a live symphony orchestra performs the captivating score alongside the film.
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Open Play and Family Learning
Join us for open play and family learning in our early childhood space, Firefly Landing, where young children and their families try new sensory experiences, experiment with STEM activities, and even make some music. Each monthly session is 90 minutes, leaving plenty of time for little ones to explore at their own pace while caregivers make connections as well. Each month will feature new activities and caregiver resources, so there’s always a reason
to return.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Join the Eiteljorg and community partners WFYI, the Indianapolis Public Library, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Humanities, and more at the Indianapolis Central Library for a civics celebration. Watch screeners from the new six-part documentary
American Revolution, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. Storytelling artist Perry Ground will return to share stories on the theme of the Haudenosaunee influence on American democracy.
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Winter on the Prairie returns with weekends filled with wonder and discovery. Step out of the cold and enjoy the excitement of play in the big, red barn where our playspace invites you to create, explore, and learn! In addition to our playspace, join Conner
Prairie staff for a Guided Experience daily at 11 a.m. Fridays are focused on history, Saturdays highlight agriculture, and Sundays are devoted to nature.
Members get free admission to Winter on the Prairie.
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Learn all about our nocturnal, feathered friends! Dissect a real owl pellet, learn about owl population dynamics, and make a cool craft to take home.
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Just in time for Valentine's! These candles make a great gift, or excellent home-decor. Perfect for couples, friends, and families. In this 2 part workshop, we will hand build a ceramic vessel, decorate it to your liking, and then show you everything you
need to know about candle pouring. By the end of the 2nd session, you'll leave with your very own, handmade candle!
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- Indy Winter Farmers Market - At The AMP at 16 Tech - The AMP at 16 Tech, Indianapolis, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
- Better Together:
Celebrating US! - Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art - Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indianapolis, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Better Together: Celebrating U.S. - Indianapolis Public Library - Central Library - Indianapolis Public Library - Central Library, Indianapolis, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Get Ready for Kindergarten Week - Johnson County Public Library-Indiana - White River Branch - Johnson County Public Library-Indiana - White River Branch, Greenwood, Sunday, February 1, 2026, All Day
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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 Indianapolis? 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 Indianapolis 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 Best Places for Kids in the Indianapolis area! Here are the Top 20 places to take kids in and around Indianapolis, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Of course, there is LOTS more to do locally "out and about"! Get great ideas here at
KidsOutAndAbout.com!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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