KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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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Jan 29-Feb 1 at Landers Center in Southaven, MS: Hit the road to adventure when Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures skates into your hometown! Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends embark on a wild ride to your
favorite Disney destinations. Travel with Moana to the sun soaked Motunui, set off on a safari to the Pride Lands with Simba. Discover a whole new world as you are swept up in Aladdin's princely parade. Play at a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky.
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Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime teach important scientific concepts to kids using their incredible circus skills and comedic antics. With boomerangs, bubbles, beachballs, bull whips, and magic as their scientific tools, the Super Scientific Circus explores the
fundamentals of how the world works. Learn about friction, inertia, sonic booms, ultraviolet light, and so much more in a fun and engaging way.
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BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER! America's Wildest Monster Truck Show is coming to MEMPHIS! We're excited to be bringing you a GREAT SUPERSTAR lineup of Monster Trucks and Thrill Show! For this event on JANUARY 31st 2026 there will be TWO GIANT SHOWS. This is the
only appearance in the region to see our giant superstars compete in non-stop action! Avoid the lines & purchase your discounted tickets early online & save! Enjoy all the fun and high energy excitement of this perfect family-friendly event!
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- Story Time: Our Museum - Morton Museum of Collierville History - Morton Museum of Collierville History, 196 N Main St, Collierville, TN 38017, Friday, January 30, 2026, 10:30am
- Cooper-Young Community Farmers
Market - Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market, 1000 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 9am to 1pm
- Every Saturday, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is FREE from 10am - 12pm! - Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10am - 12pm
- Super Saturday - Metal Arts - Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN
38104, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Birds & Seeds - Memphis Museum of Science & History, Central Avenue, Memphis, TN, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 9am - 1pm
- Birds & Seeds - Lichterman Nature Center, 5992 Quince Rd, Memphis, TN 38119, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 9am - 1pm
- Discover First Assembly Christian School - ONE HEART. ONE MIND. ONE CAMPUS. - 8650 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018, Sunday, February 1, 2026, See website for details.
- NEW DATE | 50th Anniversary Celebration - Dixon Gallery &
Gardens, Park Avenue, Memphis, TN, Sunday, February 1, 2026, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Memphis 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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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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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Memphis 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 to take kids in Memphis, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Check out our most recent winners list, then check out our calendar and resource lists for lots more to do in Memphis!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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