KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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:
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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Experience all that Newfields has to offer on the first Thursday of every month. Enjoy the Indianapolis Museum of Art and The Garden, live musical performances, and open studio hours and gallery conversations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a
longtime Member, First Thursdays are the perfect opportunity to discover something new and have an exceptional experience with art and nature.
On this day, general admission is flexible—you choose how much (or how little) to pay. Donations support programs like First Thursday and the care of our art collection and garden, as well as education programs, community engagement initiatives, and more.
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Little Learners Playgroup, hosted by Early Learning Community Preschool, is a welcoming weekly gathering designed for little ones ages birth to 3 and their caregivers. Every Thursday from 9:00–10:00 am, families are invited to connect through play in a
safe, nurturing, and fun environment. Through hands-on activities, music, stories, and social time, children grow language skills, strengthen motor development, explore creativity, and build confidenceall while parents and caregivers connect!
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Spend an evening making memories at the nature center this February at our 20th annual dance. Our revamped, family-geared Winter Wonderland Dance is open to all couples, whether a parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, or any special duo! Get ready
to dance with your special partner, enjoy a winter themed craft, indulge in a few tasty treats, and preserve your memories at the photo station. We aim to create a special night for guardians and youth of all ages!
For those who may prefer a quieter environment, we’re also offering a Winter Wonderland Sensory- Friendly Dance Night. This special evening will feature softer music, adjusted lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an inclusive space for all to enjoy.
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Join us for First Chapter Fridays! We will read the first few chapters of a different book every month and then do fun activities based on that book! Participants will have an opportunity to check out the book or place a hold on it at the end of the
Program.
This month's book is "The Tale of Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo. Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will
lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other's lives.
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Indianapolis is home to many talented hockey programs, from peewees to pros! Join us for Youth Hockey Night as the Fuel take on the Iowa Heartlanders!
Stick around after the game for postgame autographs presented by DeFur Voran with select Fuel players right outside The Garage!
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Join us for Friendship, Fashion & Robotics—where style meets tech and new BFFs are made in real life.
Get ready to mix style with some cool tech vibes! Join us in person for a fun-filled day where you can connect with friends, create matching friendship bracelets, DIY your own headband, and dive into the exciting world of robotics. Whether you’re a fashionista or a tech gurly (or both!), this event is your perfect playground. Come hang out, learn cool stuff, and make awesome memories!
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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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- Get Ready for Kindergarten Week - Johnson County Public Library-Indiana - White River Branch - 1664 Library Boulevard, Greenwood, Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8 - All Day
- Pokémon Club (grades 1-4) - At Avon-Washington Township Library -
Avon-Washington Township Public Library, Avon, Friday, February 6 - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- First Chapter Friday - The Tale of Despereaux (Ages 6-11) - At Brownsburg Public Library - Brownsburg Public Library, Brownsburg, Friday, February 6 - 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
- Chopstick Challenge - Brookside Park - Indy Parks and Recreation - Brookside Park, Indianapolis, Friday, February 6 - 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
- Take Your Child to the Library Day - At Brownsburg Public Library - Brownsburg Public Library, Brownsburg, Sunday, February 8 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Valentine's Day Craft
Fair- With Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department - 435 Whipple Lane, Avon, Sunday, February 8 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day - At Johnson County Public Library-Indiana - Trafalgar Branch - Johnson County Public Library - Trafalgar Branch, Trafalgar, Sunday, February 8 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- The Gurl Code
Presented by The Center for Black Literature & Culture - Indianapolis Public Library - Central Library - Indianapolis Public Library - Central Library, Indianapolis, Sunday, February 8 - 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Hoosier Herpetological Society Show - At Garfield Park Conservatory - Garfield Park Sunken Garden, Indianapolis, Sunday, February 8 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Indy Winter Farmers Market - At The AMP at 16 Tech - The AMP at 16 Tech, Indianapolis, Sunday, February 8 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Indianapolis 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 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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