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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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Minneapolis - St. Paul 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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Play, explore, and discover the joy of music.
From first notes to bold new musical goals, MacPhail’s summer camps are designed to help young musicians ages 3–18 grow skills, explore creativity, and make music together. Led by world-class teaching artists, camps welcome students looking to deepen their skills, try something new, or play alongside other passionate musicians. From songwriting and electronic music to classical, jazz, rock, and more, there’s a camp designed for
every interest and skill level. Day camps run June–August in downtown Minneapolis. Financial assistance is available. Learn more at macphail.org/camp.
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Get ready for a hands-on, multisensory adventure filled with loaders, diggers, and big machines! Kids will explore the sights, sounds, and textures of construction through engaging sensory stations, sparking their passion for big equipment. This fun and
educational experience is perfect for little builders and their caregivers. Come and explore the sensory stations with your child
Children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
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Drop in to hang out and make cool stuff at FunLab! Featuring crafts, science experiments, engineering projects, video games, and more. This program is designed for ages 7-11.
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Come to Choo Choo Bob's Train Store for a Train-Tastic story time! It’s educational & interactive! Come hear stories, songs and jokes about…TRAINS! Chugga, chugga! Choo Choo! See you there, Engineers!
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Dive into Learning During Homeschool Month at SEA LIFE Aquarium! Just $12 per person – Monday through Friday – No group minimum! Celebrate Homeschool Month with an unforgettable, hands-on marine science experience — designed just for homeschool
families. Whether you're exploring biology, ecosystems, or conservation, our resources bring your curriculum to life in a fun and meaningful way your kids will never forget.
Plan your visit today! Grab your lesson plans, pack your curiosity, and get ready for a fun-filled, educational day at SEA LIFE Aquarium.
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Join us for Hands-On Hip Hop, a six-week museum-wide celebration of Hip Hop culture and history.
Teaching artists and staff will lead special activities and programming throughout the museum, focusing on the five core elements of Hip Hop — Deejayin’, Emceein’, Breakin’, Graffiti (Street Art) and Knowledge of Self. The series culminates with a day of drop-in workshops and a finale performance.
All activities are included with museum admission at no extra cost. Visit https://mcm.org/hands-on-hip-hop/ for the full schedule of activities and events.
Hands-On Hip Hop kicks off on Monday, Jan. 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), then runs Saturdays from Jan. 31 through Feb. 28. Hands-On Hip Hop is created by Minnesota Children's Museum in partnership with TruArtSpeaks, a St. Paul community organization focused on building connection through Hip Hop and other artistic expression.
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The world’s most beloved blue engine is rolling into St. Paul! Inspired by the popular children’s series and featuring engines and destinations from Thomas & Friends™, this interactive exhibit engages children and families in foundational skills that
foster STEM literacy through playful learning experiences.
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Union Depot is going to the dogs! Join us on Sunday, February 1, 2026, for the Twin Cities’ ultimate pup party — Doggie Depot, part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival!
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Make plans to join us in celebrating Minnesota's Winter from January 22 to February 1, 2026. Experience ten days of festive events, ice sculptures, parades, and family-friendly activities all over Saint Paul! We have something for everyone to enjoy!
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Explore the Arboretum under the glow of the full moon during these special after-hours events that invite visitors to explore astronomy and the natural world. During the winter months, snowshoes are available to rent so visitors can explore winter trails
and find the best moon-viewing spots before warming up around a bonfire and roasting a marshmallow. Beverages will be available for guests to purchase. Reserve your admission on the website!
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A bilingual musical based on P.D. Eastman’s beloved classic, bursting with playful, high-speed energy as dogs drive, swim, play baseball, and race to the big dog party!
Like a pop-up book that comes to life, Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve! is a heart-warming spectacle of music, color, language, and delight. With dialogue in both English and Spanish and plenty of expressive, physical storytelling, this show is easy to follow and enjoy, whether you speak English, Spanish, or another language entirely.
Perfect for early learners, first-time theatre-goers, and families looking for a joyful shared experience, Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve! is sure to have audiences howling with laughter.
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Join us indoors at the annual Flower Show! The Arboretum's annual Spring Flower Show is back! Get an early taste of spring with thousands of blooms, including spring bulbs, orchids and tropicals on display throughout the Visitor Center buildings. This
year's show explores the theme of water, drawing inspiration from Minnesota's lakes, rivers, wetlands and the life they support. Please reserve your gate admission on the website.
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After captivating more than one million guests across the world, LUMINISCENCE continues its tour and settles in the heart of Minneapolis for a series of exceptional dates in The Basilica of Saint Mary. For the first time, experience a show where history,
360° video mapping, and music come together to reveal this jewel of Minnesota's heritage as you have never seen it before.
The luminous projections enhance the mesmerizing architecture and the history of the Basilica in the heart of Minneapolis.
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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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- FunLab at George Latimer Central Library - Saint Paul Public Library - George Latimer Central Library, 90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102, Friday, 01/30/2026, 3:30pm-4:30pm
- Saint Paul Winter
Carnival - St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation, West 5th Street, Saint Paul, MN, Fri-Sun, 01/30/2026-02/01/2026, See website.
- Celebrate Lunar New Year with Mall of America® - Mall of America, 2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, MN 55425, Fri-Sun, 01/30/2026-02/01/2026, 12:30 pm – 5:30
pm
- Doggie Depot - Union Depot, 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN, Sunday, 02/01/2026, 10:00am to 3:00pm
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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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The Minneapolis / St. Paul area has tons of indoor playgrounds, recreation centers, bounce houses, escape rooms, rock climbing, ropes courses, swimming, roller skating, gyms, and other ways to be active...regardless of the weather! Need some ideas?
KidsOutAndabout has dozens of ideas. Send us an email if you don't see your favorite.
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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!
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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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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