KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Wed, Feb 4: Author Read Aloud: Victoria Wears a Mask by Victoria Barbee at Mid-Continent Public Library - Grandview Branch
Fri, Feb 6: Community Volunteer Fair at Indian Creek Library
Fri, Feb 6: Escape Room: Rescue the Animals at Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center
Sat, Feb 7: Hike With a Naturalist - Winter Edition at Lakeside Nature Center
Sat, Feb 7: Powerpalooza | Powerhouse Theatre Foundation at Independence, MO
Thu, Feb 12: Alice By Heart presented by First Act Theatre Arts
Fri, Feb 13: Valentine's Day: Parent's Night Out at Code Ninjas Leawood
Sat, Feb 14: PopCon 2026 at The Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch
Wed, Feb 18: Preschool
Animal Tales Storytime: Whoo are the Owls at Ernie Miller Nature Center
Fri, Feb 20: Dance Party for Littles at Lawrence Public Library
Sun, Feb 22: Lunar New Year Celebration at Lenexa Public Market |
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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Take center stage at our free bi-monthly open mic! In addition to provided drinks and snacks, teens are invited to enjoy the show and — if they’re interested — share their own talents on stage. We provide an amp, keyboard, and mic, you provide the stoke. We
ask that our performers and audience remain teens only in order to provide a safe space.
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Step into the world of prehistoric giants at Dinosaur Adventure, a unique exhibit showcasing life-sized, realistic dinosaurs that move and roar just like the real thing! Children’s Activities: Kids can dive into fun-filled activities, including Jurassic
scooters, themed obstacle courses, dinosaur rides, and more!
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Support local growers and makers at Lenexa's annual Winter Farmers Market. Get your favorite goodies and keep in touch with vendors on the last Saturday of the month from January through March. Expect cool season vegetables (like onions, garlic and greens),
eggs, cheese, butter, honey and beeswax body products, BBQ sauces and rubs, wine, various meats and bakery items.
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Get ready to celebrate India's Republic Day with us—family, friends, fun!
Join IAKC on Sat, Jan 31 from 11am–2pm at Shawnee Mission Northwest HS for free admission, cultural performances, fashion walk, games, photo booth, tattoos, and the flag unfurling with Major Prabhat Mishra.
Let’s make memories and honor the spirit of the Republic Day together!
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- Kids & Crafts Storytime | Lawrence Public Library – 707 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, Friday, January 29, 2026, See website
- Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice – 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108, Friday, January 29, 2026, 10:00am - 6:00pm
- Kids &
Crafts Storytime | Lawrence Public Library – 707 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, Sunday, January 31, 2026, See website
- Lenexa Winter Farmers Market – W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219, Sunday, January 31, 2026, 10am - 1pm
- Republic Day Celebration | India Association of Kansas City – West 67th Street, Shawnee, KS, Sunday, January 31, 2026,
11 am - 2 pm
- Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice – 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO
64108, Sunday, January 31, 2026, 12:00-5:00pm
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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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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around Kansas City. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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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