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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Register now for Children’s Art Classes in Jacksonville, FL, and give your child the gift of creativity! Our comprehensive nine-month art program features over 40 types of art, helping children of all ages and skill levels discover their passions and
develop life-long artistic abilities. Whether you’re seeking art classes near you, summer workshops to keep kids engaged, or unique birthday party experiences, we offer inspiring opportunities that spark imagination and confidence. Homeschooling families can also enrich their students’ education through our flexible art programs. Enroll today and explore how our children’s art classes can nurture your child’s artistic potential and love for learning.
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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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The Live Like Lou Jax College Baseball Classic is an early-season NCAA Div I college baseball tournament that takes place annually each year on the second weekend of the college baseball season at VyStar Ballpark in Jacksonville, FL. The event hosts 4 NCAA
Div I Baseball teams in a round-robin format over 3 days resulting in 2 games per day for a total of 6 games. Peak Events strives to exemplify the #BestOutsideOfOmaha brand at all Peak Events-owned events by providing the best tournament experience for both the attending fans and participating teams second only the the College World Series in Omaha. The 2026 Live Like Lou Jax College Baseball Classic will take place February 20-22, 2026, and feature LSU, UCF, Notre Dame, and Indiana.
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Prepare for heart-pounding action at every stop on the PBR's Unleash The Beast tour! The top bull riders take on the best bucking bulls, aiming for a shot at Championship Gold. It's a thrilling clash of courage and skill that'll keep you on the edge of your
seat!
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Join Jax Beach Festivals and Community First Credit Union for the Community First Seawalk Music Festival In its 9th year, we bring you local merchants, local foods and local performers onstage at the oceanfront pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. The Community
First Seawalk Music Festival is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates local music.
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Looking for an action-packed day that the whole family will love? Come to our ranch for an unforgettable experience where you can immerse yourselves in authentic farm life! Hop on our tractor-pulled wagon and enjoy hands-on encounters with bison, cows,
goats, and sheep. Watch your little ones light up with joy as they try pony rides, milk a cow, and even try their hand at catch-and-release fishing. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Take a nature walk to connect with the beauty of the outdoors while learning about the vital role farms and ranches play in our lives. For even more excitement, we’ve got bounce houses, a Dixie Cartwheel, and a corn pit ready to make your day even more thrilling. Join us for a day packed with adventure, laughter, and
memories that will last a lifetime!
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Join us for the first movie in our Quarterly Film Series, presented by the Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) and the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC).
This event is free and open to the public. Stop by early to grab a bite from local food trucks, then relax and enjoy a great film with the community.
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Come in fuzzy PJs & laugh, scream, and Monster-Mash the night away! This month's kids night out features an exciting lineup, including Monster door decorating craft, Challenge Course, STEM activities, Pizza dinner, Fun dessert/snacks, and Monster-Mash
dance party!
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Seven years. Seven days a week of hard work. Countless beers, memories, friendships, and late nights. This February, we’re celebrating Lucky Number 7 with our biggest anniversary party yet, and we’re spreading it out over four days so everyone can join the
fun. Sunday, February 22nd, is Family Day, including a softer landing with plenty of fun for everyone!
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Join us at the 9th Annual Strawberry Fest at the Florida Agricultural Legacy Center. Activities include Family Fun & Festivities, Arts & Crafts, Plant City Strawberries, Beer & Wine, Free Bounce Houses, Pie Eating Contest, Strawberry Shortcake,
Bungee Jump, Monster Truck Rides, Axe Throwing, Free Frisbee Dog Show, Live Music, Berry Cute Baby Contest, Pony Rides, Batting Cage, Free Rock Painting, Free Sack Races, Photo Op, Free Petting Farm, Delicious Food, Free Corn Hole, Kids Games and Much More!
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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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- Atlantic Beach Quarterly Film Series - The Lorax - 716 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 4PM - 7PM
- Community First Seawalk Music Festival 2026 - 100 1st Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach, Friday, February 21, 2026 to Saturday, February 22, 2026, See website
- Springfield Farmers & Arts Market - 1352
North Main Street, Jacksonville, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11AM - 5PM
- 9th Annual Palm Coast
Strawberry Fest - Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center, Inc., Palm Coast, Friday, February 21, 2026 to Saturday, February 22, 2026, 10AM - 5PM
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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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