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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Join us at the Garden as we celebrate the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, an inter-organization effort between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada. Assist the Garden record & count birds, enjoy a self-guided
bird scavenger hunt, learn how to use the Merlin Bird ID App, and children will be able to make pinecone bird feeders and will also receive binoculars to decorate & take home during this fun day. Plus, don’t miss a family-friendly presentation and walk and talk from Fields Falcone, Stewardship Manager at the Overton Park Conservancy,
Free with Garden admission. Canceled if raining.
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Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is back at the Creamery! It's the one time you can have ice cream for breakfast, and no one will say a thing! Come and enjoy delicious ice cream sundaes topped with your favorite breakfast items from 10 AM to 2 PM on Feb. 7. Put
on your favorite pair of PJs and join us for a morning full of games, fun, and ice cream! Don't miss out on this unique and delightful event! See you there!
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Tennessee residents will enjoy free Zoo admission every Tuesday, year-round, from 9 a.m. until gates close. Reservations are free, limited weekly, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are valid only for the date reserved and will be
released each Wednesday for the following Tuesday and must be reserved online through our website.
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Discover the splendor of ancient China before communism with Shen Yun, the world-renowned performing arts experience reviving 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Through exhilarating dance, stunning animated backdrops, and a majestic live orchestra
blending East and West, Shen Yun transports you to a world of beauty, wisdom, and hope. Based in New York, this nonprofit company brings to life the traditions and spirit once lost to history. Be uplifted by breathtaking artistry, powerful storytelling, and the timeless message of truth and renewal that has left millions around the world inspired and in awe.
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Each ticket includes: heart cake decorating kit, light refreshments and a Vday goodie bag. There is not an age limit, all ages are welcome- from toddlers to teenagers, moms, dads, aunts and uncles. This is a family friendly event!! Parents do not need a
ticket unless they want their own cake to decorate. Grab your tickets today!
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- 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, 02/07/2026 10am - 12pm
- Family
Tunes and Tales with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra - (Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library) - Memphis Symphony Orchestra - 3030 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN, 38111, Saturday, 02/07/2026 11am
- Project Pop-up! (all ages) - Park Avenue, Memphis, TN, USA, Saturday, 02/07/2026 1 PM - 3 PM
- Project Pop-up (all ages) - Park Avenue, Memphis, TN, USA, Saturday, 02/07/2026 1pm-3pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Memphis 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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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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