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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You're invited to join the Texas America250 Reading Challenge! Texans of all ages are invited to log 2,500 minutes (41.6 hours) of reading, state parks visits, and/or service
activity in 2026, in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants who complete the challenge can receive a certificate from their local librarian.
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Join us for an illuminating evening as we trek along one of LLELA's trails and enjoy the Snow Moon full Moon!
February is historically the snowiest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere which is why this full Moon is called the Snow Moon. Hopefully there won't be any snow but if there is, we are sure to have a wonderful time on this full moon hike! Only $15 per person for this after hours event!
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Bring the whole family! Come one and all to hear excerpts from books written by African-American authors. Special guests will read selections aloud for your enjoyment.
This program is presented by Professional Achievers for Community Excellence (PACE) with support from the Friends of the Carrollton Public Library and the Carrollton Public Library.
Free books written by African American authors will be available to children and teens, while supplies last.
For all ages
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The illustrations of beloved children’s author Eric Carle leap from the page to the stage in a dazzling larger-than-life world of 75 lovable puppets with a stunning display of color and artistry.
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Join us in the children's room to watch a movie while you play, color, and explore!
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Vultures are such important animals to the ecosystem but they are often overlooked or hated. Come and learn about these fascinating creatures.
Attendees will receive a free gift to remember the awesomeness of vultures!
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Let’s set sail on an underwater adventure with ocean-themed STEAM activities.
Ages: 3-5
Space is limited. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting 15 minutes before the program.
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Bilingual Family Storytime will take place Saturday mornings at 10:30 AM, featuring stories and songs in both English and Spanish to celebrate language, culture, and family reading. Visit the library’s website for complete details.
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Get ready to jump, play, and explore with us at our exciting Enrollment Event! We invite you and your little and bigger kids (up to age 10!) to discover the world of fitness and adventure in a safe and nurturing environment.
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Stop by for a morning of play-based learning just for our littles! This program will vary week-to-week as we explore art, math, science, engineering, and fine motor skills. Join us as we playfully discover the world around us!
Designed for ages 1-4. This program is designed to be flexible on time so that families can participate at any time during the program's duration. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (817) 459-6900 or by email at LIBYouthServices@arlingtontx.gov.
Thank you to the Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library for their generous support of our programming.
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Here is an opportunity for caregivers and children to get together for free play using our developmentally appropriate toys for children 1-4 yrs. old. Tickets are not required but space is limited.
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Come in for open playtime in our Family Place Library area. Bring your young children to play with others while building skills through play. Parents are required to remain with children at all times. No registration is required.
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- Meet the Misfits: Vultures – Farm to Market Road 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 11 am
- Ocean Explorers at H&J – North Josey Lane, Carrollton, TX, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:15-10:45 am
- Cuentos & Stories – 211 E Pleasant Run Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Play & Learn (Ages
0-5) at the Central Library – 713 Austin Street, Garland, TX, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10 am- 12 pm
- Watch & Play:
Frozen – West Main Street, Waxahachie, TX, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 2-3 pm
- Family Storytime at Lewisville Public Library – 1197 West Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75067, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 11- 11:30 am
- Join the Fun at the My Gym Enrollment Event! – Main Street, Frisco, TX, Friday, January 30, 2026, 4-6 pm
- Book Babies – 901 Conover Drive, Grand Prairie, TX, Friday, January 30, 2026, 11-11:45 am
- Preschool Storytime – West Main Street, Waxahachie, TX, Friday, January 30, 2026, 10-11 am
- Little Explorers – South Center Street, Arlington, TX, Friday, January 30, 2026, 10-11:30 am
- Children's Playtime – 2424 Forest Ridge Dr, Bedford, TX 76021, Friday, January 30, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Bounce Time (Age 0-3)- Colleyville Public Library – 110 Main St,
Colleyville, TX 76034, Friday, January 30, 2026, 10:15-11:15 am
- Lego Club – West 3rd Street, Kennedale, TX,
Friday, January 30, 2026, 3:30-5 pm
- Family Place Playtime -Mansfield Public Library – South Wisteria Street, Mansfield, TX, Friday, January 30, 2026, 11 am- 12 pm
- Texas America250 Reading Challenge – 1201 Brazos St, Austin, Texas 78701, Friday, January 29, 2026 to Sunday, January 31, 2026, all day
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in theMid-Cities? 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 Mid-Cities 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 Mid-Cities 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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