KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
I'm in Phoenix this week for a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, where I'm giving a talk about my new book, The Eclipse Effect. One of the best parts of being here is getting to attend the other presentations, too, which is how I found myself Monday night inside under the Dorrance Planetarium Dome at the Arizona Science Center, gazing up at a sky unlike any I’ve ever seen. Thanks to cutting-edge LED projection technology and the first imagery from the nearly-complete Rubin Observatory in Chile, the dome became a portal into the depths of our galaxy and beyond,
rendered in light so vivid and detailed it felt like we could fall in. The room was full of astronomers, researchers, educators—professionals who have dedicated their careers to explaining the universe. These were the very people who helped build the tools, who'd worked the math, who’d waited decades to see the science take shape... and even they were astonished: Their faces were lit up with the kind of awe you usually only see in children. It was a reminder that at its
heart, science is about connection. Connecting those points of light above my head, yes; connecting the dots, sure... but also connecting people—to each other, to wonder, and to what’s possible. If you want your kids to connect deeply with science—or history, or nature, or culture, or space—you don’t need a telescope on a mountain, you just need a person. So go to the museum, walk the trail, step into the planetarium. But don’t stop at the
exhibit signs: Find the people! Ask them questions. They want to talk to you! These docents, tour guides, librarians, explainers, and educators are the ones who turn information into illumination. They are the lens your kids can look through to see what their future might be. So seek the sky painters. Then stand next to your kids, look up, and be amazed together.
—Debra Ross, publisher |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Four days a year, the Minnesota Historical Society will provide FREE admission to its historic sites and museums! Take this opportunity to learn more about our state's history, at no cost to you. The Flour Tower elevator show will not be available.
|
|
|
|
Explore ice sculptures inspired by works from the collection in the courtyard, then warm up inside with a self-guided tour of the originals. Minneapolis Institute of Ice will be on view during museum hours until it melts. Family-friendly, free; no tickets required.
|
|
|
|
Night Trains® season is a special Holidays tradition at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum. Night Trains runs from October 2025 through February 2026 with additional bonus nights noted below. What is Night Trains? The museum’s collection of model trains of all scales and toy trains of yesteryear come alive throughout the Museum (Sorry, no real trains to board and ride on!). Night Trains Season magic begins as the lights are turned down and the buildings and street lights glow warmly, setting the scene for specially lighted models of operating vintage passenger trains. The make believe towns are buried in snow and holiday decorations are set up all over the towns. Uniquely decorated trains will run on the layouts and special holiday-only layouts will also be on display.
|
|
|
|
Winter is coming…and The Fair on 4 in turning into a full-blown Winter Wonderland! Join us for a limited-time pop-up experience filled with festive décor, sparkling photo ops, and a specialty menu of winter cocktails and seasonal bites. Whether you’re here for a night out, a family adventure, or a cozy drink under the lights, this is your destination for all things merry and bright.
|
|
|
|
Step into wonder this winter as Ice Castles celebrates 15 years of magic. Immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring winter experience that transports you into another realm. Explore ice caverns, squeeze through passageways, wander beneath icy archways, race down ice slides, and feel like royalty upon frozen thrones.
|
|
|
|
Landmark Center’s beloved Urban Expedition program invites families to explore global cultures right in the heart of Saint Paul. Celebrating its 22nd season in 2026, Urban Expedition features five unique programs that showcase the rich music, dance, crafts, and traditions of various countries and cultures.
|
|
|
|
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory-processing differences, autism, or developmental disabilities. The galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience a selection of current exhibitions, make art, or watch a short film. All friends and family members are welcome.
|
|
|
|
Bring Your Kids! A comedy variety show for kids and their grown ups. Perfect for ages 5 and up. Featuring comedians, musicians and generalized silliness. Kids - bring a joke to tell! Grown ups - I hope you like jokes.
|
|
|
|
Start your weekend with Morning Yoga—open to all levels, with the first Saturday of each month tailored specifically for beginners. This grounding and energizing practice helps set the tone for the day ahead.
|
|
|
- FunLab at George Latimer Central Library - Saint Paul, Friday, January 9, 2026, 3:30pm-4:30pm
- Ice Sculptures at Mia at Minneapolis
Institute of Art - Minneapolis Institute of Art - Minneapolis, Friday, January 9 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, Times vary.
- Saturday Vibe: Family Storytime - Saint Paul, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11:00am-12:00pm
- Free Admission Day: Mill City Museum - Mill City Museum - Minneapolis, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10 am - 4 pm
- Sundays at Landmark: Urban Expedition - Dakota Homeland - Landmark Center - Saint Paul, Sunday, January 11, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Family Day at Minneapolis Institute of Art - Minneapolis, Sunday, January 11, 2026, 10 am -
5 pm
- Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker - Walker Art Center - Minneapolis, Sunday, January 11,
2026, 8 am - 11 pm
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025's winners in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. 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!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
