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. |
|
|
|
With day camps, overnight camps, and adventure trips, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast’s summer camps have an adventure for everyone! Sign up for a summer full of memories, outdoor experiences, building key skills like impendence and resilience, and lifelong friendships! You don’t have to be a Girl Scout to sign up!
|
|
|
|
- For 35 years, families across greater Milwaukee have trusted USM Summer Camps for exceptional enrichment, academic, and athletic programs. Campers discover new talents, build friendships, and explore diverse interests within a flexible schedule. With healthy meals, extended care, transportation options, and multi-week discounts, families enjoy a convenient and valuable experience. Now accredited by the American Camp Association, USM meets the highest national standards for safety and quality. This milestone year introduces two exciting additions: a new Sports Camp for athletes of all levels and a Counselors in Training program for teens. Learn more at www.usm.org/summer and use code EBKOAA26 for early bird savings.
|
|
|
|
- Bring the entire family to the Bradley Symphony Center as we celebrate the American spirit during our nation’s 250th anniversary year! The courage, creativity, and innovation of American composers from Scott Joplin to Florence Price to John Williams have inspired us, created new genres, and even provided the soundtracks for entire generations. Tickets include an hour of pre-concert family-friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt, conductor station, composer station, and more! Visit mso.org for tickets and details.
|
|
|
|
Join us in January to make your own fish inspired by nautical still lifes and port paintings in our European galleries. Celebrate the tradition of fishing, see what you can catch on your string, and learn what lives in Lake Michigan! Then join in the sing-alongs at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. This monthly program is designed especially for visitors ages five and under (with an adult). This drop-in experience is included with Museum admission and is free for Members. Kids 12 and under always receive free admission, thanks to an anonymous donor. Tickets are available at the door or online.
|
|
|
|
Get ready for the wonderfully weird world of Gross Out Day at Discovery World! We’ll dive into the fascinating science behind everything gross, icky, sticky, gooey, wiggly, and crawly! Get hands-on with interactive exhibits and activities that uncover the mysteries and marvels of these peculiar phenomena. From exploring the science of glowing slime to discovering the secrets of bizarre critters.
|
|
|
|
Bring your bestie, sibling, or close friend for yoga play at Adventure Rock WKP. In this class, led by Eat Move MKE, we will have fun stretching together, building shapes, exploring balance, and tuning into our breath while working as a team and building communication skills. All you need is an open mind and a playful heart. $35 per pair.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 in and around the Milwaukee area. Here are local organizations that
offer memberships.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas 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 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Milwaukee 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!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
