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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A Valentine’s celebration for littles and the grown-ups they love most. Join us for an evening filled with music, dancing, sweet moments, and memories you’ll treasure. Dress up, hold hands, and dance the night away. Spots are limited — reserve yours
today!
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Join us for our popular story time art project. Class is once a month on Tuesday at 4:30pm and Friday at 10am.Your child will hear a story and then paint a corresponding piece. This class is designed for you and your child to create our scheduled projects
together. Smaller children will need guardians help.
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Join us for a drop off KIDS NIGHT OUT painting event for kids 6-12 years old. We will paint a pottery project, have pizza, and more! It's Friday Night Arts...kids need a night out too! Great night to hang out, eat pizza and create a SUPER CUTE project for
kids ages 6 and up! Projects can include paint your own pottery, create with clay and fused glass.
Friday Night ARTS is the FIRST Friday of every month from 6-8:00 pm!
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Register Today! Children learn about reducing, reusing, recycling and repurposing everyday items that might be thrown out. Each registration includes one parent and child.
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Free family community event happening February 7th 2026 from 10am - 2pm at RCSA Innovation, 8160 Baymeadows Way W. Exciting STEM demonstrations, activities, bounce houses, food and more!
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Come to JAX Cooking Studio to celebrate Valentine’s Day early this weekend with some sweet treats. Enjoy some time with family and friends creating some fun and tasty treats in this Valentine-themed cooking class!
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BrewHound is hosting a local vendor market of artisans, crafters, bakers, makers, movers + shakers, just in time for Valentine's Day! Come support local, grab a coffee, wine or cold beer + shop!
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Colors of the Wild is back with an all-NEW collection of stunning lanterns you’ve never seen before! This year’s journey takes you from the depths of the ocean to the vast African savanna, then into the realm of mystical creatures from Asia, all illuminated
in breathtaking detail. As twilight falls, wander through a shimmering Winter Wonderland filled with sparkling lights and seasonal magic that adds a cozy, festive glow to the evening. Each lantern invites you to explore stories of wildlife, myth and the natural world, celebrating the beauty and wonder that connect us all.
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Kick StART is a fun and engaging after-school art enrichment program for K - 8 students, held right at your child’s school. Meeting once a week for 90 minutes, each class introduces a master or local artist and explores foundational art skills, such as
line, shape, color, and texture, using a variety of mediums.
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A new musical comedy about the things we do to stay together. Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Jacksonville in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening
News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.
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- Five Points Funky Fridays - 1021 Park Street, Jacksonville, 02/06/2026, 4PM - 8PM
- 13th Annual FL STEM and Health Expo - RCSA
Innovation 8160 Baymeadows Way W, Jacksonville, 02/07/2026, 10:00am
- Springfield Farmers & Arts Market - 1352 North Main Street, Jacksonville, 02/07/2026, 11AM - 5PM
- SPARdi Gras 2026 Presented by Terrawise Homes - Springfield Preservation and Revitalization, 1321 North Main Street, Jacksonville, 02/07/2026, 4:00PM
- BrewHound Valentine Mutt Market
- BrewHound Dog Park + Bar, 1848 Kings Circle South, Neptune Beach, 02/07/2026, 2PM - 6PM
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville area? 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 Jacksonville 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 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Jacksonville Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including 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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